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Newry woman, Bronagh Ramsden is launching a new professional will writing company, NI Wills Ltd which aims to offer a professional will at an affordable price!
Educated at Our Lady's Grammar school, Newry. Bronagh then went to the University of Liverpool, where she gained a 2:1 law degree. She also obtained a French law degree from the Sorbonne University, Paris, then completed her legal practice course at the College of law, Chester, before completing her training contract with global law firm, DLA Piper in Liverpool and Brussels. On qualification as a solicitor, Bronagh worked in litigation.
In recent years, she has been teaching law A level in a variety of secondary schools and now combines teaching law in local schools with her will writing business.
As Bronagh points out "Almost 50% of people die without leaving a valid will. This can have a devastating effect on families. Unmarried partners can be left penniless, young children may have to have guardians appointed by the court, family homes may have to be sold and in some cases large inheritance bills are payable."
NI Wills Ltd is a new kind of will writing service. Bronagh will pay a free, no obligation, visit to each prospective client at their own home. Appointments are available in the evening and at weekends, so you have no excuse not to write a will. Bronagh will then draft your will to suit your specific needs and visit you again to ensure that it is correctly executed. This personalised service is provided at a very affordable price and all fees are discussed up front. For details ring: 07904601852 or visit www.niwillsltd.co.uk
NI Wills Ltd is a member of the Institute of Professional Willwriters. This accreditation is only available on completion of a strict entrance examination and members of the IPW adhere to a Code of Practice approved by the Office of Fair Trading. Bronagh Ramsden is a former solicitor who also teaches law part time at a local grammar school.
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Over 300 business delegates attended a Cross Border Business Support Expo hosted by Newry and Dundalk Chambers of Commerce and supported by InterTradeIreland last month in the Carrickdale Hotel.
Ms Orla Jackson, Chief Executive of Newry Chamber stated, ‘as joint organizers of this event, Newry Chamber was delighted with its success in terms of numbers of delegates attended, networking opportunities created and the opening of communication channels between local businesses and Support Agencies’.
‘There is an array of business support programmes currently offered to small businesses; however, there is some confusion within the business community about where to look for support and exactly what businesses can avail of. In this challenging economic climate local businesses need to take advantage of all appropriate support opportunities open to them. This event provided a unique forum for business owners and managers to speak directly to all the local Business Support Providers on a one-to-one basis, on one day, under one roof’.
Over 30 Business Support Agencies catering for the needs of businesses located within the Newry Dundalk region exhibited at this Expo; exhibitors included, InterTradeIreland, Invest NI, Newry & Mourne District Council, Louth County Council, Newry & Mourne Enterprise Agency, Southern Regional College SOAR, Department of Employment & Learning, Louth Regional Development Centre, Enterprise Ireland, EURES, Employability Louth, all of the main lending institutions.
Mr Paddy Savage, InterTradeIreland, ‘ IntertradeIreland are delighted to support such events and we would like to take this opportunity to encourage local companies to seek support from InterTradeIreland to help them access and benefit from cross-border business opportunities.”
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Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has set out Roads Service’s progress on investment totalling £6.6million for maintenance schemes in the Newry and Mourne District this year.
Speaking ahead of Thursday evening’s meeting between Roads Service and Newry and Mourne District Council, the Minister said: “A wide range of improvement and maintenance schemes is underway or already complete in the Newry and Mourne District. This includes completion of a junction improvement schemes on the Ballymoyer with the Lurgana Road junction, Whitecross and Cortamlat Road with the Tullyneill Road junction, Newtownhamilton.
“The priorities and constraints placed on funding levels by Budget 2010 mean it is likely the programme of local transport and safety measures in 2012/13 and 2013/14 will be under considerable pressure.
“While current indications are that funding for resurfacing and minor improvement works will be very limited next year, I remain committed to delivering these important schemes as resources permit. The autumn round of Council meetings is a timely opportunity for Councils to discuss potential schemes and priorities for incoming and future years."
At the meeting, Divisional Roads Manager, Kevin Monaghan highlighted a number of improvement and maintenance schemes currently under construction and planned this year. He said: “I am pleased to note that work is nearing completion on the Newry Road with the Donaldsons Road, Crossmaglen.
This scheme provides a new footway link between Creggan Village and Donaldsons Road. In addition resurfacing has been completed on the A25 Camlough Road, Newry; Bridge Road, Burren and Hilltown Road, Newry.” Mr Monaghan also discussed his priority list of schemes planned for 2012/13 and onwards, which include improvement works on the Concession Road, Cullaville and the Glassdrumman Road, Creggan. These schemes aim to provide new footway links to local Primary schools.
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Peace III have launched Phase 2 of their programme. The Peace III programme is worth €333 Million and is aimed towards promoting reconcilliation and reinforcing progress towards a peaceful and stable society.
Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon and Newry and Mourne Councils have come together once again as a cluster to deliver Phase 2 of Measure 1.1, ‘Building Positive Relations at a Local Level.’ The lead council, Newry and Mourne District Council, will oversee the delivery of the programme. They are delighted to have been successful in securing just over £4.8 million for the cluster, which is part financed by the European Unions PEACE III Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.
Mayor Charlie Casey of Newry and Mourne District Council commented, “Having completed Phase 1 of PEACE III we now enter Phase 2 with a great a platform from which to launch, allowing us to build upon the successes and lessons learnt from Phase 1. Newry and Mourne District Council are proud to be leading the peace building through out the Cluster area in Partnership with our neighbouring councils and social partners.”
The overall objective of the PEACE III Programme is to reinforce progress towards a peaceful and stable society and promote reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland.
The PEACE III Programme has a continued and renewed emphasis on reconciliation and specifically focuses on acknowledging and dealing with the conflict, building positive relations and contributing towards a shared society.
The ‘Beyond Tolerance’ Phase 2 strategy has been developed in consultation with the community throughout the whole of the cluster area.
The programme aims to build positive relations at a local level through addressing issues of sectarianism and racism. The approach to delivery will be at a cluster wide level across the areas of Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon and Newry and Mourne. There is also close cross border linkages through out the programme especially with the County Councils of Louth and Monaghan.
The second Phase consists of four priorities identified under the PEACE III Action Plan impacting upon those who participate in the programmes and the wider community. Partner delivery agents have been appointed with Armagh City and District Council delivering Future Foundations, Banbridge District Council delivering Engaging in Good Relations, Craigavon Borough Council delivering Investing in our Future and Newry and Mourne District Council delivering Challenge of Change. For further information contact the lead council on 30313024
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Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade have welcomed this weeks launch of the Newry City Masterplan. A spokesperson from the Chamber stated "The consultants who undertook this project have rightly identified Newry as a city bursting with opportunity and untapped potential."
"The Masterplan is an important strategic piece of work which will shape the future development and regeneration of Newry City. Newry Chamber looks forward to working in partnership with Central and Local Government and local stakeholders to secure funding to action and deliver on the recommendations listed in the Masterplan."
The Masterplan was commissioned in 2010 by the Department for Social Development (DSD) in conjunction with Newry & Mourne District Council.
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland officially launched the master plan this week. The masterplan provides the strategic vision and guidance for the regeneration and development of Newry city centre over the next 10-15 years
The proposals include:
Minister McCausland said: “Newry is a confident city with a strong entrepreneurial merchant spirit and in recent years the city has also developed a reputation for being one of our best shopping destinations. The launch of the Masterplan sends out a strong message that Newry wants now wants to take the next step and become an international city. The masterplan proposals show how the city can capitalise upon its many unique assets to achieve this vision and secure its ongoing success and prosperity. There are many exciting and ambitious proposals contained within the masterplan such as the exceptional opportunity to create a world class city centre waterfront by capitalising on the two waterways that flow through the city. Newry is renowned throughout the world as a welcoming destination and I am confident that the masterplan launched here today will the support this vision to guarantee a high quality of life for all and a warm welcome to those who visit.”
During his visit to Newry, the Minister took time to go on a walking tour to learn more about the regeneration opportunities contained in the masterplan and to see the where the planned public realm works are due to commence in January 2012.
The Minister continued: “The Northern Ireland Executive’s planned investment of £1.5 million in Hill Street and Monaghan Street is good news for the people of Newry and the many residents and visitors who will come to the city. Making the streets more accessible and creating a safe and welcoming environment will help to make the city centre more vibrant for years to come.
Mayor of Newry and Mourne District Council, Councillor Charlie Casey, said: “On behalf of Newry and Mourne District Council, I welcome the publication of the Newry City Masterplan. This has been developed following very detailed and considered consultation and the views of many have been taken on board. This provides Newry City with a strategy to move forward and best develop our City Centre for the future. The challenge now is implementing this vision and I look forward to all the relevant government agencies working in partnership to fund and deliver this Plan.”
James Hennessey, project manager from the Paul Hogarth Company, said “"From our analysis of Newry, it became clear that the City Centre is bursting with potential. Those opportunities, combined with the energy and enthusiasm of its people, make the future of Newry City Centre a tantalising prospect."
The masterplan is available to view on the DSD website at www.dsdni.gov.uk, on Facebook on the Newry and Mourne District Council website at www.newryandmourne.gov.uk
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Appletree Dental Care, Kilmorey Street, Newry is celebrating as two of their team have been shortlisted as finalists in the annual Dentistry Awards in the Northern Ireland category.
Zara Mc Kibben is shortlisted as best hygienist in the category Best DCP (Dental Care Professional) and associate dentist Joanne Redpath is also a finalist in the Best Young Dentist in Northern Ireland category.
Speaking about the awards Katrina Mc Kevitt, co-owner of Appletree Dental Care said: "We are delighted that our hygienist has been recognised for the key preventative work she carries out for our patients which underpins our preventative ethos here at Appletree. It is her job to ensure our patients have fresh, clean mouths and that they have the best chance of maintaining teeth into old age.
Zara adds: "We find many patients attend who have a sneaking suspicion that they have bad breath and often I will be able to sort this out easily with a thorough dental cleaning and advice on how to reach those hard to get at places. The role of the hygienist is central in our practice as we offer all aspects of dentistry including crowns, bridges and implants and it is important that our patients have excellent oral hygiene to ensure the dentistry is long lasting."
Our associate dentist Joanne Redpath is also nominated as the best young dentist in Northern Ireland open to all dentists under 35. Dr Redpath joined the practice a year ago and has gained a reputation amongst her patients for her thorough and professional standards.
The dentistry awards are an annual event organised by the 'Dentistry' journal to recognise outstanding individuals, teams and practices who have an active interest in continuing professional development and staying at the top of the dental profession.
This latest news comes hot on the heels of the practice scooping the Best Kept Health Care Facility in the Southern Board for the third year in addition to marking their fifth year in business.
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If you are the sort of person that has everything organised and under control for all the family when it comes to the Festive Season it's still possible that you have forgotten that gift for little Fifi, so Bangor based online doggie accessory company Urbanpup.com could have the very solution in the guise of its latest doggie themed gift - Urban Pup Dog Perfume.
The thriving company, which began trading in 2008, was set up by Denis Kelly, a dog lover who felt there was room in the market for a quality accessory supplier for pets, specifically small dogs. And the new range of dog perfumes joins a host of other quality gifts and accessories available at the online store.
“Our brand new range of perfumes comes in six beautiful fragrances; Candy Floss, Sweet Jasmine, Summer Garden, French Lavender, Fleurs de Jardin and Wildwood – each with its own unique bouquet.”, said Denis
“The perfumes are designed not to overpower a dog’s senses, nor to necessarily mask a natural dog smell, but they merely add a subtle hint of fragrance to dogs’ coats and simultaneously provide the soothing benefits of aromatherapy to the dog’s skin.
“The ingredients are all totally natural, as all our fragrances are made from pure essential oils and the essence of various flowers. No chemicals have been used or added during the manufacturing process and the pH of each fragrance has been adjusted to suit a dog’s skin.”, he added.
The Urbanpup.com ranges are mostly for small dogs such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu and Mini Schnauzers, to name a few; but there are products – and now perfumes – across the entire Urban Pup range to suit every dog owner’s taste.
“Urban Pup’s unrivalled online offering includes clothing, jewellery, carrying cases, matching t-shirts for owner and dog, collars, leads and a myriad of other dog accessories which satisfy the growing demand for dog accessories and the growing trend for dog owners to adorn their pet with stylish accessories. From fashionable coats and pretty dresses to stunning lead and collar sets, each piece of clothing has been personally selected based on its design, quality and overall fashion appeal.", added Denis.
Urbanpup.com is the official dog clothier for ‘Bruiser’ the dog in the West End musical, Legally Blonde, as well as the supplier of ‘Toto’ the dog’s beautiful emerald crystal collar in the Andrew Lloyd Weber version of the hit musical, The Wizard of Oz. So with such high profile partnerships in the entertainments industry, it’s no surprise the products are popular in the world of celebrity and showbiz.
“We frequently get calls from TV producers asking for fun items of clothing for dog features they’re doing. They want the clothing or accessories to look great, but more than that – they want the price point to be reasonable enough that it won’t put their viewers off.”, said Denis.
The new dog fragrances retail at £14.95. To see the latest ranges of Urban Pup perfumes and other dog themed accessories log onto www.urbanpup.com.
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The Housing Executive has just delivered its annual edition of Housing News to its tenants in the Newry District.
This year there is a full page devoted to preparing for winter and there is also an advice leaflet from NIWater enclosed.
After some of the worst winter weather on record last winter the Housing Executive has been improving the insulation and lagging to pipes in its homes and reviewed its emergency out of hours service.
But there are steps that tenants and homeowners can take to reduce the risk of damage to their homes. For the benefit of everyone, they are repeated below.
Find your stopcock
The stopcock is a valve for turning off the cold water system in your home. You should know where the stopcock is and that it is working.
Prevent your pipes from freezing
Put your central heating on for short periods throughout the day to make sure the temperature in each room is reasonably high. Allow warm air to circulate round the house by slightly opening the doors to the individual rooms (including the trap door from the roof space). If your home will be empty during the cold weather, ask someone to go in and turn the heating on for a short time and check for frozen pipes or drain down the cold water tank.
Dealing with frozen pipes
Turn off the water supply by turning the stopcock clockwise. Thaw along the pipe starting from the end nearest the tap by placing hot water bottles or a thick cloth soaked in hot water over the frozen pipe. Be careful not to warm them too quickly or they may burst.
If you have a burst pipe
Turn the water supply off and block the escaping water with thick cloths like towels. Drain the system. If the water has come into contact with electrical fittings the electricity should be turned off at the mains.
Make sure you insure your house contents
During the extreme weather conditions many Housing Executive homes had problems with frozen or burst pipes, some of which caused damage to tenants’ personal belongings and furnishings. If the contents of your home were destroyed or badly damaged by burst pipes could you find the money to replace them? Get your possessions insured.
Help your neighbour
If you know someone who is elderly, has a disability, or is housebound, check on them and make sure they are okay.
Beware of Bogus Callers
If someone calls to your house always ask for identification and if you are unsure call the Quick Check 24 hour freephone service (0800 0132290) to verify the identity of your caller.
Further advice and information is available at www.nihe.gov.uk or through our Customer Service Units on tel. 03448 920 900.
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Hughes Insurance, recently named ‘Company of the Year’ by the UTV Business Eye Awards, has engaged in a series of Business Breakfasts to support local business in the local community.
The first of these Business Breakfasts took place this week in the Canal Court Hotel Newry.
Hughes Insurance is actively trying to contribute to business and commerce circles in each of their 12 branch areas to support the local business community and engage with the local business scene.
The theme of the event is ‘Overcoming Adversity’ and is a direct reference to the challenges faced by commercial organisations in the current economic climate, relevant for all businesses across Northern Ireland.
The guest speaker was ‘Children In Crossfire’ founder Richard Moore. Richard, blinded by a rubber bullet at the age of ten, was able to draw parallels between this and his own life including running his own charity, now supported by the Dalai Lama.
The forum was well attended by over 60 local business men and women including Mayor Charlie Casey, Chief Executive of Newry and Mourne Chamber of Commerce and Trade Mr. Thomas McCall and Feargal McCormack Managing Partner of FPM Chartered Accountants.
Hughes Insurance Chief Executive Gareth Brady was pleased with the successful launch of the programme: “It’s great to see so many local members of the business community attending, we strongly believe in getting to know our customers and their particular needs, making events like these priceless. We wanted attendees to listen to first-hand experiences of how you can overcome adversity and to demonstrate how Hughes Insurance can support their business needs. This is the beginning of a dialogue that we aim to build on in the years to come.”
The next Hughes Insurance Business Breakfast will take place in Derry in January 2012.
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