Where do you go to get your groceries? If your first thought was your local supermarket, you are not alone. Shopping in large grocery stores became the norm for many of us, and we rely on these outlets more than we realise. They are convenient, filled to the brim with seemingly every product you could imagine and have a price point that fits most pockets.

From afar it seems like the perfect solution, but we all witnessed what happened in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic turned life on its head and among many others, highlighted the fragility of our food economy and the part supermarkets play in it. 

The University of Oxford describes our food system as “a complex set of interconnected practices and relationships that ultimately deliver food from farms, processing facilities, factories, warehouses, and retailers, to the dinner table.” 

The industrial food system is built for scale and efficiency with an aim to maximise production, reduce cost, and function much like factories.

Although many supermarkets and producers are taking steps to include the origins of their products on their labels, there is still not enough transparency around where our food actually comes from. This industrialised structure offers customers accessibility to a wider range of products at more affordable prices but has economic and environmental impacts that many are not aware of.

Industrial agriculture is notorious for using a range of fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides in their processes to maximise output, some of which stays present in the soil long after the crops are harvested. The products are then processed in factories, stabilised with preservatives and packaged in plastic, all occurring before they are loaded onto long haul freights, planes, lorries to arrive in distribution centres and eventually to supermarket shelves. 

BBC Good Food reported that “DEFRA estimates that moving food is responsible for 25 per cent of all miles covered by heavy goods traffic in the UK. Transporting food within, to and around the UK produces 19 million tonnes of CO2 annually – equivalent to around 5.5 million typical cars.”

The length of the supply chains involved in industrial food systems result in a fragile structure as any slight disruption throughout the intricate process can halt the supply chain at any time. 

However, this industrial food system is not the only one available to our economy. While our modern supermarkets heavily rely on large-scale agriculture, large scale production and precise, uninterrupted international food trade and fast turnaround times, the alternative slow food system focuses on a more resilient structure.

As the resilient alternative to this industrial cycle that many in the industry are championing, Slow Food is focused on returning to the traditional methods and celebrating all things local.

The not for profit grassroots organisation, Slow Food was set up in Italy in the late 1980s in a bid to promote traditional food preparation methods and locally sourced ingredients, going against the arrival of the American fast-food chain McDonald’s in Rome. The eco-gastronomic organisation now has around 100,000 members in over 150 countries. 

Recognising and raising awareness of the negative impact the industrial food system had on society, the economy and the environment, the organisation ignited a Slow Food movement: a new way of conscious consumerism that takes seasonality, locality and tradition into account.

A slow, or resilient food system can take on many forms, starting with us as individuals making a conscious effort to engage with producers, venues and outlets that are aligned with the slow food values, to foraging, growing our own produce and going to local farmers’ markets.

Any involvement in the movement can make a significant difference in local communities and build a more sustainable, resilient and eco-friendly food system.

As the first accredited Slow Food destination in Northern Ireland, the Causeway Coast and Glens have been spearheading the move toward this resilient system and together with Taste Causeway, the collaborative network of local food and drink businesses.

From exciting slow food events to highlighting producers and awarding them with Slow Food accreditation, Taste Causeway and Slow Food NI are putting local suppliers and venues at the forefront of consumers’ minds, one business at a time.

Taste Causeway is delivering Slow Food Causeway with funding from Tourism NI in partnership with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. 

For more information go to https://slowfood.tastecauseway.com/ or follow the hashtags #SlowFoodCauseway and #TasteCauseway

If you fancy making memories with family and friends this year, discover what Ards and North Down has to offer with a selection of fantastic experiences that allow you to explore fascinating places, enjoy delicious food and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Borough! 

From April through to the end of the year, a fabulous selection of experiences will be available in Ards and North Down. ‘Spring’ into action this April with the Castle Park Minibeasts Kiddies Walk (13 April). Or if you fancy something a little bit different this Easter Sunday, why not try an Easter Egg Hunt on water with the Easter SUP Experience (17 April) at Ballyholme Beach. 

If you ‘knead’ some time for yourself, try the Kneading Yoga Experience (20 April) in the beautiful surroundings of Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen where a one-hour yoga session will be followed by some delightful homemade breads and delicious cake. Alternatively, the Weaving with Nature Experience (22 April) lets you learn basic weaving skills in the stunning Kiri Cottage, using materials you’ve foraged for in the heart of Ards Peninsula. 

Looking beyond April, more experiences will be on offer including a High Tea at Sea (7 May) speedboat experience, Garden Escape (14 May), Art in the Garden (20 May) watercolour workshop and a Bat Walk and Talk (26 May) in Crawfordsburn Country Park. 

As we enter the summer months, many more experiences will be available with plenty to satisfy those who are fond of water. The SUPaoke Experience (3 June) combines paddleboarding with some fun karaoke in the middle of Belfast Lough, or spend some quality time with your family and make great memories by taking a guided kayak tour for Family Time on the Water (5 June). 

If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on dry land, why not celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and take a guided walking tour of Bangor with the Jubilee Jaunt Back in Time (5 June) where you will uncover the town’s Royal connections. 

Find out what it takes to look after Castle Espie with the Ranger for a Day Experience (18 June) or if you prefer to go for a walk with your furry friend and enjoy a gin cocktail, Paws for Gin (19 June) is definitely worth a look. 

With many more Experiences in Ards and North Down available over the coming months, there will be plenty of things to do during all seasons of 2022! 

Experiences must be pre-booked so book early to avoid disappointment. For more information, including ticket prices, terms and conditions, and a full list of available Experiences, go to visitardsandnorthdown.com/experienceAND.

Since November 2021, the topic of Slow Food has been on everyone’s lips thanks to the Slow Food Causeway campaign which launched in November 2021. 

For the past four months, both producers and businesses alike have been busy putting on an exciting range of events, dining experiences, tours and special menus celebrating the unique Slow Food and drink culture of the Causeway Coast and helping spread the grassroots movement around Northern Ireland to accomplish a much more delicious and sustainable future.As locals open up to a new and exciting world of all things Slow through the campaign,  there are plenty of other ways that you can follow to keep embracing the Slow Food conversation.  

1. Check out food deliveries in your local area 

Slow Food can start at home. With many Taste Causeway and Slow Food Causeway approved businesses offering a delivery service, it has never been easier to source high quality, local produce straight to the dinner plates of homes across the province. 

Slow Food Northern Ireland Director Paula McIntyre was delighted to discover that during the Coronavirus lockdowns in 2020, a lot of the popular eateries along the North Coast were still delivering their goods.

“A lot of our Taste Causeway people were delivering. I got a delivery of Lacada Ale, a delivery from Corndale Farm, Warke’s Deli, Ursa Minor bread and Glenballyeamon  Eggs” she said.

2. Be open to trying new things

One of the main ethos of Slow Food is being open to trying new produce and uncovering new food favourites, particularly from your local area. 

Paula recommends that when eating out or buying produce, you think carefully and consider the origin of the items.

The popular fish restaurant in Portstewart, Native Seafood and Scran, has been challenging traditional buying behaviour for fish and seafood, selling and cooking only locally caught fish. 

“Native Seafood and Scran  opened just before the pandemic and have sold so much  native seafood since then. Before this, people were buying salmon, which is not slow food by any stretch of the imagination.” Paula said.

3. Ask questions

Embracing the Slow Food movement also requires you to be more curious and have the confidence to challenge producers and businesses in your local area. 

Paula warns to be mindful when reading menus advertising ‘local sea bass’, “Restaurants will put on menus ‘local sea bass’ but in our waters, it’s illegal to fish commercially so you need to call them out.”

When you directly engage with producers or restaurant staff, you can safely enjoy the food knowing that the beef is from down the road, the fish has come off the boat around the corner which plays a big difference to the experience of the food.

“If you’re looking at the menu and it doesn’t say where the steaks come from, just ask.”

4. Visit your local farmers market

The Slow Food movement emphasises buying from vendors based in your community or area instead of solely relying on big chain supermarkets. 

It’s a good habit to check the labels of your food to confirm it was made by a local producer or grown by a local farmer. 

Contact farmers in your area and buy from them directly so you have access to fresh, local food. Get to know your local farmers so you know the history of your food and how it is grown.

Paula believes that buying local produce can help you rediscover new ways of cooking, “People can get back into rediscovering veg like cabbage and different varieties of potato.”

“The possibilities are endless with what you can do with them.”

5. Cook at home from scratch

Following the Slow Food movement involves making an effort to cook your own meals at home on a daily basis. 

Whilst this can be overwhelming if you live a busy lifestyle, you can try to create a meal plan and buy local ingredients at the beginning of the week so you have them already in your cupboards.

Every little helps and by preparing meals at home with fresh ingredients, you have the power to make the Slow Food choice and cook with as many ingredients as you can where you know exactly where it comes from. 

6. Make meals a social event with others 

The Slow Food Movement focuses on slowing down when it comes to eating and sharing meals with others. 

So by getting in the habit of having weekly meals with your family or friends, where you all sit down at the table, connect and make conversation with another.

Taste Causeway is delivering Slow Food Causeway with funding from Tourism NI in partnership with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. 

For more information go to tastecauseway.com/slow-food-causeway or follow the hashtags #SlowFoodCauseway and #TasteCauseway

Major Industry recruitment campaign critical part of a strategy to address staffing issues and skills shortages
 

Northern Ireland’s hospitality and tourism industry has been one of the economic success stories, but even before the pandemic skills shortages were hitting the sector, an issue amplified by Brexit and lockdowns resulting in a staffing crisis.

Employer-led network the Hospitality & Tourism Skills network (HATS) has partnered with Tourism NI to spearhead a multi-channel advertising campaign to combat the crisis and promote the breadth of exciting opportunities that the industry has to offer potential job seekers.

Roisin McKee, director of the HATS network is clear there’s a need to restore confidence in the sector so that it is recognised as a stable and vaible option for fulfilling careers

“To help the sector recover, we urgently need to support businesses to fill current vacancies and to raise the profile of positions with good employers and inspire people to consider a career in the industry.”

There are incredible opportunities for people to join this industry yet there are still people who have misconceptions about the types of jobs available and the required skills.  Employers are looking for people with personality and passion”

The industry recruitment campaign aligns employers’ needs, a portal for job applicants, as well as a best practice charter.

Running until the end of March 2022, the campaign features a series of quirky eye-catching job descriptions across billboards, outdoor advertising and social media to attract attention and highlight the dynamic and fast-paced roles available, helping to attract new recruits.

“We have an ambition to be able to attract, develop and retain the future talent that the industry needs,” Roisin explained. 

We want to champion people at the heart of the industry and change the narrative – to be seen as an exciting industry offering quality jobs”

“And at the same time, focus on retaining the people that are already in the  industry.”

Whilst recruitment challenges are not new to the sector, the combination of  skills shortages pre-Covid with the pandemic lockdowns and the impact of Brexit have exacerbated the problem.

“You’ve had that start-stop nature of lockdown and the uncertainty and that forced people to give up on the sector,” said Roisin. 

“People’s priorities have changed and we’ve also seen a lot of overseas workers that the sector is reliant on to help fill vacancies have returned home. The impact has limited their businesses’ ability to be able to operate at full capacity.”

As the hospitality and tourism sector begins to look forward there are key roles that are hard to recruit for, including kitchen staff, food and beverage roles, housekeeping and mid-management.

Roisin believes the new campaign will help address some of the issues but recognises that the industry has wider opportunities.

“We as consumers mostly experience customer facing roles,” she explained.

“However, a career in the industry is not limited  to the reception, bar or the restaurant. There’s a wealth of diverse roles back of house and in supporting roles such as finance, HR, marketing and the wider visitor experience.

“Self-employment and entrepreneurial opportunities are also a huge pull for many entering the sector.  We have people who follow their passion in areas such as craft beers and whiskey for example, and open up distilleries.”

For employers the campaign provides a chance to reach out.

“The campaign on its own isn’t enough.  Businesses have a key role to play in showcasing their  vacancies whether they’re part time, full time, entry level or management,” Roisin explained. 

“And they can do that for free via Careerscope, the campaign job portal run by Springboard. “The opportunities will then be promoted to the job seekers that are being targeted by the campaign.  We encourage businesses where possible to promote the flexibility and training offered in the roles  to encourage more applications.”

Roisin said that with the challenges to attract and retain staff companies are looking at what they can offer.

“Many employers were already making great strides to actually address working practices, the culture, terms and conditions, pay and so on.

“There are many things that employers are doing.

“They are looking at addressing  pay, improving work/life balance, offering perks and incentives, whether that be discounts on products and experiences or health insurance benefits.

“They recognise that they want to recognise and reward staff and set out progression and development opportunities too.”

As the HATS network was founded by a group of core leading employers from the sector from across both hospitality and tourism the employer component is vital explained Roisin. 

“Leading employers  recognised that the attraction and retention of talent was something that the industry needed to get involved in  to address  the situation.

“They’ve come together as part of the HATS network  to put a plan in place to actually look at the activities and the solutions  to be able to tackle these challenges. This campaign is just one of those solutions that has been taken forward.”

“To demonstrate that the industry is offering quality job experiences we’re also asking recruiting employers to sign up to implementing ‘Our Hospitality & Tourism Commitment’ in their business – a voluntary code of working practices developed in partnership with leading employers which covers critical areas such as working hours and learning and development.   

“Whilst employer-led, the overarching objectives of the HATS network to address attraction, retention and employee engagement also involve everyone else with a stake in the sector.

“It’s critical to have that cohort of employers but also the trade partners and delivery partners from government and education,” said Roisin.

“All of them have committed to coming together to  see where we can impact positively on the sector’s issues around skills challenges.”

The ambition of the HATS network also goes beyond the immediate recruitment issues and looks to the longer term.

“There’s wider activity going on in terms of sign-posting training support and putting a spotlight on the career development pathways,” said Roisin. 

“There are many opportunities for people to come into the industry, whether that’s through entry-level academy programmes and progressing on to apprenticeships and other programmes.

“From the HATS network perspective, we see  the industry recruitment campaign as being a catalyst to create a better  awareness of our industry, helping to bring people in.

“We want to be able to progress people on a career pathway. Whether that’s moving vertically or horizontally in the industry to progress their careers.”

The HATS network, which was set up in December 2019,  brings together a diverse mix of employers from across the hospitality and tourism sector alongside industry associations and key delivery partners from government and education in order to collectively address issues around sector image, attractiveness and skills development into and within the sector.

The HATS network project is supported by Invest Northern Ireland under its Collaborative Growth Programme.

Employers can upload their vacancies for free at https://careerscope.uk.net/employer-sign-up

Jobseekers can check out jobs available at https://careerscope.uk.net/jobs/NI

Celeste Barber: Fine, Thanks.

Ulster Hall, Belfast: Sunday 18 September

Ticket on Sale NOW

www.ulsterhall.co.uk & www.ticketmaster.ie

Celeste Barber comes to the Ulster Hall, Belfast on Sunday 18 September 2022.

Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10am, including 50 Meet & Greet Packages, which will include the best seats in the house plus a socially distanced photo opportunity with Celeste and a signed poster.

Hailed as the “Australian Queen of Comedy”, Celeste’s original celebrity parody Instagram account has attracted over 8.1 million followers.  

In 2019 she released her best-selling book Challenge Accepted and she was also seen on the 2019 Showtime Special of the same name.    In 2020, she won the AACTA (The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards) for Favorite Comedy Performer of the Decade and in 2021, took out a Webby Special Achievement award.

Celeste won the ‘Funniest Lady on Instagram’ Award 2017 on WhoHaha.com; a digital platform co-founded by actor, director, producer, Elizabeth Banks which showcases women in comedy around the world.

In 2019 she was included in Variety Magazine ‘Variety’s 10 Comics to Watch’ and she hosted the 5th Annual Daily Front Row Awards  at the Beverly Hills hotel where the  best in fashion in Hollywood are honored. 

She is currently shooting her Netflix Comedy Wellmania, a new comedic drama series based on the novel Wellmania: Misadventures in the Search for Wellness. The show centers around human tornado Liv (Barber) and a major health crisis where she is forced to rethink her ‘live fast die young’ attitude. Throwing herself body-first into a wellness journey, she tries everything from the benign to the bizarre in an attempt to get well quickly, and reclaim her old life.

In the summer of 2019-20, Australia that was ravaged by extreme bushfires and Barber raised 51 million dollars to support the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and Brigades Donation Fund.  Her fundraiser drew global attention and broke records, and help fund much-needed upgrades and providing high-tech equipment to ensure fires are better prepared for the next bushfire season.

Barber currently resides in Australia. 

Tickets on sale NOW: www.ulsterhall.co.uk & www.ticketmaster.ie

Whether you are on a hunt for a job or looking for a career change, the hospitality and tourism industry has many opportunities for you. 

From front of house and housekeeping positions to customer services and management opportunities, you are sure to find a role that suits your experience and skill. 

As part of the Hospitality & Tourism Skills network (HATS) and Tourism NI partnership, you can now easily find opportunities that the industry has to offer on a central job portal.

Here are 11 Jobs In Hospitality & Tourism Recruiting Right Now Across Northern Ireland:

1.  Cruise Ship Coordinator | Visit Belfast | Co. Antrim

Temporary

Belfast

Visit Belfast are looking for a Cruise Ship Coordinator who will be responsible to the Director of Visitor Servicing and the Visitor Services Operations Manager for the provision of efficient and comprehensive management of cruise visitors arriving into Belfast along with the provision of visitor servicing and management of shuttle bus services. 

2. Hotel Duty Manager | COREcruitment International | Co. Fermanagh

Permanent

£32,000 + Benefits

Enniskillen

COREcruitment International are looking for a creative and dynamic individual, who thinks out of the box and is excited to develop a strong team culture within a challenging environment. The position would suit an experienced Duty Manager or a candidate in a management position within the Front Office Division, looking to take a step forward into management.

3.  Assistant Manager | Nando’s | Co. Derry

£23900 – £26000 per annum

Coleraine

Interested in joining the Nando’s family? We’re looking for an assistant manager who will work alongside the general manager to support the team and deliver the best experience to all our customers. They would love somebody who motivates and supports the team. If you’re hungry and keen to learn and develop, this is the job for you.

4.  Contracts Manager | Craft Events Management |

Craft Events Management are recruiting an experienced Contracts Manager to join their dynamic and busy Events Team. The person will be responsible to their clients in two prestigious locations: Belfast Castle and Malone House. You’ll need a minimum of 2 years of experience as a catering/hospitality/events manager/supervisor with a career background within the bar and licensing environment.

5. Food Service Assistant | Moy Park Ballymena | Co. Armagh

Permanent

Ballymena

Join the team at Moy Park Ballymena as a food service assistant and join their catering team. You’ll provide an efficient and friendly service to customers, assisting as directed with all aspects of food preparation and presentation to high quality standards.

6.  Events Staff | Mount Charles Group | Various locations

Contract

£8.92 – £9.90 per hour

Join a leading events team working across Northern Ireland in a range of different venues. Some of the venues include the likes of Ulster Rugby, Waterfront Hall, IFA Windsor Park and more.

7. Mobile Food Service Assistant | Sodexo | Co. Derry

Permanent

£9.10 per hour

Derry

Sodexo are looking for a Mobile Food Service Assistant to be responsible for preparing and serving food with care and attention, replenishing stock and ensuring all work areas are clean. The ideal candidate will have a positive, friendly attitude and will work as part of a team and will need to have strong communication skills.

8.  Bar and Restaurant Supervisor | Malmaison Hotels | Co. Antrim

Permanent

Earn up to £11.20 Per Hour (inc tronc), 40 Hours

Belfast

Malmaison Hotels are looking for a Bar and Restaurant Supervisor who already has experience in working within a busy restaurant and/or bar and be looking for the next step in your career. The ideal candidate will be the face of the restaurant and bar within the hotel and will communicate with the kitchen and management team to ensure a smooth and controlled dining experience for all guests.

9.  Museums Officer | Staffline | Co. Antrim

Temporary

£12.43 – £14.38 per hour

Staffline are recruiting for a Museums Officer who will be responsible for the delivery of the museum’s collections plans to ensure that Council maintains UK Accreditation standard for collections.

10.  Cleaning Supervisor | Reed | Co. Antrim

Permanent

£12.00 per hour

Belfast

Reed have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Cleaning Supervisor to join their leading team based in Belfast. You’ll be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness throughout the site while adhering to Health & Safety Policies & Procedures. Previous supervisor experience ideally within a cleaning role/environment is desired.

11.  Summer Program Manager | Belfast International Watersports Ltd | Co. Down

Seasonal (June – August 2022)

Carryduff

Let’s Go Hydro is looking for an experienced and qualified Summer Program Manager to be jointly responsible for the planning and implementation of daily operations of Lets Go Hydro Summer Scheme, over a 9-week period in the summer of 2022. The successful candidate will directly co-manage and co-supervise up to 30 employees, called Summer Scheme Team to ensure the delivery of our established program goals and deliverables. 

If you are interested in any of these positions make sure you apply NOW! 

For more opportunities, go to www.careerscope.uk.net/NI #CountMeIn

International guitar sensation Jon Gomm is set to headline the Ards International Guitar Festival when it rocks into Newtownards next month from 7 – 10 April.

Based in Leeds, Jon Gomm is an acoustic singer-songwriter with a revolutionary virtuoso guitar style, where he uses one acoustic guitar to create drum sounds, basslines and twisting melodies all at the same time.

Jon wrote his first song at the age of six and was soon accompanying his father to gigs in his hometown of Blackpool. Touring musicians would often stay at the Gomm household on the understanding that Jon would get a guitar lesson – which meant he had one-to-one instruction from such blues legends as BB King and Jack Bruce of Cream.

Nowadays, Jon tours worldwide. In January 2012 his song Passionflower went viral online, with the video passing six million hits, resulting in national TV appearances in the UK, Portugal, Holland, Brazil and Turkey. His debut CD Hypertension has sold over 50,000 copies at the time of writing, and his second CD Don’t Panic sold out within 3 days of appearing on Amazon. His videos are watched tens of thousands of times within minutes of appearing on YouTube.

The festival is delighted to also welcome Carlow-born virtuoso Shane Hennessy back to this year’s line-up. Shane who is supporting Jon Gomm at his Queen’s Hall gig, is known for high energy and variety at his live shows – listeners can expect anything from Bach to Beyoncé! Irish Music Magazine also referred to him as “one of the most exciting live performers of his generation”. Coming from a background in Irish traditional music, Shane has been captivating audiences globally for the past few years, with sell-out solo tours in Europe, Russia, and the United States under his belt, as well as regular appearances at major international music festivals. He has released four albums of original music, with the most recent Rain Dance being hailed as “a triumphant reaffirmation of his virtuosity and compositional excellence” by Irish Music Magazine.

Over the years Shane has collaborated with Tommy Emmanuel, worked with Grammy-winner Bill Whelan (composer of Riverdance), and was named Male Musician of the Year at the 2021 American Listener-Supported Radio Awards.

Jon Gomm and Shane Hennessey will play at The Queen’s Hall, Newtownards on Saturday 9 April. Tickets cost £15 and are on sale now.

For the full programme and bookings visit:  www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk 

Drawing on the highs and lows of her tumultuous journey as a woman in the international performing industry, West Belfast born actor, broadcaster and singer, Pauline Carville, is finally ready to break her silence to inspire others to not make the same mistakes as she did in her tell all book, Am I Mad or What?.

Released on Thursday March 9, the official biographical novel is a compelling tale written from Pauline’s first hand experience of mental breakdowns, personal tragedy and overcoming struggles, touching the hearts of many across Northern Ireland, a country reported to have the highest prevalence of mental health problems in the UK.

From a young age, Pauline always believed she had a story to tell but after her one woman performance at the Belfast Fringe Festival in 2011, the actress was knocked back but 11 years later, she feels she is ready to ‘let it go’.

“I wrote the book as I felt like I had a story to tell that could help others. I had talked about telling my story for many years and I did write it originally as a short fifty minute one woman show that I performed in The Belfast Fringe Festival back in 2011. 

“Unfortunately, performing it knocked me back into a depression for a few years, so I needed to be ready to tackle it once again.” she said.

As a trained actor and singer at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and The Royal Academy of Music, Pauline paints an emotive picture in her writing about how her skyrocketing professional career securing international acting roles alongside Hollywood actor Charlie Sheen and West End legend Trevor Nunn, was synonymous with her mental breakdown in 2001.

“I did manage to have a successful performing career all whilst battling with severe anxiety and depression from the age of fifteen when my daddy had died the year before. It changed  everything in our family and it was a terrible shock as he had been found dead under strange circumstances.

“I went to three different GP’s and I would do all that was advised, go to the gym, go for walks but after years of therapy I got to the stage where suicidal thoughts were my daily life. I began planning ways to die.”

By giving readers a truthful depiction of her reality beyond the stage, Pauline hopes that they will learn that they aren’t alone in anything that they are currently experiencing and to always keep the conversation open with loved ones when it comes to talking about mental health.

“I hope that readers will realise that keeping something as serious as depression hidden had actually made things much worse. The longer that I hid my feelings, the longer it took to recover.  

“I hope that anyone reading my book will not make the same mistake that I did and go and get the help they need.” she said. 

Despite her book’s inclusion of the struggles Pauline faced, she also shares the many happy memories and funny anecdotes in the book, including the heart-warming story of how she met her husband and fellow broadcaster, Robin Elliott and the thrilling story of how a New York psychic conned her out of thousands.

Pauline’s book, Am I Mad or What?, priced £9.99, can be purchased from Excalibur Press excaliburpress.co.uk/product-category/books 

Eddi Reader is perhaps Scotland’s greatest living female voice. In 2022, she celebrates her 40th year on stage with a ’40 Years Live’ concert tour, arriving at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh on Tuesday 29 March.

From her earliest years playing the folk clubs of Western Scotland and learning how to street sing across Europe, Eddi’s path soon led her to a professional career in music as a backing singer for Eurythmics and Gang of Four. Her band Fairground Attraction had huge international success and number one hits with ‘Perfect’ and debut album ‘First of a Million Kisses’ which stormed the charts in the late 1980s.

Throughout her successful solo career, Eddi has released consistently great works, including highly acclaimed albums such as ‘The Songs of Robert Burns’ and last years ‘Cavalier’. She has won Brit Awards, been awarded four honorary degrees and an MBE, sung to millions on some of the world’s greatest concert and festival stages and collaborated with a host of stars across a myriad of genres including Folk, Jazz, Pop, World, Punk and even Classical work with various orchestras.

The ’40 Years Live’ tour promises to be something special, as with any Eddi Reader show, the magic is being made in the moment, no two performances are ever the same.

Tickets can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre, or through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821.

And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

Make way for a crackin’ Spring and Summer with a visit to epic, Derry~Londonderry

Now that the longer, brighter days are upon us, it is the perfect opportunity to make plans for lots of exciting and unforgettable experiences this spring and summer.  If you’re looking to try new things and see amazing places right on your doorstep then Derry~Londonderry should be on your bucket list, explained Odhran Dunne, CEO, Visit Derry.

“The Walled City offers something for everyone”, said Odhran.  “Thrill seekers can now experience an exhilarating cruise along the River Foyle, or zip through the treetops at Oakfire Adventures.  You can still do the favorites like walk the iconic city walls on a guided tour, or if you want a contemporary take on the city visit the locations where Derry Girls was filmed.

“In the coming months, there are numerous events and outdoor activities for all the family to enjoy as well as new experiences and lots of ways to keep entertained in our many theatres and museums; it’s a place like no other so get planning now to ensure 2022 is a LegenDerry Spring and Summer.”, said Odhran.

EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED

A festival city renowned for its buzzing atmosphere, 2022 is jam-packed with incredible events to look out for.

• About Us (Creativity Unboxed) – a spectacular, free open-air event that combines live performances and multimedia installations to celebrate the history of the universe from Big Bang to the present day arrives in Derry from 15^th – 21^st March.
• Spring Carnival – returns in all its splendor with a magical programme of dance, folklore, music, and food.On March 17^th, St. Patrick’s Day the vibrant Carnival Parade will kick off from 3-4pm.
• Walled City Passion – is an exciting new festival and modern re-telling of the Easter story staged along the Walls of Derry and in Guildhall Square.  Creating an electrifying event for all the family and told through live streaming and performance, this unique production will run from 14th – 16th April. 
• Our Place In Space (Creativity Unboxed) – is an out of this world experience centered on an epic-scale model of the solar system designed by artist and children’s author Oliver Jeffers – and created as a 3D sculpture trail stretching 10km. You can walk the trail in Derry from 22^nd April-22 May.
• City of Derry Jazz Festival – Northern Ireland’s biggest and best jazz festival is back. There’ll be big-band performances, solo gigs, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra with Brazilian musical legend Hermeto Pascoal, Imelda May, Jumpin Up! and much more from 28^th April – 2^nd May.?
• O’Neills Foyle Cup – Ireland’s premier youth soccer event will attract hundreds of teams from across the world from 18^th – 23^rd July.
• Foyle Maritime Festival – the most highly anticipated event in the North West of Ireland will return from 20^th – 24^th July alongside the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race fleet. Highlights include the Legenderry Street Food Festival, live music, street animation, marine themed installations, and much more.
• Millennium Forum – Other not-to-be-missed events coming up include Give My Head Peace in March, Derren Brown in April, SIX UK Tour in August and Celtic Women in August.

LET’S GET PHYSICAL

• Giddy Up! – City of Derry Equestrian offers a guided horse-riding experience and is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the panoramic views of Derry, Donegal and beyond. Crindle Stables, located on a working farm and stud, offers horse riding lessons and quirky activities for the beginner to the advanced rider.
• Far and Wild – a new Foodie Cycle Tours offer an historic view of the city and features two great culinary experiences, or you can get adventurous and enjoy a paddle boarding experience as you glide under the iconic Peace Bridge.
• Thrill seekers – Oakfire Adventures is a mecca for thrill seekers who love canopy high tree-to-tree crossing, free fall Tarzan swings and riding super-fast very long zips.  Limitless Activity Centre offers the chance to pilot a hovercraft and operate a Powerturn Buggy go-karting or Creggan Country Park has land and water-based activities including canoeing, aqua inflatables, raft building and pier jumping.
• Foyle Venture Cruises – blow away the cobwebs with an exciting boat cruise along the iconic river Foyle taking in the beautiful sights of the historic city, its bridges and local wildlife.

FOOD AND DRINK

• Wild Atlantic Distillery and Gin School – hear about the art of distillation and even distil your very own bottle of gin using a beautiful, authentic mini copper pot still.
• Derry’s Famous Beer and Cheese Tour – hear the stories of the people producing wonderful craft brews at Northbound Brewery before a visit to Dart Mountain Cheese to meet the cheesemakers and sample the range of award winning cheeses.
• Artis by Phelim O’Hagan – a new high end dining experience in the Craft Village, Artis is a celebration of local produce and more than 43-years of Michelin Star restaurant experience.

MAKE MY DAY 

• Visit Derry Pass – access 10 attractions and activities across the city including the iconic Guildhall, Tower Museum, Siege Museum, Bogside History Tours and The Museum of Free Derry; tours of the City’s cathedrals and churches; and access to several guided tour options that take in the bustle of the city.

REST EASY

There is a superb variety of places to stay in Derry~Londonderry so whether you like a little luxury, spa breaks, boutique escapes or family friendly accommodation, the city has it all. 

For more information on things to do in Derry~Londonderry, click on www.visitderry.com or call + 44 (0) 28 7137 7577.