June 2021
17th June 2021
Sestina presents ‘When David Heard’ forgotten masterpiece to light in first Irish performance.
New programme concludes year of online programming by music ensemble.
Belfast based early music ensemble Sestina will next week, 25 June 2021, deliver ‘When David Heard’ the latest online concert for the ensemble. The programme, using authentic period instruments, is built around the reconstruction of a relatively unknown work written for Holy Week by Italian composer Biagio Marini entitled ‘The Lacrime di Davide’ or ‘The Tears of David’. During lockdown, Sestina’s Musical Director, Mark Chambers, took this work, composed in 1655, and created a new performing edition, programming it alongside other well known works to create ‘When David heard’.
The performance strengthens an ongoing collaboration with Irish Baroque Orchestra, involving performers from and living in Ireland and Northern Ireland, and will be broadcast online on Friday 25 June 2021. Naturally, all preparation for the project was undertaken remotely, with the 5 instrumentalists and 9 singers coming together to safely rehearse and record the concert in St. Peter’s Church of Ireland, Drogheda earlier this month.
Commenting on When David Heard, Mark Chambers, Sestina Musical Director, said;
"I found the score of the work by the famous composer Marini in the famous music library in Bologna in 2018 and, on further investigation, I realised there was no modern performing edition. During lockdown I set about creating an edition for Sestina to work with, and the result is ‘When David Heard’. I believe this is the first time this music will be performed in Ireland. We have complimented this work with a programme of beautiful instrumental works all played on authentic instruments, and well-known settings by English composers Weelkes and Ramsey of ‘When David heard’, the lamentation of King David for his son Absalon”
All of the programmes delivered by Sestina this year, as with many other organisations, were moved online. This included concerts, education work with schools during school closures over Zoom, their annual mentoring programme and a virtual ‘come and sing’ project, 'Sing with Sestina: Gloria!' The ensemble developed new ways of delivery and engagement, supported by the ACNI Stability & Renewal programme, and plans are in place to mix future delivery via a blended approach of online and face-to-face events.
“This has been a very challenging time for our musicians and singers. The key focus for Sestina has been to do all that we can to keep our young professional singers engaged, as we were in danger of losing them from the profession. So we were truly delighted to be able to keep going: to provide employment to many of the ensemble, as well as guidance and training to aspiring professional singers through our mentoring programme. We will be soon inviting young singers to audition for our mentoring programme for 2021/22, and will be recruiting more new singers than ever for a range of exciting projects, which is really encouraging. Like many others, I was wary of teaching or coaching online thinking that nothing could replace the face to face dynamic of the rehearsal room, but through careful preparation our online delivery has been a huge success and ultimately very satisfying for all involved, so we can adapt where we have to!” added Mark.
When David Heard has been kindly supported by the Arts Council for Northern Ireland, the Arts Council for Ireland and Sestina’s principal sponsor, Exitex Ltd. Tickets for When David Heard are available from sestinamusic.com with a suggested donation of £10.
June 2021
17th June 2021
PET PARENT GUILT IS REAL: NINE IN TEN DOG OWNERS SAY THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED IT
Since lockdown over £3m has been spent on new family pets, and now as we emerge out of lockdown research by Mackle Petfoods Naturo brand is highlighting that a can of worms for pet owners awaits!
• A quarter (25%) of owners have skipped work or called in sick so they can stay at home with their pet
• Mutts before mates: over a third (34%) have been skipping social plans with their friends to hang out with their dog
• As many start planning trips away, 29% say they feel guilty about leaving a pet to go on holiday
Nine in ten (88%) dog owners say they have experienced ‘pet parent guilt’, the feeling of not doing enough for our four-legged friends, new research by local Armagh Company ‘Naturo’ owned by Mackle Petfoods reveals. ‘Parent guilt’ is a feeling familiar to many who have children – feeling completely responsible for your child’s safety, happiness and wellbeing. Your love and devotion to you child can lead to a fear that, at times, you are not good enough or doing enough for them.
June 2021
2nd June 2021
Bean in the City creates 12 new jobs in Belfast with opening of second business by local company.
Local Bellaghy business owners Shane and Pauline Hughes have this week opened their second business Bean in the City next to Victoria Square, following on from the success of their venture Bean at the Beach which opened in Portrush in July 2019. Seven former employees from neighbouring Thornton’s have been employed as part of the team.
The new local business, which will provide employment to 12 people, will open daily from Wednesday 2 June, serving delicious donuts, and fresh coffee. The donuts, which come in a variety of ranges are freshly baked daily, and the coffee is brewed from beans sourced locally. The company is 100% committed to sustainability, with 100% biodegradable cups, and minimal packaging on donuts, so it’s a case of drop in, pick up, get lost in the luxury of the taste, and naturally make sure and tell everyone you have ‘bean’ in our new store!
Commenting on the new Belfast City Centre business, Pauline said:
“This is a fantastic new site for us, in the heart of the vibrant Belfast City, next door to Victoria Square – it’s so close to retail and businesses that we are here for donuts and coffee from morning meetings through to grabbing and going at the end of the day – the business focus is really clear – we create excellent donuts and fabulous coffee – it’s as simple as that, and we do it as sustainably as possible.
“We are delighted to have provided jobs locally too, with seven staff from the former Thornton’s joining our team. So whilst the pandemic has been very hard on business, we are really pleased we can play our part to create more opportunities for employment here, and build on the success of Bean at the Beach, our first business venture in Portrush.”
With an investment of over £300,000 in the businesses since their creation, the Bean Group have ambitious plans for the new Belfast store, and other sites are in the planning.
June 2021
11 June 2021
Community Foundation Northern Ireland opens £10m Cancer Charities Support Fund.
The Community Foundation Northern Ireland has opened the second of three health related funds to support the community here in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Cancer Charities Support Fund will provide support across three categories ranging from small grants of £5,000 to £30,000, medium grants of £30,000 to £500,000 and larger grants of £500,000 to £1m. The grants will support cancer charities and organisations working with people and their carers impacted by cancer over the next three years.
The £10m fund, which is now open for applications online, was announced by Health Minister, Robin Swann as part of a funding package to support carers, mental health, and cancer organisations.
Welcoming the Cancer Charities Support Fund opening, the Health Minister, said:
“These funds have been made available through my Department as part of the £24m package I announced in April, and I am delighted to see the Cancer Charities Support Fund open, alongside the Carers Support Fund which opened last week.
“This support will enable charities and organisations to provide a wide range of support services for cancer patients throughout Northern Ireland and will cover key areas in the cancer pathway from pre-diagnosis through to palliative and end of life care. These services are key support mechanisms towards the implementation of the cancer recovery plan and the cancer strategy and important in working towards our aim of building cancer service capacity in communities. I am looking forward to seeing the impact of this funding locally.”
A consultation on the Cancer Charities Support Fund has been undertaken by the Community Foundation enabling organisations and individuals supporting those with cancer to contribute to the shaping of the funding criteria, and to ensure that those who are most in need are able to access support from the funds.
Commenting on the launch of the Fund, Siofra Healy, Director of Development with the Community Foundation, said:
“We are delighted to be opening the medium and larger funds today which will provide millions of pounds in support for services supporting people with cancer who are in need of assistance right now. Smaller grants of between £5,000 and £30,000 will open in September. The fund will be available for three years which means that it can make an impact over a longer period of time, which we know will create a meaningful difference in the lives of many. Now open online we are aiming to provide the first round of grants within a two-month period, as we are really keen to get some of these monies issued and making a difference as soon as possible so they can make an impact for the people who need it most.”
Charis Cancer Care Fundraiser, Katrina Hughes, added:
“I am delighted to hear this news for charities today, it’s a red-letter day for Cancer charities and support organisations in Northern Ireland. This £10million is a much-needed boost to help ensure groups and charities supporting individuals and families with cancer, can continue to do so over the next three years. We have all been through a phenomenally difficult time since March 2020, and like many sectors, charities and community organisations have struggled as a result. These funds will absolutely help to address and make inwards into the needs of families and individuals currently living with cancer and provide vital help and support to them.”
Speaking on the importance of the fund, Lorna Nevin, Partnership Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support said:
“Around 82,000 people are living with cancer in Northern Ireland and a diagnosis can affect every part of life, from physical health to work and finances, as well as relationships with family, friends and emotional wellbeing. The pandemic has had a devastating impact and people living with cancer need support more than ever. As demand for services continues to increase, and the fundraising environment remains challenging, we welcome the launch of the Cancer Charities Support Fund today.”
The Cancer Charities Support Fund is now available for applications via the Community Foundation website. For details and criteria visit www.communityfoundation.org/cancerfund
June 2021
17 June 2021
PET PARENT GUILT IS REAL: NINE IN TEN DOG OWNERS SAY THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED IT
• A quarter (25%) of owners have skipped work or called in sick so they can stay at home with their pet
• Mutts before mates: over a third (34%) have been skipping social plans with their friends to hang out with their dog
• As many start planning trips away, 29% say they feel guilty about leaving a pet to go on holiday
Nine in ten (88%) dog owners say they have experienced ‘pet parent guilt’, the feeling of not doing enough for our four-legged friends, new research by local Armagh Company ‘Naturo’ owned by Mackle Petfoods reveals. ‘Parent guilt’ is a feeling familiar to many who have children – feeling completely responsible for your child’s safety, happiness and wellbeing. Your love and devotion to you child can lead to a fear that, at times, you are not good enough or doing enough for them.
Following the huge rise in dog ownership in the UK in the past few years, this feeling appears to be no different for pet parents. Naturo Natural Pet Food has explored the rise of this new phenomenon which appears to be hitting the nation’s pet owners hard.
Naturo surveyed 1,000 dog owners to understand the depth of their relationships with their animals, and the results reveal multiple reasons which could bring on a bout of pet parent guilt, especially as life returns to a ‘new normal’ after over a year of lockdown.
The top 5 reasons dog owners experience pet parent guilt:
| Rank | Reason | % |
| 1 | Leaving my dog alone on its own at home | 69% |
| 2 | Going to work | 40% |
| 3 | Going on holiday | 29% |
| 4 | Not being able to take them on a walk | 25% |
| 5 | Not having another dog friend for them to play with | 21% |
Respondents expressed that a large chunk (69%) of their guilt comes from leaving their beloved dogs alone at home, with many worried that their companion will develop separation anxiety (45%). Others worry about their pet getting bored (41%), having an accident (30%) or even hating their owners for leaving them (25%).
Despite lockdown restrictions now easing, over a third (34%) of pup owners have been skipping social plans with their friends to hang out with their dog to help alleviate their guilt. Three in ten (30%) also work from home more often so they can spend more time with their precious pooches, and a quarter (25%) even say they’ve skipped work or called in sick to see them more often, showing serious dedication to their fluffy companions.
The team at Naturo understands that the bond between human and dog is very special, so it’s understandable that pet parent guilt can impact dog owners’ feelings in many ways. Over a third (34%) say that pet parent guilt makes them feel sad, whilst three in ten (29%) feel like a terrible pet owner. Additionally, possibly due to the lockdown puppy boom, one in ten (9%) worry that they didn’t learn enough about the responsibility of having a dog before getting one.
Over half (53%) of dog owners make it up to their four-legged friends by setting aside quality time for them and their pets to spend together and many choose to spoil their dogs by buying treats and toys to make themselves feel better about it (48%).
Some also work on their relationship with their pet by choosing to work with a dog behaviourist (14%) and one in ten (11%) choose to discuss these pet-parent related issues with their therapist.
Lauren Toal, Brand Manager from Naturo commented: “At Naturo, we understand that the bond between a dog and owner is exceptionally special, and people care an enormous amount for their animals. Therefore, we can appreciate that people are feeling just as much guilt at the prospect of not doing enough for their pets as they do about their children. They are, after all, important members of the family.
“We are, however, delighted to hear that many UK dog owners are looking for ways to spend more quality time with their pets. Some of the most rewarding time you can spend with your dog is during feeding time, as this is often the way they establish trust and further bond with their owners. At Naturo, our ingredients are of the highest quality and entirely natural, and as we know, a healthy dog is a happy dog.”
To find out more about Naturo, including X stockist information, visit: https://www.naturopetfoods.com/
May 2021
21st May 2021
Place Brands ‘Inspired By Omagh’ and ‘Enniskillen Island Town’ launched.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has this week launched individual Place Brands for both Enniskillen and Omagh. The new Place Brands; 'Enniskillen Island Town' and ‘Inspired By Omagh’ have been created following consultation with stakeholders including the local community, businesses, tourism bodies and the wider diaspora of Enniskillen and Omagh towns.
The new ‘Enniskillen Island Town’ Place Brand design of a large bespoke E with colour tones signifying heritage, land and water - reflects the key attributes of Ireland’s only island town, surrounded by natural and built heritage, and miles of Lough shore. The Place Brand captures not only the diverse mix of people and businesses in Enniskillen and the range of visitors to the town, but also its unique cultural, historic and tourism offering, which has opportunities for everyone to explore on water and land. A strapline, ‘Naturally Welcoming’ has been developed to encompass the rich nature, location, people and personality of the town.
The ‘Inspired by Omagh’ Place Brand echoes the warm, welcoming County town of Tyrone, and the community of people and businesses set in natural and built heritage. The brand design with a vibrant colour palette housed within an ‘O’ shaped tapestry captures the support and encouragement from the community and businesses to the town, the rich heritage of music, arts, and literature, and the diverse mix of communities, visitors, people, and students. The town's rich business and skill base is also captured, and through the consultation this, and the County town status, was borne out as a source of great pride for many, with the strapline ‘The Heart of Tyrone’ reflecting this.
Commenting on the creation of the Place Brands for Enniskillen and Omagh, Cllr Diana Armstrong, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, said:
“I am delighted to see the development of new Place Brands for the two main towns in the district and I am excited about the opportunity these present and represent for our lead towns. The ‘Enniskillen Island town’ brand perfectly captures what Enniskillen is, and what makes it unique. We are the only island town in Ireland, and we are proud of the warmth of welcome and the experiences we provide for those who live nearby, those who come to visit, and those with family connections to Enniskillen. The ‘naturally welcoming’ Enniskillen town resonates with the wealth of activities, retail offerings, places to dine and dwell, from water’s edge to the bustling streets, and I’m confident that our business and tourism will be enriched with this Place Brand in place.
“Without a doubt, ‘Inspired by Omagh’ – ‘the heart of Tyrone’, reflects the people and widely held affection for Omagh as a town. The Place Brand was borne out very strongly in the consultation process and it naturally emerged as a perfect representation for the County town. Omagh is a place embraced by its community - they support it and are proud ambassadors. The tapestry created in the design beautifully brings this all together with all the elements of business, skills development, investment, tourism and opportunities to relax and explore into one place.
“The launch of both brands is a significant opportunity for the local area and both towns to position their new Place Brands for each, encompassing their unique assets and I would encourage everyone to embrace them,” Cllr Armstrong added.
In developing both Place Brands, detailed consultation was undertaken through online meetings, surveys, individual meetings as well as the use of local press and social media platforms to raise awareness.
More than 200 participants took part in the consultation process, all of which contributed to form the basis of the final Place Brands for Enniskillen and Omagh towns. 
The two new Place Brands will now be rolled out in partnership with business, tourism, retailers and the local communities through campaigns and marketing materials to support the promotion and positioning of each town as a place to live, invest, explore, enjoy and engage. Place Brand workshops for each town will be delivered in June, To register for a workshop contact Mackle Communications, email maurica@macklecommunications.com