This month Natalie Webb is showing us how to make Easter chicks.

“These cute chicks popping out of an egg would be great fun as an Easter weekend project!”

Materials: 

•  Yellow and orange card for the chick, and another colour of your choice for the egg.

•  Scissors

•  Glue

•  Markers

•  Lollipop Stick

Draw two egg shapes on your card approx 4” long and cut these out.

Decorate one of your egg shapes in a design of your choice, then draw a zig zag line about a third down and cut along this so that it looks like a broken eggshell.

Cut two little bits of sticky tape and roll them so that you make double-sided sticky tape; attach these on the back of your decorated egg shape – one each side near the bottom – then stick this to the undecorated egg shape.

Cut out a simple shape for a chick from your yellow card – this has to be smaller than your egg.

Draw circles for eyes and cheeks on your chick and cut out a small triangle of orange card for the beak.

Tape your stick on to the back of your chick so that it looks like a lollipop.

Stick the top part of the decorated egg on to your chick’s head.

Now slide the chick in to your egg, from the top down, and hopefully the egg will close and the chick will be snug inside…then when you push the stick up pops your chick!

Happy Easter…enjoy your chocolate : )

In a world governed by an unwritten code of behaviour and appropriation, it can feel, as an autistic person, permanently unsafe. Unsafe to be yourself. You find yourself asking: Am I getting it right? Replaying conversations and interactions, wondering if you’ve offended someone, then breathing a sigh of relief when you see them again and they don’t seem unhappy with you. But even then, doubt creeps in. Maybe they’re just pretending.

This is a familiar place for many neurodivergent people who have learned, from a young age, to wear a mask. To suppress their natural way of being because they’ve been told, directly and indirectly, that it isn’t acceptable. I’ve spoken often about these unseen systems, the structures that shape how we operate as a society. But who created them? And why are we expected to fit into one or two narrow, binary ways of thinking and behaving?

As an autistic person, I can see how hard I’ve worked to be malleable, to become what I thought others wanted me to be. I learned to people-please, to avoid confrontation, to stay below the radar. Being quiet, compliant, even docile felt safer. In recent years, with a deeper understanding of my neurodivergence, I’ve realised I don’t need to bend myself to maintain relationships with people who only accept me on their terms. In fact, I’ve come to recognise the hollowness of relationships built on control and subtle manipulation.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to find a small number of friends who accept me as I am, and whom I accept as they are: human, generous, and imperfect. Around these people, I don’t feel judged, and I don’t judge them. That doesn’t mean we always agree. We don’t. We disagree, we fall out, but we’re willing to talk, to repair what’s been misunderstood. We don’t take disagreement as a personal attack. We can say hard things, and we can hear them, because we remain open to the possibility that we might be wrong.

This, to me, is the great value of friendships among neurodivergent people. There is a shared directness, an honesty. What we say and how we behave tends to reflect what we genuinely think and feel. If I ask a friend something, I trust I’ll get a truthful answer. Sometimes that truth is uncomfortable, but the safety it creates far outweighs the discomfort. There is no need to perform, no need to pretend. And that is a profound gift, especially in a world where I have, at times, believed relationships were genuine only to discover, painfully, that I had misread them.

By contrast, relationships shaped by mixed signals can be deeply confusing. When someone appears warm and engaged in person but withdraws or excludes you elsewhere, it creates a disorienting contradiction. As a neurodivergent person, I find it far easier to accept that someone simply doesn’t like me. That’s okay. It’s not possible to like everyone. What’s difficult is the pretence.

We don’t need to be unkind, but we also don’t need to perform connection where it doesn’t exist. We can be honest, compassionately. The idea that we’re meant to be friends with everyone is both exhausting and untrue. We won’t connect with everyone, and that’s natural. It doesn’t prevent coexistence. It doesn’t rule out the possibility that, over time, circumstances might change and connection might grow. Difference is not a deficit; it is simply difference.

Real relationships involve friction. Disagreement is not the problem. How we navigate it is what reveals our humanity. Do we retreat into silence, blame, or gossip? Or do we step into honesty, expressing how we feel while remaining open to perspectives that differ from our own?

For me, real relationships are places where I can finally relax, where I can show up as myself and feel accepted. I don’t have to shrink or edit who I am. My friends feel the same, and that mutual freedom is a gift.

Perhaps, as humans, we might pause the next time we are tempted to silence, ridicule, or dismiss someone, and ask ourselves: why does this feel acceptable? If we are to become truly capable of collaboration, we need to embrace honesty. We don’t have to like everyone, but we can still relate with respect. Real friendships will include friction and, at times, hurt, but it is in how we repair those moments that our humanity is most clearly revealed.

The pelvic floor is a complex and vital group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that stretch across the base of the pelvis, supporting the bladder, uterus, and bowel. For women, the health and strength of the pelvic floor are crucial throughout life — from puberty through pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. Maintaining a healthy pelvic floor is essential not only for physical wellbeing but also for emotional health, confidence, and overall quality of life.

One of the primary roles of the pelvic floor is to provide structural support to the pelvic organs. These muscles act like a hammock or sling, keeping the bladder, uterus, and rectum in their correct positions. When the pelvic floor is weakened — due to factors such as pregnancy, childbirth, aging, or hormonal changes — women may experience pelvic organ prolapse, where one or more of these organs descend and press against the vaginal walls. This can cause discomfort, pressure, or even pain, significantly affecting daily life and mobility. A strong functioning pelvic floor helps prevent prolapse and supports long-term pelvic health.

Another key function of the pelvic floor is maintaining continence. The muscles control the opening and closing of the urethra and anus, allowing for proper bladder and bowel control. Weakness in these muscles can lead to urinary incontinence, a common but often under-discussed issue among women. This can occur as stress incontinence — leaking during coughing, sneezing, or exercising — or urge incontinence, where there is a sudden, intense need to urinate. Strengthening the pelvic floor through targeted acupuncture has been shown to reduce or even eliminate these symptoms, restoring confidence and comfort in daily life. Perhaps most surprising incontinence affects many young female athletes and acupuncture can be a valuable tool to improve their bladder health.

The pelvic floor also plays a significant role in sexual health. These muscles are involved in arousal, orgasm, and overall sexual function. When the pelvic floor is strong and flexible, it can enhance sexual sensation and satisfaction. Conversely, when the muscles are weak or overly tight, women may experience pain during intercourse or reduced sensitivity. Acupuncture can relax tight muscles and reset and activate muscles that are not working. To contribute to a more fulfilling sexual experience and improved intimacy.

Pregnancy and childbirth place unique demands on the pelvic floor. During pregnancy, the growing uterus exerts increased pressure on these muscles, while hormonal changes make the tissues more elastic in preparation for birth. Vaginal delivery can stretch or even damage the pelvic floor, leading to weakness or dysfunction postpartum. Acupuncture postpartum aids recovery. Especially after surgery to reduce the risk of incontinence, promote healing and increasing the chances of a vaginal birth after a caesarean.

As women age, the pelvic floor can become more vulnerable, as oestrogen levels decline during menopause and muscles naturally weaken and the tissues lose elasticity. In conclusion the pelvic floor is a cornerstone of women’s health at every age. Influencing core stability, continence, sexual function and overall wellbeing. Despite its importance, it is often overlooked or discussed only after problems arise.

Education, awareness and regular pelvic floor acupuncture can empower women to develop a strong core, maintain bladder and bowel control, support pelvic organs and improve overall pelvic stability and strength. Enhancing function, confidence, comfort, and quality of life.

Amanda Roe is an acupuncturist and clinical hypnotherapist, who specialises in women’s health. She offers a range of therapies including acupuncture for pelvic floor dysfunction, pain and fertility. She combines this with clinical hypnotherapy to help people suffering with trauma, fears, phobias and eating disorders. For more information or to book a consultation visit www.roehealth.ie or call/text Amanda on: 087 6331898.

Understanding these patterns can help people recognise what their body is experiencing and choose more effective ways to manage it. Managing and eliminating symptoms can be key to better, longer-term health — and increasingly, identifying underlying food intolerances is becoming an important part of that process.

Food intolerance testing offers a simple and accessible way to uncover hidden dietary triggers that may be contributing to poor stool quality, sluggish bowel function, or irritation in the digestive tract. By identifying and reducing these triggers, many people can support more regular, comfortable bowel movements.

One of the most common forms of constipation occurs when the colon slows down. In this situation, stool moves through the large intestine more slowly than normal, resulting in fewer bowel movements and a persistent feeling that the body is ‘backed up’.

People experiencing this type often report bloating, abdominal heaviness, and the sense that the bowel never fully empties. They may still pass stool, but the process feels slow and incomplete. Over time, this can contribute to low energy and inefficient nutrient absorption, as the digestive system itself becomes sluggish.

Lifestyle factors frequently play a role. Diets low in fibre, insufficient fluid intake, lack of physical activity, and changes in routine — such as desk work, travel, or disrupted schedules — can all slow the movement of the colon. Certain medications can also contribute.

Simple adjustments are often recommended first: increasing dietary fibre, drinking more water, and maintaining regular physical activity. Even something as simple as daily walking can help stimulate the bowel’s natural contractions.

However, when these changes are not enough, food intolerance testing can provide an additional layer of insight. Certain foods — even those considered ‘healthy’ — may slow digestion or contribute to bloating and inflammation in sensitive individuals. By identifying and temporarily removing these triggers, the bowel may begin to function more efficiently, helping restore a more natural rhythm.

Another pattern develops when stool remains in the colon long enough for too much water to be absorbed. The result is hard, dry stool that can be painful to pass.

People with this type often notice small, pellet-like bowel movements and significant straining. The dryness can irritate the lining of the rectum, sometimes causing small tears known as fissures.

Dehydration is a common contributing factor. Diets very low in fibre, certain medications, and ageing can also make the bowel more likely to produce dry stool.

Treatment generally focuses on restoring moisture and softness to the stool. Increasing fluid intake and consuming fibre-rich foods that retain water — such as oats, seeds, fruits, and vegetables — can help improve consistency. In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend stool-softening support.

Food intolerance testing can also play a valuable role here. Some intolerances may contribute to low-grade inflammation in the gut, which can disrupt normal fluid balance and stool formation. By identifying foods that may be irritating the digestive lining, individuals can make targeted dietary adjustments that support better hydration within the stool and reduce discomfort during bowel movements.

A third pattern occurs when the bowel does not generate strong enough contractions to push stool out effectively. In these cases, stool may reach the rectum but still be difficult to pass.

People often describe feeling the urge to go but being unable to do so without significant straining. Some report a sensation of blockage or pressure.

This pattern can sometimes be related to problems with the coordination of pelvic floor muscles, which are responsible for helping the body expel stool. Nerve-related issues or long-standing constipation can also reduce the bowel’s natural responsiveness.

In these situations, a medical evaluation may be helpful. Some patients benefit from specialised pelvic floor therapy or treatments designed to stimulate bowel activity.

Occasional constipation is common and usually only temporary. However, advice should be sought if symptoms persist for several weeks, if there is blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, severe abdominal pain, or a sudden change in bowel habits. These symptoms may signal conditions that require further investigation.

Constipation is not always the same problem and by understanding whether the issue is slow movement, dryness, or difficulty pushing stool out, individuals and healthcare providers can take more targeted steps toward relief.

Incorporating food intolerance testing into this process offers a practical and easy way to personalise that approach. Rather than relying on trial and error, testing can help identify specific dietary triggers that may be affecting stool consistency, bowel rhythm, and overall digestive comfort.

By combining lifestyle improvements with targeted dietary insights, many people can achieve more regular, comfortable bowel function — supporting not just digestive health, but overall wellbeing.

If any of the symptoms above are affecting you, get in contact with Michelle Ryan on 087 6704930 or email bwellhive.ie to book a consultation or food intolerance test, and understand what could get your bowel working better to function at optimum.

Women’s Health by Dr. Paula Stanley

If we ask our aunties and mothers what their menopause was like, the answer is usually ‘what menopause?’!

In the 60s, 70s and 80s, midlife female health was not an area, in medicine or in our society, that got any attention: women were expected to get on with it and they did. 

Many women feel that the now infamous Joe Duffy week-long radio feature on menopause in 2021 marked the beginning of permission for Irish women to speak the ‘M’ word aloud. Davina McCall also highlighted the importance – on both sides of the water – of talking about menopause.

So, it is great that women now seek out information on menopause and HRT and are becoming aware of the benefits of HRT, not only for current symptoms, but for their general health over the next 30 years:

Evidence from recent studies and Cochraine analysis suggests that HRT started under the age of 60 or within 10 years of the Last Menstrual Period (LMP,) is associated with a reduction in atherosclerosis progression, coronary heart disease and death from CVD causes, as well as all cause mortality. It is thought that starting HRT within six years of LMP is a sweet spot for optimal cardiovascular benefit.

Four to five years of HRT use is associated with almost halving the risk of osteoporotic hip fracture under the age of 65 and will reverse pre-existing osteoporosis.

The bogey man of HRT and breast cancer has been scared off and current evidence suggests that being on HRT for four to five years does not significantly increase the risk of breast cancer over background population risk.

What to read?

There is a huge problem with women accessing high quality, evidence-based information. Unfortunately, many go to social media and it can be easy to mistake perky enthusiasm for expertise; a smooth-skinned 50-year-old influencer, who swears by a supplement or a certain HRT brand, is not an expert.

Go to valid, evidence-based sources for your information and then go to see your GP with all your questions to figure out what is best for you.

womens-health-concern.org is the patient information arm of the British Menopause Society.

Definitions 

Perimenopause is defined as the time from onset of first menopause-type symptom to one year after your last menstrual period.

The term menopause is used if a woman has not had a period for 12 months.

A woman is said to be post-menopausal if it has been over 12 months since her LMP.

I like to use the term menopause transition, as that is what is happening; women transition from their fertile state to an infertile state. Talking about perimenopause and menopause like they are two separate entities and not a shifting continuum, is just confusing and misleading for women. This transition can take five to eight years, during which time there are many symptoms, not all of which will be fixed by HRT.

What hormones?

I want to go through the different components of HRT and the role of each.

Oestrogens: There are four natural human forms of oestrogen. Three,  Estrone, E1,  Estradiol, E2, Estriol, E3  are produced in the female adult, by the ovaries mainly, but some production also happens in the adrenal glands and  fatty tissue. The fourth, Estetrol, E4, is produced by the foetal liver in pregnancy.

The oestrogen in the normal contraceptive pill is oestradiol valerate, and in all HRT products is oestradiol hemihydrate; both are a salt of our own E2 oestradiol, so are pretty much body-identical.

Oestrogen production in our ovaries reduces, slowly initially, from mid-40s, then more rapidly after 45. Post menopause we do still produce small amounts of oestrogen from our fat tissue and adrenal glands.

Progestogens: Progestogens is the group name. The progestogen produced in the female body is called progesterone. Progesterone does not fall off dramatically like oestrogen during menopause. Progesterone supports pregnancy so you may wonder why you need it in your HRT, as menopause is not a progesterone-deficient state.

We got the answer to that the hard way; in the 1960s in America gynaecologists started to treat menopausal women with oestrogen therapy. Within six months they saw a sharp increase in cases of endometrial or womb lining cancer. When a progestogen was added in, this ceased. Oestrogen has a stimulating or proliferative effect on the endometrium which, if left unchecked, leads to hyperplasia, a pre-malignant condition, then womb cancer. Progestogen prevents this so its role in HRT is endometrial protection. Not all progestogens are lisenced for endometrial protection. Those that are,  are included in HRT products.

Testosterone: Studies have shown a gradual, slow fall in testosterone levels in women from age 30. There is no sharp drop during menopause transition like with oestrogen. Menopause is not a testosterone-deficient state. Testosterone production then increases in women over the age of 65. In studies, the only symptom that testosterone has been proven to benefit is low libido; not energy, fatigue, bone or muscle strength. You can read the article on Testosterone that I wrote previously online (westcorkpeople.ie) for more information on testosterone therapy through menopause.

I want to take HRT, what can I expect?

The answer to that question depends on two really important factors: 1) What you  think HRT will do for you?; and 2) When are you planning  to start  HRT? 

Expectations – laying good foundations for therapy: Some women might find me a bit blunt, if not brutal. I advise she is never going to feel better unless she also starts exercising regularly, loses weight if needed, takes up some form of resistance training and eats a healthy diet. I tell her HRT is not a magic potion and will not turn us back into our 25-year-old selves, sleeping eight hours at night, with a big libido and with the energy that goes with that. Neither will it fix all the stresses in our life, be they family, work or partner-related and it won’t make us lose two stone. I spend a long time discussing not only her symptom but what her beliefs and expectations are, before starting HRT.

I emphasise the timeframes to expect for various symptom improvement, as well as possible side effects. I explain that bleeding might happen and is not a reason to panic, as it usually settles in the first three months.

So when should I start HRT?

Over the last five years there has been a real push, powered by content on social media rather than by any science, that women should start/must start HRT, as soon as any symptoms occur; not true! Studies show that the benefits for the cardiovascular system of reduced heart attacks and strokes and for bones of reduced osteoporotic fractures are gained by starting HRT under the age of 60 or within 10 years of  LMP. More recent evidence indicates that starting HRT within six years of LMP is more beneficial.

So, what hormones do I need in my HRT and how do I take them? 

If you still have your womb, or if you have had a hysterectomy and have a history of endometriosis, you need to take a progestogen along with your oestrogen.

If you do not have a womb and don’t have a history of endometriosis, you will be prescribed oestrogen alone.

Oestrogen: You can take oestrogen as a patch, a gel or a spray. HRT is also available in tablet form but we tend to use this less often because oral oestradiol may put your blood pressure up and will increase your risk of a leg or lung clot by two to four times. There are a few different brands, the only difference is the size of the patch. 

You need to change the patch  every three to four days; the gel and spray are used daily.

Lenzetto, the spray, you  apply to the same place because this works by building up a reservoir of oestrogen under the skin that is then released into the body.

Oestrogel, the gel, can be applied to different places, as it is absorbed pretty much immediately. For all forms, avoid applying anywhere near breasts.

Progestogen: You  can use  a combination patch with oestradiol,  EVOREL CONTI,  which contains norethsterone, a synthetic progestogen also found  in many contraceptive pills.

Utrogestan is an oral progestogen, which is most similar to our natural progesterone. It contains peanut oil, so is not suitable if you have peanut allergy. Utrogestan capsules can also be used inside the vagina but is not licensed for use in that way. 

Duphaston is the other licensed oral progestogen containing didrogesterone.

Both rarely result in side effects but, if that happens, we choose a different delivery system or a different progestogen. Utrogestan often results in improved quality of sleep, a welcome side effect for many.

If it has been more than a year since your LMP, you take a progestogen every day.

If you are still getting periods, or it has been less than 12 months since your LMP, you will be told to take the progestogen two weeks on and two weeks off. This is because your endometrium or womb lining is still active and the on/off pattern allows the womb to bleed and avoid a chaotic bleeding pattern.

If using EVOREL CONTI, you change the patch every three to four days. This represents a continuous dosing with progestogen, so will be appropriate for women who have not had a period in 12 months. 

The Mirena coil contains levonorgestrel progestogen and is licensed for endometrial protection for five years.

How much do I need?

There is no one size fits all and it’s a load of rubbish that everyone should have 75 mg oestrogen. We go by symptoms and doctors usually start with 25mg or 50mg oestrogen, then review three months later. The dose of progestogen is dictated by the dose of oestrogen; if oestrogen dose goes up, so may your progestogen.

Starting HRT after my periods have stopped

Symptoms: Hot flushes, night sweats, brain fog, dry skin/itching generally on the body and aches dan pains in muscles and joints are directly related to oestrogen deficiency:

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is the term given to oestrogen deficiency symptoms affecting three areas: the skin of external genital area, the vagina and the urinary tract.

The urethra or wee pipe, the bladder, and  the pelvic floor muscles can all be affected. All these areas contain oestrogen receptors. Symptoms can be; dryness, soreness and itching of vulval skin and inside  vagina, resulting in painful sex; frequent  urination, getting up at night to pee, urgency, leaking and urinary tract infections, UTIs. 

Women rarely volunteer these symptoms so I always ask. If present, I prescribe vaginal oestrogen as a cream and/or pessary, as well as HRT.

The following symptoms – low mood, anxiety, low energy, poor sleep and low libido – are more complex and multifactorial although they are made worse by falling oestrogen levels: 

What to expect on HRT

Hot flushes reduce or disappear quite quickly.

GSM symptoms affecting skin and vagina typically similarly resolve quite quickly with vaginal oestrogen.

The urinary symptoms often take  longer, sometimes up to three months. Think of it as filling an empty tank; your bits have been without oestrogen for some time, so I recommend daily use for four weeks then x two to three times a week.

Studies have shown longterm vaginal oestrogen use is linked with reduced risk of incontinence and  recurrent UTIs in our later years. Vaginal oestrogen is not absorbed into your blood  and is safe to use by women with a history of breast cancer. 

One of the slowest symptoms to respond to therapy can be brain fog but most women are fine with that, as long as they know what to expect.

How much and how fast mood, energy and libido improve varies hugely, as these symptoms result from a combination of many issues – poor sleep, life worries and stresses – not just oestrogen deficiency.

Menopause transition happens to women with teenagers and ageing parents; often they are still working, have a mortgage, house, car, family and relationship to maintain but absolutely no libido…so there is a lot going on.

Most women find they generally feel better in themselves on HRT but some do not.

Clinical depression is common in midlife women and there is no shame to using an antidepressant, as well as HRT if needed, even for a short period of time like for six to 10 months, to see you through. The modern prozac-type meds now are safe, non-addictive and not sedating. 

Starting HRT when still having periods, during menopause transition or perimenopasue: what to expect?

For women still having periods it will be helpful to read the article on Perimenopause I wrote for West Cork People back in 2023 (westcorkpeople.ie)

Menopause transition/perimenopause can be hellishly symptomatic with brain fog, dryness and itching down below, painful sex, hot flushes, which can come for a few weeks, then vanish, or sometimes happen the week before the period, fatigue, poor sleep, low libido, new-onset anxiety, and migraines.

What is vital is that women understand that it is hormone chaos and not oestrogen deficiency that is causing these symptoms.

Not dissimilar to what happens to our motor after 200,000 miles: the complicated hormone-balancing machine stalls, splutters and does not run in the smooth cyclical fashion it used to;  some months we ovulate and all is good. Some months it skips, resulting in a low oestrogen/high progesterone state  causing bad PMS – mood swings, anger and the general urge to kill your husband/children comes and goes.  Other months, ovulation occurs twice giving high oestrogen/low progesterone state, which can trigger sore boobs, headaches and heavy, prolonged periods. Some women get migraines for the first time during menopause transition.  

Now, imagine introducing another set of hormones on top of this?

That is what using HRT at this time would do. 

Do you think that will make you feel better? 

Hormone therapy for perimenopause, yes; just not in the form of  HRT.

Oestrogen deficiency symptoms of dry sore vagina and uncomfortable sex, as well as urinary symptoms, are common early on in menopause transition. These can be safely and effectively treated with vaginal oestrogens, regardless of where you are with your periods.

Where there a re a lot of cyclical symptoms, be they emotional; anger, mood swings, what a patient once described as ‘PMS on steroids’; or physical; headaches, breast pain and monthly severe migraines, the solution is to switch off ovulation. That will eradicate the premenstrual phase and result in calm, steady-state hormones, stopping the hormone roller-coaster. It gets rid of PMS and usually migraines resolve.

Contraception is needed to age 55 and HRT is not contraceptive, will not suppress ovulation, may result in heavier bleeding and can end up giving you two bleeds per month. 

So how do we suppress ovulation? 

Any contraceptive pill will do, but I often use Drovalis. This contains E4, Estetrol, a natural human oestrogen, in combination with drospirenone. It is safe to use over the age of 40, as does not raise  blood pressure or increase risk of a leg clot. Women usually feel better because the hormone roller-coaster stops and periods are lighter

An oestrogen-free pill containing a progestogen-only desogestrel, if we want to avoid oestrogen, also works here. 

The Mirena coil is of huge benefit in the perimenopause, as it literally kills four birds with one stone: contraception, treats heavy periods, often suppresses ovulation and will serve as endometrial protection should you want to start oestrogen therapy down the line.

Most important part of starting HRT or any hormone containing therapy

See your GP again for a review after three months, as recommended by BMS, and NICE. I advise that women request a longer GP appointment  for any discussions on menopause transition; an average GP appointment time of 10 minutes is not adequate.

The three-month review is your opportunity to go through all symptoms, specifically addressing any that you are disappointed are not improving. You might not like the first form of HRT; maybe the patches are falling off or give you a rash. You might want to  change to the gel or spray. If your GP does  change anything, it is good to see them again months later.

I hope this is helpful.

For all menopause transition-related queries book an appointment to see your GP.

Herbal Healing by Rosari Kingston

April is the month we become very busy in the garden and notice gaps in borders and beds that need to be filled in. ‘Leonurus cardiaca’, or motherwort, is one plant that will return year after year and is usually available at markets or garden centres. It belongs to the mint family, and it has square stems, pinkish flowers, and deeply cut leaves.

Motherwort is an old European medicinal herb that, not only deserves a place in the garden, but is also useful in the home pharmacy. The Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products of the European Medicine Agency approved its use in 2010 for the relief of symptoms of nervous tension and “symptoms of nervous cardiac complaints such as palpitations, after serious conditions have been excluded by a medical doctor”.

Norway disagreed with the latter point, so we must wait to see if the EMA will consider their dissent in this year’s review of Leonurus.

Many women find this herb helpful during menopause because it has traditionally been used to ease tension and heart palpitations.

It was used throughout Europe to treat menstrual and menopausal symptoms, such as anxiety, irritability, and cramps, as well as anxious palpitations, moderate cardiac problems, and “weakness of the heart”. By the 17th century, English herbalists were referring to it as a herb that “comforts the heart” and relieves childbirth pangs. 

Nicholas Culpeper wrote in 1652’s ‘Complete Herbal’ that motherwort is the best way to treat “melancholy vapours” that affect the heart, make people happy, and make the spirit stronger. He says, “There is no better herb to drive melancholy vapours from the heart, to strengthen it, and make a merry, cheerful, blithe soul.” He calls it “Mother’s Herb” because it “makes women joyful mothers of children and settles their wombs as they should be”. 

He suggests using it to ease painful periods, and he sees it as a herb that warms and dries.

Culpeper suggests using it as a syrup or preserve, which makes it a staple in the store cupboard.

Its reputation has a significant “mother” component. According to monastic and cottage herbalists, it helps with postpartum recuperation, painful or short periods, and the anxious nerves of overworked mothers. It was considered a guardian against “heartache”, both physical and emotional.

Using motherwort at home

A simple home tea can be made by infusing about 1-2 teaspoons of the dried aerial parts in a cup of boiling water for 10-15 minutes, taken up to three times a day for short periods such as a few days around a stressful event:

Some people feel like their heart is “thumping” or have palpitations when they are stressed, but only after a heart problem has been ruled out.

Tension during or before your period that is accompanied by worry, restlessness, and a tight feeling in your chest. 

General “frazzled” feelings, especially when worry is felt in the chest instead of as thoughts that are going fast.

European guidance usually limits self‑care use to a few weeks before taking a break. The taste is distinctly bitter and slightly aromatic, so many people combine it with gentler herbs such as lemon balm or lime blossom to make it more palatable.

As Leonurus is quite bitter, I think Culpeper’s syrup suggestion is excellent.  It is easy to make a simple herbal syrup for any herb, including Leonurus, as follows:

To create a herb syrup, combine equal parts of sugar and water (e.g., 1 cup each) in a saucepan, bring to a simmer, and stir until dissolved. Add one to two cups of fresh herbs, simmer for two to five minutes, then let it steep for 30–60 minutes before straining, cooling, and refrigerating for up to four weeks

You can also make a herbal syrup by making a strong decoction (boiled infusion) and sweetening it with honey. 

Ingredients: 30 grams dried (or 60 grams fresh) motherwort aerial parts, 450 ml water, 225 ml honey.

Decoct: Combine the herb and water in a non-reactive pot. Bring to a simmer over low heat.

Reduce: Cover partially and simmer until the liquid is reduced by half (down to roughly 1 cup).

Strain out the herbs through a fine mesh strainer and discard the plant matter.

Sweeten: While the liquid is still warm (but not over 110°F to protect the honey), stir in the honey until fully dissolved.

Bottle & Store: Let it cool, bottle in a clean container, and store in the refrigerator.

Shelf Life: Four to six weeks, or up to six months if one part brandy is added as a preservative.

Dosage: 1 tablespoon added to water or sparkling water once or twice daily. 

Some caution is needed when taking motherwort.

According to new research, motherwort is mostly safe when used in small amounts for short periods of time. However, there are some important things to keep in mind as to possible side effects if used for too long or at high doses.

It could cause digestive problems, like loose stools or slight stomach pain, especially when the dose is higher.

If you are sensitive or use it too much, it can make you dizzy or cause your blood pressure to drop. 

Skin sensitivity or dermatitis has been linked, but very rarely, to touching the plant or high intake of it as medicine.

Motherwort should be avoided or taken only as directed in the following instances:

Pregnancy: it may stimulate the uterus and is considered unsafe in pregnancy.

Breastfeeding: there is not enough safety data, so it may be unwise to take it.

You already know you have low blood pressure, a slow heart rate, or heart disease that you are being treated for.

Use  of blood thinners or anticoagulants (like warfarin) because they may make you more likely to bleed.

Use of sedatives, including benzodiazepines, as motherwort can theoretically add to their effect.

Kids Food Revolution by Niamh Cooper, Melissa Byrne & Gillian Hegarty

Did you know you can make real butter just by shaking a jam jar? You don’t need any fancy equipment, and you don’t need special ingredients. Just cream, a clean jam jar, and your best shaking skills. And once you’ve made your butter, you’ll have leftover buttermilk just waiting to go into a loaf of beautiful brown bread. These two recipes are made for each other, and together they make one of the most satisfying things you can eat: warm, fresh bread spread with butter you made yourself.

The Kids’ Food Revolution is a West Cork initiative working with schools to run cooking and gardening workshops. The children in Barryroe N.S. and the Gaelscoil Clonakilty had great fun recently, making their own butter, using paddles which were on loan from the butter museum!

Recipe 1:
Make Your Own Butter

Ingredients

• Heavy cream (double cream works best)

Method: Fill a clean jam jar one-third full with cream. Seal the lid tightly.

Take turns shaking the jar. First the cream will turn to whipped cream. Keep going!

Eventually a yellow lump (butter) will separate from the liquid (buttermilk).

Pour off the buttermilk and save it. You’ll need it for the brown bread.

Note: The buttermilk needs to sit for at least three days before it sours and you can use it.

Remove the butter from the jar and place it in a bowl of cold water.

Knead gently to remove as much of the buttermilk as possible. This helps the butter keep fresh for longer.

Add salt for flavour, and to help preserve your butter.

Roll into balls or shape into a rectangle and wrap in parchment paper.

Recipe 2:
Easy Peasy Brown Bread

Ingredients

• 225g / 8oz brown flour

• 225g / 8oz white flour

• 1 level tsp bread soda

• 1 level tsp salt

• 1 egg

• Buttermilk, to bring the wet mix to 500ml / <1 pint

• Seeds

• Oil, for the tin

Method: Preheat the oven to 230°C / 210°C fan. Oil a loaf tin.

Place the brown flour in a bowl. Sieve in the white flour, bread soda and salt. Stir well.

Crack the egg into a jug and whisk with a fork. Pour in enough buttermilk to bring the total to just under 1 pint / 500ml.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until combined. Be sure not to overwork it.

Pour into the prepared tin and scatter seeds on top.

Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce to 200°C for a further 45 minutes.

Remove from the tin and return to the oven for a final 5 minutes.

Place on a wire rack and leave to cool fully before cutting.

Enjoy!

Did you know?

Brown bread has been a staple in Irish homes for generations.

At peak of milling, there were 7000 flour mills in operation across Ireland – and they were all water-powered.

There is only one industrial flour mill left in Ireland, in Portarlington. It’s run by Odlums.

Eating brown bread is so good for you, because brown flour is a slow release carbohydrate, which makes your energy last much longer. 

Brown bread uses bread soda / bicarbonate of soda, which reacts with the acidity in the buttermilk. All it needs then is heat to make it rise, resulting in a delicious loaf. 

You can add all sorts of things to your brown bread, such as seeds or dried fruit. Seeds add crunch, healthy fats and extra goodness. Dried fruit like raisins, dates or apricots are packed with iron, fibre and natural energy. Best of all, your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible while the bread bakes in the oven.

Here is something you might not know: At its peak in the 19th century, Cork was the largest exporter of butter in the world, bigger than any city in Europe or America. At the height of butter production in Ireland, 30 million pounds of butter were exported from Cork every year, travelling by ship to the West Indies, America, Brazil and Australia. In 1835 alone, one third of all butter exported from Ireland left through the Port of Cork. The Cork Butter Exchange, established in 1769, became the place where the global price for butter was set, a bit like a stock exchange. You can discover the whole story at the Cork Butter Museum – well worth a visit! www.thebuttermuseum.com

By Dave Rees and Nicholas Mitchell

The West Cork Branch held the inaugural first bird race on January 29, 2017. Apparently there had been a bird race in earlier years but no records exist. Our Chair at the time, Paul Connaughton, felt that this would be a great opportunity to showcase birding in West Cork and attract both experienced and novice birders. Six teams registered for that first race. The number of teams entering the race remained the broadly same for the first few years and then there was a gap for Covid in 2021 and 2022. On its resumption, registrations started to increase, and families and students started to come along. 

The race is now held on the first Sunday in February and this year a record 16 teams registered. The teams gathered at Scally’s car park, ready for the 8.30am start. There was the usual excited chat going on, with friends catching up, renewing friendly rivalries and trying not to give away too much about their plans: where they would head first or their treasured spots for guaranteed birds. The weather was set fair, with no rain forecast, but the sun’s glare was going to be an issue, particularly when looking out to sea. The high tide times were not the friendliest either, with high tide in Clonakilty not due until late afternoon.

At 8.30am sharp the teams scattered to their chosen first spots. The race is confined to an area between the boatyard at Ring in the east and the pier at Rosscarbery in the west, with the N71 road the northern boundary. For some teams, meticulous planning goes into deciding how best to spend their time and which sites have to be visited at certain times. For others it’s a day out birding with friends. Although the teams disperse, there are times when they bump into each other. Our own team, for example, met two others at Sands Cove. We had headed there to look for Rock Pipit, which had been surprisingly difficult to find during the day. Not only did we find Rock Pipit, but had the unexpected bonus of a Black Redstart.  At these unexpected meetings, there is the usual banter and pretence of doing really well, before finally admitting that the day is a little quiet.

As always there’s the last minute rush to call in at a few more sites and try to add one or two extra species to the list before getting back to O’Donovan’s Hotel by 6pm, which is where the fun starts. Whilst the organisers tot up the scores, the stories begin as to who saw what and where. Then the scores are in and announced. This year the winning team was The East Corkers (Paul Moore, Denis O’Sullivan, John Coveney and Mark Shorten) with an impressive total of 100 species, narrowly beating the local C Team (Ciarán Cronin, Colin Bartin, Calvin Jone and Christopher O’Sullivan) by one bird! And in third place with an amazing 95 was the family team Bob’s Mighty Munch Bunch (Sam Bayley, Lucy Bayley (5), Wayne Greene-Salm, Lulu Greene-Salm (11) and Heidi Greene-Salm (9)). Once again we are grateful to Dena, and Tommy (RIP), and their team for hosting us once more at O’Donovan’s.

Since the race started nine years ago, 132 species have been recorded. This year some of the highlights included Black Redstart, Glossy Ibis and Great Spotted Woodpecker.  But the real winner and highlight was the day itself. A great day was had birdwatching in West Cork in good weather and meeting up with other birders later in the day. For those of us involved in organising the race, it was fantastic to see so many teams turn out and in particular to the number of youngsters joining in and obviously enjoying the day. If this sounds like fun, why not put a team together for next year’s race on Sunday, February 4? See you at the start!

In the meantime, why not join us at one of our forthcoming outings. Unless expressly stated, all our events are free and are open to everyone; you do not need to be a member of BirdWatch Ireland

BirdWatch Ireland
West Cork Branch News

Upcoming outings:

Sunday, April 19: Bilingual Nature Walk idir Gaeilge agus Béarla, Baile Bhuirne 

During April: Ad hoc migration outings notified on our WhatsApp Group. The joining link can be found on the home page of our website 

Visit www.birdwatchirelandwestcork.ie for details of upcoming events.

For more information, contact Fiona O’Neill at secretary@birdwatchirelandwestcork.ie

Follow us on: Facebook: @BirdWatchIrelandWestCork. Instagram: @birdwatch_ireland_west_cork

Applying for a mortgage as a first-time buyer is a daunting task, so it’s no surprise that many potential borrowers turn to the internet (and increasingly AI apps such as Chat GPT or Google Gemini) for advice before speaking with a bank or broker. Generally speaking, this is no harm – it makes sense to do some basic research any time you do something for the first time, after all. However, this approach does have some potential pitfalls, and from speaking with many first-time buyers it is clear there is still plenty of misinformation and outdated advice lurking out there on the world wide web! 

To give one relatively common example, I still sometimes speak to people who believe that they need a positive, US-style ‘credit score’ to get mortgage approved in Ireland, and have even met potential borrowers who, for the sake of it, took out a small loan purely with the intention of paying it back on time. These well-intentioned folks mistakenly believed that doing so would give them a ‘good’ credit score ahead of their mortgage application, but Irish credit reports don’t work like this, and Irish mortgage lenders don’t look at an applicant’s credit history in this manner anyway (though they do of course care if you have previously gone into arrears on a loan or written down debt in the past). To spell it out clearly: you do not need to have a previous credit history to get a mortgage in Ireland. For many people, their mortgage will be the first loan they’ve ever had.   

This example is one of the more persistent myths about what Irish banks and mortgage lenders are looking for (I blame this fact on us watching too many American TV shows!), but it is not the only one, so I thought it would be worthwhile to expand a little more on how the banks think when assessing a mortgage application. 

Are the banks eternal pessimists? 

First things first, it is true that banks tend to think in worst case scenarios. I don’t say this to worry or scare anyone who’s thinking of applying for a mortgage, but it’s worth bearing in mind as you try to understand the thought process of the people who’ll be running a fine-tooth comb over you and your finances! Put simply, the bank’s primary underlying question will always be: will we get paid!? This is obvious in the sense that they will want to see proof an applicant can afford the potential monthly mortgage payments, but the question will also underpin their assessment of your lifestyle (to the extent they can discern it from your bank statements) and the house you are hoping to buy. In the former case, for example, banks are always looking for behaviours that could one day become addictions. Gambling transactions and ‘excessive’ alcohol purchases (emphasis on ‘excessive’; you don’t need to be teetotal to receive mortgage approval!) are well-known ones, but less obviously addictive purchases such as Playstation and Xbox games/add-ons can also make the banks wary, if large in number. Their logic will be: if John and/or Mary are up all night playing PlayStation, how will they get up in time for work? And if they don’t go to work, how will they pay their mortgage? 

The same pessimistic outlook will apply if you try to buy a home that is in any way ‘unusual’, or if it has a complication such as a contested boundary with neighbours or a right of residence for a third party. Here the thinking will be: if we ever have to repossess this home, will we be able to sell it and get our money back? And if the answer is not a simple ‘yes’, you can expect some pushback from the mortgage assessors. The bank might think John and Mary, with their strong income and consistent savings, are the cleanest case ever, but if they don’t like the look of the house they’ve decided to buy, they won’t be relaxing their rules, or taking a chance on anything, for John and Mary’s sake. Remember, the person assigned to assess your mortgage may one day have to explain their decision to his or her superior, so it is in their best interest to err on the side of caution. And with the average sized mortgage in Ireland now being well in excess of €300,000 – €319,187, to be precise — we are talking about large sums of money here, after all. No one wants to be the employee who signed off on a massive mortgage that was never paid back. 

This brings me to an important, often overlooked point: we think of the banks as large, impersonal, and intensely bureaucratic organisations, but at the end of the day banks are made up of ‘people’. This applies even to the largest ‘traditional’ banks, such as AIB and Bank of Ireland, each of which has thousands of employees, most of whom operate behind the scenes and out of sight. Put another way, all of Ireland’s mortgage lenders are staffed by human beings like you and me – people who have both good and (hopefully occasional) bad days at work. When speaking with clients, I sometimes use the National Car Test (NCT) as an analogy: much like a mortgage application, the NCT is a ‘minimum standards/criteria’ test. If you pass the right tests, and tick the right boxes, you will pass/be approved, and most of the time the assessors ‘want’ to see you leaving with a smile on your face (it makes their own day easier, if nothing else!). Every now and again, though, you will run into the wrong tester on the wrong day, and that person will decide to query something, or take a stand on something, that would have sailed through without issue the day before.

This is very frustrating from a mortgage broker’s point of view, as we can never quite be sure what the banks will ask us when we submit an application, but that’s just how the system works. Wherever human beings are involved, unpredictability will be present, and no amount of bank guidelines will ever make matters truly black and white. And this is why ‘Google it’ is not always good advice. I’m biased, of course, but in my view, when it comes to mortgage applications, the best way of being well-informed on anything but the most basic information is to speak with a broker! So, if you do have any mortgage questions, in relation to the above or just in general, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Moneytree Finance today. 

Farming in West Cork by Cadhla Ó Conchobhair

I’m writing this in the final throes of March heading into April and down to the last five cows left to calve: The cows are out day and night. With no vet calls all season, the relief of not having to clean cow cubicles morning and evening was a pure joy. 

Unfortunately, the joy was short-lived: I had a cow that was behaving unusually while trying to calve and, after putting on my midwife gloves to investigate dilation, I soon realised a professional was needed. To cut a long story short, the cow ended up having three vets (not at the same time) and I had to make the gut-wrenching decision to have her put to sleep due to complications. The circle of life can be heartbreaking. When the vet went out to their van to get the medicine, I knelt down beside my lovely cow in the same shed where I welcomed her to life seven years earlier – now to say goodbye – and gave her a last rub behind the ears. I’m still not the better for it but, after having experienced giving birth myself, I am only too well aware of how things don’t always go to plan, despite everyone’s best efforts.

Nobody can truly prepare you for the kind of emotional decisions that have to be made in farming. They are incredibly difficult. However, being part of a farming community – one that understands the reality of losing an animal and the weight of that loss – offers a level of emotional support that often goes unrecognised and deserves far more credit.

Our farming neighbour called in the next morning to drop back a piece of borrowed farm equipment and ended up hearing my sorrowful tale. We probably stayed talking for the best part of an hour about how scenarios like this is one of the hardest parts of farming. Even though I’m sure he had plenty of work waiting for him on his own farm, he instinctively knew that giving me his time that morning would help. I think that no matter what walk of life you come from, we all need a community that understands what we need – and is there for us when we need it.

This brings me to the success of farm discussion groups. While they were originally intended as peer-to-peer learning networks for sharing technical knowledge, for many they have also become an important source of social support and a way to reduce isolation.

While the majority of farmers are male, thanks to mechanisation and technology, one doesn’t have to be built like an ironman to farm today and all systems of farming are seeing more women taking part.

When it comes to farm succession, the main consideration is now which offspring – male or female –has the strongest interest in farming, rather than their gender. Not so long ago, it was typically the eldest son who was expected to take over the farm and carry the family into the next generation, sometimes whether he wanted to or not. In the past, preserving the family name was a top priority. Now, with many farms restructuring as companies and adopting business-style names with ‘Ltd’, the focus seems to have shifted – placing more importance on the farm’s viability than on maintaining the family name as a requirement.

I chatted with Mona Concannon, the Chairperson of the Women in Agriculture Stakeholder Group (WASG), about a recent event held by the group at Bandon Mart. WASG are not a pink balloon and photo opportunity type of group. They have had their sleeves rolled up since 2021 representing the voice of female farmers at policy level and holding the state to task on farming issues like pensions, TAMs grants, education access and the lack of state recognition for work done by the thousands of ‘invisible’ women who work full- or part-time on the family farm. 

Last year WASG and DAFM co-funded three regional National Dialogues Events for women in agriculture to give these women young and old an opportunity to voice their challenges and their successes in the Agri-sector.

One of the recurring themes at these events was that attending marts can be daunting. Many women said they felt out of place or lacked confidence in their buying and selling skills in that environment. The group decided to do a pilot run of a mart event that would be practical, educational and confidence building.

Bandon Mart manager, Sean Dennehy, was approached to see If he would host the trial event for WASG; and Teagasc West Cork, which runs a female discussion group, were asked to partake. Invitations were also extended to Bandon Secondary School students studying Ag Science in order to collect feedback on the experience before similar mart events are rolled out throughout the country in 2026. 

That Monday, mart day in Bandon caught the usual clientele by surprise with women landing in from all angles. Mart manager Sean welcomed the ladies, giving a brief history of the mart and the services provided and ICBF’s Christopher Daly and Aoife Downes gave an excellent presentation on understanding CBV’s, DBI, and utilising the ICBF web-portal, as well as talking about apps for checking stock and assessing traits.

Seán then brought the ladies on a tour of the mart. He explained the mart process, starting with calf intake and finishing up at the sales ring, where the last few sales of the day were being completed. Sean explained the buying and sell procedure and how to use the Mart-Eye app and the ladies got an opportunity to test their bidding skills with a mock-up sale ringside on a Lot of four Angus calves. Some ladies used the app to bid while others raised their hands. The lively bidding created much banter with the auctioneer and a lot of laughs from the crowd. With the fall of the hammer, a student from Bandon’s Coláiste na Toirbhirte came out as the highest bidder. There was plenty of opportunity throughout the event for Q&A and WASG was delighted with the feedback received. 

Attendee Jean O’Suillivan (a full-time farmer in partnership with her parents) and Chairperson of the Teagasc Ladies Discussion Group, said the informative and confidence-building event was enjoyed by the group. She highlighted the lack of exposure to marts from an early age, which has an impact on confidence levels, and she gave credit to parents who bring their children, particularly daughters, to the mart.

The event was a resounding success and WASG received great feedback from all involved. As a result the group is now in the process of rolling out these events all over the country this year, which also happens to coincide with the UN International Year of the Woman Farmer.

It is wonderful to see groups of farmers, be it males, females or mixed groups, coming together, combining the educational and social aspects of farming. 

I hope this month’s farming article highlights the importance of finding a network that offers ongoing learning opportunities – connecting you with farm friends who support your journey. Whether you’re facing challenges and hardships or celebrating the good times, having that support makes all the difference.

Email me at Cadhla.wcp@gmail.com if there are any farming events happening in your area so I can share them here. 

Think Business by Naomi Fein

Growing up, I was part of an orienteering youth group, where I learned that when you’re unsure if you’re on the right track, the first thing to do is stop. Look around, identify landmarks, and climb the nearest hill to get a better viewpoint. Find yourself on the map and make sure you’re facing the right direction. Learning to read the map can make the difference between being lost and finding your way to the hot meal waiting at camp.

The same approach can help when navigating turbulent times as a business owner.

Many of us think of our businesses as machines. We expect them to follow a linear path from A to B to C. When progress stalls, we add more – more time, more resources, more software, more marketing – assuming more input will create more output. This way of thinking, rooted in the industrial revolution, has shaped how we understand and do business.

But what happens when, despite your best efforts, results don’t come? When long hours lead to stagnation or decline?

It may be time to pause and ask: Is there another way to understand change?

The Two Loops model, developed by Margaret Wheatley and Deborah Frieze of The Berkana Institute, is based on the idea that human systems – businesses, industries, ways of working – behave like living systems. They grow, peak, and eventually decline.

Unlike machines, living systems are not linear. As one system declines, another begins to emerge. As one way of working reaches its limits, new possibilities open elsewhere.

If you’re not seeing the results you want, it might be time to stop and ask questions like: Am I holding on to a mindset or practice that no longer serves me?; What else is happening in my field?; Are there new ways of thinking or new markets I could explore?; What can I learn from innovation outside the mainstream?; Are there tools or approaches that could save time or energy?; Where else might my expertise fit?

To bring this to life, here’s Rachel of Mix Coworking’s story.

Rachel of Mix Coworking in Clonakilty came to me feeling that, although things were progressing well, she was in the dark about managing seasonality spikes. Pleasing the customers, creating bespoke offers to fit every need, did not result in the level of commitment and monthly recurring revenue she hoped for. Instead, she was stretched and unsure which products were working. Rachel was wondering: “if I’m offering so much, why isn’t there more commitment?”

With my help, Rachel followed the steps, using the Two Loops Model as our guide, 

Stop: Rachel stopped and reflected. While the business was progressing well overall, seasonality spikes meant financial instability, managing many offers left her confused and tracking what works was difficult. 

Look back: Mapping her business onto the Two Loops Model, she considered what old beliefs and mindsets were guiding her. Like many business owners, she was focused on meeting every client’s need – giving more in the hope of stability. Rachel realised that she was paying a high price for trying to offer everything to everyone. She was ready for a change. 

Ask: where am I hoping to get to? To answer this, Rachel reconnected with why she first created Mix Coworking: “I wanted to create a place that helps people create and do their best work, build meaningful connections, and support their well-being”. Rachel also wanted to be more intentional with her own capacity and balance.

Look around: Together, we explored alternative operational approaches taking inspiration from the different places on the Two Loops Map. We found examples of businesses moving from a ‘buffet’ of options to a more focused offering – shifting from “what do you want?” to “what do you choose?” We also looked beyond business, exploring community-based practices that foster deeper connection and commitment.

Find your own path forward: Equipped with fresh clarity, Rachel engaged Mix’s Regulars, and guided by their input, she created three simple subscription plans that offered great value and prioritised her customers’ core needs. Rachel moved the sign-up process from email to the website, inviting her clients to show their commitment through a self-managed, direct debit subscription. 

Stay tuned: For Rachel, results came quickly. Her core members were happy to commit, and the Mix community feels energised. The self-managed subscription model led to more stability, predictability, and less admin. Rachel now feels more able to track what is working and better equipped to navigate the unknowns of business life.

This is the kind of work I do with clients – stepping back, making sense of what’s happening, and finding a way forward that fits both your business and your life. If that sounds useful, you’re welcome to book a free discovery call. In the coming months, I will also be running a leadership workshop, applying the Two Loops Model to your business. Email me to book your discovery call or to register your interest in the workshop Naomi@thinkvisual.ie. 

And if you’re curious about Mix Coworking, why not drop by next time you’re in Clonakilty or visit their website www.mixcoworking.ie. 

An archaeological survey at Cape Evans, Antartica, has uncovered a ski pole belonging to explorer and Courtmacsherry native Patrick Keohane. As reported in The Explorer Newsletter, the remarkable discovery was made by archaeologist Emma St Pierre. The ski pole has Keohane’s hand-carved initials on them.

Born at Barry’s Point just south of the village of Courtmacsherry, Patrick Keohane was a Petty Officer on Scott’s Antarctic ‘Terra Nova’ expedition between 1910 and 1913.

St Pierre told The Explorer that “Finding this ski pole was the highlight of my season on the ice. It is rare to uncover an item that can be directly linked to an individual, so this felt incredibly special. To find it amongst all the bamboo scattered around the site was a real moment. Thinking that this pole may have been used during Scott’s journey to the Pole is both exciting and deeply meaningful.”

Keohane was one of 15 men chosen to set out with Scott from their Cape Evans base on the 900-mile journey to the South Pole.

Keohane initially assisted with the ponies before moving into the man hauling sled teams once the ponies had been put down. Although disappointed to be turned back 350 miles short of the Pole, this decision ultimately saved his life, as the small polar party that continued sadly never returned. Keohane later joined the search party that found the bodies of Scott, Dr Edward Wilson and Lieutenant Henry Bowers in their tent.

Keohane’s ski pole has been stabilised for interim storage and will be scheduled for conservation work in the upcoming season.

A statue of Keohane erected between Broad and Blind Strand in Courtmacsherry, shows him looking across the water at the place of his birth.