tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78406708157091977482024-03-13T20:22:45.597+00:00Travel, Food, Culture and Lifestyle features written by Sara ColohanA collection of published features ( from The Times, Tatler, The Mail, You magazine, Life Magazine, Vegan food and Living, Londoncalling.com.) Some shots from fashion shoots, travel, food and lifestyle articles. All features written by me - Sara Colohan. I work in London as a writer and producer
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Sara Colohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732656718070616610noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840670815709197748.post-29138333407986050532024-03-04T15:41:00.000+00:002024-03-04T15:41:03.890+00:00Interview with author and podcaster Fin Dwyer<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehmwyWeuGhtOtckO9GmCucvmv9N7qR4uTTYDZLQDjMqLuc-c_WQZoc_i4Q7322pmk1jFHvAuFmnob_A45_7vp4mO2slYbFxht3C2PEiypHoCOdqWd7pvR-XYCb4lV5QT_1mz1adyVMJME_nj5lJrOvH6A77hT17F0vM7EYBHwi27MuyalyyTALzozo14/s1021/IMG_4695.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1021" data-original-width="828" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehmwyWeuGhtOtckO9GmCucvmv9N7qR4uTTYDZLQDjMqLuc-c_WQZoc_i4Q7322pmk1jFHvAuFmnob_A45_7vp4mO2slYbFxht3C2PEiypHoCOdqWd7pvR-XYCb4lV5QT_1mz1adyVMJME_nj5lJrOvH6A77hT17F0vM7EYBHwi27MuyalyyTALzozo14/w176-h217/IMG_4695.jpeg" width="176" /></a></div><p></p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #252525; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Historian, author, and one of Ireland's best-known podcasters, Fin Dwyer, has released a compelling new book, A Lethal Legacy: A History of Ireland in 18 Murders, which chronicles Ireland's troubled past through one of our most enduring fascinations: murder. It maps the causes and aftermath of 18 different cases and offers a fresh look at Irish history while explaining how these events played a part in shaping modern Ireland.</p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #252525; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Hailing from Castlecomer in Kilkenny, Dwyer says growing up in the area influenced his career path, sparking his interest in Irish history. "As a kid, I spent a lot of time playing in what was then the ruinous former demesne of the Wandesforde Estate, which is now the Castlecomer Discovery Park. That gave me a natural curiosity about the famine. Also, Castlecomer was a coal-mining town, which meant I was surrounded by a very rich and fascinating community history". He went on to study archaeology and Greek and Roman Civilisation at University College Dublin, completing a masters in archaeology in 2004.</p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #252525; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">We discuss how the 18 murders highlighted in his book shaped contemporary Ireland and the challenges of making history accessible to a broader audience.</p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #252525; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">In the book, Dwyer explores various periods of Irish history and offers many lesser-known facts about our past. The book begins in the 1800s with Ned and Mary Shea’s gruesome murders before the Great Hunger. Several more murders occurred around the time of the famine. Dwyer says that despite it being the most important event in our history, public understanding of the famine is limited. He says Irish people are less interested in the Great Famine than the 1916 Rising. "In the U.S., it seems people acknowledge the importance of the famine more, and there are understandable reasons for this. People who survived the Great Hunger and remained in Ireland lived in a country that was utterly decimated, surrounded by memories of a deeply traumatising event. They don’t want to remember". Other featured murders happened during the late 1890s, a time of mass emigration, with later murders documented around the Irish revolutionary era through the 1920s. There’s a chapter from the 1940s following Tullamore man Michael O Dwyer, then The Troubles takes us up to the 1970s, with the book finishing on the tragic murder of Declan Flynn in Fairview Park in 1982. Tying them all together is their significance in time and the effect they had on our wider history, effects seen right up to the modern day.</p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #252525; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Humans have an inherent fascination with the darker aspects of life, and our interest in true crime has given rise to a multitude of books, documentaries, podcasts, and even dramatisations of real-life criminal events, but Dwyer is adamant that Lethal Legacy, a book he’s been researching for almost a decade, does not fall into the true crime genre. "This book is a history book. The murders were chosen because of when they happened, not how or why. In most of the cases, we know who did it; it's the context of the murders that’s explored and the history around them that I focus on. I have reservations about the wider true crime genre; sometimes the way families and victims are treated is appalling. It's something I’ve thought about a lot. There were particularly graphic details that I came across in my research for this book that I just felt were not necessary and left them out. I’m writing history, so I didn’t add anything that didn’t serve a purpose. Ned and Mary Shea’s murders in 1821 happened against the backdrop of the brewing famine and captured a lot of the tensions that were present in rural Ireland. Their case is particularly brutal, but that’s not why I chose it. Their case wasn’t chosen because of mystery or an unsolved element; it was significant because of the events that were happening around them". He adds, "Individuals don’t make history; they can influence it, and in these murders, we are not looking at people who made history; these cases were chosen more because of all the events that were happening around them".</p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #252525; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Some of the murders featured happened over 150 years ago but are relayed with incogitable detail. "Murders are very useful for historians because history slows down around a murder. Historical records hold minute details about the person and their life, and the records from older murders have incredible details as there was a huge interest in the victim’s life at the time, so they give us a really detailed, personal insight into the past. 19th-century news papers would print the court cases almost verbatim, so all the details are all available to research and offer a rich insight into their lives, much more so than today."</p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #252525; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">One story Dwyer found particularly poignant and thought-provoking was the murder of Mary Hart of Ballyneale in County Kilkenny. "Murder is a very harrowing and traumatic thing, and Mary Hart, who died in very tragic circumstances in the 1890's, was a victim of the attitudes towards mental health that have followed us right through to the 20th century. Her death really tells the story of the problematic way mental health has been treated. This case touches on something broader I try to draw out in the book, and it’s not a unique Irish thing, just the idea that institutions were seen as ways to treat all problems. This idea that an institution could solve any problem had disastrous implications. That came out in the chapter about Mary Hart, where intuitions were seen as the answer to life’s problems, and part of that solution was segregation from society, along with medical views, convincing us that the issues were somehow contagious."</p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #252525; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">When presenting real-life murder cases, balancing historical narratives with the human stories of victims and the societal impact of the crimes presented ethical considerations for Dwyer. Being mindful that relatives of the victims could potentially read the book, he aimed to avoid revealing sensitive or sensational details that might distress them.</p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #252525; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">I did try as much as I could and took into account that there may be some relatives reading this book, so I was cognisant of that while writing it up. I didn’t want to reveal anything that would sensationalise these murders, as there are people alive who are descendants of the murder victims. In terms of some of the details I did put in the book, in those instances, it made sense to include details that are harrowing to read, but they were important in conveying the mental state of the murderer."</p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #252525; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">His successful podcast, Irish History Podcast, has a global listenership and millions of downloads and, as a result, has brought history to a much wider, more diverse audience. When creating content for both his podcast and his books, Dwyer focuses on weaving personal stories into the historical narrative, and by connecting historical facts with individual experiences, he enhances accessibility. "The podcast audience is about 40% Irish, 40% US, then mostly UK and Australian, so it’s diverse, with everyone having varying degrees of knowledge of Irish history. I always start off assuming that people may not have much background knowledge. Maybe they haven’t engaged in history in 30 years since leaving school, and history class might not have been the best experience back then! I try to focus on personal stories, like in this book, then build the architecture of the historic event around that story. It makes it more accessible when people hear about someone's life. One of my recent podcasts is about a woman whose story was meant to be in the book. She was a survivor of the Great Hunger, and it’s a really personal story. I could trace her through the workhouses, but then another woman comes up in the research around 1870 with the same name, and from that point on, their records are indecipherable. It’s disappointing that I couldn’t trace her all the way and finish her story for the book, but that’s where being a historian comes in: the facts have to come first. Her story does feature in a podcast, and I build history and facts around her; otherwise, history can just feel like a lot of unrelatable dates and events." </p><p>Available here <br class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /><br class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" /></p><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><div class="" dir="auto" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div class="" dir="auto" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div>Sara Colohan</div><div>Writer & Researcher </div><div><a class="" href="mailto:saracolohan@icloud.com">saracolohan@icloud.com</a></div><div class=""><br class="" /></div></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div><p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p>Sara Colohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732656718070616610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840670815709197748.post-65211324364720186922024-03-04T15:36:00.004+00:002024-03-04T15:36:52.494+00:00Interviewing Milly McCarthy authors. Irish Examiner <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PqHw4RjmFuOUT8AVoEqHl5qx4M3nCRTjd0-9IyP1Mf835kb0e1kzIJT4L_n9z9K9jp0zIlw59fsQZEJ_vzNkq-99J1xYZ5YaFlbug_fEouDTeDnJ8HAW-pgQtHSz4KTgIsxX9DbAPGKiwArfPPceCWGspZ7j6vzpqOPh8chWn4ybTGBb2gWzPWPp1Zs/s1029/IMG_4694.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="828" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PqHw4RjmFuOUT8AVoEqHl5qx4M3nCRTjd0-9IyP1Mf835kb0e1kzIJT4L_n9z9K9jp0zIlw59fsQZEJ_vzNkq-99J1xYZ5YaFlbug_fEouDTeDnJ8HAW-pgQtHSz4KTgIsxX9DbAPGKiwArfPPceCWGspZ7j6vzpqOPh8chWn4ybTGBb2gWzPWPp1Zs/w172-h214/IMG_4694.jpeg" width="172" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">In many ways, ten and a half-year-old Milly McCarthy is just a typical school girl from Cork. She likes playing caomgie, entering Irish dancing competitions, and visiting Fota WildLife Park with her classmates. Milly starts out every day with the best intentions, but then chaos ensues, and things seem to go wrong for her wherever she goes! Milly's dad says it's probably because of her fiery red hair and her ‘rebel blood’!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"> </p><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Cork-born children’s author Leona Forde is an English teacher at Kinsale Community School who, back in 2020, was inspired by her eldest daughter Asha to write her first book, Milly McCarthy is a Complete Catastrophe, because Asha wanted ‘a Wimpy Kid-style story that was relatable and based in Ireland’.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Her first novel saw Milly McCarthy win a climate action competition and suffer a series of mini-catastrophes along the way. The sequel, Milly McCarthy and The Irish Dancing Disaster, follows Milly’s hilarious attempts to win a medal for Irish dancing. Of course the dancing lessons don't go according to plan, and when she’s asked to take the place of the star dancer at short notice, there's only one way for things to go: disastrously!</div><p class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"> </p><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Karen Harte is the other part of the creative team behind the books. She’s a designer, illustrator, and comic creator hailing from Dublin who has produced her own comic strips and mini-graphic novels for years. Milly McCarthy is a Complete Catastrophe was her first children’s book.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">We chat with them about their winning creative collaboration, how Milly McCarthy’s endearing character resonates across continents and generations, and how the books put Cork firmly on the map.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Leona's writing journey saw her undertake various courses, including one run by Patricia Forde, the current Laureate na nÓg. On the course, Leona wrote about an interaction between Milly and another character, Big Bow Rebecca. “It was Milly who stood out as a clear favourite," Leona told us. “I was trying to create a character that was recognisable to a young person living in Ireland. Milly goes to Gaelscoil, she plays camogie, and she goes on a school tour to Fota Wildlife Park, where lots of Cork school kids visit every year. I wanted children to read about a character that reflected their own world back at them. Someone who was fun and outgoing and would give them a giggle". Milly’s family is definitely inspired by her own children, Asha 13, Rían 10, Isaac 7, and Indy 4. "Sometimes, if I am trying to think through a plot, I’ll ask the kids, ‘What do you think Milly would do if...'? They are truly my best critics, and they are quick to tell me if a scene isn’t up to scratch.”</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">The collaboration between Leona and Karen, while feeling remarkably organic, was facilitated by publisher Venetia Gosling at Gill Books. They first met in person on the launch night of Milly McCarthy is a Complete Catastrophe, in March 2023. “We’re kind of a manufactured pop band like the Spice Girls,” Karen jokes. “Myself and Leona just clicked right away, and I love working with her, doing the book events and workshops together. It’s also both of our first times in the publishing world, so we’re figuring it out and enjoying the new experiences together.”</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Understanding how Milly McCarthy appeals to both younger and older readers, Leona explains, “All readers, no matter what age, like a character they can relate to, and I think this is the appeal that Milly McCarthy has. Whether you see a bit of yourself in her or a sibling or friend, everyone knows a Milly, someone with a heart of gold who is unfortunately also a magnet for mayhem. But that’s what makes her so much fun. I have a lot of parents who comment that they enjoy the books too, the interactions between Milly's mam and dad, or a scene with Muinteoir Emer that brings them right back to their own school days. This was a conscious decision. I love reading to my own children, and when the book is something we can both enjoy and giggle at, it makes it even more special.”</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Karen adds “Leona’s storylines and humour make the appeal very broad and enjoyable for a wide range of children’s ages and as a parent, enjoyable if you are doing the bedtime reading.I think combining the imagery with the text helps it resonate with younger audiences that may be more comfortable with picture books and haven’t quite transitioned to middle grade books. I also think that slightly older kids that are confident readers enjoy the humour and relate to Milly and her shenanigans - but also they can enjoy the illustrations and try to replicate them. One of the loveliest things to come out of this project has been seeing the young readers’ interpretations of my illustrations and the characters and recreating them. It’s such a lovely thing to see as I would copy illustrations from famous picture books and comics as a child to practice drawing – hoping one day my drawings would be in a real book”</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">The books steer from more traditional full-colour illustrations in favour of black and white ‘doodle style'. “A lot of books and comics I loved when I was younger were illustrated in black and white; my earliest memories of falling in love with comics were my granddad’s cutouts of Garfield and Hagar the Horrible from the newspaper". Karen tells us. “Sequential artwork is a great way to get across the story and mood instantly, and I think it’s really helpful for new readers as they can see the story unfolding and not be as intimidated by pages of text without images. A lot of my personal work is black-line art, and I enjoy the simple, clean style. Also, the black and white doodle style means it's a ready-made colouring book”! </div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Along with a comedic element, the books also convey important life lessons and values noted by legions of young readers. One such fan, 9-year-old Bernadette, said she was particularly happy that “Milly didn’t give up on her Irish dancing, and it was really awe-inspiring how she fell down but got back up again ”.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">“I agree with Bernadette,” Leona says. “I think not giving up when things are a bit tough is a good lesson for everyone. In the first book, Milly McCarthy is a Complete Catastrophe, Milly’s class takes part in a competition about climate change. I think one of the things I wanted readers to recognise is that no matter how small an action is, it can make a difference in the world. Milly’s class plants a wildflower meadow, and even though it's just a mini meadow, it doesn’t matter; every small positive action can have a big impact on our world.”</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">“I think we both want to get across that Milly is learning and figuring things out as she goes along,” Karen adds. “Not being afraid to get things wrong, because mistakes just mean you’re learning and trying. I loved my primary school days, and getting to illustrate Milly’s experiences and the funny incidents in the books reminds me of how important those early school days are for our development and our personalities. I felt more like myself in primary school than I did when I went to secondary; teenage hormones are rough".</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Bernadette, who lives in Dubai and has mixed Irish heritage, says she especially liked “the part where the shoe went flying into the judge's face". Clearly, basing the story in Cork and having more than a splattering of Gaelic through the books doesn’t put young international readers off. “International audiences like to know what life is like for a child living in Ireland, so having an Irish setting is a benefit,” Leona tells us. "Irish people have emigrated all over the world; the first book proved very popular, not just here but as a gift to second-generation Irish. I've had people send it to grandkids and cousins living in the UK, America, Australia, Germany, and Canada. It's a way of keeping that connection”.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Our young fan Bernadette also wanted to know if there might be a book reading with a drawing class in Dubai soon? Leona nods enthusiastically. “I fully believe that if Milly put her mind to it, she could achieve anything, so who knows? Now if Karen agrees to it, I think a trip to Dubai sounds like a great idea, as Milly always says, 'Sure, what could possibly go wrong' ”!</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><br /></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Available <a href="https://www.gillbooks.ie/childrens/childrens/milly-mccarthy-is-a-complete-catastrophe" target="_blank">HERE</a></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: start;"><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: start;"><div class="" dir="auto" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div class="" dir="auto" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div>Sara Colohan</div><div>Writer & Researcher </div><div><a class="" href="mailto:saracolohan@icloud.com">saracolohan@icloud.com</a></div></div></div></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: start;" /></div><p><br /></p>Sara Colohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732656718070616610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840670815709197748.post-53773364972527913682024-02-19T12:26:00.007+00:002024-02-19T12:30:41.603+00:00Cruise feature - Princess Cruise line, The Mail: Sara Colohan Published Feb/2024<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Writing about my first time on a cruise, with https://www.princess.com/</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQlI3h2eCqGffQTSYEfcZa80DSaCa64NfgkM1-G-FkN5ZY78xU6BaKonunppNfGYQbLm4XvKLgIaOgXnq3Tn-H8pGtZyqh5q1Kd82e5Te7lzs1P1qCSnMqhNAm_rl2JkIwFMdtC68BsiAbDvttW8Pxe6bp9CLHn_z9w-GOzPXDkuRG5IrFLrNXlQ-ujI/s1468/Screenshot%202024-02-19%20at%2012.23.01.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1468" data-original-width="1108" height="659" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQlI3h2eCqGffQTSYEfcZa80DSaCa64NfgkM1-G-FkN5ZY78xU6BaKonunppNfGYQbLm4XvKLgIaOgXnq3Tn-H8pGtZyqh5q1Kd82e5Te7lzs1P1qCSnMqhNAm_rl2JkIwFMdtC68BsiAbDvttW8Pxe6bp9CLHn_z9w-GOzPXDkuRG5IrFLrNXlQ-ujI/w497-h659/Screenshot%202024-02-19%20at%2012.23.01.png" width="497" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Sara Colohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732656718070616610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840670815709197748.post-1841802894933455622024-02-09T11:44:00.003+00:002024-02-09T15:10:53.569+00:00National print: Irish history: St Brigid’s Hospital, Galway. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8z9BJQ2101SDBt80uqDWbnZkF3VhY-Ts2ElhPM8d3kA2fczyrJug1McXXUYtnQcmuBMs1N33yLfYeTL5PGNiOfAImJCZOaFVBY-3xOJ5PsTKSgri1ozkukefbT_58zMqND1nC7iYdiG4q3D7Um5DgNPM-8mLJwLEfDw8VvZCvQ1Sfp07Yrajwrg0K1M/s1512/IMG_4226.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1512" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8z9BJQ2101SDBt80uqDWbnZkF3VhY-Ts2ElhPM8d3kA2fczyrJug1McXXUYtnQcmuBMs1N33yLfYeTL5PGNiOfAImJCZOaFVBY-3xOJ5PsTKSgri1ozkukefbT_58zMqND1nC7iYdiG4q3D7Um5DgNPM-8mLJwLEfDw8VvZCvQ1Sfp07Yrajwrg0K1M/s320/IMG_4226.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlI_0S9rPDzQFswlRdZ-G5WoByCwJzeb0phIjCObaeP9smpJ4HK5zH2ANuYFxiEzaTpApQ3gqxXQb5LLKW49qKX5zInN52LLFrDI6tvJtAYW56SL-NKTkLgDr7pbRUdsjusSQGIbWuAvSdfN6BZxEMZZ6SJbTRMHPiC6AjTIsmCjgzr-qHBYgsN39CrM/s1484/IMG_4227.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1484" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlI_0S9rPDzQFswlRdZ-G5WoByCwJzeb0phIjCObaeP9smpJ4HK5zH2ANuYFxiEzaTpApQ3gqxXQb5LLKW49qKX5zInN52LLFrDI6tvJtAYW56SL-NKTkLgDr7pbRUdsjusSQGIbWuAvSdfN6BZxEMZZ6SJbTRMHPiC6AjTIsmCjgzr-qHBYgsN39CrM/s320/IMG_4227.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For over ten years, I’ve been researching and writing about the now-infamous St. Brigid’s mental hospital in Co. Galway. Originally built in 1833 to house 200 dangerous, insane criminals, Ballinasloe’s St. Brigid’s had several extensions built over the decades to eventually house over 2,000 patients by 1990. It closed its doors completely in 2013.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">St. Brigid herself is celebrated with national St. Brigid’s Day, and last year we were gifted a new St. Brigid’s national bank holiday. Millions tuned in to watch Tommy Tiernan’s Epic West series, where he walked the eerie, ransacked wards of St. Brigid’s, paying reverence to all who spent time there. He surprised us with his touching personal stories of meeting and chatting with patients while he was a young boarder at the nearby Garbally College. The inside of St. Brigid’s hadn’t been shown on RTE since Today Tonight’s damning expose in 1982, when reporter Hilary Orpen delivered a stinging critique. “To enter here is like a descent into hell,” she assessed. The programme showed footage of slumped bodies, stained walls, and sparsely furnished wards. As she narrated, “The dark and squalid accommodation reeks of excrement, and the mentally handicapped sit and rack and moan. They are forgotten people, abandoned here for life, incarcerated here, and have committed no crime; they reside in these conditions due to ‘less than average intelligence’". The tone of the report and the ensuing press coverage highlighted how facilities in St. Brigid’s were widely regarded as inadequate.</div><p class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Growing up I was always attuned to the folklore of the hospital and was captivated by the mystery surrounding it. I wanted to see inside the buildings for myself, so I set about trying to find someone to get me inside. I quickly discovered I wasn’t alone in my quest. I learned the hospital is legendary among a group of people called Urban Explorers and has earned the moniker "Asylum X." There are many of these individuals and teams around the world who venture inside derelict buildings and record the decay, and their unspoken code sets them apart. True Urbex explorers don’t vandalise or disrupt anything within the buildings, but simply record and share photos of the decay that has occurred naturally over the decades of abandonment.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I spent days trying to trace some of the first of these explorers to visit St. Brigid's—names like Camera Shy and Disco Kitten came up in my research but were no longer active on line, and their trails ran cold. I did manage to contact a photographer @TrueBritishMetal who had visited in 2016. His incredible photos act as a catalogue of a near-pristine, albeit abandoned, hospital, just before vandals and thieves destroyed thousands of pounds' worth of antiques.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">One of these remarkable antiques is clearly visible in his photographs. A ten-foot by eight-foot ornate mirror hangs in the main lobby at the centre of the original building's X design. Four main corridors lead out from this spot, and the mirror was the hospital’s proud centrepiece. It dates back to the 1840s and was decorated by Chippendale ‘C swirls’ and a pair of colourful Ho Ho birds, which were typical of that period. If the birds were still intact, they would each span almost three feet in diameter and have colourful, intricate, wooden feathers. Thanks to his photographs, we can see the mirror was still intact as late as 2017, but by 2018, as seen in photographs taken by urbex explorer Brewtal, the mirror was badly damaged. Huge holes appear to be punched through, and parts of the frame are broken off. By 2020, the mirror had all but been decimated. Photographs show it was completely vandalised, with only parts of the frame left in place. Tracing the origin of the mirror, I heard it came from a religious group that was based in another building called The Pines, and was moved to this prominent location within the centre of the hospital for a touch of grandeur, where it is said that every nurse checked their appearance and straightened their hats when passing it. Now, thanks to the urban explorers who photographed it, we can remark on its splendour and mourn its irreparable loss. I sent photographs of the mirror to Dublin antiques dealers John Carroll Antiques Ltd. to gain some expert advice and to see if John could help appraise it. He told us if it were in its original state today, with its gold leaf gilt wood and gesso on carved pine, it would probably have a retail value of €35,000. I thought about what the town of Ballinasloe could do with E35,000 and felt angry about all the valuable antiques and huge areas of beautiful parque flooring that were just left inside to rot not unlike the fate of many of the patients.</div><p class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I finally contacted some active urban explorers who were willing to let me tag along on their next visit inside the hospital. They told me they had visited Brigid’s many times and even stayed over night on a couple of occasions, bringing their tent and stove and camping in one of the cells. Phil and Sam are Urbex veterans who bring ‘a mix of scientific and spiritual equipment’ including dowsing rods and spirit boards in the hope of finding paranormal activity. “For us, it's not just about taking photos; we try to get answers from the building and the spirits who are still there. Sometimes we come across trapped souls, and we try to help them. As a building stands for so many years, the tragedies, mistreatment, and emotional everyday happenings are absorbed into the foundations of the building.” Sam explains that she connects with St. Brigid’s on a very personal level. She believes she was a nurse in her past life and gave me a very detailed story about a nurse named Joe. “Joe was 27 years old in 1946, and although she died in childbirth in the hospital, her child survived," she told me. The story is eerily precise and told with such conviction that I hang on every word. As it turned out, it didn’t matter whether I believed it or not; the excursion to Asylum X instantly became one of the strangest experiences of my life.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We met at dawn near the hospital walls and I have to say I was only nervous about the criminal element. I really didn’t want to get arrested on this fleeting visit to my home town. The crew assured me we didn’t actually have to break any lock, and true to their word, we entered the main hospital building through an open door.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">On paper, the idea of exploring a dangerously decaying mental asylum would terrify most, but I didn’t feel scared. With every step, I just felt a growing weight of responsibility and sadness for all the patients who spent their lives, often unjustly, within this compound. We headed for the oldest part of the hospital and set up our base in the centre of the X, in the shadow of the skeletal remains of the once-imposing, ostentatious mirror. The floor is littered with splintered and smashed intrepid swirls of gold and black wood; the paint is still miraculously vibrant after all these years; and the scattered remains of the once magnificent Ho Ho birds give us a glimmer of the grandeur it once exuded.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The main building is just two stories over a basement, but Phil warns me the floors are unsound due to water damage from vandals creating holes in almost every surface and thieves stealing the lead and copper piping from the roof and around the building. The team is keen to show me around, but it was heartbreaking to see the extent of the vandalism. </div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We all instinctively show a genuine reverence for every little artefact we come across. Phil tells me he has noticed huge changes in the destruction of the buildings over the years, causing the floors to collapse as the building becomes exposed to the elements. But it’s impossible to blame vandals for the careless abandonment of patient records, strewn across the main reception area. In a previous story for this paper I reported on the confidential files I discovered. Forms with handwritten details, including dates of birth and next of kin, with many children’s files dating back to the 1940s. There was a four-year-old girl who had come from the notorious St. Mary’s in Tuam, several files on blind, deaf, and epileptic children who had been sent to Brigid’s when their families couldn’t cope or understand how to deal with their complex needs. In the basement, we found sacks filled with old notebooks ranging from the 1940s to the 1990s, containing detailed medical histories and lists of patients' possessions, painting a desperate picture. Michael P. came with a wrist watch and a suit; Mary C. had a savings book; and Maura H. had knickers, a slip, a jumper, and a skirt. It was devastating to witness such disregard for patient confidentiality.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As we continue on past the row of single cells, I notice myself joining in with my new paranormal friends, silently asking the spirits to tell me their tales so I can share them.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Time passed at breakneck speed, and five hours into the experience, we entered a room, and Phil set up a circle of chairs and held out the dowsing rods. Sam confidently starts to ask the spirits questions, and it all feels strangely odd but powerful. I have never taken part in anything like this before, and I remember feeling uncomfortable, mostly because I was imagining how ridiculous it might seem to people in the outside world. The rods seem to be gravitating in my direction, constantly turning towards me. "Spirits, are you happy Sara is here to tell your story?” The rods swing wildly in my direction. After a few minutes, I become very cold and start to cry. No one is more surprised than me. I feel winded and breathless, overwhelmed by some kind of sadness which I can only try to describe it as an external sorrow, like it came from the buildings around me. Simultaneously, Phil states that energy had left in the rods.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I want to say it was just my own emotional investment that bubbled over, but the other three people in the room felt the strong energy shift. We have a video of the moment it happened, and I’ve watched it several times, and I can only conclude that it would be very hard to orchestrate it all. Phil notices the rods' loss of energy just as I feel the surge. I can’t explain away what happened to me among these strangers in that decaying hospital room, but it felt like a spiritual communication, which I’m still trying to process.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A couple of weeks later, on a sunny afternoon back home in London, I headed out to walk my dogs. While I’m rummaging in my pockets, I drop some money on the road just as I pass two cheery, weather-beaten councilmen working on a gardening job. They call after me to let me know I dropped my wallet, and as I’m thanking them, I immediately recognise their strong Irish accents. “Where are you guys from?” I ask. ‘Connemara’ they say, and I tell them I’m a fellow Galwegian from Ballinasloe. Straight away, in unison, with a knowing nod in my direction, they say, ‘Oh! The mad house'.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As I stand in the Shoreditch sunshine, listening to their vivid stories of a time long gone, I can’t help feeling St. Brigid’s hospital won’t let me forget it and the stories yet to be told, wherever I am in the world, and now with a national St. Brigid's bank holiday, maybe the nation will take time to remember all the souls who spent their lives there too.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Please contact <a class="" href="mailto:info@saracolohan.com">info@saracolohan.com</a> if you have any stories you would like to share about St. Brigid’s Hospital.</div></div>Sara Colohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732656718070616610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840670815709197748.post-20671920755534483852024-02-07T12:02:00.000+00:002024-02-07T12:02:01.892+00:00St Brigid's Hospital, Ireland: Report on Irish History, Mental Hospital institutions Connaught Tribune, Ireland. <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLlH-TmO8wfNE7y5Ny06XlBhLupxI1XSvY0x4d3H8-qWanVSWJEL2_qPrdJv9dd8PH9XBBcpsVbvlId_izV7Kno_p_e0cqDTyGmZ-iecpExXyQonR9j4eUNQYA3aa_Pfh2n1eSPilT9mHDrK_f0L3x5HCPagNPw577VNHeqPHGpbnqMmh7bTBT6iH8sI/s1454/Screenshot%202024-02-07%20at%2011.55.54.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1454" data-original-width="1152" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLlH-TmO8wfNE7y5Ny06XlBhLupxI1XSvY0x4d3H8-qWanVSWJEL2_qPrdJv9dd8PH9XBBcpsVbvlId_izV7Kno_p_e0cqDTyGmZ-iecpExXyQonR9j4eUNQYA3aa_Pfh2n1eSPilT9mHDrK_f0L3x5HCPagNPw577VNHeqPHGpbnqMmh7bTBT6iH8sI/w314-h404/Screenshot%202024-02-07%20at%2011.55.54.png" width="314" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvJ2mTQ_AM4N86joUGV382a9Dy7W2y-bv2EQSCvjDMb3yKgTQG1-TCXepAFu8q8mfU0uT6ubpqVNtQukIRBiL2Se36wkzQL4-eyR2OIX0f3OAmTyjXl8rNECkKN_AjadIs8KCA9oCNTM_7ssGB6fRqEnA7ABcweW-_yx0J3q8iMIBUuH8-B6U7tYpXks/s1452/Screenshot%202024-02-07%20at%2011.59.04.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1452" data-original-width="1170" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvJ2mTQ_AM4N86joUGV382a9Dy7W2y-bv2EQSCvjDMb3yKgTQG1-TCXepAFu8q8mfU0uT6ubpqVNtQukIRBiL2Se36wkzQL4-eyR2OIX0f3OAmTyjXl8rNECkKN_AjadIs8KCA9oCNTM_7ssGB6fRqEnA7ABcweW-_yx0J3q8iMIBUuH8-B6U7tYpXks/w334-h406/Screenshot%202024-02-07%20at%2011.59.04.png" width="334" /></a></div><p></p>Sara Colohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732656718070616610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840670815709197748.post-49806735684281579962024-01-08T12:46:00.003+00:002024-01-08T12:49:34.611+00:00Wellness Travel: Longevity spa Algarve<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bqvsaLdW_sz8j59xikCMMths3q5v5o5iYHQsRhGvYidN9gN2X5LpeU4Cv4vOTFLZb4g_OdS810QIMR5hGcETcqpDavIbzADO4MdYEWefUtfTNHy-l-2ytXfjf-TNBcCB6r52F3IrcfMe9G3p6MIl3nlv8RM0vAHi0WHGOV4SQb8HWxpv9V_PSB9x_qs/s1084/IMG_3599.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="828" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bqvsaLdW_sz8j59xikCMMths3q5v5o5iYHQsRhGvYidN9gN2X5LpeU4Cv4vOTFLZb4g_OdS810QIMR5hGcETcqpDavIbzADO4MdYEWefUtfTNHy-l-2ytXfjf-TNBcCB6r52F3IrcfMe9G3p6MIl3nlv8RM0vAHi0WHGOV4SQb8HWxpv9V_PSB9x_qs/w305-h400/IMG_3599.jpeg" width="305" /></a></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Wellness Holiday in Portugal</div><p class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="" style="font-size: x-small;">Discover the Future of Wellness Travel in the Algarve</span></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="" style="font-size: x-small;"><br class="" /></span></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="" style="font-size: x-small;">In an era where well-being takes centre stage, Longevity Hotel and Spa in the coastal town of Alvor, Portugal, is a beacon of comprehensive health and wellness. More than a traditional spa holiday, this flagship luxury hotel redefines the concept of a well-deserved retreat by creating a sanctuary for anyone taking steps to regain control over their physical and mental well-being.</span></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="" style="font-size: x-small;">We are all more in tune with our health these days and the wellness holiday industry reflects that. It is a fast-growing industry, valued at over 4 billion pounds in 2023, and is estimated to double by 2033. But medical or wellness holidays have long been associated with cosmetic procedures like botox, fillers, and non-essential enhancement surgery and it’s commonplace to hear of people travelling for discounted dental procedures, but there’s another healthier and more holistic side to these kinds of holidays.</span></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="" style="font-size: x-small;">Getting something as simple as complete blood tests, checking heavy metal and mineral levels, or even having some realignment sessions with a skilled osteopath all while relaxing in a holiday environment and enjoying some warm sun can really give us a sense of control over our well-being and future health. Longevity Wellness Worldwide already has two other clinics in the Algarve, but the clinic located in Alvor is their flagship clinic, not least because it’s one of the only hotels to have an official associated partnership with the hospital located next door. This means you get test results quickly, can have top-level treatments with 5* hotel service. The building is an impressive curved, art-deco-inspired construction and boasts a team of experts led by osteopath Ricardo Rosa and Dr. Joanna Santos, making it one of Portugal’s most advanced clinics dealing in preventive, regenerative, and personalised medicine, featuring state-of-the-art technology.</span></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="" style="font-size: x-small;">This was my first personalised wellness holiday so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I don’t speak a word of Portuguese so I was relieved that everyone in Longevity had perfect English and all staff were so friendly and helpful without exception. My stay began with a biophysical, where my general health was assessed, then a very simple but detailed heavy metals and general cardiovascular evaluation, a thermographic and vertebral dysfunction evaluation, a fitness evaluation, and an integrative medicine evaluation. If weight loss or cholesterol lowering is part of your goal, a meal plan can be tailored by the nutritionist and a programme worked out by the doctor.</span></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="" style="font-size: x-small;">I spent four nights on what I called ‘my mid-life body checkup." I hadn’t been feeling unwell; I just wanted to take more control over my physical health. Getting comprehensive blood tests done and getting my vitamin and mineral levels checked felt like a mini mid-life MOT. I’ve always been one of those people who rarely visits a doctor unless I feel sick, so this holiday was about taking control and addressing anything I could do now to prevent major issues later on. It turned out there was plenty to work on!</span></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="" style="font-size: x-small;">While the Longevity clinic offers a wide range of cosmetic procedures, I stuck to the more holistic procedures like active scrubs and body wraps, vitamin IV drips, ozone therapy, infrared sauna treatments, and lymphatic drainage. I also scheduled two sessions with their osteopath Ricardo (All the medical staff are on first name terms in Longevity, which is a nice touch). I had recently fallen and hurt my back, and after a few months of rest, it still hadn’t reset. Within minutes, Riccardo had found the problem: I had whiplash and had shifted my line of vision to the right to accommodate my new posture. He worked so quickly that I joked with him that he was more like a witch doctor. During the session, he told me he had worked for years in Park Lane, London, treating many high-profile clients, but he missed the sound of the waves and the relaxed pace of life in Portugal, so when the offer to work with Longevity arose, it was too good to miss.</span></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="" style="font-size: x-small;">Over my stay, my treatment plan was carefully scheduled to give me time to get to the beach to enjoy a swim (it’s about a 15-minutes from the hotel but so worth the walk). The sea temperature in October is a blissful 20 degrees, but if you prefer a dip in a pool, Longevity has a stylish rooftop pool area. Pure Café in on the same floor, and offers a good range of healthy food all day. The menu is based on a light Mediterranean cuisine, inspired by functional foods, rich in bioactive compounds, anti-inflammatory and alkaline components. There’s a great choice including highlights like the veggie lasagna, tuna tataki, and fresh scallops.</span></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="" style="font-size: x-small;">Guests can have meal plans tailored to their needs by the nutritionist, but I went freestyle and really enjoyed eating healthily for the few days. Breakfast is a vast colourful buffet with yoghurts, fresh fruits, cheeses, and eggs to order. Just don’t expect a full fry-up. You will not find that here! Wine, unlike in some health clinics, is available, and I experienced my first delicious glass of electric blue wine (which is a Portuguese white, naturally coloured by flower petals).</span></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="" style="font-size: x-small;">The spa facilities are excellent, with several different indoor thermal pools. Cryotherapy, cool sculpting, and the Iyashi Dôme sauna are all offered to help with a detox programme. There is also colonic hydrotherapy, ozone therapy, hyperbaric medicine, body scrubs, a detox clay ritual, and an anti-cellulite and reshape massage. Aesthetic treatments including facelifts, and hair transplants, dental treatments, and holistic therapies are also available.</span></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="" style="font-size: x-small;">This stylish retreat stands as a testament to the evolving appeal of wellness travel, offering a great range of services designed to empower guests who want to take control of their physical and mental well-being. With its state-of-the-art facilities, expert practitioners, and personalised approach to wellness, Longevity sets the bar high for holistic travel. Whether you're in pursuit of preventative measures or seeking rejuvenation, this place will help you embark on a journey towards a healthier, more vibrant you. Now, who could say no to that?</span></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="" style="font-size: x-small;">Wellbeing Travel Specialist, Wellbeing Escapes, offers a 3-day Relax and Detox package at Longevity from €595 per person for double occupancy and €795 for single occupancy. For details on exclusive offers such as free spa credit and further discounts, contact the Wellbeing Escapes website at <b class=""><a class="" href="http://wellbeingescapes.com/">wellbeingescapes.com</a></b>.</span></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="" style="font-size: x-small;">Longevity: Cruz da Bota, Estr. de Alvor Lote 27, <span dir="ltr">8500-322</span>Portimão, Portugal.</span></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="" style="text-decoration: underline;"><a class="" href="tel:00%20351%20282%20248%20870"><span class="" style="font-size: x-small;">00 351 282 248 870</span></a></span></div><p></p>Sara Colohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732656718070616610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840670815709197748.post-31924224930246760992024-01-04T11:01:00.004+00:002024-01-04T11:01:51.443+00:00Visit Cotswolds: Raymond Blanc and more… <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikK5ElDanF1TS30_DSrQUpEqWWwFF3a4_7w2JZKO65mMkpwdVvGZ3FdVxJ62aDPvYwS-oa5wSx7zkJYWn4XGZktOi_XM2I5d6AQEKbG9Ys1MFvxH4svAs3zvdXD6UTBw8b7zqQLUHkBx8mszf1rUk11Xam4KF_n_BMK0XlfxFTDZ9ptho9Ll6eTLP7U_8/s1139/IMG_3469.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1139" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikK5ElDanF1TS30_DSrQUpEqWWwFF3a4_7w2JZKO65mMkpwdVvGZ3FdVxJ62aDPvYwS-oa5wSx7zkJYWn4XGZktOi_XM2I5d6AQEKbG9Ys1MFvxH4svAs3zvdXD6UTBw8b7zqQLUHkBx8mszf1rUk11Xam4KF_n_BMK0XlfxFTDZ9ptho9Ll6eTLP7U_8/s320/IMG_3469.jpeg" width="233" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 2px;"><span class="" style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;">Visit The Cotswolds! </span></p><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Whether you are looking for stylish family camping, travelling with pets or having a romantic special occasion, the Cotswolds has everything you need.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Camping for all the family: Cotswold Farm Park</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">If you’re a fan of BBC’s Countryfile, then you might have heard the backstory of presenter Adam Henson’s working farm transformation. He completely altered his fathers farm, situated just outside Cheltenham, by created a family friendly farm zoo, with collections of rare and native farm animals, a well stocked farm shop and restaurant, and an extensive campsite with sturdy safari tents and luxury log cabins all decked out with BBQ, cooker, hob, fridge and plug sockets. It’s camping without any of the hardship! You can park up with your own caravan or camper too, and there are all the amenities you might need to have a comfortable few days on the site. Theres a good chance you will bump into Adam himself, as he is very hands on managing the farm. The location is a good base to go explore the surrounding areas. Consider a trip to Broadway which is a wonderfully preserved picturesque Cotswolds village, or find a stately home to visit like just twenty minutes drive west, 15th-century Sudeley Castle with formal gardens, flamboyant peacocks and art by Turner and Rubens. The remarkable Sezincote House & Garden is just twenty minutes drive north of the farm. It’s a family-run estate covering 3,500 acres of rolling Cotswold countryside with a 200-year-old Mogul Indian palace, set in a romantic landscape of temples, grottoes, waterfalls and canals reminiscent of the Taj Mahal. There are daily tours of the house from April to October. Of course there are marked wildlife walks around Cotswold Farm itself for you to enjoy. Pets are welcome in the restaurant, caravan park and the spacious cabins and safari tents but understandably, they are not allowed into the zoo area. They can join on the wildlife walks as long as they are on a lead. </div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Prices for a 2 bed (sleeps 4) safari tent start at £175</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Adults only, Dog-Friendly : Fish Hotel, Cotswolds</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">My two senior rescue dogs, Babe and Gizmo, are excellent company on road trips, so I love finding new dog-friendly places to take them. The dog-travel industry is booming (globally, it stands at around 1.5 billion and is rising), and as a result, the hospitality industry is opening its doors to pets. My two enjoy comfy sofas, naps by open fires, lots of human attention, and a few tasty treats now and then and the Fish Hotel provided all that and more. Nestled within the 500-acre Farncombe estate, high above the stunning Cotswolds village of Broadway, the Fish staff are pooch-trained to a high standard! There are plenty of water stations dotted around, and an authentic, relaxed atmosphere in the luxe-Scandi-style lounge areas. Guests sip cocktails, snack, and unwind from life outside this remote compound, and the waft of smoke from the wood burners is extra comforting. The stylish bar area offers special dog mats to cover the lush velvet sofas, which helped get my two off to sleep in minutes.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The food menus work well, offering a wide range of well-crafted cocktails, bar food, and an à la carte menu from The Fish’s in-house restaurant, Hook. At breakfast, my dogs were treated to bowls of sliced sausages—compliments of the chef! Even with the wide choice of food available in the nearby village of Broadway, it would be hard to match Hook. Its seafood-inspired menu blends interesting flavours and offers a twist on classics.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The hotel centers around The Lodge, which houses Hook restaurant. (Dogs are not allowed in the restaurant, but the full Hook menu is served in the lounge areas, where dogs are more than welcome.) There's also plenty of cosy indoor and outdoor seating areas. To one side, there’s the converted stable building, with 28 private, ground-floor rooms featuring wood burners, tea stations, a complimentary mini bar, and plenty of open space for hounds to run around and explore. Follow the pathway around The Lodge, and you will discover the deluxe shepherd hut area, and several luxury, private treehouses surrounding the lake.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">While staying on this lavish country estate, it felt fitting to try clay shooting which was great fun (£75 per hour). There’s an extensive timetable of different activities, including falconry, axe throwing, archery, and you can even learn how to pilot one of the four Farncombe Adventure Hovercrafts. The Fish feels more than a hotel. It’s a stylish Cotswolds hideaway that’s a bit like a luxury commune, offering multiple ways to experience your stay, balancing pooch pampering with privacy perfectly.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The Fish Hotel: Rates start at £220 (for a medium room, on a B&B basis).</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For the food connoisseur, or any special occasion: Cotswolds Le Manoir, Belmond </div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Raymond Blanc OBE is the dashing French chef with multiple Michelin stars who presides over Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons in the Oxfordshire countryside on the edge of the Cotswolds. When you visit the 18th-century manor and its surrounding buildings, it feels otherworldly, making it easy to forget you are just a fifty-minute drive from London. Le Manoir is a stylish experience from start to finish with lots of friendly staff bustling around. You may even see Raymond himself, busily overseeing the hive of industry. While Belmond Hotel group has taken over Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons, Blanc is very much at the helm, managing his cookery and gardening schools on the grounds. When you visit, you are free to walk through the apple orchards, lavender paths and vegetable gardens. Of course most guests come to visit the awarding-winning restaurant serving lavish lunch and dinner menus, with the dinner tasting menu set out over eight to ten seasonal courses. This is old-world luxury, with impeccable service, plenty of glamour and all the five star trimmings you would expect at this level of dining. </div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Due to Le Manoir’s proximity to London, a wide variety of very stylish guests drive here to dine, returning back to london. If you can, consider staying over in a room in the luxury Manoir or one of the signature suits on the grounds. Some are even children and pet friendly, though I’m not sure what child would manage to sit quietly for dinner at Le Manoir! Adults need to be prepared to set aside time for the tasting menu that can last well over three hours!. The night I visited the courses kept coming with each plate looking as beautiful as it was delicious. Even the most instagram-adverse person will be tempted to photograph their plates. </div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Accommodation at Le Manoir is a lavish affair with freshly baked treats and chocolates awaiting you on arrival, and nice touches like wellies and yoga mats are stored in your room. Breakfast keeps in theme with a lavish buffet and near endless hot breakfast options. There’s no spa or pool at Le Manoir but maybe after a nine course dinner, a lie in is all you’ll need!</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Dinner: £230 per person accommodation from £700</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For more information on the region <a class="" href="http://www.visitthecotswolds.uk/">www.visitthecotswolds.uk</a></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><div class="" dir="auto" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div class="" dir="auto" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div>Sara Colohan</div><div>Writer & Researcher </div><div><a class="" href="mailto:saracolohan@icloud.com">saracolohan@icloud.com</a></div><div class=""><br class="" /></div></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div><p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p>Sara Colohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732656718070616610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840670815709197748.post-7241984813514178452023-12-22T09:58:00.007+00:002024-02-09T15:12:22.114+00:00Irish Examiner: Accountability/ Russel Brand<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUtfuSRbvx1X1IrptInd8oSyBZKgcjxdZu6rvNalh007acrfeDFAzaYMFiOeLx90P78gR_TEMqdM0HrQ8oV3ygU4SbVNLai5_QPIq8gxUPkcurPuWywwGpJOnYEom4Ijt7GAyEkNJKJPM35lfI0rbTRk6AyV_OEX3Raz6uz3EA7BET8_oLZHNHTSRkKk/s1876/6D1752F0-43DD-40E5-9A8B-40E9635EFB94.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1381" data-original-width="1876" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUtfuSRbvx1X1IrptInd8oSyBZKgcjxdZu6rvNalh007acrfeDFAzaYMFiOeLx90P78gR_TEMqdM0HrQ8oV3ygU4SbVNLai5_QPIq8gxUPkcurPuWywwGpJOnYEom4Ijt7GAyEkNJKJPM35lfI0rbTRk6AyV_OEX3Raz6uz3EA7BET8_oLZHNHTSRkKk/s320/6D1752F0-43DD-40E5-9A8B-40E9635EFB94.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I<i>n <span dir="ltr">2007, Dublin</span>'s National Stadium was charged with anticipation for Russell Brand's inaugural Irish performance. Fans eagerly awaited Brand's charismatic stage presence and my cabaret show was the warm-up act for this upcoming comedy sensation.With a background in entertainment spanning decades, I thought I'd seen it all. But this night would prove to be unlike any other.</i></div><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">While I was working as a journalist in Dublin I set up a touring cabaret show, which ran for a number of years in Ireland and UK. Between writing features, creating fashion shoots for magazines like Tatler and Hotpress and producing shows, I’ve worked in the fashion and music scene for decades, and I’m fairly familiar with the entertainment scene. My work often included working with celebrities, and I remember being particularly excited to be working with Russell Brand on his first Irish gig, because I was genuinely a huge fan.</div><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Despite Russell Brand not being very well known in Ireland in 2007, the venue was buzzing, packed with avid fans waiting for him to take to the stage. Before he arrived, the atmosphere backstage was electric too. We were all keen to meet the larger-than-life, hilarious Russell Brand. Most of us had seen him on telly and knew him as funny, charismatic, highly intelligent, and very easy on the eye.</div><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I remember thinking that Brand's demeanour seemed off, very distant, with no eye contact when we met him just before the show. Little did I know that my initial impression would be the first of many red flags throughout the night.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We posed for photos moments before the stage lights came on, and after my performers danced and sang to a packed house, Russell performed his smash-hit stand-up.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As performers, we didn’t see much of his act because we weren’t based inside the arena. I recall we didn’t share the backstage area with Brand and his entourage, we were outside in the car park area for quite a bit of the event. It was a warm evening, and as any producer knows, when you aren’t the headline act, you often wait around in the less glamorous areas: kitchens, corridors, upstairs cubbyholes. We did a private show in a castle a few years ago, and we had to get ready in a dingy cellar!</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">After Russell’s performance, I packed up our kit and headed to the Clarence Hotel for the afterparty. I remember meeting a male friend of mine who had been to the gig himself and was a huge fan of Brand. Naturally, I invited him along to the hotel for drinks, but he was abruptly told ‘men weren't allowed’. It was another hint that something was off but at the time, but I remember just feeling embarrassed by the decision, not really alarmed. We were all still on a high from our big gig and ready to have a few drinks and maybe even meet the star of the show! Of course, now I realise it was another major red flag.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">When we arrived, there were lots of girls we didn’t know already there. I noticed that as the night wore on, Russell's behaviour became quite unsettling. His eyes appeared glazed, and with a bottle of water in one hand, he casually started to pick out girls from the crowd. Pointing to three girls sitting quietly at a table near us, he said, ‘You, you, and you. Come with me’ and gestured with his finger.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">My jaw dropped.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Where was the flamboyant, cheeky persona we had all fallen for? His actions seemed void of any effort or charm, just straight, cold commands. The girls dutifully got up and left with him. I don't know where they went, but about 30 minutes later, Brand reappeared with a fresh t-shirt and a fresh bottle of water and began to scan the room to repeat the process. ‘You and you." curling his finger in their direction. </div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I didn’t know, or speak to any of those girls on the night, so I don’t know their story or what happened when they left the lounge area.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I kept the youngest members of my team close, the ones I felt most responsible for. I remember an unfamiliar charge in the room, and I described Brand ‘like a shark circling prey’ when I chatted with one of his crew later that night.</div><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I was relieved when my youngest left for home and the crowd started to thin out. Some of my remaining team were chosen to go to the penthouse, and as they pulled me into the lift with them, I knew it wasn’t a move orchestrated by Russell or his team, as I had already started to become a bit of a killjoy. Earlier, Brand’s co-writer had been very rude and blunt with a couple of my younger girls, and I challenged his behaviour. I told him I thought it was a shame such a clever, intelligent man would rely on such basic tactics.</div><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Up in the penthouse, I struck up a conversation with an older member of Brand’s team, and within a few minutes, we decided to leave the party and go for a few late drinks elsewhere. We had a long chat, and I told him I’d never seen anyone behave like that in my life. He said he had been hired specifically because he had previously managed an act known for extreme behaviour, infamous on the touring circuit.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I repeatedly asked if Brand had taken something because his demeanour that night was inexplicable to me otherwise. He said again and again that Brand wasn’t on anything and that it was his job to ensure he stayed clean. I remember him telling me that he wasn’t even drinking caffeine!</div><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I certainly did not see anything illegal that night, and I can say, only in hindsight, that what I believe I witnessed was a man on the edge of fame, with a widening circle of enablers around him, some well aware and some less so. That circle included his team, promoters, and maybe even me, as I inadvertently brought my team, females only, to that afterparty, where he was allowed to act like a predator, grasping at anyone he wanted to get his hands on.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Of course, there are much more badly behaved people in the world, with more intricate, subtle circles of enablers, with more dangerous kinks, and while I acknowledge that being a predator is not illegal, I don’t believe their behaviour should go unchallenged.</div><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I’ve since felt conflicted that I didn’t say more on the night. I’ve wondered why I didn’t refuse to go to the afterparty. Maybe I should have demanded that our male friends and partners be allowed to attend. But that night I was being paid to do a job, and I got caught up in the moment, excited to be invited to the after party and because I was such a huge fan, I didn’t see the red flags waving.</div><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I remember at the time feeling disappointed by Brand’s actions that night. There were no jokes, no conversation that I could see; just a grown 6’3’ man with very big hair casting an intimidating figure, manically selecting prey from his tiers of female fans. It took years for me to process what I witnessed. I grappled with how to articulate it, as the vocabulary to describe the behaviour didn't exist back then. I’ve told many people since about that night, accepting that some girls knew exactly what they were doing and were fully consenting and in control. But if there was one who wasn't, then it was one too many. </div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">There may be thousands of women around the world who have slept with Brand and have had a happy, healthy experience, but if there is one who was sexually assaulted, then that is one too many.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">People wonder why witnesses wait so long to come forward, but I understand that processing complex events can take years to comprehend and categorise. Without these multiple, serious allegations against Russell Brand, I would never have written this story for a newspaper. I’ve worked for 20 years as a journalist and would honestly prefer to avoid writing about badly behaved, self-confessed narcissists altogether.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Looking back on over 30 years working with creatives and celebrities, I’ve never witnessed that particular kind of chaotic environment since and is not something I’d like to witness again.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As for the conspiracy theorists who think there’s some 'state collusion' involved in taking Brand down - I’m certainly not part of any joint effort to discredit him. I don’t care if he upsets main stream media, single-handedly brings down big Pharma, or any other anti-establishment entity. This isn’t some vendetta against a controversial figure; it's about holding an individual accountable for their actions. If he’s guilty of any one of these horrid crimes, why wouldn’t I support a mass effort to shed light on it. I’d like to think we have evolved from the time where we would wait until the person was six feet under before telling the world that they were not a national treasure but a toxic ball of manipulation and chaos who got away with things for far too long.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> I know there are people convinced that Brand’s not capable of these alleged crimes. Maybe it will be proven that his behaviour was not against the law, but it’s a stark reminder that legality doesn't equate to acceptability. It's time everyone supported the evolving commitment to accountability and truth and for all involved in the entertainment industry to realise that backstage antics can be questioned, no matter how famous the person is or thinks they are. Just don’t expect to get invited to the after-after party.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As Phillipa Perry once said, 'Narcissists become fabulous at everyone’s expense”. Perhaps it's now time for accountability to take centre stage.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">#russellbrand #metoomovement #sexualpredator </div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div>Sara Colohan</div><div>Writer & Researcher </div><div><a href="mailto:saracolohan@icloud.com">saracolohan@icloud.com</a></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div><p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p>Sara Colohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732656718070616610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840670815709197748.post-40324763213427108872023-12-21T16:20:00.005+00:002024-01-08T12:48:38.819+00:00Jersey: A beautiful island! Mail Travel feature. <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZuhg56wqVb1w4so-EMylSnSKQHp8AcCxtROlorshpGHbW0SbTxtBXSeHhExtjkxrdoagh1nQx2vKZrvXInzeKmL-jy186RLHecZalsGM1_-BZLNtZhlr7pYgvin3Ch6DV5kUSrRhQfrk5GOlkpcwlTBXUfASI__aHi8uozY2B3qtsTnqGzErKKRAyTg/s1107/IMG_3183.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1107" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZuhg56wqVb1w4so-EMylSnSKQHp8AcCxtROlorshpGHbW0SbTxtBXSeHhExtjkxrdoagh1nQx2vKZrvXInzeKmL-jy186RLHecZalsGM1_-BZLNtZhlr7pYgvin3Ch6DV5kUSrRhQfrk5GOlkpcwlTBXUfASI__aHi8uozY2B3qtsTnqGzErKKRAyTg/s320/IMG_3183.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Jersey: The small island with the big personality!</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">From castles and dolmens to coastal towers and maritime history, the island offers a rich tapestry of experiences just waiting to be discovered.</div><p class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Jersey is part of the British Isles, but it’s certainly got its own unique identity. Just 14 miles from the French coast and 85 miles south of the English coast, it’s independent and self-governing, with its own financial and legal systems. It’s the biggest of the Channel Islands, but it’s only 5 miles long and 9 miles wide. If you are lucky enough to visit, these parameters will seem incredible. The diversity on this oasis is surprising, but there are certain constants, like the glorious white sandy beaches, the warm microclimate, delicious food, and the remarkable heritage sites.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Steeped in history, Jersey has heritage sites from Neolithic times to the 15th-century Elizabeth's Castle and, more recently, a vast maze of Nazi war tunnels built while the island was occupied by the Germans during World War II. This unique country is a well-blended mix of cultures and styles from both France and the UK, and it feels like someone very cleverly cherry-picked things from both countries that work alongside each other. Most streets and roads have French names, but the architecture and infrastructure are very British. They have spectacular cheese, meat, and fish in large, bustling, fresh, French-style markets where everyone speaks English and sterling is the currency.</div><p class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The capital St. Helier hosts French markets in the square where French traders come with local Normandy produce, and you can soak up the lively atmosphere in the splendid Victorian Fish Market or Jersey Market in the centre of town. Don’t worry, you don't have to cook while you are visiting. You can treat yourself to lunch and dinner every day, and you won’t run out of excellent places to dine. Start your day with a coffee at <b class="">The Merchants</b> by Jersey Market. It’s a cafe, event space and gallery showcasing local artists where they serve London’s legendary hipster coffee, Dark Arts. (<a class="" href="http://www.themerchants.je/">www.themerchants.je</a>) Need breakfast? <b class="">Locke’s</b> will make perfect eggs ‘anyway’, sourdough bread with homemade jam, and the fluffiest pancakes you’ve ever seen. (<a class="" href="http://lockesstories.com/">lockesstories.com</a>)</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Jersey is not only a haven for food enthusiasts but also a treasure trove of heritage sites. There are several places to check out in St. Helier, and one highlight is the fully restored, gaslit Victorian House within the <b class="">Jersey Museum</b>. You can walk through this beautiful house and learn the story of a Victorian family in financial crisis who fled to France to start a new life. On the ground floor of the Victorian House, there’s also Trade Roots, an exhibition that examines the evidence of the island’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. (<a class="" href="http://www.jerseyheritage.org/">www.jerseyheritage.org</a>)</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Gifted to the National Trust in 2003, having been neglected for a period of 20 years, <b class=""><span dir="ltr">16 New Street</span></b> has been meticulously repaired by the Trust in order to reinstate its elegant Georgian features. Wander through the house and enjoy immersive tales of life in Georgian Jersey. Remember, everything is in such short proximity that you can go from one Jersey gem to another in minutes.(<a class="" href="http://www.nationaltrust.je/">www.nationaltrust.je</a>)</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">King Street is a busy, pedestrianised high street with lots of independent shops and several department stores. Founded in 1837, <b class="">Voisins Department Store </b>is the oldest family-run department store in Britain. There’s also <b class="">de Gruchy</b>, another cornerstone of the town's main shopping area.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b class="">The Porter’s Store</b> is located on Wharf St. (St. Helier). It’s a stylish, hidden gem worthy of a visit if you like well-crafted cocktails served with flare. For dinner, try <b class="">Samphire</b>. The decor is stylish to match the seafood-heavy menu. You could be forgiven for thinking you are in one of London’s finest Mayfair establishments.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Gorey, St. Brelade's, and St. Aubin’s are just a short twenty minutes by bus from the capital and all have something special to see. Gorey boasts a stunning sandy beach, excellent restaurants (in particular Drifters@Gorey), and the towering mediaeval <b class="">Mont Orgueil Castle</b>, offering panoramic coastal views, secret rooms, and a witchcraft exhibit.</div><p class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">St. Brelade’s Bay is an island highlight, not just because it provides a more intimate and sheltered beach experience. The bay is flanked by the Brelade’s Bay Hotel and <b class="">The Biarritz Hotel</b>, catering to a range of budgets.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The Biarritz is the best value as it has the same incredible views and direct access to the sea (albeit down quite a few steps!). It offers pristine rooms, self-catering apartments, breakfast and dinner options, and is brilliantly positioned to give you easy access to anywhere on the island, as there’s a bus stop outside. (<a class="" href="http://www.biarritzhotel.co.uk/">www.biarritzhotel.co.uk</a>)</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I didn’t eat there as there were so many other places on my list to try, including the excellent, neighbouring <b class="">Oyster Box.</b> This was a culinary highlight, with fresh oysters, a vast selection of fresh seafood, a well-thought-out wine list, sea views, and impeccable service. (<a class="" href="http://oysterbox.co.uk/">oysterbox.co.uk</a>)</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Remember, most quality restaurants close from 1400 to 1800 daily, so don’t leave it too late to get lunch; otherwise, you might be forced to have a luxury afternoon tea instead! Afternoon tea is a cherished tradition on the island, with prestigious venues like The Savoy Hotel in St. Helier, Summerville Hotel in St. Aubin’s, and L’Horizon in St. Brelade’s offering deluxe experiences.<b class=""> Longueville Manor,</b> a five-star historical manor house hotel, stands out with its spa, private yacht charters, and award-winning afternoon tea. <a class="" href="http://www.longuevillemanor.com/">www.longuevillemanor.com</a></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For a poignant and educational experience, visit the WW2 <b class="">Jersey War Tunnels</b>. Prepare for approximately two hours of walking through 1940’s Jersey as you visit the huge underground tunnels created by the Nazis during the war. These tunnels offer a glimpse into occupied Jersey, complete with a hospital and remnants of German military presence, all discarded by the end of the war, and the heartbreaking story of all the locals who were deported to camps in Germany. There is wheelchair access.(<a class="" href="http://www.jerseywartunnels.com/">www.jerseywartunnels.com</a>)</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I didn’t get time to visit <b class="">Plemont, </b>one of Jersey’s wildest and most dramatic beaches, situated in the northwest corner of the island and surrounded by towering cliffs. It’s remote, less developed than the other spots, and a favourite with swimmers. Ten minutes down the road is <b class="">Greve de Lecq Beach</b>, with its distinctive red sand.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b class="">Rozel</b> is an idyllic, sleepy little harbour on the north-east of the island. Climb stone pathways to the four-star boutique hotel <b class="">Chateau la Chaire</b>and have coffee on the grounds (<a class="" href="http://chateau-la-chaire.co.uk/">chateau-la-chaire.co.uk</a>). If you are staying in Rozel, the stylish <b class="">Rozel Pub and Dining</b>(<a class="" href="http://rozelpubanddining.co.uk/">rozelpubanddining.co.uk</a>) is your only choice to dine and drink. Luckily, it’s well established and has been serving the community for over 10 years.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">VisitJersey to find out what’s on.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Rooms at The Biarritz Hotel start at €104 per night</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Website: <a class="" href="https://www.biarritzhotel.co.uk/">https://www.biarritzhotel.co.uk/</a></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Instagram: @biarritzhotel </div><p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p>Sara Colohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732656718070616610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840670815709197748.post-81243744679066032242023-11-08T16:46:00.008+00:002023-11-14T11:54:05.950+00:00Cover story, The Mail, You Magazine @pollypocketsy TikTok star <div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">The Cork Catchphrase Cook: TikTok sensation @PollyPocketsy</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"> </p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">When you hear her accent narrating her colourful cooking videos, it’s easy to tell Paulette O'Mahony hails from Cork. Her online persona, @Pollypocketsy, is a hit on TikTok, with over 1.4 million followers and over 60 million views of her videos.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">She’s become TikTok famous for teaching her simple, easy recipes that often have just a couple of ingredients.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">In these chatty videos, the self-taught cook borrows from all kinds of influences, including skills she learned from her parents growing up in Fairhill, Cork, and cookery courses taken while travelling through Thailand, Vietnam, and China. With one cook book already published in America, @Pollypocketsy “ just wants to show everyone that cooking healthy food isn’t that hard”.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Her videos are entertaining; but Paulette is also highly skilled at making quick, delicious food, and her fans are growing by the thousands every month.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">We chat to her about her childhood in Cork, taking care of her disabled mother, growing vegetables in Germany, and how she turned the necessity to cook for her family into her dream career.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">During her time at North Presentation Secondary School in Faranree, with her dad working late hours, Paulette learned how to feed her family healthy food on a budget. Her mother was bedridden with polio, and for most of Paulette’s childhood, she was unable to walk, getting around in a wheelchair or crutches.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">“The times when my mom was well enough to get around on crutches, she would make incredible food, so I definitely inherited some of her skills, but because she was so unwell, I was helping her in the kitchen from age six, and I was cooking myself from nine or ten! Peeling potatoes for six was the worst job, but I am the fastest potato peeler now,” she tells me.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">She has a twin brother, Jonathan, and two younger brothers, Graham and Adam, and she started cooking meals for the family at the age of eight. When her dad, Pat, was home, she told me he was also handy in the kitchen: “Oh, my dad was a brilliant cook. He would make Christmas dinner every year, and whatever way he did it, it turned out so good every time. So I definitely got a bit of my flair for cooking from him too”.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"> </p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Slowly, she began to enjoy her role as the cook, realising the creativity that could come with the knowledge. “It's funny looking back; I really didn’t like cooking and baking when I was a kid because it was a necessity and I had to do it, and because I didn’t enjoy it, I was always trying to find ways to make meals quicker and easier. It was only later, when I started to get interested in healthy options and learning about complimentary flavours, that I started to look at it all differently. I started using herbs and saw the way they change the flavour of a whole meal, and that all just made me fall a bit in love with cooking.”</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"> </p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">After school, she bypassed college and stayed close to home. She went straight into the workforce, trying a variety of jobs, from a local electronics company to a timeshare exchange company, then selling insurance, working all over West Cork. “I loved that job,” she tells me. “The people down there are class, and it was great working around such beautiful scenery in Clonakilty, Rosscarbery, and Skibereen.”</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">She was still cooking, caring for her mother, and learning all she could about nutrition. “When my mum gained weight from being immobile, I started doing a lot of research about food and nutrition. I made her a lot of food with beans and pulses to help her lose weight, and she was very determined, drinking nutritious juices, which all helped her lose over three stone. That encouraged me to read labels more carefully and also to make as much food from scratch as possible so I knew exactly what was in it.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Paulette then got an office job in Glanmire, Cork, working alongside her dad, her brother Graham, and her twin Jonathan. “They were great times, and I was so sad to leave, but I had met my boyfriend, and we decided we were going to go travelling together. First we moved to Germany, and soon after that, we went off around the world together, visiting China, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, The Maldives, and so many more places.”</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Spending time in Asia and Indonesia, Paulette learned about Chinese and Thai cuisine, and that influence can be seen in her TikTok recipes, not least in her famous invention of <i>Deep Fried Ice cream Spring Rolls</i>! Incredibly, a cooking course in Thailand was her first official training. After returning from her travels, she came back to Germany, got married to her partner Igor, and began working in his family business. His family greenhouse business sells flowers, vegetables, fruits, and all kinds of herbs, which Paulette uses in her videos. She harvests tomatoes and cucumbers, makes pickles and preserves for the winter, pasta sauces, and soups, and shows her followers how to do it.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">I've got a huge basement where all the jars are stored! I’m really passionate about making everything from scratch.”</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Since she met her husband, there’s been a noticeable Russian-German element to her videos as she tries out recipes with a nod to his heritage. “He’s my ultimate food tester, and he makes no qualms about telling me if the food is good or not. He’ll say things like, Do you know what would go great with this?’<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And I always have something in my head like ‘bacon’ for example, and we both shout 'bacon' at exactly the same time”.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Her TikTok story only began at the start of Lockdown in 2020. She initially started out doing comedy sketches. “I was always writing, singing, and acting, so I made loads of terribly comedy videos,” but when her occasional cooking videos started to get thousands of views and a couple went viral, she steered her content along that route and hasn’t looked back. After just one year, she had grown to over one million followers. Today, she’s nearing 1.5 million with an incredible 63 million views of her content. @PollyPocketsy gives the viewer more than just a cooking video; she also tells funny little stories. “Truths and half truths,” she tells me, “stuff that happened to me or someone I know mostly” . Her catch phrases are wholesome and fun, with her<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>‘Oh My My, you have to try this’ ending every video. These catch phrases feel authentic, and she assures me they are just "silly little things" she says at home herself when there are no cameras rolling.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"> </p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Sadly, as Paulette’s career on TikTok was taking off, her mother’s health began to decline rapidly. “I was stuck in Germany during COVID, so I didn’t get to see my mum as often as I’d like. I had planned to visit for her birthday, but when she hadn’t been replying to my messages, I knew something was wrong. On Monday, she was brought to the hospital. I got there Thursday, and it was the longest journey of my life. I was sick with worry, and then I was told she had stage four cancer”.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Paulette got to see her mother just before she passed away. “I brushed her hair, and I kept a piece for a locket I got later, and I filed her nails and kept the nail file. I knew she was ready to go, and she passed the very next day. I was so lucky to get to say goodbye. It’s still a shock now, 10 months later. She was the most important person in my life. A huge Liverpool supporter and an even bigger Kilkenny Cats supporter, she was 73 when she died but didn’t look a day over 50.”</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Paulette travelled back to Germany and is now happily settled there, but she tells me she misses Cork every day. “Every time I fly over the Irish coastline, my heart swells up and I get tears in my eyes because Cork is such a great place, full of culture, so warm and kind and open! Everyone who comes to Cork always has a great time, and I’m so proud of where I come from. I love walking down Patrick Street or down Grand Parade, where I used to live in an apartment next to Sir Henries Night Club before it was knocked down. Cork has changed so much in the last few years, so every time I’m home, it’s like a new adventure discovering new little cafes and shops that have opened up. I will always be a proud Irish girl and Corkonian at heart!”</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">It turns out she misses the food as much as the city, telling me she can’t get good Irish soda bread or decent crisps in Germany. Her eyes light up, and she sounds so passionate when she talks about Tayto: “Tayto are the best crisps ever, and Kerrygold butter is streets ahead of any other. As for Cadbury chocolate, Barry’s tea bags, and McDonnell curry Knorr soups, I love them all and can’t get enough. Maybe I could do a collab with them, then I’d never run out”.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Summer 2022 saw her first book published, <b>Oh So Tasty,</b> which is currently only available in the US. Nearly half of her 1.3 million followers are scattered throughout America, so a US publishing house got in touch and asked her to create the book for the US market.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">“My aim with Oh So Tasty and future books that I plan to write is really just to show people that anyone can make food in minutes. Everyone can cook if they just set aside a little bit of time and patience. I want people to know that it's easier than it looks nearly all of the time.”</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Advice for anyone starting out in Tiktok: "Depending on what your niche is, look up what length videos Tiktok want when you are starting, because they want different length videos at different times. I’d just say to anyone starting out, don’t get disheartened. It took me ages to get lots of followers on Instagram. I only had a couple of thousand until one of my videos went viral.” Since December last year, she has amassed over 470,000 followers.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">She hopes to get some cookery books published this side of the world, but in the meantime, you can see her daily online on either Instagram or TikTok. She's given us some of her favourite recipes to try at home.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><b>Follow @pollypocketsy on Tiktok and Instagram. Follow the link in her bio, and it will link directly to all her recipes on the Whisk website.</b></p></div><div><br /></div>Sara Colohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732656718070616610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840670815709197748.post-53147824150823162982023-09-13T08:48:00.000+01:002023-09-13T08:48:16.522+01:00Dog Holidays are on the rise. Read about Lake District, one of the worlds most dog friendly beauty spots. The Mail, Weekend Travel feature<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAV8MNBeRfXmy9M5xh4enZNQqZWqKebWQnF0ia0cdp_ziXC-85v7YG5nT_MmNZnGqt-42_6eF20Eo3Dea8p8wd48MkrtnwzMZT8p_IXf6EDWGD-RJgfDGlwAea8G6HmGth5eJGf5pCXOSWvaRoLJI1t5TNN5oMGXcrRluBUg05FLJAEDCYxVxVGchVcM/s1386/Screenshot%202023-09-13%20at%2008.45.10.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1386" data-original-width="1058" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAV8MNBeRfXmy9M5xh4enZNQqZWqKebWQnF0ia0cdp_ziXC-85v7YG5nT_MmNZnGqt-42_6eF20Eo3Dea8p8wd48MkrtnwzMZT8p_IXf6EDWGD-RJgfDGlwAea8G6HmGth5eJGf5pCXOSWvaRoLJI1t5TNN5oMGXcrRluBUg05FLJAEDCYxVxVGchVcM/s320/Screenshot%202023-09-13%20at%2008.45.10.png" width="244" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPedt5Y2Fnnk1k1IoB176hdTrw7zNG8Vtlt2Z4Txw_xqqWD58Z8SsevA9esHE31yABuQ1to1qDG3uvsmTTFCg3mq5VQ4L4Bs96Zo3jf_WUa7AmV-Yi89SjBfc_P70QMZtC1QsgrkslZcxK0kNLs6Rjjj6uVBYBPPP5175bK7rbxkvJs0-NeNfI7SOg-sA/s1416/Screenshot%202023-09-13%20at%2008.43.55.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1416" data-original-width="1058" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPedt5Y2Fnnk1k1IoB176hdTrw7zNG8Vtlt2Z4Txw_xqqWD58Z8SsevA9esHE31yABuQ1to1qDG3uvsmTTFCg3mq5VQ4L4Bs96Zo3jf_WUa7AmV-Yi89SjBfc_P70QMZtC1QsgrkslZcxK0kNLs6Rjjj6uVBYBPPP5175bK7rbxkvJs0-NeNfI7SOg-sA/s320/Screenshot%202023-09-13%20at%2008.43.55.png" width="239" /></a></div></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A Dog-Friendly Road Trip, The Lake District, Cumbria</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>“Fall in love with a dog, and in many ways you enter a new orbit, a universe that features not just new colours but new rituals, new rules, and a new way of experiencing attachment.” </i><span class="s1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">Caroline Knapp</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Approximately a quarter of Irish households own a dog, but ask your parents or grandparents if they ever brought the dog on holidays in their day, and they might look at you like you had a screw loose! I’m happy to say times are changing, and with more than half of British homes owning a pet, the UK is one of the most dog-friendly places in the world to live or visit. As a result, more Irish people than ever are visiting the UK and bringing their dogs along. It looks like leaving our dogs with the neighbour or stuck in kennels while we go off and enjoy a holiday will soon be a distant memory. Dog owners are taking the time to source dog-friendly accommodation and accessible tourist sights, so our dogs can come and experience them too. Dog-friendly travel is a fast growing business, with t<span class="s2" style="color: #18191b;">he global pet travel services market estimated at Euro1.60 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach Euro 1.8 billion by the end of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>2023.</span></p><p class="p5" style="background-color: white; color: #18191b; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Of course, there are things to consider before travelling with your dog, like their age and health, and if they are friendly enough to get along with other dogs they will meet on their adventures, but bringing our dogs on holidays is a fast-changing mindset, and it's much more acceptable and commonplace to include a spot for your dog.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">If you are travelling to the UK with your dog, make sure your pet has up-to-date shots and paperwork. Then consider taking a ferry to one of the UK’s many dog-friendly areas. I chose the Lake District in Cumbria, travelling with my two senior rescue dogs, Gizmo and Babe, sleeping in a stylish shepherd hut, a 14th-century stately home, and ending the trip meditating with horses on an Air BnB experience. </p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I chose to travel with my two senior rescue dogs. Babe is a Merle Staffie-Frenchie cross and about eleven years old. I was volunteering at a dog shelter when she came in from the pound and managed to wangle her way into my car before I realised I was getting a dog. I had no idea her Merle camouflage-print coat would attract so much attention. Merle wasn’t popular when I got her nearly seven years ago, but now people run after us to take photos because it’s so rare to see a Merle staffie. Gizmo is not blessed in the looks department, with a wonky eye and his little tongue permanently poking out. He’s about eight and joined us last year. Both dogs had a tough start in life, so it’s a privilege to make their later years a joy. After reading recently that one day in your life is the equivalent of a week in your dog's, it made me acutely aware of how precious the time is with our pets.</p><p class="p6" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><i>“Dogs lives are too short. Their only fault, really.”</i> Agnes Slight Turnbull</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As a travel writer, I often have to leave my dogs behind, but this time it would be built around them. I choose the Lake District as it comes up as one of the most dog-friendly places you can visit.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">From Ireland Stena Line offers three pet friendly options on its Dublin to Holyhead, Rosslare to Fishguard and Belfast to Liverpool routes. On all routes you can leave your pet in the car for free, while kennels are also free on the Holyhead and Fishguard routes (€17 on the Liverpool route). You also have the option to pre-book a pet cabin from an additional €58 single per sailing. The cabins include en suite facilities, vinyl floors, and come with water bottles and pee pads for pets. </p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> If you are travelling from Belfast to Cairnryan, Stena Line has just introduced a new pet lounge from €17 per pet. Pets must remain in a carrier while in the lounge but you can also exercise or sit with them on the adjacent outside deck. Pre-book all options online at <a href="http://www.stenaline.ie/"><span class="s3" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);">www.stenaline.ie</span></a></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">P&O Ferries doesn’t allow pets on its routes. Pets are allowed on Irish Ferries, which operate two routes from Ireland: Dublin to Holyhead, taking around 3 hours,15 minutes; and Rosslare to Pembroke, taking about 4 hours. On these routes, pets travel for free, but they need to be pre-booked. They can stay in your car or in an onboard kennel on the car decks. The Lakes is another three hour drive what ever route you take, so try to enjoy the drive, especially if your dogs like car rides. My two nod off easily and can snore for hours, occasionally glancing out the window to see if they recognise any sights or smells, then settling back down, trusting that I know where I’m going and that there will be treats when we arrive.</p><p class="p6" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">I used <a href="http://www.doggiepubs.org.uk/"><span class="s4">www.doggiepubs.org.uk</span></a> to find dog-friendly pubs in Wigan or Preston so we could break the journey and picked The Hand and Dagger in Preston to let them have a sniff around. Babe loves to wander around a good pub and would be happy to spend the whole holiday getting pets from random strangers! Gizmo tries to be social like Babe, but he hasn’t quite mastered her ability to work a room, so he usually retreats and lets Babe charm the masses. Visiting a pub as a solo traveller with dogs has its challenges, like visiting the rest rooms without having to bring the dogs in with you! I’ve relied on the kindness of strangers more than once for this endeavour, and luckily, people were more than happy to hold the hounds while I used the facilities! This is where having a trustworthy, friendly dog is hugely important.</p><p class="p6" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Cumbria is a stunning part of the world, with lush rolling hills and incredible views. If you are driving solo like me, it's hard to really take in the glory of the countryside, and on secondary roads, I’m reduced to snatching a few glances past some jaw-dropping natural landscape. Our first couple of nights were at Another Place, The Lakes, on the shores of Ullswater Lake, the quieter part of the district. Calling it a hotel doesn’t quite do it justice because it consists of several concepts in one. There’s the main Georgian period house, with accommodation and two restaurants; an additional 1930s cottage next door, which is available to rent; a large glasshouse converted into a bistro; and several deluxe shepherd's huts and a larger Treehouse set on the grounds. The hut accommodation consists of two shepherd huts merged into one, with a lounge, shower room, and bedroom. They all have some kind of show-stopping free-standing bath as a feature, and the style and finish are five-star luxe. I booked Another Place after seeing drone footage on their Instagram feed. At first I thought it might be AI generated because it was so idyllic, but in reality it was just as picture-perfect.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>One side of the main house hosts the indoor pool and ‘Swim Club’ area, and there’s also a large dog-friendly patio area with views of the lake. The hut and cabin area is magical. Secure and gated, with space to let dogs run wild, it has different marked walking trails beyond the gates. The huts all have their own mini gardens with fire pits and fairy lights, which make you forget you are in a hotel and not some remote, deluxe camp site in the wilds. My dogs felt at ease straight away, basking in the sun by day, and when it came to the most important time of the day: dinner time, we had a dog-friendly restaurant, The Living Space, to go to, just five minutes from the main building. Eating with two dogs also presents its challenges, but the staff were in tune, letting us sit in a quiet area so I could manage them both. With a commute of approximately five minutes home, I added a couple of well made cocktails to my bill, and chatted to a few fellow guests, most of whom had been before. I tried two of the three restaurants and found the food to be excellent, which was a relief because once there, driving anywhere for dinner is an effort. The next day, I left the dogs while I had a swim and a facial at the Swim Club. There were activities like group hikes and night swims all available on their app but I couldn’t join and leave the dogs. Instead, after dinner on the second night, I made drinking chocolate with marshmallows from my stocked kitchen cupboard, lit the log fire and sat with my dogs and it felt like doggie and human heaven.</p><p class="p6" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><i>(another.place)</i></p><p class="p6" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Instagram sensation @greatbritishdogwalks recommended our next hotel, just a 30-minute drive from Another Place. Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa is set on 400 acres of deer park and woodland, by Bassenthwaite Lake. Parts of this privately owned stately home date back to the eleventh century, with some recently added modern suites. I booked a dog-friendly contemporary suite with a private, secure patio. Having outdoor space with two dogs is so important; as any dog owner knows, one pee pee on the carpet could ruin a whole trip. I was happy no one had an issue with two scruffy rescue dogs strolling through the grand reception area to our suite, where there was a welcome pack of dog treats, spare leads, bowls, and poop bags. I’d classify that as beyond dog-friendly!</p><p class="p6" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">There is plenty to explore beyond Armathwaite Hall, but the grounds were so lush and picturesque that we stayed mostly in the immediate area. Babe’s stiff little arthritic legs kicked into action, trying to chase the many colonies of rabbits in the gardens. The hotel spa is the main attraction, with indoor and outdoor thermal pools, tropical rain showers and more. The next morning I had a relaxing swim and a strong massage, all before breakfast, with locally made yoghurt and homemade preserved figs. The made-to-order scrambled eggs were a real treat, but the grandeur of dining hall felt a bit formal for us in the evenings, and understandably, it was not dog-friendly, so I found a more relaxed spot to have dinner with the dogs.</p><p class="p6" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">(www.armathwaite-hall.com/)</p><p class="p6" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">The Sun Inn, in Keswick is just a ten minute drive and has excellent food and a very relaxed dog policy. The road there is winding, but it's lovely countryside, and you can have excellent fish and chips and the local delicacy, a glorious sticky toffee pudding. There’s a large outdoor area with seating and parking across the road.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><i>“Dogs are not our whole lives, but they make our lives whole.”</i> Rodger A. Caras</p><p class="p6" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">My final stop was a 30 minute drive to a dog-friendly Air B&B. Rydal is set in the heart of the Lake District, and is a lot busier than the Ullswater area in high season. It was home to the Poet Laureate, William Wordsworth, who was an avid dog lover, writing several of his best known poems about dog’s love and loyalty. </p><p class="p6" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">If you fancy a hike, follow in Wordsworth’s footsteps up Fairfield and Rydal Mount, or make your way around Rydal Water and visit the Rydal Caves. My two are certainly not suited to cross-country rambling, so check a site like <a href="http://www.pawsandstay.co.uk/"><span class="s4">www.pawsandstay.co.uk</span></a> for the routes that will suit your dog’s ability.</p><p class="p6" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">I chose this Air BnB because it offered Meditation with Horses. My host Katherine suffered a terrible riding accident that crushed her pelvis and as she recovered, she visiting her horses and mediated. When she brought her heart rate down the horses would come to lie down with her. “Horses are herd animals, and they stay together like shoals of fish to be safe. They do this by detecting each other’s heart rates and mirroring them. They pick up on subtle things like hormonal changes and can detect our heart rate from four metres away. So if we bring our heart rate down, the horses come into a state of embodied stillness” she tells me. I left the dogs snoozing and set off on the ten-minute drive to meet her three horses, Yogi, Amber, and Ellie. Despite growing up around horses, kneeling down and letting them paw me for belly rubs didn’t feel at all natural at first. I couldn’t relax completely because Yogi the 13-hand horse took a shine to me and was hovering, gently resting his warm muzzle on my head as I scratched his belly. If I stopped for a second, his front hoof would come up like a dog’s paw, nudging for more. It was a beautiful, unique experience and yet slightly daunting. Katherine’s place is a vibrant, rustic experience, with dogs and chickens running freely and plenty of other guests arriving for experiences like foraging and wild swimming.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p6" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">(Air BnB experience: Meditation with Horses E50 pp.)</p><p class="p6" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Our ferry home was an evening crossing so I just stayed in the car for the trip. It’s not ideal because there can be harsh fumes in the cargo area, but the dogs didn’t want to move, so we all had a snooze, dreaming of Wordsworth’s<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><i>“loveliest spot that man hath found.”</i></p><p><br /></p>Sara Colohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732656718070616610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840670815709197748.post-87196691210962159392023-08-31T14:53:00.002+01:002023-08-31T14:53:15.637+01:00London Hotels with a USP- The Mail, August travel special <p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYs1rm0rg478gS8fm8yUDMlemyLpYl9MPyt-2KE_J69v446KpoYRgOOnxMQOQi6fHd4HKe_-7auakk5hf1ipFFnkVz-7yJ0qIgMrZ8PyDqsAq0-sgnjbJHkOpZq2Nbs_PHNDcn2xCAdrHY1z-b_RHxa64sUNt0A3x7eFr3zWq7PPiJWJsLWx8KlDUadQ/s1402/Screenshot%202023-08-31%20at%2014.50.02.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pkh4G_dL7OLw1g9lqd7iqj2jBUE7Us8BBdvlXYsvccxRIQ7aNmChwiNr_LOSpsQD7DaVoVBab_WKy8uNwczvRyNJUf4MzPlyXj2kbBx5VXNzBy_gSP5H9WxrKqNHzVnscFiHrmkyoA3T8R4-x5l_xpTorFSnRnzNt6dxmOAL2QfaiYfB9pZM_fMMczk/s1358/Screenshot%202023-08-31%20at%2014.50.29.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1358" data-original-width="490" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pkh4G_dL7OLw1g9lqd7iqj2jBUE7Us8BBdvlXYsvccxRIQ7aNmChwiNr_LOSpsQD7DaVoVBab_WKy8uNwczvRyNJUf4MzPlyXj2kbBx5VXNzBy_gSP5H9WxrKqNHzVnscFiHrmkyoA3T8R4-x5l_xpTorFSnRnzNt6dxmOAL2QfaiYfB9pZM_fMMczk/s320/Screenshot%202023-08-31%20at%2014.50.29.png" width="115" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="1402" data-original-width="1064" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYs1rm0rg478gS8fm8yUDMlemyLpYl9MPyt-2KE_J69v446KpoYRgOOnxMQOQi6fHd4HKe_-7auakk5hf1ipFFnkVz-7yJ0qIgMrZ8PyDqsAq0-sgnjbJHkOpZq2Nbs_PHNDcn2xCAdrHY1z-b_RHxa64sUNt0A3x7eFr3zWq7PPiJWJsLWx8KlDUadQ/s320/Screenshot%202023-08-31%20at%2014.50.02.png" width="243" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="p1" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Do you want the wow-factor from your hotel, but don’t want to break the bank? Explore some of London’s lesser-known hotels, serving urban safari sounds, wizard themed afternoon tea and some serious five-star decadence, for less than you’d expect!</p><p class="p2" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px; text-align: start;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px; text-align: start;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">London has been the undisputed top destination for Irish visitors for many years, with almost three million visitors travelling for work and leisure each year. The city hosts some of the world's greatest landmark museums, it has more than its fair share of iconic monuments, bridges, palaces, and parks, and it also has an extensive array of iconic hotels. A mere mention of The Savoy, Claridges, or The Ritz, and people are instantly transported to the highest echelons of glamour. These venerable, elegant hotels are among the most famous in the world, and rightly so, but not everyone can afford that level of opulence, and if you are travelling with children, frankly, that level of grandeur is often lost on them. Maybe they would prefer to wake up in a lodge next to the monkeys of London Zoo or sleep in a treehouse-style room way up over the rooftops of Regent Street? London has so many remarkable hotels, so whether you fancy an opulent den with leather floors or you’d rather an all-vegan suite,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>London’s got you covered.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><b>Borough: Vegan Suite, Bankside, Hilton</b></p><p class="p1" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Incredibly, there is just one dedicated vegan hotel suite in London. <b>The Hilton Bankside </b>has created one in partnership with multi-sensory design experts Bompas & Par and the suite has been given the thumbs up by The Vegan Society. It offers a vegan experience throughout, from a plant-based check-in desk and keycard to vegan-friendly bedding and eco-cotton carpet. where you can experience a range of features that embrace a plant-based lifestyle with all aspects thoughtfully designed, including:</p><p class="p1" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">The pillow menu offers anti-bacterial, non-allergenic, and environmentally sourced materials to replace feather down, such as buckwheat pillows made with 100% organic buckwheat hulls, kapok pillows made from natural kapok, and millet pillows made with organic millet husks. There’s even a hand-embroidered Piñatex leather headboard (plant-based natural leather made from pineapple fibres). The vegan mini bar with snacks is well stocked, and the hotel bar and restaurant cater for vegans, with plenty on offer at the generous buffet breakfast. There’s a small pool and mini spa in the lower ground area.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #094fd1; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="http://www.hilton.com/">www.hilton.com</a></span><span class="s2" style="color: #151515;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><b>Clerkenwell: The Rookery</b></p><p class="p1" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">This lovingly restored set of Georgian houses merge into a rich vintage oasis, tucked away just a short distance from St. Paul's Cathedral, the Bank of England, and the Old Bailey. The hotel is made up of the only remaining early houses in Peter’s Lane, so don’t expect the usual hotel trimmings like a spa or roof garden; all the attention has gone on the rooms and the beautiful, lush communal spaces. Each room is unique, some with exposed original beams, most with antique freestanding baths, and all with treasures handpicked and painstakingly restored by one of the owners. The library has polished wood panelling, stone flagged floors, and an open fire. The hotel runs an honesty bar system where you simply write your room number and self-pour. If you are lucky, you will get to meet the stunning puma-sized black cat who patrols the plush corridors. With 30 rooms, it’s a decent-sized boutique, and its main suite, The Nest, is the jewel in the crown, with its split-level grandeur, exposed rafters, and sumptuous fabrics.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Two other hotels in the group include Hazlitts in Soho and Batty Langleys in Spitalfields. All three hotels are incredibly authentic restorations and a true step back into the luxury world of Georgian London.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">www.rookeryhotel.com</p><p class="p1" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><b>Regent’s Street: The Treehouse Hotel</b></p><p class="p1" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Tucked away in Langham Place with a view of the iconic Langham Hotel roof top is Treehouse Hotel, a playhouse for fun-loving adults and families. Each bedroom is decked out like a mini treehouse, with fun kitsch toys and colourful soft furnishings dotted around the rooms. The views are breathtaking on a clear day, and The Nest restaurant is a buzzy, vibrant place to enjoy food all day and lively nighttime entertainment. Broad balconies surround The Nest, allowing lots of outdoor dining and drinking, overlooking the salubrious rooftops of the surrounding Langham Place. Despite its grand location, it's unpretentious, good fun, and the perfect hotel for the grownup who’s still a kid. There’s another Treehouse Hotel opening in Manchester later this year.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #094fd1; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="http://www.treehousehotels.com/london">www.treehousehotels.com/london</a></span><span class="s2" style="color: #151515;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><b>Regent’s Park:</b> <b>London Zoo Lodges</b></p><p class="p1" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Who knew London Zoo had lodges available to rent within the grounds? You can enjoy a night in the heart of the zoo, listening to the animals up close, like you’re on an urban safari! You can discover what happens at the Zoo after dark by joining exclusive after-hours tours before bedding down for the night in a private lodge within roaring distance of the Asiatic lion enclosure. The zoo runs both adult-only and family nights, which have a similar structure but tailor the talks and activities on the tours for younger guests on family nights. Adult night participants need to be 14 and over, and children must be 5–13 years old for family nights. Each cabin fits up to two adults and two children under 15. London Zoo Lodges are open all year, but as they are such a unique novelty, they book up well in advance. They run a full breakfast and dinner menu and cater for special occasions.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p3" style="color: #094fd1; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="http://www.londonzoo.org/">www.londonzoo.org</a></span><span class="s2" style="color: #151515;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><b>Euston: Meliá White House</b></p><p class="p1" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Spanish hotel group Meliá, with 125 hotels internationally, has just completed the £40 million transformation of its flagship UK hotel, <a href="https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/london/melia-white-house"><span class="s3" style="color: #094fd1;">Meliá White House</span></a>, a 4-star deluxe hotel on the corner of Regent’s Park, very near Euston Station. The 1930s, Grade II-listed building has had its 581 bedrooms, suites, and public spaces upscaled, and the architects have worked hard to retain the building's original Art Deco architectural style. Each public space has been designed to be part of one another; there are no doors, so guests are able to easily flow from one space to another. White marble flooring spans the entrance and ground floor, contrasted with walnut wood fixtures and wine-red velvet fabric drapes inspired by London’s love of theatre and musicals. The Mediterranean-inspired Arado Restaurant is the hotel’s in-house restaurant. Meliá White House also has 111 long-stay apartments, a 24-hour fitness studio, and nine meeting and event spaces, all promising state-of-the-art technology. It’s also got a swimming pool, squash courts, a delicatessen, a newsagent, a chemist, a hairdresser, a valet, and a roof-top garden. If you want your luxury hotel to have everything under one roof, this is a good choice.</p><p class="p4" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><b>Soho: Dean Street Townhouse Hotel<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></b></p><p class="p1" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">The Dean Street Townhouse Hotel, run by Soho House Group, can not be left out when describing fabulous London hotels. The hotel's restaurant next door is still one of the best-managed and most inviting restaurants in the city. The lighting gives off a warm atmosphere, no matter what time of day you visit and the coveted outside tables are the best in Soho for people watching. The hotel bedrooms deliver the consistent style and luxury expected from Soho House in general, but there’s just something extra special about Dean Street. Maybe it's the decor, the luxury bath products, the surprisingly spacious rooms, or maybe it’s the amazing selection of items offered in their legendary mini bar! If you are looking for a buzzy location, lots of Soho House style, consistency and service, this hotel will be hard to beat.</p><p class="p3" style="color: #094fd1; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="http://www.sohohouse.com/">www.sohohouse.com</a></span><span class="s2" style="color: #151515;"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px; text-align: start;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><b>Pimlico: Georgian House Hotel</b></p><p class="p1" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Another option for grownups and kids alike is this curious Georgian house set in stylish Pimlico, just off the glorious Eccleston Square. Georgian House Hotel offers solo, double, and family rooms with a little something extra for wizard lovers. Some of the rooms are themed as Wizard Chambers and Enchanted Chambers and offer nice little extra touches like mini treasure hunts for kids, secret doors hidden behind bookcases, and a wizard-themed afternoon tea offering choux buns filled with smoked salmon, cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches, a selection of colourful cakes, and plenty of tasty potions like butterscotch beer for parents (with alcohol) and kids (alcohol free) to drink. This is a great location if you want to be within walking distance of Wicked at the Apollo or catch a train from Victoria Station. This company also has another property in the area, a more basic 2-star called Bower House.</p><p class="p3" style="color: #094fd1; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="http://www.yourplaceuk.co.uk/">www.yourplaceuk.co.uk</a></span><span class="s2" style="color: #151515;"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px; text-align: start;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><b>Tottenham Court Road : Chateau Denmark</b><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Set over thirteen different Georgian houses along London’s rock and roll mecca, Denmark Street, Chateau Denmark has to be one of the most unusual hotels in this group. More like dimly lit, private apartments, the hotel’s spacious rooms are spread out throughout several different buildings (great for privacy) and come equipped with a booming sound system, leather flooring, and plenty of black marble tiling. Don't be surprised if your room has a pair of chainmail curtains, a leather-clad confession box converted into a wardrobe, and lots of black velvet throws with gold brocade trim. This stylish, five-star den of inequity, with your own personal butler and an exhausting range of room service, is not exactly giving off family vibes. Think honeymoon or an anniversary weekender— a rock and roll, bourbon-soaked trip to London’s musical heart! If you don’t want to navigate far from your base, you can just head up to the roof and enjoy dinner at the acclaimed Chinese restaurant Tattu. www.tattu.co.uk. Fancy going to a gig or a late-night drink? It’s all covered on this tiny street, with a 2000-seat venue HERE @ Outernet and a legendary London late-night bar, The Lower Third, all on your doorstep. <a href="http://www.thelowerthird.co.uk/"><span class="s3" style="color: #094fd1;">www.thelowerthird.co.uk</span></a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This is a hotel for the adventurous, night owl, rock n roll star.</p><p class="p3" style="color: #094fd1; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="http://www.chateaudenmark.com/">www.chateaudenmark.com</a></span><span class="s2" style="color: #151515;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #151515; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">For all additional tourist information: <a href="http://www.visitlondon.com/"><span class="s3" style="color: #094fd1;">www.visitlondon.com</span></a></p></div>Sara Colohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732656718070616610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840670815709197748.post-5355993690851617402023-08-31T11:05:00.002+01:002023-08-31T14:40:50.974+01:00Irish Examiner: Feature on @fleetwoodjack <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6iQCFYdoGwJWaLEx53-OoG0Te2P3l04TnlpioyRCS-hH2pOC1-cmcDvUwN_aRqUK-cjcLFkRborZ7DRVHH4zVkhMAQUENbVB83N4-6XUYEe-eF4VKtF5TRTzSM3ctzbHGZ-4HgkNa2_JBpY18WS5sm5I1Hyjr8h-JJAw1RpNxcqPlaQNuPIG7bbeb40/s1403/dc552c57-075d-47ab-a2fa-fbb8dcd5f678.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1403" data-original-width="1052" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6iQCFYdoGwJWaLEx53-OoG0Te2P3l04TnlpioyRCS-hH2pOC1-cmcDvUwN_aRqUK-cjcLFkRborZ7DRVHH4zVkhMAQUENbVB83N4-6XUYEe-eF4VKtF5TRTzSM3ctzbHGZ-4HgkNa2_JBpY18WS5sm5I1Hyjr8h-JJAw1RpNxcqPlaQNuPIG7bbeb40/s320/dc552c57-075d-47ab-a2fa-fbb8dcd5f678.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5jzjBXu6IJAOqALvyyuIv4QXI-YyVgT7DJFsmHwICAMRf9SePduCP-AzBKwbLa-KgZU1hVVuRTJQuuOfMI-EJVwR0Cj27MHWBYMse5b3x2oIfFIeWGJppfVHRTuj3WgiIwizcokTSQOMBXP-vVIYq7MEU_gjI9XKpmbgWMRw4V4Y03fFwuhh5S4acz4/s1447/ca5642cb-34ba-4eb8-b318-6bf5025e2d8d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1447" data-original-width="1108" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5jzjBXu6IJAOqALvyyuIv4QXI-YyVgT7DJFsmHwICAMRf9SePduCP-AzBKwbLa-KgZU1hVVuRTJQuuOfMI-EJVwR0Cj27MHWBYMse5b3x2oIfFIeWGJppfVHRTuj3WgiIwizcokTSQOMBXP-vVIYq7MEU_gjI9XKpmbgWMRw4V4Y03fFwuhh5S4acz4/s320/ca5642cb-34ba-4eb8-b318-6bf5025e2d8d.jpeg" width="245" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Uum8NAZE6Non7pEkZlyhWF00kAxIcniisE1Ds2701YgU25DysImmewWEwLbQyC6h8NAz11r6VK66he-RoiL7IvmwVdcznDjlXA0imOes6XAQVNSz79xnQWn0zhNOXY0EaBSVAaGJgkN112vrHtUNIf2qH_42OUg1yOgNvwYKAWBWATwynOnPlEEMVek/s1024/5ec36923-0aea-4313-965c-1b8928bf3035.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Uum8NAZE6Non7pEkZlyhWF00kAxIcniisE1Ds2701YgU25DysImmewWEwLbQyC6h8NAz11r6VK66he-RoiL7IvmwVdcznDjlXA0imOes6XAQVNSz79xnQWn0zhNOXY0EaBSVAaGJgkN112vrHtUNIf2qH_42OUg1yOgNvwYKAWBWATwynOnPlEEMVek/s320/5ec36923-0aea-4313-965c-1b8928bf3035.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">As many Irish students wait patiently for their Leaving Cert results, we meet trailblazer Jack Ring, who bypassed university and uses social media to fund his life of adventure and travel.<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Everyone has had moments where they fantasised about drastically changing their lives, but not many of us are brave enough, or, as some people might suggest, crazy enough, to make the massive changes needed to completely alter our reality.<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Maybe you have thought about packing a rucksack and leaving your current life behind, starting a new one where waking up on a warm, deserted beach to watch the sunrise is a regular occurrence. No alarm going off <span dir="ltr">at 6 a.m.</span>; no daily grind; no packed commute to a job that underwhelms you. Would you pack it up to live that nomadic dream? <o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Meet Jack Ring, known as @fleetwoodjacko to his thousands of Tiktok followers.<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> <o:p class=""></o:p></span></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><b class=""><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Jack Ring</span></b><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> was raised by his mother and aunt in </span><span class="" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Ballincollig, </span><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Cork. At the tender age </span><span class="" style="color: #0f0606; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">of 28</span><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">, he is already a veteran globetrotter, having left home initially for a short holiday in Canada in 2019, but still travelling nearly </span><span class="" style="color: #040402; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">five</span><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> years later.<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Jack has financed his life by becoming a digital nomad. As his interest in travelling to different countries and learning about new cultures grew, so did his TikTok and Instagram accounts. Fast forward to today, and @FleetwoodJacko has amassed over 675,000 followers on Tiktok and over 200k on Instagram, with his dedicated followers watching, and no doubt living vicariously through his energising, funny, and action-packed videos. One minute he’s broke, working in a hostel in Hawaii, next he’s hitchhiking to Panama on the back of a dodgy truck. He’s snorkelling with sea lions in the Galapagos Islands, then surfing the waves in sunny South Africa. He’s endearing, very easy on the eye, and even brings his Irish mammy on a trip or two.<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Jack was not keen on school. “I missed a lot of school; I just didn’t suit academia at all,” he says, sounding a bit guilty about it. As a student in Colaiste Choilm, he found it a struggle to finish his leaving certificate, but he managed it, and when all his friends went on to college, it seemed the natural choice for him too.<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">A few months into his course in </span><span class="" style="color: #040101; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Rec and Leisure in CIT,</span><span class="" style="color: #f93b2c; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">with no idea what he really wanted to do with his life, he dropped out. He wanted to please his mother by going to college, but “even when people were asking me what I was doing, I knew on some deeper level there was something else for me. I just knew college wasn't the right fit.” He got a job in a bar and hoped things would work themselves out. Then, with his uncle’s help, he started an apprenticeship as an electrician, but, much to his mother's dismay, it wasn’t a great experience, and after two years, he walked away disillusioned and even more unsure about his future. <o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> <o:p class=""></o:p></span></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">He was feeling the pressure because all his friends were completing their degrees and following their career paths at this stage, while he felt he was drifting. “This was probably the lowest point for me. I was 22, had no job, no career plan, and all my friends seemed to be moving on with their lives. As I look back now, I didn’t have anything going for me really, probably drinking too often, my mental health was at it’s worst and I just got myself into a rut.” <o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> Arguably there is a lot of pressure on Irish 17- and 18-year-old school leavers to rush into a career path without really seeing any of the world; and Jack was feeling that pressure. “ I don’t want to think about what my life would be like if I didn’t try to find another way ” he tells us.<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">In 2019 a friend invited him to spend the summer in Canada, and that initial trip set him on an adventure that’s still ongoing, five years later. “I knew after my first day in Canada that I wasn’t going to go back home. I just felt so sure.”<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">It was in Canada, late one night, while drinking with his friend, that Jack posted his first Tiktok video. He was 23, so it was just a fun video about going out and drinking too much, but incredibly, it was viewed thousands of times. “I couldn’t believe it. We were just joking around, and all these people were watching and asking for more, so it seemed like a great way to engage with people and just have fun. I wasn’t thinking about making money at all at the start.” <o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">As he settled into his new life, snowboarding by day and working as a barman in a high-end ski resort in the evenings, he was constantly meeting new friends at every turn, and as his life evolved, so did the content of his videos. There were more heartfelt chats to camera, more honest, transparent videos about wanting to drink less, and celebrate living in the moment, watching beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and people were enthralled. He still wasn’t making any money from his on line videos but his followers were growing by the thousands.<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">He’s way too shy to admit it himself, but it has to be said that Jack is beyond handsome, with piercing blue eyes and flowing, raven black hair, but it’s his honest, thick and lilting Cork accent that lends authenticity to him, making him so much more than just another pretty face on Tiktok. His looks have been beneficial recently, as he appeared in a male model calendar in Hawaii. He laughs and is very embarrassed when I bring up ‘Mr. January’.<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> “Oh God, that was so random. I was surfing on the beach, had my hair down, and this guy ran up to me, asking if I’d be in this calendar of Hawaiian men for some company or other. He told me I’d get paid, and as I was broke, with literally a couple of dollars in my account at the time, I thought, ‘Why not’? It was funny because I tried the whole time not to talk too much because my accent certainly didn’t sound local!” He adds, “I would have thought modelling was an easy gig before that day, and now I have huge respect for models. The photographer was telling me, Eyes down, shoulders back, mouth open’. God, I was confused by the end of it.” Much to the amusement of his friends and his proud mother back in Cork, he became Men of Hawaii’s Mr. January.<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Speaking of his Irish mammy, Jack gained even more fans when he brought his mother on a trip and shared her experiences in his stories. “As any mother would be, she was very worried about me travelling at the start.” Then she came to Hawaii to spent Christmas with him in </span><span class="" style="color: #010000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">2021</span><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">. ”She’s so cool. She just got stuck in, sleeping on a sofa a couple of nights, and basically just falling into the life I was living. They are some of the best times of my life, sharing moments like that with my mam. She came back for another trip, going round America too. One night she had to sleep on a couch with me. We slept opposite ends and she had to deal with my big feet in her face the whole night.”<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> <o:p class=""></o:p></span></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">After Hawaii, he went to the Galapagos Islands, and this is where his TikTok blew up. He explains “If you use a song over a video, you get money for playing the song. It’s amazing. I started earning hundreds of dollars without compromising any of my content, just using songs I loved. So, song promotions really saved me in South America. I only started getting into branded promotional stuff much later.”<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">He then visited Peru (accidentally visiting during COVID); Equador followed where he had a few hairy experiences including one where he was almost robbed at knifepoint but managed to get away thanks to the quick thinking of a kind local. It’s also where he had his first ayahuasca experience, (the native hallucinogenic drug used for medicinal purposes by indigenous tribes for centuries). That experience told him he needed to visit Africa, so for the first time, he stared to hatch a plan to get himself there. He went the long way about going there of course, which involved visiting Columbia to Panama via a 5-day boat journey. Jack landed just as the protests were in full swing in Panama, so he cut things short, hitchhiking along the closed highways, relying on the kindness of strangers, of whom he says there were many. “There are so many stories about some of these South American countries, but honestly, I met some of the kindest people there who were so willing to help me. These people were searching for a better life, travelling out of necessity, and here I was, doing it for fun. The Venizalian people I met, telling me their stories of hardship, just made me acutely aware of my privilege.” He adds “Meeting those lads was one of the most important things that happened to me and got me thinking about how I could made a difference ”. He’s clearly still moved, telling me about the hardships and injuries those men suffered. <o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">El Salvador and Hondurus followed, hitchhiking and freediving his way cross country. He then went to Texas and travelled all the southern states in a bus with six other travellers, some of whom he had met previously on his South American travels and some he had just met in the US. “The bonds you make with people on the road are great. One girl and her partner picked us up hitching, she’s pregnant now and has asked me to be the godfather to her child. It’s crazy to think we just met hitchhiking, but spending all that time in the confined space of a car talking about everything and anything. It's a great way to really get to know someone”.<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">But he didn’t stay too long in the States.“America was way more expensive than anywhere I was living before, so I needed to think about financing my trip to Africa. I went back to Hawaii to get some basic things sorted. I worked in the hostel, and did some product placement with brands like </span><span class="" style="color: #020101; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Wndrd, Rosetta Stone, and Zebra Teleheath and saved for the trip.</span><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"><o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Finally, earlier this year he arrived in South Africa. <o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Despite his huge on line following, Jack doesn’t call himself an influencer. He tells new people he meets that he works in hostels, a much more modest approach. He tells me he likes to blaze his own trail when it comes to his social media. “I want to earn my money by doing something authentic” he says, “I’d never just cash in because I have loads of followers. Along with getting getting various surf and diving certs through my year travelling, I also learned videography and got pretty good at editing. I shot a video for the first hostel I stayed in in in Africa and that got over 100,000 views so the owner put me in touch with lots of other hostels, and that’s my way of paying for my accommodation. South Africa is such an amazing place, I was happy to be helping the tourism industry recover after COVID hit them so hard .”<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Jack is now getting involved with charity work. He tells me his meeting with the Venezuelan men really triggered something in him. “I'm starting to make videos of inspirational people who I’ve met on my travels and have involvements in NGOs. I want to set up links to the videos so people can donate to the different NGOs. That’s all inspired by my mother who set up an NGO in Cork<b class=""> </b>years ago.”<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">He’s also putting his new skill set to use by setting up his own surf school: Travellers Surf Camp, and he’s thrilled to tell me his first one has already sold out this October 2023. More will follow.<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">During our chat, he mentions various relationships, girls he spent trips with here and there, names of girls he travelled with, one who he tried a long distance relationship with, but it didn’t work out. I get the feeling he’d be a hard one to tie down, with lots of different projects on the go and maybe not ready to commit to a full on relationship just yet. “I’ve met so many fantastic friends on my travels and maybe 90% of my friends now are girls. I didn’t realise there are so many solo female travellers out there and they are all so great to get along with. It’s been a brilliant part of my journey, meeting all these strong women along the way, kinda like my mom” <o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">Follow AND support Jack on <o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">@fleetwoodjack Insta<o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">@Fleetwoodjacko TikTok <o:p class=""></o:p></span></div></div><div class=""><div class="" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></div></div></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><o:p class=""> </o:p></div>Sara Colohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732656718070616610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840670815709197748.post-9288435488724949962023-08-31T11:02:00.004+01:002024-02-09T15:13:16.184+00:00Cillian Murphy: Book of Empathy feature. The Mail <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFvPWj25GhmV-1mu3IMwD2gE65sl7bmxlztJZcr6thBfktHdPcxWV4Vf_7In7Jh3JMSKdTt8vlsaeP1DMFGn-xhW_TvrmBEVcHaMZgk8qa7wmkDeMD7hgzrGaFz9Q1zNXPUEVhs4OK5yboUIznzHW1LV7ducBX-IBH5O9iWlJw7709Ca2yyavbrS0YbU/s1795/9B87C18A-BA23-4458-9DB1-17B6E4B9DC0E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1795" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFvPWj25GhmV-1mu3IMwD2gE65sl7bmxlztJZcr6thBfktHdPcxWV4Vf_7In7Jh3JMSKdTt8vlsaeP1DMFGn-xhW_TvrmBEVcHaMZgk8qa7wmkDeMD7hgzrGaFz9Q1zNXPUEVhs4OK5yboUIznzHW1LV7ducBX-IBH5O9iWlJw7709Ca2yyavbrS0YbU/s320/9B87C18A-BA23-4458-9DB1-17B6E4B9DC0E.jpeg" width="257" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><b>Ionbhá: The Empathy Book for Ireland</b></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">From Atom Bombs to Irish classrooms, Cillian Murphy is teaching Irish children about empathy.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Actor Cillian Murphy (47), is currently starring as “the father of the atomic bomb”, Robert J Oppenheimer, in Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated £81 million biopic. Adapted from the 2006 book American Prometheus: The Triumph And Tragedy Of J. Robert Oppenheimer, by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, it details Oppenheimer's personal life and his time leading the Manhattan Project in the early and mid-1940s.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Along with appearing in Oscar-tipped blockbusters like Oppenheimer, Cillian Murphy is also involved in a project teaching empathy in schools across Ireland. He has written and edited a book on empathy, to highlight its importance in today’s world. <b>Ionbhá: The Empathy Book for Ireland </b>promotes empathy education in schools and aims to help reduce bullying, discrimination, racial profiling and violence, and increase young peoples’ sense of belonging in school. </div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">“Empathy can offer an embrace to difference, and can bring connection in a disconnected world.” Cillian Murphy</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Ionbhá: The Empathy Book for Ireland was originally the brainchild of leading empathy expert Professor Pat Dolan. Dolan is the co founder of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at the University of Galway, of which Cillian Murphy is a patron. Dolan co-founded Activating Social Empathy, an interactive, student-focused, social and emotional learning programme for post-primary schools which aims to improve empathy skills among secondary school students and has been rolled out as a free resource to schools all over Ireland.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Talking about the Irish schooling system Cillian Murphy said “There are kids who really suffer mentally and feel under such intense pressure. It [the Leaving Cert] was of no use to me, other than putting me in a spin . . . it works for some kids really, really well: those who can absorb facts, regurgitate them and are hugely academic. I’m lucky in that I was never prone to depression or panic attacks, but that year was a dark year. I still have nightmares about it, even more so than walking on stage.” </div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Empathy can be explained as a core understanding of other people, and it’s accessible to almost everyone on the planet. Along with other modern moral sentiments such as trust and altruism, empathy helps us sense and understand other people’s feelings and emotions and is seen by neuroscientists as the ‘social glue’ that keeps our society working in cooperation. Professor Dolan explains further:</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">“Empathy is not sympathy; it’s totally different. Empathy is the capacity to get into somebody else’s shoes and understand where they’re coming from. You can have cognitive empathy, and that’s where you understand what someone else is feeling, and that’s great, but affective empathy is where you actually feel what the person really feels.”</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">When we empathise, we mirror the distress of an "other," and, unless our brains are damaged in some way, we are moved to help in whatever way we can. People with a healthy level of empathy can navigate life with relative ease, feeling authentic compassion and love for others while recognising the boundary between their emotions and other people’s feelings.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">There are many types of empaths, with the most common being the emotional empath, who feels the emotions of others very strongly, sometimes when they are not even close by. They can pick up on ‘vibes’ and detect energy shifts easily, but they often struggle to have a strong sense of self in relationships. The next largest group are the physical empaths, who feel the pain of others. These heightened empathy levels can leave empaths open to toxic energy and exhaustion, and some become susceptible to destructive emotion-blocking behaviours like addiction. </div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">In the workplace, the empath can sometimes be bullied or seen as a source of authenticity and relied on by others for advice and emotional support, so balancing this can become difficult and draining. Often, empaths are targeted by empathy-deficient groups such as narcissists because some empaths can pick up on and "feel" the same admiration a narcissist has for themselves and may lack the boundaries required to clearly define their sense of "self." It’s often a hand-in-glove situation: the narcissist draws on the available energy, which often flows freely from an unguarded empath.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Shoring up emotions and managing empathy levels are crucial skills to master and can be a lifelong lesson for many empaths, but they can also help them avoid destructive relationships, both professional and personal. Clear, strong boundaries need to be developed to distinguish between someone else’s suffering and the ‘self’.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Luckily, there’s lots of support out there to make an advanced empath a superpower in the world. </div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Barack Obama, who recognised the power of empathy more than any other contemporary global leader, said:</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">“Learning to stand in somebody else's shoes, to see through their eyes, that's how peace begins, and it's up to you to make that happen. Empathy is a quality of character that can change the world.”</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Professor Dolan tells us: “We’d like to think that by having Ionbhá out there makes people aware of the importance of empathy. I see it as giving someone the gift of empathy, but it’s also putting the topic out there as one we need to talk about. While we talk a lot about well-being, we don’t talk enough about empathy.”</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">The book is full of prose, essays, and poetry, with topics ranging from politics to entertainment, sport, and education. Contributors like Hosier, Panti Bliss, The Edge, and President Michael D. Higgins all share their stories of empathy. Royalties from the book go to the project to support pupils, teachers, and schools.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">So are you a free-flowing empath? Are you often finding that you are drained and overwhelmed from giving too much of your time to others? Or, do you think you need to generate more empathy in your life? There are many tests you can do online to see how empathic you are. Answer a series of questions, and you will be able to gauge where you are on the spectrum. To get an even better understanding of your relationship with empathy, consider what type of empath you are. Experts say we need to work on it like a muscle, managing and training it to keep it in check.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">The three key ways we can help balance our emotions are diet, exercise, and meditation. If you need help to shore up the flow of empathy, try speaking to a mental health expert. Also recommended is regular physical exercise; getting through a tough workout is proven to make people more empathetic to human suffering and boosts self-esteem when completed.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">"If we have optimism but don’t have empathy, then it doesn’t matter how much we master the secrets of science; we’re not really solving problems; we’re just working on puzzles." Bill Gates</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">The Activating Social Empathy programme (ASE) has been trialled and used in 120 secondary schools nationwide, predominantly in junior cycle and in transition year. The ASE resource was recently included as a recommended resource in the Junior Cycle S.P.H.E toolkit, which will be available to every school in Ireland from September 2023 onwards. Research shows there is already positive impact from the programme. A trial found students who participated in ASE showed significantly higher emotional empathy, and significantly greater perspective-taking skills, than students who didn’t take part in the programme.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Ionbhá, The Empathy Book for Ireland, Mercier Press, €24.99.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">#cillianmurphy #empathyireland </div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Schools interested in ASE should contact <a href="mailto:charlotte.silke@universityofgalway.ie">charlotte.silke@universityofgalway.ie</a> or <a href="mailto:roisin.hanley@universityofgalway.ie">roisin.hanley@universityofgalway.ie</a></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-align: start;"><br /></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: start;" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Sara Colohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732656718070616610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840670815709197748.post-44417862572785829492023-08-31T10:57:00.004+01:002023-08-31T14:57:16.899+01:00Greek travel feature The Mail<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1yT6msjqUqG6Q5lvGZYj7MFzOmL1Tnct7-X5S6HzkYrNAJQjwjwVhDZl7XalqoXBiv_M-aqAG2frDPOw4q684qRrFmkTtrey_TO8Gw89MNuZI59LIkiJVO08BtejgN7koC0Ac8nEiXNdhQs1z8jS-f9fyjtNw_vncwD0_h-tSwCduS7jjMo_CFUQVtc/s1406/Screenshot%202023-08-31%20at%2014.55.47.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1406" data-original-width="618" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1yT6msjqUqG6Q5lvGZYj7MFzOmL1Tnct7-X5S6HzkYrNAJQjwjwVhDZl7XalqoXBiv_M-aqAG2frDPOw4q684qRrFmkTtrey_TO8Gw89MNuZI59LIkiJVO08BtejgN7koC0Ac8nEiXNdhQs1z8jS-f9fyjtNw_vncwD0_h-tSwCduS7jjMo_CFUQVtc/w179-h406/Screenshot%202023-08-31%20at%2014.55.47.png" width="179" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2P2BqIl6wIdj1asD1-JepSnXaDBqsdzOzJbtC39z7PzId4zk4uc6_6skyTwKf_qWhFf_C_pwfbHxKhCfmQf9lIWcu5JbYIXxYbzwyco_jc-64bReiSzn_zaHX_ZPxrpIWqMRb5qrZ1wcfvSMdArJGjGwwHs07U6DcSrGYcAg5sGxUvBcSkxIFivWPT8M/s1620/Screenshot%202023-08-31%20at%2014.42.17.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="1272" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2P2BqIl6wIdj1asD1-JepSnXaDBqsdzOzJbtC39z7PzId4zk4uc6_6skyTwKf_qWhFf_C_pwfbHxKhCfmQf9lIWcu5JbYIXxYbzwyco_jc-64bReiSzn_zaHX_ZPxrpIWqMRb5qrZ1wcfvSMdArJGjGwwHs07U6DcSrGYcAg5sGxUvBcSkxIFivWPT8M/w312-h398/Screenshot%202023-08-31%20at%2014.42.17.png" width="312" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #151515; font-family: Times; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Zakynthos: The Ionian Island has a lesser-known side, even perfumer Jo Malone is a fan.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #151515; font-family: Times; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #151515; font-family: Times; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;">Zakynthos or Zante (the Italian name), is one of the seven Greek Ionian Islands and the third largest after Corfu and Kefalonia. At just 40 km long and 17 km wide, it only takes about an hour to drive across the island. It’s mountainous, so the roads are winding with steep drops, but dotted in between the 127 km of rocky shoreline are some glorious, sandy beaches. Zante has long been a staple in British package holidays, but less so for the Irish, mainly due to the lack of direct flights. There are some parts of the island that still feel very commercial and dated, but there is plenty to this island that feels special and stylish. What used to be an island with more than its fair share of 2-star hotels and soulless functional timeshare apartments is now stepping up its star power, and more hotels are gaining those VIP vibes.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #151515; font-family: Times; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;">I stayed my first two nights at the <b>Windmill Bay Hotel</b> in Argassi (not to be mistaken for its sister hotel, the 2-star Windmill Hotel, in the same area). Just twenty minutes drive from the airport, it’s tucked away on the southeastern coast of the island. Windmill Bay recently underwent an extensive renovation and has risen to 4-star status. With the nearest sandy beach over fifteen minutes drive, there’s a private access point to the sea from the hotel, and although it’s just a few steps, you will need your rubber-soled aqua shoes as there are plenty of rocks and pebbles. The upside is that it’s a very quiet spot for a morning swim in the crystal clear water, as most of the guests only use the pool. The hotel has an impressive decking area with lots of seafront seating and a DJ playing cool Ibiza lounge-style beats in the evenings while you dine in the restaurant. There’s a nice cocktail bar open at weekends, and the rooms are impressive and stylish in cool creams and tans. If you want your own private outdoor whirlpool, just order one of the ground-floor suites. It’s surprisingly quiet and peaceful at night because this part of the island is away from the infamous Laganas Strip. It’s well worth doing a boat tour of the Blue Caves and the shipwreck if the weather is good. Windmill Bay runs a high-quality tour with an impressive 20-seat fibreglass inflatable boat. The shipwreck, only about 40 years old, is an unlikely tourist attraction, but it's the boat trip to the wreck that’s the best part. You travel the full length of the island in about 45 minutes, stopping off in a couple of spots for a swim. It is a thrilling 3-1/2-hour round trip, especially when you are in the best boat on the water. Some of the tiny rental boats we saw really didn’t look seaworthy. So, choose your vessel wisely and bring a towel or blanket, as it can get chilly on the high-speed boat, especially if you’ve had a dip. Rooms from E170 <a href="http://www.windmillhotelszante.com/">www.windmillhotelszante.com</a></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #151515; font-family: Times; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;">Finding a good restaurant was a bit trickier than expected so Google’s restaurant reviews gave me some extra guidance as a first-timer in Zante. I was looking for fresh fish, and Zante is known for its seafood, in particular sea bream. I chose <b>Ionian Pelagos</b>, Google’s highest-rated restaurant in Zante town, a ten-minute taxi ride from Windmill Bay (E12). Pelagos doesn’t have a website; there’s no fancy decor and no sea view. It just makes simple, well-cooked fish with no fuss. There’s no fancy linen, just simple paper tablecloths, and taking the guesswork out of it for you, there’s just one very drinkable house wine by the glass. There were quite a few hungry-looking stray cats eyeing up the food as it came out, and who could blame them? Pelagos served the best sea bass (E16) of my trip and tasty sardines (E8.50). Everything came with crispy, well-cooked chips, and the friendly waitress promised me she would help feed the cats any leftovers. The stray cat issue in Zante is heartbreaking, and it's a shame there isn’t more government support for charities organising neutering programmes. There’s no official charity to help cats but <b>Zante Strays </b>helps stray dogs. <a href="http://www.zantestrays.gr/"><span style="color: #094fd1;">www.zantestrays.gr</span></a></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #151515; font-family: Times; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px; text-size-adjust: auto;"> <br class="webkit-block-placeholder" /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #151515; font-family: Times; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;">If you are looking for dinner with all the trimmings and are just a five-minute walk from the Windmill Bay hotel, opt for the snazzy, sunset-by-the-sea <b>Kavo Seaside Restaurant</b>. The setting for this place is magical, with beautiful flower displays and stunning lighting along the main path and throughout the restaurant. Every inch is Instagrammable. The cocktails are delicious, and the service and food are of a good, fine dining standard. It’s pricy in comparison to Pelagos, but you pay for the show-stopping cocktail presentation, the incredible sunset framed by the endless fairy lights, and someone has to help pay their huge electricity bill! With the ocean lapping inches from your table, this place is perfect for a special occasion.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #151515; font-family: Times; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;">Next, I chose the adult-only, 160-room, 5-star <b>Contessina Hotel</b> in Tsilivi, a more northern part of the island. Contessina is definitely a bit of an oasis in this seaside town. Surrounded by traditional package-holiday-type attractions like free bingo nights and out-dated, expensive souvenir shops, the slick, cool hotel and its nearby <b>Contessina Suites & Spa</b> are impressive. They are beautifully built buildings with contemporary, clean lines in grey concrete and dark wood. The outdoor meets the indoor seamlessly, with sunken beds by the pool and most ground-floor rooms having private sunbeds floating over dipping pools for each room. It's expansive; there are over 70 suites within the hotel grounds, three restaurants, and a huge central swimming pool, but it marries close proximity and privacy well. I had a good meal at the rooftop a la carte Vedema Restaurant in the hotel. The complex is surprisingly quiet at night, considering the vast number of suites and rooms within the hotel. The separate Contessina Suites & Spa complex has a further 64 suites and a subterranean spa offering decent massages but with a hefty price tag of 95 euros for just 40 minutes. Rooms start at E240. <a href="http://www.contessinacollection.com/"><span style="color: #094fd1;">www.contessinacollection.com</span></a></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #151515; font-family: Times; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;">Like a lot of hotels in Zante, if you want to swim in the sea, you will have to travel to find a spot by the water. I had to walk 15 minutes along a main road to find access to the sea from the Contessina Hotel. <b>Venus Beach Bed Hire</b> saved the day. At just 6 euros to hire a sunbed and umbrella, delicious snacks like tempura crayfish, cocktails, and wines, it was a great place to spend the afternoon watching the world go by.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #151515; font-family: Times; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;">I checked out of Contessina and got a taxi further north to <b>Nobelos Seaside Lodge and Restaurant</b> to spend the day on their private beach. This is luxury on a small scale, a family-run business dating back to the 1990s with traditional buildings and a village feel. There are just four suites in the lodge, so you need to book well in advance to stay overnight, but the private beach and luxury beds are available to all, provided you agree to a minimum spend, which is easily done at their large organic restaurant (with an emphasis on fish) and the extensive cocktail, champagne, and wine list. When you access Nobelos private beach with its deep, turquoise-clear water, you know you are at one of the most private spots on the coast. Other than the wealthy guests coming to the restaurant from the nearby yachts, the only other background noise is the distant hum from the tourist boats as they pass on their way to the Blue Caves. The place has a bit of magic to it, and you could be forgiven for thinking it is centuries old. Visit the quirky Thalassa Boutique next to the restaurant, and you might be lucky enough to meet the Nobelos matriarch. The boutique is her domain, and she has a good eye, with some very stylish pieces on the rails. Even the global perfume titan Jo Malone is a fan, so much so that she created a scent inspired by the area and very possibly by Mama Nobelos, who’s a real character. Suites from E300: www.<a href="http://nobelos.gr/"><span style="color: #094fd1;">nobelos.gr</span></a></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #151515; font-family: Times; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;">Nobelos organised an airport transfer for me with <b>KS VIP Transfer</b>, and it was a first for me to ride in a blacked-out, custom Mercedes Maybach in orange with quilted leather interior. Nobelos gets a lot of high rollers who like to travel around the island in style, and because this driver was having a quiet day, I got to experience how the other half live, including enjoying a massage chair, all the way to the airport.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #151515; font-family: Times; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;">Like everywhere these days, Zante wasn’t cheap, and the general level of restaurant fare was not on par with some other Greek islands, but all in all, it's a great choice for a short break. The crystal-clear water, reliable weather, and convenient proximity to everything once you arrive are big bonuses. You can hire a car or be the bane of everyone’s life and hire a quad bike, but my advice is to find a great hotel, one that offers almost everything you need, and just soak up those rays. Maybe bring some cat food so you can feed your hotel stray.</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #151515; font-family: Times; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #151515; font-family: Times; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><b>www.</b><a href="http://jet2.com/"><span style="color: #00080c;"><b>jet2.com</b></span></a><b> </b>flies direct from Belfast International to Zante weekly <span dir="ltr">until Oct 23.</span> They also fly direct from 7 UK airports. <b>Jet2holidays</b> include Windmill Bay Hotel package deals.</div>Sara Colohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732656718070616610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840670815709197748.post-82301487027017333482023-08-01T17:16:00.001+01:002023-08-01T17:16:13.365+01:00Vegan Food & Living Magazine - Ethical Bedding - Vegan Bedding <div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScagZocgO83UYq-akLdEnaEle6n1m3IPt1Qbq67gBasl6f4_sfL_3LaAndKWhZ6jcEl_gopD1ALx9TMKZ_xxE6CjYcomKs7_LAFX0BMa4n3w4zriQ3LM7qKOSvgzCG4fWh3g4scE96IOij2ACGAaFso_DaO4bYB5pcOhfrpDMvBvgyr1skQFZeXQ_80Q/s1410/Screenshot%202023-08-01%20at%2017.11.06.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxcvq_-jwmcmDoFkKkmILTa2tj7E5p1bhQBVtjZNJS9rqhZN0GCsyCF-jQy5AwWX_LUby_8siS4E6LxErba5qhuHwrb3S6gigfzV2yseEkkRd1ZPPELecxe43rCVMVnS6cDTUv-Lmlf-rX3Dwsnnc15bT0ZENGZGae5wO_l5jJ7G2wXn6cQ1NUbl1D_8/s1424/Screenshot%202023-08-01%20at%2017.10.42.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1424" data-original-width="1148" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxcvq_-jwmcmDoFkKkmILTa2tj7E5p1bhQBVtjZNJS9rqhZN0GCsyCF-jQy5AwWX_LUby_8siS4E6LxErba5qhuHwrb3S6gigfzV2yseEkkRd1ZPPELecxe43rCVMVnS6cDTUv-Lmlf-rX3Dwsnnc15bT0ZENGZGae5wO_l5jJ7G2wXn6cQ1NUbl1D_8/w320-h373/Screenshot%202023-08-01%20at%2017.10.42.png" width="320" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="1410" data-original-width="1150" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScagZocgO83UYq-akLdEnaEle6n1m3IPt1Qbq67gBasl6f4_sfL_3LaAndKWhZ6jcEl_gopD1ALx9TMKZ_xxE6CjYcomKs7_LAFX0BMa4n3w4zriQ3LM7qKOSvgzCG4fWh3g4scE96IOij2ACGAaFso_DaO4bYB5pcOhfrpDMvBvgyr1skQFZeXQ_80Q/w313-h347/Screenshot%202023-08-01%20at%2017.11.06.png" width="313" /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Choose Cruelty-Free Vegan Bedding - it’s easier than you think!</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: start;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: start;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">The three most common types of animal-based bedding are down, silk and wool.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Cruelty-Free Vegan bedding options like linen, cotton and bamboo are really plentiful, very affordable and with a little planning, it’s easy make the switch.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: start;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">The down industry claims the majority of down is a by-product of the meat industry (meaning it was plucked from already dead birds), but there have been reports that 50%-80% of down still comes from live birds. </p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Silk bedding is often pitched as an alternative to down due to its hypoallergenic properties but traditional silk is from silkworms, farmed for so long they can no longer exist in the wild. If allowed, a silkworm would follow the natural stages of metamorphosis. We don’t realise that silkworms are boiled or gassed inside their cocoons before they can further mature to create silk.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Wool according to Peta is not much more ethically comforting so what are the cruelty free options?</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: start;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">The main vegan ethical alternatives are cotton, bamboo, Linen and eucalyptus silk. We take a look at how they are produced and where we can buy them.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: start;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">For those who don’t know much about bamboo, it’s naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial, very soft and quite breathable. But the main reason it is ahead of the others and winning eco awards around the world is it needs way less water than cotton to produce.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: start;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><b>Panda</b> is a london based UK company specialising in all things Bamboo. They’ve just won “Best Eco-Friendly Pillow” award for 2023. The core of the award winning Panda pillow is made of memory foam with the outer cover made of bamboo. It even comes with a 30-night trial period and a 10-year guarantee! retailing<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>£44.95. Their range of products include pillows, sheets, towels are both sustainable and affordable. Their luxurious The Cloud bamboo Duvet is a national best seller. They have also launched a range of temperature control, anti bacterial mattress toppers from 385. Their products all feel very luxurious and have a distinctive black panda paw print. <a href="https://pandalondon.com/"><span class="s1">https://pandalondon.com/</span></a></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: start;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: start;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><b>Duvet Hog</b> told us<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“ We make our duvets from the finest spun vegan-down. (recycled PET plastics from water bottles!) Our duvets and pillows are soft, light, warm and breathable, like real down, but without plucking a single feather.”</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">The Duvet Hog duvet is made without chemicals or toxins and are hypoallergenic. The other fantastic thing about this brand of duvet is you can wash and tumble-dry it at home. The company promises that they come out like new every time! <a href="http://www.duvethog.co.uk"><span class="s1">www.duvethog.co.uk</span></a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: start;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: start;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><b>The Ethical Bedding company</b> was started byJames Higgins and specialise in Organic Eucalyptus Silk which uses 95% less water used than traditional cotton production - 150 litres vs. 3,000 litres. It’s grown on non-farmable land in biodiverse forests and uses no pesticides, herbicides or toxic chemicals in the process. “After years of working in FinTech, I realised my work no longer filled me with joy, and began impacting my health. I wanted to do something that would have a positive impact on the world, and saw that building a B2C brand would enable me to spread kindness through my business. I've always loved nature, and the protection of the planet is always front of mind with every business decision I make, so when I discovered the incredible properties of eucalyptus, I knew this was a fabric of the future. I set about scoping products suited to using this as a base textile, and this was how Ethical Bedding came about.” Higgins told us.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">“It takes about 19 kWh to make our sheets, compared to 27 kWh for cotton sheets. 99% of the chemicals, water and waste is then reused in the unique closed loop system.”</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Their silk fabric is made from eucalyptus pulp and has won awards for its environmental process. Creating pillows, duvets, sheets and blankets - The Ethical Bedding company is worth a visit.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="http://www.ethicalbedding.com">www.ethicalbedding.com</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: start;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><b>The Linen Cupboard,</b> based in Yorkshire have been in the ethical bedding business for over 20 years and offer a range of vegan sustainable sheets and duvets created from responsibly sourced raw materials. Their luxurious, quality filled duvets are finished by hand in their own Eco-Factory. They have a vast vegan section and a full range of British made bedding also <a href="http://linencupboard.co.uk"><span class="s1">linencupboard.co.uk</span></a></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px; text-align: start;"><b></b><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><b>John Lewis </b>is leading the way for department stores stocking multiple lines of vegan and sustainable duvets and bedding supplies.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">'Our customers are telling us that they want to be more sustainable and live healthier, more responsible lives,' says Unna Patel, Partner & Filled Bedding Buyer at John Lewis & Partners. 'As plant based and vegan lifestyles are becoming increasingly popular, we think this product will delight our customers, providing them with a beautiful product that will give them a great night’s sleep.’</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"> The Botanic Duvet range made in Devon from Tencel Lyocell, (a natural pulp derived from sustainable wood sources.) come in 2.5 and 4.5 tog versions, in single, double, king and super king sizes. Prices start from £125 for a single 2.5 tog duvet. <a href="http://www.johnlewis.com"><span class="s1">www.johnlewis.com</span></a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: start;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">When it comes to commercial use, incredibly there is only one totally vegan option in London if you choose to have a vegan hotel experience. <b>The Hilton Bankside </b>has one vegan suite available, created in partnership with multi-sensory design experts <a href="https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbompasandparr.com&data=02%7C01%7CMeghan.Grau.contractor%40hilton.com%7C64c0ddd070e2478b6a5208d68b5d9d51%7C660292d2cfd54a3db7a7e8f7ee458a0a%7C0%7C0%7C636849631527236409&sdata=YWTZnWnlDm%2BR%2FA8Ss8Lq8vPPNbxQU%2FI%2BSdl5HZA3uKE%3D&reserved=0"><span class="s1">Bompas & Parr</span></a> and given the thumbs up by The Vegan Society. It offers a vegan experience throughout, from a plant-based check-in desk and keycard to vegan-friendly bedding and eco-cotton carpet. where you can experience a range of features that embrace a plant-based lifestyle with all aspects thoughtfully designed including:</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Pillow options include anti-bacterial, non-allergenic and environmentally sourced material to replace feather down such as Buckwheat pillow made with 100% organic buckwheat hulls, Kapok Pillow made from natural kapok, Millet Pillow made with organic millet husks, Orthopedic memory foam pillow made with bamboo shredded fibre along with Anti-Allery Foam Pillow, made with 100% recycled cluster polyester. There’s even a hand-embroidered Piñatex leather headboard (plant-based natural leather made from pineapple fibres) <a href="http://hilton.com"><span class="s1">hilton.com</span></a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Bristol - The Base Retreat</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: start;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"><b>Bristol’s Base Retreat</b> is a vegan retreat and small animal sanctuary with luxury rooms and cabins, using all vegan bedding. We spoke to Jacqui, one of the owner who told us “Our bedding is very important to us. We have vegans and non vegans staying, so we like to show them that comfort is very important and possible to be completely vegan.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Our bedding is the "soft as down" range from a company called Soak and Sleep. It’s beautifully soft, light, warm and cozy without the cruelty”</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">Www.thebaseretreat.co.Uk</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start;"> </p><p class="p4" style="background-color: white; color: #494949; font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 15px; text-align: start;"> </p></div><br /><br /><p></p>Sara Colohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732656718070616610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840670815709197748.post-30268385877195710152023-08-01T13:40:00.011+01:002023-08-01T17:12:09.360+01:00Cover Story The Mail, You Magazine, July 2023 Maksuda Akhter <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FvXzsPqHSPAtvPzWZlW8QlMh_sEwM6DsbrEuasbTnfrFC68QH8s7vXKLJmBzzTVWbAs2hfjHVMNeNZD7XFi4fxA-g1A3nI9KfgNIQiP69MEWWj1VVm3GzL2p1pMEHilXg6xIhkku7z0FcDuOPB78RwyR3O3XV2sBMtZbdcM9YkS0ZLIVSgn_Hola3kE/s1408/Screenshot%202023-08-01%20at%2013.19.19.png" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1410" data-original-width="1248" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG83-niTlDN_6AtwZvXb0tjjgwiW3FCPCpb6DmFjQNXXH_A8czLNSqu4I-QVN71sIOMvPVZ0D0TfuYcH30KpqkZQqZG5xESG8J1aIH4zWIZjCUH09FEl4Cpu8PHShQjuhijuPulGcNwB84cNRcjmaTzK1NdcDmeK-Ley8mL7JR6kRminQf2VLvick5ZuA/s320/Screenshot%202023-08-01%20at%2013.22.28.png" width="283" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Sara Colohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732656718070616610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840670815709197748.post-72276440988723235182023-07-11T09:24:00.007+01:002023-07-11T09:33:20.700+01:00Life Magazine, SUNDAY INDEPENDENT, June 2023. Banshee of Savile Row feature.<div class="separator"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8ZJjrZdbBRp0TcU9Te1_YlnccCYAZNreVT5DJnu3Y0KBo-21904Gz5eSde0rGxXh5cVPmybF_5UVHgbSATXu74WaiUkxlV_PmkW6bZrDv--PYlt61Q3ng3M0YNfjmQvWHwFy9YNoiLYWVlHeC_Yb9jMd7AGs5yAkHCHXk_W-QWUwEFTRbHBBuJn6-BI/s1171/525799D6-C7A2-47D6-A62B-B039936BC91C.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1171" data-original-width="1074" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8ZJjrZdbBRp0TcU9Te1_YlnccCYAZNreVT5DJnu3Y0KBo-21904Gz5eSde0rGxXh5cVPmybF_5UVHgbSATXu74WaiUkxlV_PmkW6bZrDv--PYlt61Q3ng3M0YNfjmQvWHwFy9YNoiLYWVlHeC_Yb9jMd7AGs5yAkHCHXk_W-QWUwEFTRbHBBuJn6-BI/w180-h196/525799D6-C7A2-47D6-A62B-B039936BC91C.JPG" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5zRztjx46E6hrWpH_IZqqwoIlXQU8CAeQeqg3CXgoGcQggh1WIJdR-RzJXDtkCg9TpZmzjXqwnuPQTSOyjcN9tgPpuT1vKNi9VKVB3wFlDRB-ZU6hAGLbJrSFmRcyQPv_mhSxQXFE15Rn3fUg02trn1MKEgZJHTWHlBKqRPpSTbq7nugDWK398GLJSU/s791/D74CA1DB-9000-4A82-BD2A-942AB0D2729D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="725" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5zRztjx46E6hrWpH_IZqqwoIlXQU8CAeQeqg3CXgoGcQggh1WIJdR-RzJXDtkCg9TpZmzjXqwnuPQTSOyjcN9tgPpuT1vKNi9VKVB3wFlDRB-ZU6hAGLbJrSFmRcyQPv_mhSxQXFE15Rn3fUg02trn1MKEgZJHTWHlBKqRPpSTbq7nugDWK398GLJSU/w189-h207/D74CA1DB-9000-4A82-BD2A-942AB0D2729D.JPG" width="189" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY86IN8cEwrg5DoGTrNhIz8Etm5n85TluzYZKkW4hz2Nl-wzLU5QVg8FSTwA3-B0U6bMh0fF_k4mZPBgZsGVRILRc3NQLEKflSakGaAN69TRGkC9ZiAWZF0FyPwSo8vyS_DCvNMsWEqH5dE2ONemW9TPS3Y_AsrjX_IUKGXoIVNXyjqL2YEYNR4XqFiRI/s1239/1B87D7D1-9D6B-4870-AB2A-1258A3367496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1239" data-original-width="1136" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY86IN8cEwrg5DoGTrNhIz8Etm5n85TluzYZKkW4hz2Nl-wzLU5QVg8FSTwA3-B0U6bMh0fF_k4mZPBgZsGVRILRc3NQLEKflSakGaAN69TRGkC9ZiAWZF0FyPwSo8vyS_DCvNMsWEqH5dE2ONemW9TPS3Y_AsrjX_IUKGXoIVNXyjqL2YEYNR4XqFiRI/w204-h223/1B87D7D1-9D6B-4870-AB2A-1258A3367496.JPG" width="204" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40YIS2Cui-TjlzgF7x8-J0UQyPqX-4yxKFbQ0XkA3CIkF0wQhhN2FO4GUH9NELLbinE98u2LYUN0vr7QoBNYxn2en6UocIjmr8XKAMBE0yedgJELBNXLDJJ0Pn5uYTaKQ8PSL8bKNRhJ0WcvnFHdLN4fgMhEM2IUSu8rRB-_bQd21O0oHn5_Btm5Ilig/s1237/602CAFD4-5BD6-4A3D-9D51-21989D79E88F.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1135" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40YIS2Cui-TjlzgF7x8-J0UQyPqX-4yxKFbQ0XkA3CIkF0wQhhN2FO4GUH9NELLbinE98u2LYUN0vr7QoBNYxn2en6UocIjmr8XKAMBE0yedgJELBNXLDJJ0Pn5uYTaKQ8PSL8bKNRhJ0WcvnFHdLN4fgMhEM2IUSu8rRB-_bQd21O0oHn5_Btm5Ilig/w206-h224/602CAFD4-5BD6-4A3D-9D51-21989D79E88F.JPG" width="206" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Ruby Slevin, The Banshee of Savile Row</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"> </p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">When someone mentions London’s Savile Row and the world of bespoke tailoring, it generally conjures up a man’s world, perhaps with a male client getting his made-to-measure suit fitted by a couple of male tailors. Most of the famous Savile Row brands have very manly names like Davies & Son, Gieves & Hawkes, and the newly established Cad & The Dandy.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Irish tailors have had a long history with Savile Row, with Rory Duffy being a fifth-generation, Savile Row-trained master tailor. He became the first-ever trainee of Savile Row founder Henry Poole & Co. to take home the highly coveted Golden Shears in 2009. Shortly after his victory, Rory was approached to train an apprentice of his own, making him one of the youngest Master to an Apprentice in Savile Row’s 200-year history. Former Irish Olympic rower Cormac Folan recently joined Savile Row with a brand of sustainable men’s shirts. Cormac is the co-founder of Alder & Green, a responsible menswear brand focusing on 100% organic cotton men's shirts. Alder & Green recently opened their flagship store on Lamb's Conduit Street and launched at John Lewis in August 2022.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">What we hadn’t seen, until now, was a female Irish tailor taking the row by storm. In 2019, Dublin born Ruby Slevin founded Banshee of Savile Row, the only Savile Row bespoke women's tailoring house. She chose the name ‘Banshee of Savile Row’ because of its roots in powerful female symbolism and Irish mysticism, and the whole brand’s identity is rooted in the heritage tradition of bespoke tailoring, which is responsible and conscious, creating garments made to last. Banshee is a commitment to the tradition of slow fashion cultivated on Savile Row; the belief that an investment in quality rather than quantity is the foundation for the future of clothing. The brand’s aim is to combine the worlds of tailoring and fashion, and last year that plan came to fruition. Banshee was the first female tailoring company to show at London Fashion Week and became a member of the British Fashion Council in 2022.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Ruby says her grandfather is from Donegal, and she feels a deep connection to that part of Ireland. "Even though my family is dispersed around all pockets of the world, when we meet at family gatherings, you can spot us a mile away as we are often all wearing tweed. We would visit Magee’s up in Donegal town during our visits to Lough Eske and always pick something up. Later on, I discovered Studio Donegal, whose tweed we work with a lot to create our bespoke overcoats. Irish tweed always connects me to Ireland."</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Ruby, 38, grew up along with her two younger sisters in Donnybrook and went to an Irish speaking primary school, Scoil Bride. She credits her schooling for solidifying her love of Irish folklore and culture, which inspires her work as a designer today. At home in Dublin, Ruby never learned to sew, even though her grandmother had studied fashion design at Central St. Martins and her father "was always running things up on the sewing machine". She says her mother had a keen eye for fashion and was her original muse. As a little girl, she would watch her mom getting ready to go out and take great delight in the whole ritual. She said she was enthralled by her mother's ability to style an outfit from a treasure trove of belts, feathers, sequins, shoes, coats, and dresses. "When I was older, we would get into arguments as she would go to wear something that I had ‘borrowed’ without asking! The velvet opera coat I designed last year is based on an antique opera coat my mother used to wear that she had found in a vintage market in Notting Hill."</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"> </p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Ruby’s path to Savile Row was indirect, to say the least. "I was studying economics and sociology at UCD, so fashion wasn’t really on my radar as a career back then.</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">When I was travelling after college, I started buying cloth and cutting it up to put outfits together. When I came back from Australia in 2011, I joined a sewing class and made my first skirt, and that got me completely hooked. I bought a bit of orange tweed and made a mini skirt from it and I felt so proud to wear it. I still wear dresses my grandmother made in the 1960s, and they still look incredible as she always used amazing fabrics."</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Ruby went on to enrol in fashion college at The Grafton Academy, renowned for its practical, hands-on approach to sewing and offers a great foundation in tailoring. Her first mentor was her teacher, Colin Atkinson who recognised her talent for tailoring and her aspirations to work in the field and encouraged her to study the history of Savile Row with a view to getting an apprenticeship there. She says she was also influenced by the style of Irish art collector and notable patron of Irish arts (traditional Irish music in particular), Garech Browne. "He used to wear handwoven Aran jumpers with Savile Row suits using cloth he had bought in Connemara or Donegal. When I was studying fashion design, I thought his way of dressing—having beautiful pieces of clothing like talismans that he cared for and had maintained for decades was the most stylish way to dress."</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">After she graduated from the Grafton, Ruby travelled to London to work for a newly established Savile Row company called Cad and the Dandy. She started out as an apprentice tailor, which became the catalyst for her moving permanently to London and then eventually setting up her own brand. She had initially thought she might work in tailoring for a year or two and then move to a more traditional role in fashion, hoping for a dream job with another hero of hers, the late Vivien Westwood, but she became so happy and accepted on the Row, she never left!</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">"It wasn't long before I began to notice there was a gap in the market for women’s tailoring. When I started working on The Row, there was nothing for women, and I would struggle to get the cutters to help me with my block. Women were deemed difficult to tailor for, and it was very much a man’s world. In eight years, it’s really encouraging to see so many more women on the street and more women getting tailored clothes made."</p><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">While she may be living and working in the heart of London, her Irish roots run deep. As part of her London Fashion Week debut, Banshee of Savile Row created a promotional film where the sprawling gardens of Birr Castle acted as the grand backdrop for her collection. The clothes were entirely made by hand and cut from sustainably sourced cloth. They were styled in Banshee silhouettes: flared trousers, belted waists, soft shoulders, and bold lapels. Along with Irish tweeds and linens, she uses seersucker, velvets, and corduroys. Ruby says that Banshee collections aren’t designed with a season or trend in mind; instead, the dynamic materials, colours, and textures are deliberately used to evoke feelings of freedom, sustainability, and versatility.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Banshee caught the attention of Vogue magazine recently, not least as actress Claire Foy wore her tailoring in her cover story shoot earlier this year. In a separate feature Vogue said of the label<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><i>‘ Banshee of Savile Row combines technically brilliant and precise tailoring that transcends seasonal trends. This London-based, Irish-born brand does exquisitely beautiful suits and timeless separates that you can wear pretty much anywhere.’</i></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“So each piece can take up to twelve weeks to make”, she tells me. “We start the process with a private design consultation, where we pick the fabric from one of our swatch books and match the colour to skin tone and existing wardrobe palette. Our clients get to pick their own buttons and silk linings which is also a lot of fun. We design the shape of the trousers and jacket to be what works best on our clients as all women have unique shapes and sizes and the joy of bespoke is that we can cater to that. We then take measurements which our master pattern cutters turn into a personal pattern which is then turned into a baste fitting (a mock up of the suit in a mock material). This baste fitting is crucial to make sure the fit and design are perfect. About six to eight weeks after the baste fitting we meet for a final fitting in the finished garment.” I can hear the passion in her voice as she describes the process. “We usually like to do a few small alterations at that point which are updated into your pattern and means future suits you order will require less fittings. Each of our jackets and coats have roughly 80 hours of hand stitching, using Savile Row methods that have been around for hundreds of years ensuring longevity.”</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Tailoring is a labour intensive process with so many elements to consider before the final garment is created. From choosing the fabric to painstakingly matching up the tweed’s lines when cutting out the pattern. The construction of each piece is a layered and lengthy process with intricate, invisible stitching to finish. All this work costs, so you can expect to pay in the region of E300 for a bespoke Banshee shirt, and E3000 for a three piece suit. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Ruby delights in her Irish heritage and consistently includes Irish fabrics in her work.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>"I always bring either Irish tweed or Irish linen into my collections. We have a huge Irish client base that loves us using Irish materials. They are fabrics I am passionate about and have worked with since my days at the Grafton Academy. I just see beauty, longevity, heritage, and history in using these cloths that feel like part of my identity.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">With a growing client list including Stefani Martini, Claire Foy, award winning director Antonia Campell Hughes and presenter Angela Scanlon Ruby has successfully broken into the male-dominated world of tailoring and earned her place among the skilled tailors on Savile Row, so has she any advice for any young Irish person who’s more interested in the sharp, crisp finish of a tweed jacket than the flows of a lavish ball gown?</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">"I would advise anyone who wants to start a brand and become a designer to also back it up with knowledge of business or marketing if you can, as running a business means that designing is only one aspect of the job. Take advice from mentors and people who have been in the business longer than you and whom you admire. Be prepared to make mistakes as you go along, learn from them, and always pick yourself up again. And finally, work hard and enjoy the process. There is nothing as rewarding as seeing your ideas turn into a reality!”</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It’s exciting times for the brand, along with a growing client list, Banshee of Savile Row will be showing again this September in London Fashion Week and there are firm plans for an Irish store to open in Dublin later this year. In the meantime, Banshee of Savile Row holds trunk shows in Howbert & Mays on Clare St. Dublin, with the next one coming up at the end of July. Ruby will be attending, bringing a taste of Savile Row to Dublin, meeting new clients for private design consultations.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="http://www.Bansheeofsavilerow.com">www.Bansheeofsavilerow.com</a></span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Sara Colohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732656718070616610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840670815709197748.post-76996628306781100352023-07-03T13:22:00.001+01:002023-07-03T13:22:04.856+01:00Published The Mail, You magazine 01/07/2023 Vikie Shanks and her family tell their amazing story KINGDOM OF US Netflix <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoJcVJ5BkS8O55ou1gKQltwa7DnWjRlRjUr2o_rW755jXPrK9MaGywacoDBPshbx0HYFPfz0-ujFbiU48pgKUjNlCNRbK8vX157lA-2Rcafjf-tJ0y4DjeAr4y6WpGK-e9ospLQnV4B65tdMxSEaMajnwkdf_fRRsxlsPEuAHiXNQAk7s8Z-dBDGnH4Y/s2416/vikie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2416" data-original-width="1990" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoJcVJ5BkS8O55ou1gKQltwa7DnWjRlRjUr2o_rW755jXPrK9MaGywacoDBPshbx0HYFPfz0-ujFbiU48pgKUjNlCNRbK8vX157lA-2Rcafjf-tJ0y4DjeAr4y6WpGK-e9ospLQnV4B65tdMxSEaMajnwkdf_fRRsxlsPEuAHiXNQAk7s8Z-dBDGnH4Y/w303-h367/vikie1.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrB1HasQ6sFYHjbOp4wsvoIelFN6NWrtwaLQIqdY4A3_43sQ3aXhB8As8zTF2a65CCJIlnhdRmex_WRQLqSPmQ19Cq8M5oub7n3RQNzpylqbIHocVEgNPwqLA_1P80MeD_eYnISxWouEhylyITExocozU9Qwf-hyILgFvmRWHfGHPptkYmm8hYVwHwSU/s2416/vikie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2416" data-original-width="1990" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrB1HasQ6sFYHjbOp4wsvoIelFN6NWrtwaLQIqdY4A3_43sQ3aXhB8As8zTF2a65CCJIlnhdRmex_WRQLqSPmQ19Cq8M5oub7n3RQNzpylqbIHocVEgNPwqLA_1P80MeD_eYnISxWouEhylyITExocozU9Qwf-hyILgFvmRWHfGHPptkYmm8hYVwHwSU/w292-h353/vikie2.jpg" width="292" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSa2Xai3VhUXgeszZIQM1y0FzEvmqZZiOi7UrPFqevj7-JQWReKYDvua3PC8opWGBWaZquGpIe0R0fcQvVCTEz97LM6iFNJPX1sICEYwo9kIWh_43Wb2FBFbK2lM2Ut5dArt0LzFshx91Tgky5s602X-eJX6HmG5NNXC1O5zpWHuwuXaYzkkeJZEJUbw/s2416/vikie4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2416" data-original-width="1990" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSa2Xai3VhUXgeszZIQM1y0FzEvmqZZiOi7UrPFqevj7-JQWReKYDvua3PC8opWGBWaZquGpIe0R0fcQvVCTEz97LM6iFNJPX1sICEYwo9kIWh_43Wb2FBFbK2lM2Ut5dArt0LzFshx91Tgky5s602X-eJX6HmG5NNXC1O5zpWHuwuXaYzkkeJZEJUbw/w309-h375/vikie4.jpg" width="309" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7Ow6CdLUfh76PWKK0KAMiaP3yj5Yb2Q0Obqvu47TiVrqKK-Vzq788ij64vCUxDkI2XBlrD7hoBB0O1lNJyMG5sBPBosOt83HO16V4ttBmy5kqu8VmnEGoL94dr_s0ng9sMPs4fnKvaENq--0xEfkI8ZEerofcofH7lefBDNbt61m5PPU31bUM3qL7gQ/s2416/vikie3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2416" data-original-width="1990" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7Ow6CdLUfh76PWKK0KAMiaP3yj5Yb2Q0Obqvu47TiVrqKK-Vzq788ij64vCUxDkI2XBlrD7hoBB0O1lNJyMG5sBPBosOt83HO16V4ttBmy5kqu8VmnEGoL94dr_s0ng9sMPs4fnKvaENq--0xEfkI8ZEerofcofH7lefBDNbt61m5PPU31bUM3qL7gQ/w292-h354/vikie3.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>The Power of Us. One family’s struggle with the repercussions of suicide.</i></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><i></i><br /></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><i></i><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>Five years after the groundbreaking Netflix documentary </i><b><i>Kingdom of Us </i></b><i>aired, we speak to the family at the centre of it about love, grief, illness and coping with life after suicide.</i></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The award winning Netflix documentary <b>Kingdom of Us</b> follows the Shanks family as they try to process the tragic suicide of Paul Shanks in 2007, which left his wife Vikie caring for their seven children, aged between six and sixteen at the time of his death.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The documentary weaves old VHS footage which glimpses into an apparently happy, close knit family growing up in idyllic, rural England, mixed with more recent clips and direct-to-camera interviews (filmed over a period of eight years after Paul Shanks' suicide) to reveal a layered and complex picture. During these later, intimate scenes of daily life, we watch Vikie and her family struggle to process the horrors of suicide and their near financial ruin, while lovingly supporting each other, creating a better understanding of mental health issues among themselves and later, through the documentary, sharing with a much wider community.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Through the film, Vikie shows an understated strength in dealing with the repercussions of her husband’s death. His illness remains undiagnosed because he refused professional help, something she had pleaded for throughout their marriage. Paul’s mental health issues are slowly revealed by his dramatic attempts to keep his family isolated and away from the many ‘bad influences in society'. When the family discovers his detailed secret diaries, some documenting every minute of every day, frantically trying to control and monitor their lives, we see the children pour over them, searching for clues to understand their father’s fractured mind. One notebook provided evidence of what further tragedy might have occurred had he not made the decision he did that fateful morning. It was a chilling, detailed plan on how he might kill the whole family. It is hard to imagine how such a revelation could ever be processed fully.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Getting to know the creative, talented children, five of whom are on the autism spectrum, is a highlight. We watch Osborn, the only boy, and sisters Jamie, Kacie, twins Lorie and Mirie, Nikita, and Pippa sit through old home movies together, piecing together their previous relationships with their father. Pippa, the youngest, doesn't have her own unique memories of her father, which makes her feel disconnected from her siblings' collective grieving. Her battle with anorexia and concerns that she has inherited her father’s illness are explored with candour.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">What the documentary didn’t disclose is Vikie’s own deeply unhappy childhood, where sexual abuse and a violent father played a part. Her childhood ended with the death of her mother when she was just sixteen. This childhood trauma may help explain why she tolerated decades of Paul’s casual cruelty, spying, and sudden violent outbursts, as well as his growing obsession with having more and more children. She even stood back and allowed him gut their family home, tearing down most of the internal walls and removing almost everything but their basic furniture.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">In the documentary, she leaves herself open to criticism from an audience who may not have experienced trauma like hers. They might ask the age-old question, “Why stay so long?”. We learn that Vikie’s attempted separation from Paul caused his countermove: to file for divorce. Four days before the divorce became legal, Paul took his own life.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">2023, over 15 years since her husband's suicide, Vikie has become a published author and a TedX speaker, but sadly, her main source of income as a keynote speaker and her work as a mentor and campaigner for autism awareness has been cut short due to chronic illness.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Vikie</b> told us, “Before my illness, I mentored families and individuals who needed support related to the autism spectrum. I have lived with a mother, two brothers, and now six children on the autism spectrum, so I have a huge amount of practical experience. I've developed a good understanding of how the autistic brain works and understand certain behaviours in a way some psychologists maybe can’t, on a very practical level.”</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Her illness has been mostly stress related as the family was left in a terrible financial situation after Paul’s death. During the film, the children discover that their house has been remortgaged several times, leaving them close to bankruptcy.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Vikie tells us “People assumed we were paid for the film, but we didn’t get paid. We spent four years filming because we believed it would help so many people, and it has. But I had a heart attack just three weeks before the premiere, on the 10th anniversary of Paul's suicide. After further surgery on my heart in July 2020, I had to have part of my colon removed due to a form of colitis. Then with my double hip replacement last year, it’s been an incredible amount of stress, so as a result, I haven’t been able to work as a speaker or mentor recently.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Vikie’s daughter <b>Kacie-Kimie</b>, who’s still chasing her dream of becoming a fashion designer, remembers back to 2017, when her mother had her heart attack. “At the 10 year anniversary of our father's death, as we were all reflecting on how far we had come, no one could believe we ended up at the hospital with mom.” She continued, “Some questionable choices were made throughout our childhood financially, so with no financial planning, there’s nothing for mom to fall back on now that she’s seriously ill.”</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Lorie-Lanie,</b> now 28, is an actress who has appeared in several independent films told us, “When mom had her heart attack just weeks before the documentary came out, she almost didn’t make the premiere. It’s been battle after battle regarding her physical and mental health. From the heart attack to having diverticular disease and developing sepsis twice, she had part of her colon removed. Then, in 2019, an ablation was performed on her heart due to an alarming number of ectopic heartbeats. Her mobility deteriorated, and when she could only walk for a few steps at a time, she had both hips replaced. In September 2022, she had a psychotic break and was admitted to the hospital for six weeks.” <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Lorie continued, “Most of the health ailments are due to the financial stress our dad left us in. We’ve been fighting to keep the house and pay the bills. HS2 hasn’t helped the stress as it’s running through our land and has reduced the value of our home drastically.”</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>Despite all the stress of illness and financial hardship, the family has carved out careers for themselves including on stage and behind the camera. Music appears to be an important therapeutic tool, helping connect the children with their father, who had an early career as a singer.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></i></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px;"><i></i><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Vikie tells me the children are all pursuing various careers, and two are engaged. Osborn is joining the police this year and is really excited about it.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Osborn</b> still worries about his mom’s precarious financial situation<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“As much as we are looking forward to our futures and don’t like to dwell on the past, we are still within the grip of what we have experienced and witnessed. We do our best to help each other, and those around us, but we are only human and we have our limits. Nothing leaves me in awe more than the bravery of those who confront their suffering. To do that yourself is to live as though you are always in the presence of something truly beautiful, like a sunrise, a sunset, or the night sky.”</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Nikita</b> adds “Although mom is managing to pull off the odd talk here and there and delivers them so well that she gets standing ovations and amazing testimonials, she is not ready to go back to key-speaking full time. I would love to move out of the family home but I just can’t leave mum until she’s well again. My rent each month helps pay the five mortgages my dad took out when he was alive so my life is on hold for the moment”</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Mirie </b>joins the conversation. “If there is one thing I know about the human body, it's that stress plays a huge part in someone's health. It's been devastating to see the decline in mom’s health and not be able to successfully alleviate all her stresses and burdens. Unfortunately, we, as her children, have also started life with stress and trauma, a lot of it stemming from before our father died, with full awareness of the financial problems we faced as a family and witnessing his own mental health decline. I hope that we can find peace in this world and heal so we don’t face a similar fate to our mum.”</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Jamie-Jodie</b> “We are just bearing the burden of bad financial decisions, but it's our labour of love.”</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Vikie offers some advice on raising children after trauma, and how autism affected the processing of emotions within her family. “Children are incredibly resilient, and they can come through such a devastating tragedy. If I’ve learned anything from watching my children’s grieving process, it’s that they all grieve in very different ways. There is no right or wrong, and some of them only started grieving properly years after the event. All I could do was be there for them, let them know that I loved them, and reassure them that I wouldn’t leave them in the same way (something that became a massive fear for them). If I could find appropriate outside help, I would, but help for children bereaved by suicide is very thin on the ground. Most of the time, all I could do was hug them and hope that that would be enough, and a lot of the time it was enough to get them through another day.”</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Kingdom of Us</b> is a chaotic but brilliant depiction of the consequences of mental illness and how such tragic events can scar and shape children as they grow up. Could the BAFTA nominated director Lucy Cohen be persuaded to create Kingdom of Us Part 2?.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>After watching her poignant, honest and moving film, we can only assume everyone is rooting for a happy and successful onward journey for the whole family.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Kingdom of Us, Netflix</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Vikie Shanks' book Unravelled is available nationwide.</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She is available now as a speaker on mental health, suicide, and autism. <span class="s1" style="color: #0b0000; font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">(google Vikie Shanks Speaker Bureau to find her agents)</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p>Sara Colohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732656718070616610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840670815709197748.post-49026983545551678122023-06-20T15:37:00.002+01:002023-06-20T15:42:35.448+01:00Poor by Katriona O Sullivan feature, The Mail. <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pQY-wLOtPZMCjPi7QeTyuK1lXBGP1dsMhJjyZG4cW60A0_LiLKKWCny0sV5jIom3znKMhLjHl4bN_CC0OGHq7vkAMUsfKd2S_M5Efk2Vhas9ih56BYzfnFrPlh8vMLhMLyl9VLv9m2NhAfd8K9IGAs-2-gbnpmtntPrnMcCtojgO3kQdzfPEup0uLDE/s1478/IMG_8892.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1478" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pQY-wLOtPZMCjPi7QeTyuK1lXBGP1dsMhJjyZG4cW60A0_LiLKKWCny0sV5jIom3znKMhLjHl4bN_CC0OGHq7vkAMUsfKd2S_M5Efk2Vhas9ih56BYzfnFrPlh8vMLhMLyl9VLv9m2NhAfd8K9IGAs-2-gbnpmtntPrnMcCtojgO3kQdzfPEup0uLDE/s320/IMG_8892.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2txAmLcYrm9tKVHN2xRkV1ZxJi3rAg8xbQRZ5XvzxNtAH1ehOkS3CUS3P48Py7AoSMtUxEDBK5Hg0J7JJNplgwS3jyCfRmXDp5rDpNUD9sWGGkpzVZ3iyu0Q-8clwh1b0cN7-s_JlhgZJMaPQ_vYbRH1N5wZwInVuTWU9FVHH_dfZTF5CSmYOw41i6Ok/s831/IMG_8891.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="651" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2txAmLcYrm9tKVHN2xRkV1ZxJi3rAg8xbQRZ5XvzxNtAH1ehOkS3CUS3P48Py7AoSMtUxEDBK5Hg0J7JJNplgwS3jyCfRmXDp5rDpNUD9sWGGkpzVZ3iyu0Q-8clwh1b0cN7-s_JlhgZJMaPQ_vYbRH1N5wZwInVuTWU9FVHH_dfZTF5CSmYOw41i6Ok/s320/IMG_8891.jpeg" width="251" /></a></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #151515; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Katriona O Sullivan’s <span class="" style="color: #202124; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">memoir</span> <b>Poor </b> is getting rave reviews, not least for its unflinching honesty. She chats to us about her incredible story.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #151515; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #151515; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #151515; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Despite suffering homelessness, an abusive childhood, and becoming pregnant at just 15, Katriona O'Sullivan has become a respected psychology lecturer and advocate for social change. Her latest book, <b class="">Poor</b> has hit the bestseller list. We meet her at home in Dublin to chat about her past, her current success, and her future plans.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #151515; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Katriona’s book <b class="">Poor</b> is a truthful and, in some parts, harrowing autobiography, but to call it a rags-to-riches tale would do it a great disservice. O'Sullivan has survived an abusive childhood, a teenage pregnancy, and a lifetime of prejudice to become one of Ireland’s leading, award winning lecturers, currently lecturing at Manyooth University. Now that her book <b class="">Poor</b> has hit the (<i class="">number one spot on the)</i> best seller list this month (CHECK ITS POSITION ON PRINT WEEK) she can add best-selling author to her mighty accolades.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #151515; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">While the shocking tale of her impoverished childhood is certainly deserving of a mention today, her lifelong battle with prejudice and her ability to completely change the trajectory of her life might be a more worthy focus, because understanding how she beat the odds to escape poverty and achieve academic success is key to others doing the same. Katriona’s story,Poor, offers support to anyone who might find themselves in any one of the situations she found herself in through her extraordinary life.</div><p class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #151515; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #151515; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Katriona’s story began with her parents, Tony and Tilly, who were heroin addicts originally from Dublin. They moved to Coventry and later moved to Birmingham with their five children. Katriona, the middle of five kids growing up in dire poverty, was offered a life of neglect and abuse, with occasional pockets of happiness, which she recalls vividly today. “My dad was an addict, but he was also a very endearing man who loved books and got me into reading. We would go driving around the city in his car, and he made me feel very special sometimes.”</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #151515; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Mostly, the children lived a life of social service visits, overdoses, warrants, arrests, and prison sentences. In 1998, a 20-year-old Katriona moved to Dublin, and after a few lost years trying to find her way, <span class="" style="color: #1b1b1b;">she, by chance, came across the </span>Trinity College Access Programme. She enrolled and went on to complete a PHD in psychology, staying on to join the Trinity College staff as a lecturer. She’s now a senior lecturer in Digital Skills at Maynooth University.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #151515; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She knows luck had a big part to play in her not only surviving but thriving because she believes the system is not built to support poor people trying to better themselves. “What I’ve done is miraculous and rare, because we don’t have investment. If I were in that situation now, I wouldn’t be here.” The individual, she said recently in The Guardian, “is small in the decisions of their life, and we don’t like that because it suggests we’re powerless. But choice is a myth that’s perpetuated by the middle classes—only a few people really can choose.”</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #151515; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Luck and a couple of observant teachers <span class="" style="color: #1b1b1b;">e</span>arly on, Ms. Arkinson taught her how to wash and groom herself, and later in secondary school, Mr. Pickering saw her intellectual potential and went out of his way to get her through the basic education system. Sadly, Mr. Pickering died before she had a chance to share her success story with him, but she tracked Ms. Arkinson down on Facebook and got the chance to thank her.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #151515; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As we chat, the only trace of her Coventry and Birmingham past is in her accent, which changes from a mix of Dublin to Birmingham, each accent getting a little stronger depending on which time in her life she’s speaking about.</div><p class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #151515; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #151515; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">First, I ask her how she is coping with the great reception for her book <b class="">Poor</b> and how cathartic writing such a personal and difficult book has been for her mental health.</div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #151515; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> It has been hard at times, the outpouring of love and kindness has been wonderful, but I definitely feel vulnerable at times and worried that people will not understand the point of Poor. Writing my memoir was healing for sure, and it helped me reclaim myself, my younger self, and to see my mum in different ways. When people have experienced trauma it can be difficult to enjoy the moment and I am working hard to do this. </div><p class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #151515; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #151515; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i class="">You tell us in </i><b class=""><i class="">Poor</i></b><i class=""> that in one university, a student thought you were the cleaner rather than their new lecturer. You laughed it off and silenced them all by giving a blindingly good lecture, but for a lot of people who enter a world where they weren’t expected to thrive, imposter syndrome can rear its head. How do you overcome niggling insecurities and triggers to keep going?</i></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #151515; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> I have a wonderful support system who just think I am deadly! I have been in therapy for years and have a husband who supports me fully. When I doubt myself I turn to them for support. I don’t think it is a syndrome, sometimes we are imposters, I think it is important to name this- if the person feels they can, and if not, there are some self-care activities I do which help. I write and record my feelings, I talk to friends who can relate- I head to the sea to swim. It isn’t always easy but it has been worthwhile to push through. </div><p class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #151515; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><i class=""></i><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i class="">The Trinity Access Programme was </i><span class="" style="background-color: #fcfdff;"><i class="">a key experience for you;</i></span><i class=""> what programmes are out there now for people, and how would you advise anyone struggling with their life’s direction?</i></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It depends where they are in their lives. For women and mothers there are loads of community programmes they could reach out to for guidance- the women's sheds, the women's collective, An Cosan- there are so many places which are in the community to support women into and through education. In universities there are access offices which can provide guidance to people thinking of going to college- every university has them and they can be a great help. Or the mature student officer in universities can be great too. Right not there are so many jobs in tech and trainings in tech for women, the Women in Tech projects run through FIT are great. Most people in education will try to help a person to find their path so I would advise them to send emails and ask questions. If they cant send emails then call places. </div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #1b1b1b; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #151515; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i class="">What gets you motivated and inspired these days, and what’s next for you in your busy life?</i></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I love my job! I get to help other girls like me in education through the programme I run called the STEM Passport for Inclusion -which is a privilege. I am also a bit of a geek- I love research and I love contributing to the academic world- these things motivate me work wise. I have 3 kids and a beautiful grandson who get me out of bed each day- one of my sons is sitting the Leaving Cert soon, so we are pretty focused on him tight now. I still read a lot and I love holidays! </div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #151515; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><i class=""></i><br class="" /></div><div class="" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #151515; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i class="">Poor is available nationwide </i></div><p></p>Sara Colohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732656718070616610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840670815709197748.post-36962861358812301672023-06-20T15:34:00.005+01:002023-06-20T15:44:55.601+01:00Switzerland Travel Weekend Mail feature <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGP6Tkg0_CHMpiX3HTc82C8UrKw2clBeT3ed2cFhVfHCJOY7dda7fNxruFpnoFFdr8EZ29cz1xTBgULicR0u11BKg_tVULuGeGDW_JCNuvgafuqTRjrpCpiPgfkDUFByuerD0Y4UwPjGGt2MRXYpDqLJGnZiadVu_lVp5FTUGbfgG1XLvtd59TqXCJDg/s1126/IMG_8898.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="828" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGP6Tkg0_CHMpiX3HTc82C8UrKw2clBeT3ed2cFhVfHCJOY7dda7fNxruFpnoFFdr8EZ29cz1xTBgULicR0u11BKg_tVULuGeGDW_JCNuvgafuqTRjrpCpiPgfkDUFByuerD0Y4UwPjGGt2MRXYpDqLJGnZiadVu_lVp5FTUGbfgG1XLvtd59TqXCJDg/w293-h398/IMG_8898.jpeg" width="293" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div><br /></div><div><div class="WordSection1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; page: WordSection1;"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 15pt;"> </span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", serif; font-size: 15pt;">Switzerland’s Vaud region explored. <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;">Switzerland has bustling cities, Alpine towns, lakeside resorts, and many heritage sites, and thanks to the cost of living crisis, it's not as expensive as we once thought!<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;">Not everyone wants a sun, sea, and sand holiday, so if sublime scenery and snowcapped mountains are more your thing, Switzerland can certainly provide. A small country with such diversity is rare. Along with having its own currency (the Swiss Franc), there are four major regions: German-speaking, French-speaking, Italian-speaking</span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"> and</span><span style="color: #101010; font-family: Times, serif;"> a smaller region in the east, where a Roman dialect is spoken. They</span><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;"> all have their own style of ‘Swiss’! The whole country prides itself on its punctual, efficient train service, so everywhere is easily accessible, whatever airport you choose to fly into. </span><b><span style="color: #000609; font-family: Times, serif;">Swiss International Air Lines or SWISS</span></b><b><span style="color: #0b5ab2; font-family: Times, serif;"></span></b><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;">(formally SwissAir) flies direct from Dublin to Geneva daily, and it's a great airport to start from. Geneva is home to the United Nations headquarters and the scientific highlight of CERN, which makes it a great city for those interested in politics and science. Another easy flight option is Zürich, Switzerland’s largest city and financial capital.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;"><br /></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;">But if a bustling major city isn’t what you’re looking for and a slower pace suits your needs, try French-speaking Lausanne, in the Vaud region. This small city is in the mountainous district of western Switzerland, bordered by Lake Geneva to the south and France to the west. Direct trains between Geneva Airport and Lausanne take about 45 minutes and run every fifteen minutes. (Three day unlimited train and metro travel approx E190)<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;">Lausanne faces the French town of Évian-Les-Bains on the southern slopes of the Swiss plateau and showcases amazing views of the lake and the Swiss Alps. It’s home to the International Olympic Committee headquarters, so there’s an extensive Olympic museum, lots of lakeside activities, and plenty of wine tasting tours. Vaud is the second-largest wine-producing area in Switzerland, so there are plenty of impressive local wines to try, rarely available outside of Switzerland.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;"><br /></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;">Where to stay</span></b><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;">If you want complete luxury and want to splurge to have panoramic lake views, choose Beau-Rivage Palace. Its breathtaking old glamour, with incredible views, a glorious infinity pool, and several outdoor bar areas. Along with the opulence, there’s a practical reason for being close to the water’s edge. The city is built on slopes, so if you are not prepared to do a mini hike every time you leave your hotel, choose wisely! Beau-Rivage is quite pricey, but living in Dublin or London through the cost of living crisis dispels the myth that Switzerland is much more expensive. Eating out in nice restaurants might cost a bit more than in Dublin, but the Swiss have something we don’t: incredible scenic views in almost every direction.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;">Another more affordable hotel option is the four-star Hôtel de la Paix, just behind Beau-Rivage. You would have to walk up a couple of very steep hills to reach it by foot, but of course there is access by road, and the Hotel de La Paix is closer to the shopping streets and central restaurants. The metro is a very simple affair and essential to anyone who might find the slopes a challenge; just be prepared that some of the stations are on a slope too, so the trains come in at an angle!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;"><br /></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;">What to see</span></b><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;">Plateforme 10 </span></b><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;">is the developing museum area currently consisting of three museums: the Vaud Museum of Fine Arts, MUDAC, and Photo Elysee. More than a nod to the Tate Modern in London, these ultra-modern concrete giants emerging from the old, derelict Platform 10 train station are the new face of Lausanne's museum district. Nearing completion, it’s a creative and immersive hub for visitors and locals </span><span style="color: #090909; font-family: Times, serif;">alike. (<a href="http://www.plateforme10.ch/" style="color: blue;">www.plateforme10.ch</a>)</span><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #090909; font-family: Times, serif;">The Olympic Museum</span></b><span style="color: #090909; font-family: Times, serif;"> exhibits the difficult start of the games, highlights the countries and athletes involved, and shows how it's shaping its future. There’s a huge display of medals and memorabilia, and some immersive games for all the family. (<a href="http://www.olympics.com/" style="color: blue;">www.olympics.com</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #090909; font-family: Times, serif;">Choco Tour</span></b><span style="color: #090909; font-family: Times, serif;"> Naturally, there are lots of chocolatiers in Lausanne, and there are tours available that take in some of the producers along with some of the historic highlights like the 13th-century cathedral from <a href="http://www.lausanne-tourisme.ch/" style="color: blue;">www.Lausanne-tourisme.ch</a></span><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;">(priced around E30).</span><span style="color: #090909; font-family: Times, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;"><br /></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;">Where to eat</span></b><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;">Besides delicious Swiss cheese and chocolate, there are <b>l</b>ots of places to eat out in Lausanne. We tried Brasserie de Montbenon and weren’t disappointed. The location is perfect—a venerable old theatre space next to the Palace de Justice. The food was delicious, and they had a great selection of Swiss wines. <a href="https://www.brasseriedemontbenon.ch/" style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #000007;">brasseriedemontbenon.ch</span></a></span><span style="color: #000007; font-family: Times, serif;"> If you want a more lively, modern option with pumping music, Saturday night vibes and shared plates, Eat Me <a href="http://eat-me.ch/" style="color: blue;">eat-me.ch</a></span><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;">would suit perfectly. It's a fusion of Asian and South American small plates. Cocktails are expensive at E20 but wine is more affordable starting around E40 per bottle. <o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;">Switzerland produces a considerable amount of wine, but not enough to export on a grand scale. This is exciting for wine lovers because wherever you go, you’ll have the option to try new wines you may not have experienced before. Pinot Noir is the main variety grown, but some of the blends are unique to the Swiss. Chasselas is the most common indigenous grape, with Petite Arvine, Humagne Rouge, and Cornalin being the other main ones, enjoyed by wine connoisseurs worldwide. The vineyards are just a short train ride in any direction from Lausanne.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;"><br /></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;">Travelling outside Lausanne</span></b><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;">There are lots of small towns within easy access, and if you enjoy train journeys, consider buying a train pass and using it daily to visit neighbouring towns like </span><b><span style="color: #000b0f; font-family: Times, serif;">Morges,</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"> </span></b><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;">known for its annual tulip festival, or <b>Vevey</b>, where you can visit the Swiss Camera Museum (<a href="http://www.cameramuseum.ch/" style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #000004;">www.cameramuseum.ch</span></a></span><span style="color: #000004; font-family: Times, serif;">) or the intriguing Chaplin’s World. Charlie Chaplin’s lavish Vevey estate, including house and grounds, is open to the public and offers a packed programme of events throughout the year at <a href="http://www.chaplinsworld.com/" style="color: blue;">www.chaplinsworld.com</a>. </span><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;">Just ten minutes outside of Lausanne, the wine region of <b>Grandvaux</b> is worth a visit as long as you are fit enough to walk down the steep hills through the <a href="https://plateforme10.ch/en/" style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #000008;">Lavaux</span></a></span><span style="color: #000008; font-family: Times, serif;"> </span><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;">vineyards, to experience the excellent wine tasting at Domaine de la Crausaz, accompanied by a great tapas lunch. Offering even more incentive to tackle the downhill slopes after lunch, you can return to Lausanne via the </span><span style="color: #000508; font-family: Times, serif;">La</span><span style="color: #0b5ab2; font-family: Times, serif;"> </span><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;">Suisse Belle Epoch steamboat. Just walk about fifteen minutes (downhill) to Cully’s Port and enjoy a glorious 40-minute trip back to Lausanne meandering along Lake Geneva. </span><span style="color: #00090d; font-family: Times, serif;">La </span><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;">Suisse is one of a fleet of restored Belle Epoch steamboats used daily on the lake. Thoughtfully, the restorers added glass panels to show the mechanics of the pistons driving the steam engine at full pelt. If you’d rather stay away from the engineering side of things and sip tea in a stylish tearoom, there’s a fully restored dining hall serving snacks all day. <a href="http://www.cgn.ch/" style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #000007;">www.cgn.ch</span></a></span><span style="color: #000007; font-family: Times, serif;"> </span><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;">There is a museum dedicated to one of Switzerland’s coolest artists, Hans Ruedi Giger</span><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"> </span><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;">responsible for many horror movie sets and characters, but most famously the Alien movies.<b>The HR Giger Museum</b> is over a 90-minute train ride from Lausanne to Gruyères, but if you are an avid fan, then use your train pass to revel in the only dedicated museum in the world. Needless to say, not everything on show is suitable for young children, so consider this before setting off.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #151515; font-family: Times, serif;">And remember…. if you plan on doing anything by foot, just don’t wear heels!<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;">Fact box document for more info:<o:p></o:p></p></div><ul style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0cm;">Switzerland Tourism: <a href="https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-gb/" style="color: blue;">myswitzerland.com</a><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> or regional <a href="http://myvaud.ch/" style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">myvaud.ch</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0cm;">Swiss Travel System: <a href="http://www.mystsnet.com/" style="color: blue;">mystsnet.com</a> <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-stretch: normal; margin: 0cm;">SWISS (formally Swiss Air) flies direct from Dublin: <a href="http://www.swiss.com/" style="color: blue;">swiss.com</a><o:p></o:p></li></ul><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div><div><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;">Sara Colohan</p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><mc style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;" type="body"><br /></mc></div>Sara Colohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732656718070616610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840670815709197748.post-72640274136308710772023-06-16T11:58:00.002+01:002023-06-16T11:58:55.522+01:00Feature: Saturday Mail, YOU MAGAZINE Saturday 10/06/23<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTKqoDlP2-v_8p5dJksuP8T4nBSKR5oTPzlZZr5BcOTHcEFf0RrndLYlRJU3QwT-fIV7-iWlw4aai3nqyFBvr9a4PFFf2tA2e34zdnrabEYw6cgr0CoymERJODi6IrbdcNfX1kAZroFxJ6Sbl_xFiCJFboBgg6DT9wEF-dlOE9yiOROwQhDQ__Qwu/s720/IMG_8527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTKqoDlP2-v_8p5dJksuP8T4nBSKR5oTPzlZZr5BcOTHcEFf0RrndLYlRJU3QwT-fIV7-iWlw4aai3nqyFBvr9a4PFFf2tA2e34zdnrabEYw6cgr0CoymERJODi6IrbdcNfX1kAZroFxJ6Sbl_xFiCJFboBgg6DT9wEF-dlOE9yiOROwQhDQ__Qwu/w488-h320/IMG_8527.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzUTZ1nzXSgp3U75u-Hfmvvxj2XDK0-rL294uSzCG2dUCDTpqNw1uhg92UG-rhNLPENdGzzfMLtQlQ8MbTQNgd9Wi1eRCeKC0ieeky4zqcz6qvQOOr5IlEkhVB9DCGniqT0gPeoGp-21by718SsTObDGM17JxyS7HZ6wtTCkT5pUD-0Bgoj49EcS5/s666/IMG_8528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="666" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzUTZ1nzXSgp3U75u-Hfmvvxj2XDK0-rL294uSzCG2dUCDTpqNw1uhg92UG-rhNLPENdGzzfMLtQlQ8MbTQNgd9Wi1eRCeKC0ieeky4zqcz6qvQOOr5IlEkhVB9DCGniqT0gPeoGp-21by718SsTObDGM17JxyS7HZ6wtTCkT5pUD-0Bgoj49EcS5/w496-h284/IMG_8528.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Designer Endurance!</p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">With her designs worn at the Oscars, Emmys, and The Cannes Film Festival,<b> </b>designer Claire Garvey offers some tips for success and longevity in fashion: “Don’t follow trends and always wear your own designs”!</p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Read through some of Irish designer Claire Garvey’s reviews online, and the phrase ‘creative genius’ comes up more than once. Her shop, tucked away on Cow’s Lane in Temple Bar, is a mecca for fashion lovers from around the world, and yet, when we think of Irish fashion designers, her name may not be the first to come to mind. Despite her sometimes larger-than-life, fantastical outfits, which she can be seen in daily around Dublin city, Claire is shy of the limelight and lets her designs do the talking and headline-grabbing. When she purchased the lease on her Temple Bar premises a few years ago, Chic co-founder Nile Rodgers flew in to cut the ribbon and help celebrate the occasion, giving us a glimpse of how respected she is among global stars. Over the years, her designs have been featured at the Oscars, at a Bette Midler gala event in Dubai, and at the most famous film festival in the world, Cannes. Her Irish customers include Mary Coughlan, Jack L., singer Julie Feeney, and <i>Dancing with the Stars</i> judge Julian Benson.</p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">The fashion headlines keep coming, most recently when actor and model Maksuda Akhter wore her ornate, show-stopping design on the Cannes Film Festival 2023 red carpet.</p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">This month, Claire is busy creating new designs for Irish actress Kathleen Rose Downey, who has just landed the leading role in the Warner Brothers sequel to The Conjuring. Downey will be wearing Claire’s creation at the world premiere<b> </b>in LA later this year.</p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Claire is also working on a new creation for composer and conductor Eimear Noone, who is now known as the first female conductor to perform at the Oscars. Noone has a major performance coming up at the Royal Albert Hall in June and is putting her trust in Clare yet again to create something spectacular.</p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Visiting Claire Garvey's shop is like entering a unique, enchanted world that has a distinctly ‘Claire Garvey’ look, which might be described as lavishly embellished, gothic fairy-chic. These priceless, one-off creations have to be seen up close to really understand how labour-intensive they are and marvel at the layers of textured, delicate fabrics embellished with multicoloured beading, gemstones, trims, tulle, lace, and feathers. These pieces are intricate works of art, not least because they are all one-offs.</p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">She recently named Vivien Westwood the most inspirational woman in fashion, describing her as “a quirky individual who has never compromised what she does”. For anyone else who remembers Claire in 1990s Dublin, dressed the same way then as now in lavish, funky-fairy-style creations, she herself epitomises non-conformity and has never bowed to high fashion trends or commercialism. She has stayed steadfast on her own path, knowing from her early college days what direction her clothes and business would take. Mass production was never an option, although she did briefly supply stores like Liberty and<b> </b>Many designers who refused to bend to the trends have fallen by the wayside, so it is arguable that Garvey’s greatest achievement is that she has sustained her business for over two decades with very few concessions.</p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Taking time out of her crazy schedule, she chatted to us about her work, the future of Irish fashion, and how her niche creations have endured for over twenty years in the fashion business.</p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"> </p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><b><i>Firstly, I had to ask her what words would best describe her distinctive personal style and the creations she makes?</i></b></p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">I suppose my personal style is eclectic. I love mixing hard and soft, like tulle skirts with Doc Martens. It’s very important to me to wear my own designs, as not only does it give me feedback on their comfort, but it is also great PR to wear one's own clothes. If I don’t wear my own designs, why should I expect anyone else to? The very first front cover I got of Social and Personal magazine was with the wonderful stylist Betty Wall, photographed by Mike Bunn. I was walking down Grafton Street in my own designs, and Betty stopped me and asked me where I got my outfit. It just shows that when you wear your own designs, anything can happen.</p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"> </p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"> </p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><b><i>The Cannes Film Festival red carpet is arguably one of the most talked-about fashion moments of the year. Tell us about your involvement and the look you created this year.</i></b></p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">I created two special outfits for actor Maksuda Akhter, which ended up on the leading news channel in Bangladesh and in their daily top newspaper, Daily Prothom Alo, as Maksuda is originally from Bangladesh. The first outfit was a gold vegan leather corset with over a thousand hand-beaded crystals and a matching feathered skirt with a train for drama on the red carpet stairs. I also created the headpiece, which was inspired by reimagining the hijab as a decorative piece of beauty for a woman to wear. The second one was initially supposed to be at the Met Gala, but due to circumstances beyond my control, it didn’t make it there. So I was delighted that it graced the Cannes red carpet. The blue outfit was created in conjunction with three schools. I really wanted to involve transition-year students in creating a piece with me. I was an artist in residence for the year in Cluny, Killiney. The other two schools were Joeys in Fairview and Margaret Ailworth. I was thrilled they got to see a creation they had been involved in on the red carpet. It’s very important to me to share my knowledge and experience with the younger generation, as they are the future of fashion. They inspire me every day, too. The blue gown was a year in the making, with over ten thousand Swarovski crystals. I have no feeling in my fingers now!</p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"> </p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><b><i>What achievements are you most proud of?</i></b></p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Working with Nile Rodgers for the Oscars has been a career highlight. I’ve designed so many outfits for Nile. I’ve been so lucky, and he’s been so generous with his support of my work. In the piece I did for him for the Oscars, I didn’t tell him before hand that it lights up in the dark. I like to imagine that the night before the Oscars, he was wondering whether to wear mine, and then he saw it lighting up in front of him. A <i>real</i> lightbulb moment! It was so kind of him to come cut the red ribbon on my shop when I bought the lease outright. The press and TV were there, and of course I gave him a blunt scissors! He calls me the umbrella girl because the first time I met him, while designing for him for the X-factor, I had a dress on that was made out of an umbrella. I told him it was handy for Irish weather. Ever since then, every time I’ve met him, I’ve worn a dress made from an umbrella. It’s become a thing.</p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Designing and flying to Berlin to dress the <a href="https://www.berlin-show-orchestra.de/"><span class="s1">Berlin Show Orchestra</span></a> is another highlight. Watching the Berlin Show Orchestra fly upside down while playing their violins while wearing my creations is a memory I’ll never forget. I was also one of six international designers who won the Madame Figaro White Swan competition, where I was invited to show my creation in the Pompidou Centre. Last October, I was invited to show my designs by Asian supermodel Jessica Minh Anh on the Hudson River in New York, where my design was featured in French Elle. We took twenty outfits and twenty hand-beaded shoes with us. It was an adventure, to say the least. My designs have been shipped worldwide to all kinds of events like the Oscars, the Emmys, and even the Burning Man festival in Nevada, which is one of the most experimental and creative gatherings in the world. Staying in business through the recession was difficult, but finding new product lines to pursue, like wedding dresses and bespoke gowns, has been a big achievement. When COVID hit, during lockdown, I forced myself to create a new outfit from fabric I had left in the shop. I also started selling accessories online, and the most surprising revenue stream came from people buying my pieces to wear to Zoom parties! Also, musicians were still playing online and ordering outfits, and Jack L was particularly supportive during lockdown.</p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"> </p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><b><i>Do you follow the latest fashion trends, and do you have any advice for upcoming Irish designers?</i></b></p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">I don’t follow fashion trends because I don’t believe people’s bodies change as quickly as the trends. I dress for the person. My aim is to make them feel as beautiful and comfortable as they can be, whether they are size zero or twenty-four. Everybody deserves to feel special. I really aim to do that with everyone, celebrity or not; it doesn’t matter. The advice I’d give to young Irish designers is to follow their hearts and do what is true to them. When I was asked to design for Nile Rodgers for the X-factor, I had never done menswear before, but what I did was translate what I love doing with my women’s wear into my menswear. And it made it less daunting for me. When I opened my shop over twenty years ago, various boutiques and people told me I was mad and that my outfits were too dramatic to make a living from. I knew I had made the right decision when the first customer I got said she wanted me to create an outfit based on a tree. Since then, I haven’t looked back. Don’t worry about commerciality, my most unusual pieces are the ones I sell first. Oh, and remember to always wear your own clothes! You are your own free, walking advertisement.</p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><b><i>How important is sustainable fashion, and how has it been part of your story?</i></b></p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Sustainable fashion is incredibly important to me. I have always used recycled fabrics, vintage buttons, and unusual materials. I made a dress for a girl going to an award ceremony in Vegas out of cocktail stirrers and straws. She won her award and was able to drink her champagne using her bodice!</p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">I’ve made a dress out of chilli peppers for a woman who met her husband in Chile. When myself and my family were having a picnic, I asked my child to pick up all the acorns they could find, and I made a dress out of them. I’m honoured to be showing at Canada’s Tides Are Changing Exhibition on Canada Day in July. I’ve created a new corset out of reused plastic. Junk Couture is a wonderful initiative for young people, and we all know the times are changing.</p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"> </p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="http://www.clairegarvey.com/">www.clairegarvey.com</a></span></p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">6 Cow’s Lane Temple Bar, Dublin 8</p><p class="p2" style="color: #1c1c1c; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Instagram: clairegarveydesigner_</p>Sara Colohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732656718070616610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840670815709197748.post-30922631941356225792023-05-03T17:51:00.002+01:002023-05-03T17:57:26.776+01:002023: Festivals feature in weekend Mail <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeRvIDhzeDrtVqcwi-BJHThIgBrFXuBMdmr1vusYEJCYfAQ9utCsJto70RmETpTTa2AJI05lD8n9SOBpxhEDsrL1C1rl26W2CXqNL22n8z3i0IDHo6nTI_s9Qytkod816P3BbcPFGBIvpTBnkihtFLdu5Qb4abui-B9rXQ3q_4cGmVQADBrWZYsGr/s1114/IMG_7374.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1114" data-original-width="828" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeRvIDhzeDrtVqcwi-BJHThIgBrFXuBMdmr1vusYEJCYfAQ9utCsJto70RmETpTTa2AJI05lD8n9SOBpxhEDsrL1C1rl26W2CXqNL22n8z3i0IDHo6nTI_s9Qytkod816P3BbcPFGBIvpTBnkihtFLdu5Qb4abui-B9rXQ3q_4cGmVQADBrWZYsGr/s400/IMG_7374.jpg" /></a></div>
Gravers, get ready! - Never too old to party!
Have you heard of the term ‘Graver’ ?. It’s considered an endearing term for ‘people of a certain age’ who still love to dance to electronic music and frequent the odd rave or two! There are many of us still about; we are tipping fifty but not quite ready for the pipe and slippers just yet. With many super star DJs currently being revered by twenty year olds well into their fifties or over sixty (think Carl Cox 60, Fat Boy Slim 59, and David Geutta 55 ), no one is telling them to step away from the decks, nor should we be told to put the glow sticks down. Luckily, there are lots of great graver-friendly festivals cropping up, ideal for the more discerning clubber, offering proper glamping facilities, creche areas, grown-up cocktail bars, wellness spas and gourmet food. Here are some of the very best to choose from this summer.
Beyond The Pale, Wicklow, Ireland
Beyond The Pale is a this 5000 capacity music, art, and food festival that began in 2022 at the Glendalough Estate in Co. Wicklow. They started out big with a brilliant line-up, including Four Tet, Orbital, and Irish electro swing giant Kormac. This year sees Grace Jones, Hot Chip, and Leftfield among the big acts. At just over an hour from Dublin, it’s easy access, but there’s a catch. Beyond the Pale is a camping festival only. This means they do not sell day tickets, so your full commitment is required! It’s a decent but manageable-sized festival, (compare its capacity to the monstrous 70,000 capacity of Electric Picnic) and they host several different areas focusing on wellbeing, massage and yoga (The Space Beyond) and food demos and discussions (Beyond the Plate). Tickets are almost sold out, but there are still some last-tier tickets available. <a href="www.itsbeyondthepale.ie%20" target="_blank">www.itsbeyondthepale.ie </a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> We Out Here festival Dorset UK </div><div>We Out Here festival is now in its third year, and as in previous years, radio 6 DJ Giles Peterson will curate 2023’s August bank holiday proceedings from the lush forestland of Wimborne St. Giles, Dorset.
It promises to join the musical dots between soul, hiphop, house, Afro, electronica, jazz, and beyond and will showcase both outstanding live music and some of the best record collections in the world. Joining those dots will be Rosin Murphy, Goldie, Roni Size, Mr. Scruff, Kruder and Dorfmeister, to name a few.
Giles Peterson says of his award weekender
"I'm very excited for summer 2023 now. We've added over 100 musicians and DJs to this year’s lineup, featuring some of my favourite acts right now and exciting new talent in the scene today. There’s even more to come over the coming weeks as we continue the warmup to We Out Here Festival 2023!"
With last year’s festival getting a five-star review from the Guardian and one of the headliners, drum’n’bass veterans Fabio and Grooverider, stating that We Out Here is “one of the best”, three years in, We Out Here has gained a strong following that many of its peers could stand to learn from.
Tickets starting £69 for one day £210 for weekend <a href="www.weoutherefestival.com%20" target="_blank">www.weoutherefestival.com</a></div><div>Ryan Air flies direct from Dublin to Bournemouth from E70 </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> Convenanza, Carcassonne, France </div><div> The celebrated and hugely respected DJ Andrew Weatherhall passed away suddenly in 2020. Luckily for his devoted fans, he left behind an incredibly prolific legacy. Hundreds of hours of recorded DJ sets, more than twenty years worth of published music, and a boutique electronic music festival set in the French fortified city of Carcassonne. 2022 was the first year for the festival to run without its creator, Weatherhall, and Belfast man David Holmes took up the mantel as the headline act. Holmes proved the perfect choice to emulate Weatherhall’s all encompassing style. Of course, David Holmes is a legend in his own right, with decades of releases and several Hollywood blockbuster film scores to his credit, so he was always going to do it his way. What marries these two DJ giants is their undeniable appreciation for all music, which you can hear in their Dj sets. You can pick out influences of northern soul, two-tone, acid house, and disco from everything Weatherhall and Holmes have done. Holmes is back headlining 2023’s proceedings, so expect that eclectic electronica mix throughout Convenanza’s unique weekender. This is the festival's 10th anniversary, so Weatherhall’s loyal fans and friends will be going the extra mile. <a href="www.covenanzafestival.com" target="_blank">www.covenanzafestival.com</a>
Ryan Air flies direct from Dublin to Carcassonne airport from E45.</div>Sara Colohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732656718070616610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840670815709197748.post-86470819206348899022023-03-22T11:23:00.006+00:002023-03-22T11:24:32.738+00:00Vegan Food & Living magazine - All my features available on #veganfoodandliving website<p> I'm proud to write for such a great magazine and delighted to have some of my work available to read on their website - Hope you enjoy!</p><p><a href="https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/author/saracolohan/" target="_blank">https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/author/saracolohan/ </a></p>Sara Colohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732656718070616610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7840670815709197748.post-43068281848733121362023-03-09T11:12:00.002+00:002023-05-03T16:54:12.837+01:00Vegan Amsterdam! Vegan Food & Living Published March 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimokqXse4aUE0VJHco_vFXaEB7Snz8Ci-nWtufOyvn7nG8AOX-aMvMxeJH3Rl6XjqiPg7D6r2k9YLPUcc9JVQ-rqRrfcA6t_oCYxHvoQKaFldLln-xDF45k84pUDmKpzDKrdJAuULWwvTTOtgOEVP21O-F8NzZNGvP4lBe-2ARzvyxLYyUG8s1iaTf/s1174/09008225-0B93-4A11-9D6A-8A92E4710336.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1174" data-original-width="1170" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimokqXse4aUE0VJHco_vFXaEB7Snz8Ci-nWtufOyvn7nG8AOX-aMvMxeJH3Rl6XjqiPg7D6r2k9YLPUcc9JVQ-rqRrfcA6t_oCYxHvoQKaFldLln-xDF45k84pUDmKpzDKrdJAuULWwvTTOtgOEVP21O-F8NzZNGvP4lBe-2ARzvyxLYyUG8s1iaTf/s320/09008225-0B93-4A11-9D6A-8A92E4710336.jpeg" width="319" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6xQD0kvB_RGLGiglYtzv3Ll_iw2MIhRyI7y-xP-p_mVh69H7wUlaR2VD5C_jofyKxPO9G1SFBKCJNnh83h-uVqB2cVdqBCD5bEyRqM-YwxWjYSdlKqPB8yRT9y9aV6uRJjfjlC3ThU2FhJznsEdUsSeIuNXDPJXJF1USONQPIcB0-csY9fe3fJA4/s3704/41C0480C-899D-4F5D-BA93-00638C3316DE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3704" data-original-width="2677" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6xQD0kvB_RGLGiglYtzv3Ll_iw2MIhRyI7y-xP-p_mVh69H7wUlaR2VD5C_jofyKxPO9G1SFBKCJNnh83h-uVqB2cVdqBCD5bEyRqM-YwxWjYSdlKqPB8yRT9y9aV6uRJjfjlC3ThU2FhJznsEdUsSeIuNXDPJXJF1USONQPIcB0-csY9fe3fJA4/s320/41C0480C-899D-4F5D-BA93-00638C3316DE.jpeg" width="231" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrtJpuQGXQz6lCUxCuQ8hgqNFB7031ljeQGOaKBG47Sk4lXFmKEor6IJMP_1xEx6Rqy6TOYkvtMghg6zLbKvWYX8ylJOxOU0cbqG1w8EqF6LQVNI0U5uWCWGb37_6RvKJAvnBBiaxcHevfWvnLEfR88SHV6NSMmqiWb-3_2PZCzFU3HmoHVD1J4F8/s3704/E818E7E6-0112-48A7-BAA1-8A6242554E09.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3704" data-original-width="2677" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrtJpuQGXQz6lCUxCuQ8hgqNFB7031ljeQGOaKBG47Sk4lXFmKEor6IJMP_1xEx6Rqy6TOYkvtMghg6zLbKvWYX8ylJOxOU0cbqG1w8EqF6LQVNI0U5uWCWGb37_6RvKJAvnBBiaxcHevfWvnLEfR88SHV6NSMmqiWb-3_2PZCzFU3HmoHVD1J4F8/s320/E818E7E6-0112-48A7-BAA1-8A6242554E09.jpeg" width="231" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Sara Colohanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12732656718070616610noreply@blogger.com0