Dear editor,

I have just read Kate Durrant’s beautiful piece – ‘we are bonded not by blood or marriage – but by the unconditional love we call friendship’ in Irish Country Living (25 January).

It just sums up how our lives become intertwined with friendship and challenges and life’s different cycles. Well done Kate.

Best wishes, Jacqui Hill

Lights, camera, action

FilmOffaly.

FilmOffaly, Offaly County Council’s Film Commission has announced the launch of their annual Short Film Award. They are looking for screenplays of short films from any genre, style, topic or perspective – the chief rule being that the final film must be 100% shot in Co Offaly. This year’s award will offer €12,000 towards the production and shooting of one successful script. Applications close on 17 March.

See FilmOffaly.ie

Udderly unmissable sale

James and Bill Porter launching the Inaugural Gill Hall Estate On-Farm Sale.

Father-and-son duo Bill and James Porter are welcoming cattle breeders and buyers to Gill Hall Estate in Co Down for its first on-farm pedigree sale on Saturday, 1 March. The 510-acre estate hosted the World Sheepdog Trials in 2023. The unique showcase features two native breeds, Old Glenort Angus established in 1996, and Uppermill Shorthorns, originally founded in 1882. Gates open at 9.30am, with the sale commencing at 12 noon.

See gillhallestate.com/farm

Sew Cool

Liz Christy.

Textile designer Liz Christy and sewing expert Gaye Moore are behind the first ever sewing retreat to Co Monaghan. The retreat, taking place on 8 and 9 March, includes expert-led workshops, one-on-one fashion styling, and a visit to Liz’s studio near Castleblayney. “Whether you’re an experienced sewer or a complete beginner, this retreat will provide the space and support to explore your creativity and style,” says Liz.

See lizchristy.com/tours/slow-sewing-retreat-with-liz-christy-and-gaye-moore

Go batty

Niamh Roche (left), and Sharon Mathews (right) feature in a video on the BCI website.

Bat Conservation Ireland has launched a new resource about gardening for bats. It teaches people how to make their gardens welcoming to the nine species of bat in Ireland. Bats are amazing insect and pest controllers, eating midges, dung flies, spiders and beetles. Turning off outside lights when they are not needed, composting waste, and avoiding pesticides can make your garden bat-friendly.

See GardeningForBats.com