Latest news with #Colette
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Clonakilty Food Company's Colette Twomey on instilling the right culture in your company
Colette Twomey, managing director of Clonakilty Food Company, was the speaker at this month's Cork Chamber Business Breakfast, where she detailed the history of one of Ireland's most recognisable food brands. Speaking to business leaders, she detailed the history of the company, which dates back to the 1800s, and has since grown into an international brand available in outlets across the world, including the UK, Europe and Australia. In 1976, Edward Twomey and his wife Colette took over a butcher shop in Clonakilty and made black pudding, which they began distributing around Cork and Munster due to its popularity. In the 1980s, they added other products such as sausages and white pudding. Speaking at the event in the Clayton Hotel on Cork's Lapp's Quay, Ms Twomey said they promoted the products at food events and roadshows, which expanded its reach. In the 1990s, to meet demand from a growing number of supermarkets, they opened a facility in Little Island outside Cork City. Colette continued to run the company after Eddie died in 2005, and in 2017 she realised a long dream of bringing production back to Clonakilty, developing a purpose-built facility in the town. "You make a decision and you go for it," she said. "Luck is when opportunity meets gut instinct. There are opportunities left, right, and centre. You can choose to ignore them, but if your gut tells you they're right, then lo and behold, you get lucky." The company's drive has moved what was generally viewed as a niche product into a mainstay of Irish cuisine, moving off the breakfast plate into salads, burgers, lasagnes and a pizza topping. Clonakilty is arguably as synonymous with Irish food production as Kerrygold or Barry's Tea. She said in her time running the company, she tried to instil the right culture. "Culture isn't something that you write down or you put on top of the list of a strategy meeting or plan, or anything like that. "It is something that you live day in, day out. I could see the Japanese people, there isn't a sweet paper on the street, there isn't a paper cup. And there isn't a person taping you on the shoulder saying: 'Pick that up, or don't throw it'. It is just their culture. "You have to live your culture in the company. It can be negative, but if you aim at having a positive culture, it will stand to you, and it will filter down through all the teams. You can overemphasise the importance of it." Taking questions from the audience, and asked about her approach in crises such as Brexit, covid, the war in Ukraine and other challenges, Ms Twomey said her calm approach served the company well. "Everyone was saying when Brexit was on the cards that you have to do this, you have to do that. You have to put your staff through lectures and talks. I was saying 'hold on' because everyone was second-guessing everything, so we waited until we knew what was happening. "But it was a challenge. It was a challenge with deliveries, with paperwork. Because black and white pudding would sit longer than sausages so it was a challenge with deliveries." Ms Twomey said the covid pandemic was a busy period for the company, with people spending more time at home and eating more. However, the pork crisis in 2008 was one of the greatest challenges when a global recall of products took place following a food contamination scare. "The pork crisis was the worst day of work I ever did. Having to tell staff that everything was being pulled off the market. We didn't know if it was one day, two days, a week or a month. The insecurity of that was frightening." Read More One of Ireland's oldest companies completes move to new Cork manufacturing facility
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Bird mess a factor as beach earns a 'brown flag'
A beach has been handed a "brown flag" award because of its poor water quality. Heacham, near Hunstanton, is the only beach in Norfolk to receive the unofficial award, because of levels of bacteria such as e-coli from sewage and other waste. Sewage outflows have been identified as contributors to the pollution levels - as well as the waste produced by flocks of sea birds. The Environment Agency said it was working with Anglian Water and West Norfolk Council to make improvements. The brown flag is awarded by a holiday park comparison site which analyses data on beach water quality from the Environment Agency. Thirteen beaches around the coast of England have been designated the unfortunate award this year. Beachgoer Colette and her daughter Amaya visit Heacham beach every day but know the water is not safe to swim in. "We check the signs and it always says poor quality don't swim," she said. "Some days there's foam on the water which is a brown colour. It's really not very pleasant." Colette thinks it is more likely that an outflow pipe transporting water from nearby rivers is to blame for the poor water quality. Ed Tooth, the RSPB conservation officer for the Wash and the north Norfolk coast, said it was not a surprise that bird mess was a contributing factor, as two million birds pass through the area every year. "Bird DNA has been picked up as part of the routine Environment Agency testing," he said. "It is fairly normal to expect that. We have millions of birds visiting here and we are very lucky for that. "It's probably not just the birds that are causing the issue, but we are really keen to work with partners in order to find a solution". He said improvements should not involve any disruption to visiting or nesting birds at Heacham. Anglian Water said tests confirmed that seabird waste left on the mudflats near to Heacham beach was the "primary source" of bacteria found in samples of water. "There are lots of factors that can impact bathing water quality, including agriculture, tides, and ecological factors such as algal blooms," the water company said. It said it was investing £31.3m to investigate and improve bathing waters in the East region until 2027. West Norfolk Council said there had been "marginal" improvements in water quality at Heacham in the past two years. The authority said: "It's apparent that wildlife and ecology plays a significant part in impacting bathing quality results." The Environment Agency told the BBC: "Pollution comes in many forms and from multiple sources, and the Environment Agency will continue to investigate poor water quality." Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Rising fees make beach huts 'hard to keep or sell' 'Our paddleboards come out brown, it's disgusting' Environment Agency West Norfolk Council
BBC News
29-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Bird mess a factor as Heacham beach earns a 'brown flag'
A beach has been handed a "brown flag" award because of its poor water near Hunstanton, is the only beach in Norfolk to receive the unofficial award, because of levels of bacteria such as e-coli from sewage and other outflows have been identified as contributors to the pollution levels - as well as the waste produced by flocks of sea Environment Agency said it was working with Anglian Water and West Norfolk Council to make improvements. The brown flag is awarded by a holiday park comparison site which analyses data on beach water quality from the Environment Agency. Thirteen beaches around the coast of England have been designated the unfortunate award this year. Beachgoer Colette and her daughter Amaya visit Heacham beach every day but know the water is not safe to swim in."We check the signs and it always says poor quality don't swim," she said."Some days there's foam on the water which is a brown colour. It's really not very pleasant."Colette thinks it is more likely that an outflow pipe transporting water from nearby rivers is to blame for the poor water quality. Ed Tooth, the RSPB conservation officer for the Wash and the north Norfolk coast, said it was not a surprise that bird mess was a contributing factor, as two million birds pass through the area every year. "Bird DNA has been picked up as part of the routine Environment Agency testing," he said."It is fairly normal to expect that. We have millions of birds visiting here and we are very lucky for that. "It's probably not just the birds that are causing the issue, but we are really keen to work with partners in order to find a solution". He said improvements should not involve any disruption to visiting or nesting birds at Heacham. Anglian Water said tests confirmed that seabird waste left on the mudflats near to Heacham beach was the "primary source" of bacteria found in samples of water. "There are lots of factors that can impact bathing water quality, including agriculture, tides, and ecological factors such as algal blooms," the water company said it was investing £31.3m to investigate and improve bathing waters in the East region until 2027. West Norfolk Council said there had been "marginal" improvements in water quality at Heacham in the past two authority said: "It's apparent that wildlife and ecology plays a significant part in impacting bathing quality results." The Environment Agency told the BBC: "Pollution comes in many forms and from multiple sources, and the Environment Agency will continue to investigate poor water quality." Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Scottish Sun
19-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Home Bargains fans rejoice as new £3.99 version of viral must-have hits shelves & it lights up gardens in an instant
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SAVVY shoppers are going wild as Home Bargains drops yet another new version of their viral hot air balloon solar lights. Not only is the new purse-friendly buy 'so pretty', but it's sure to look amazing in your garden at night. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Home Bargains shoppers are racing to their nearest store for another new version of the much-loved viral garden must-have Credit: Getty 4 So if your garden could do with brightening up, you won't want to miss this Credit: Facebook/BARGAIN LOVERS Poundland, Home Bargains, B&M, Primark, The Range & More 4 These new hot air balloon spiral solar lights are only £3.99 each Credit: Facebook/BARGAIN LOVERS Poundland, Home Bargains, B&M, Primark, The Range & More 4 They automatically glow at dusk and feature a whimsical spiral design Credit: Home Bargains So if your outside space could do with lighting up this spring, you'll need to move fast to nab this must-have. Recently we've seen Home Bargains fans race to their nearest stores, desperate to get their hands on various sell-out versions of the hot air balloon solar lights. But now, the high-street store has capitalised on the success of the solar lights with another new release. Shoppers can now nab the new Firefly Hot Air Balloon Spiral Solar Light for less than £4 - which features the iconic hot air balloon alongside a stunning spiral feature. This bargain buy, which is priced at just £3.99, will brighten up your garden and leave your eagle-eyed neighbours gobsmacked. One savvy shopper was left open-mouthed when browsing the aisles in her local Home Bargains, when she spotted the brilliant buy. Overjoyed with her find, Colette Smith took to social media to share her find with others, leaving many very impressed. Posting on BARGAIN LOVERS Poundland, Home Bargains, B&M, Primark, The Range & More, a public Facebook group with 827,200 members, Colette uploaded snaps of the gorgeous solar lights and beamed: 'How beautiful are these different coloured solar lights in Home Bargains.' These brand new enchanting lights automatically glow at dusk and feature a whimsical spiral design. The stunning LED flame effect provides effortless outdoor charm and is sure to add ambience to your space. Shoppers race to nab 'beautiful' water feature to turn gardens into a tranquil haven, as price is slashed from £44 to £5 Not only are these lights easy to install, but they come with a rechargeable battery, so you can enjoy hassle-free lighting all night long. The spiral hot air balloon design adds a fun, decorative touch to any outdoor setting, making these lights perfect for brightening up your space with minimal effort. Top gardening trends of 2025 Gardening experts at Barnsdale Gardens has shared the top gardening trends of 2025. Matrix planting It seems that a top planting trend for this year is going to be Matrix Planting. In essence, planting in groups or blocks to give an effect of being wild whilst actually being carefully managed. Selection of the plants is essential, to give year-round interest either with flowers, seed heads or frosted/snowy spent flower heads. Some recommend using plants that seed around, but this could make managing your matrix planting harder to keep under control. Chrysanthemum comeback I hope that the humble Chrysanthemum makes as much of a comeback this year as Dahlias have over recent years, because the simple single flowered types, such as 'Innocence' and 'Cottage Apricot' would be spectacular within a matrix scheme. The hardy varieties are so easy to grow in a sunny spot and give such a valuable burst of late summer and autumn colour that would lift any dull- looking border. Blended borders For some time now we have been promoting the growing of veg within ornamental borders and I think this could really take off this year. The choice of ornamental-looking varieties available in seed catalogues is phenomenal and, if managed correctly, visitors to your garden will not even realise that you have veg growing! Must-have tool My secret is out. I discovered the Hori Hori a couple of years ago and now it seems so is everyone else. It is such a well-made, adaptable tool that can be used as a trowel or weeding tool in the garden that and everyone I speak to who have used it absolutely would not now be without it. Enough said! Bargain hunters beam But you'll need to move fast if you want to get your hands on this new Firefly buy, as Collette's post has clearly left many stunned, as it has quickly racked up 508 likes and 230 comments in just 13 hours. One person said: 'Absolutely stunning!!' Oh dear I promised myself I wasn't buying anymore solar lights because I've got loads. Looks like I'll be buying more now Facebook user Another added: 'So pretty!' A third commented: 'I need some!' Not only this, but someone else beamed: 'Oh dear I promised myself I wasn't buying anymore solar lights because I've got loads. Looks like I'll be buying more now.' 5 things you didn't know about Home Bargains Home Bargains was founded by Tom Morris It's official name is TJ Morris Ltd but trades as Home Bargains The first store was opened in Liverpool in 1976 Around 30% of the stores range comprises clearance lines There are 575 stores nationwide At the same time, many shoppers who have already managed to stock up on the affordable lights rushed to share their rave reviews. One Home Bargains fan posted: 'They are so pretty. I have loads.' Whilst another chimed in: 'I've got these, they are lovely.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
New York Times
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
The Literary ‘It' Girl Who Continues to Fascinate
'Childhood is an image, which we decorate,' Françoise Sagan wrote in her autobiography, 'Réponses.' Ms. Sagan, born Françoise Delphine Quoirez, was only 18 when her first novel, 'Bonjour Tristesse,' published in 1954, caused a sensation across the globe. But she was not just a literary wunderkind: The teenage author became an object of worldwide press fascination (Pope Paul VI denounced the novel as 'an example of irreligosity'), and the caricature of those years would haunt her. From the get-go, many recognized Ms. Sagan as a genuine talent, with critics likening her to the fellow literary enfant terrible Colette. In Le Figaro, the French novelist François Mauriac called her a 'charming monster,' but conceded that 'talent bursts on the first page. This book has all the ease, all the audacity of youth without having the slightest vulgarity.' The philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre deemed her the real thing, and 'Bonjour Tristesse' went on to win the Prix des Critiques in 1954. While the author's own life encompassed the full spectrum of adult tragedies and pleasures — as well as 20 books — in the popular American imagination, her image seems curiously bound up with youth: 'it' girl; French girl. Today, we might add 'nepo baby' because of her parents' social connections — her father was a prosperous industrialist, her mother from an old landowning family. Naturally, this reputation conferred skepticism. (The fact that by age 21 her father had managed her earnings into a tidy fortune could not have helped.) There were those who were not shocked, yet unimpressed by what they regarded as a pampered daughter of the bourgeoisie, with middling talent and a great publicist. (This paper dismissed Ms. Sagan, calling 'Bonjour Tristesse' an 'immature little novel, mainly a catalogue of moods experienced under the strain of a father-complex by a fairly precocious French girl.' ) 'My feeling is that she represents something important in the French literary and cultural imagination,' said the novelist Tash Aw. 'There's also something about the setting of 'Bonjour Tristesse' that is so quintessentially French that it stays in the popular imagination even if people have never read the book.' The book is the story of a teenage girl and one eventful summer in the south of France, a coming-of-age novel that combines cleareyed insight with a vivid evocation of youth. The mixture of the well-educated bourgeois schoolgirl — Ms. Sagan took her pen name from Proust and her debut's title from Paul Valery — and frank discussion of adultery proved a potent combination. In a rapidly changing France, readers thrilled to a novel that expressed the ambivalence of generational shift; the rest of the world, long obsessed with a dynamic stereotype of French sophistication, was equally entranced by this prototypical, modern, politically engaged French girl. First adapted for the screen by Otto Preminger in 1958, the film starred David Niven and Jean Seberg, forever conflating the author in the public imagination with the artless allure — and iconic haircut — of Ms. Seberg. A new adaptation was released this month, helmed by Durga Chew-Bose in her directorial debut — with the blessing of the author's son, Denis. 'Some people told us we were adapting their national anthem,' Ms. Chew-Bose said. Throughout her career, Ms. Sagan was defiant, facing interviewers with a brittle sophistication. 'All my life, I will continue obstinately to write about love, solitude and passion among the kind of people I know,' she told an interviewer for The Transatlantic Review. 'The rest don't interest me.' These kinds of people would come to include louche luminaries like Truman Capote and Ava Gardner. Indeed, to her critics, the spigot of novels, plays, memoir, pop song lyrics and screenplays may have had more than a whiff of the dilettantish. 'I think that feeling of being very young and utterly world-weary is both a recipe for chic and, to use a word I hate, relatable,' said the writer and translator Leslie Cahmi. 'Of feeling one's way blindly and realizing that the adults are just as lost as you are. Sagan's postwar French prosperity is haunted by a faint perfume of existentialist desperation.' Ms. Sagan certainly seemed to capture something: the jaded French bourgeoisie, in love, surrounded by interiors and style. Her books paint a vivid picture of a milieu she knew intimately. And in a world before autofiction, her best writing had tight and disciplined plotting. 'Nothing is more unreal than certain so-called realist novels — they're nightmares,' she told The Paris Review. To the author Claire Messud, 'Bonjour Tristesse' — and the furor surrounding its young author — spoke to larger cultural tendencies: 'French culture's intense desire, tendency (at that time at least, in the '50s) to celebrate adolescent female brilliance, however briefly.' Car crashes, youthful divorces from playboys, multiple affairs of variable happiness and substance abuse took their toll. Ms. Sagan was, the critic Bertrand Poirot-Delpech commented with relish, 'a bird fallen from the nest on which modern cannibalism cut its teeth and won't give up.' She found contentment and stability with the fashion stylist Peggy Roche, but after Ms. Roche's death she once again struggled with substance abuse; she died at 69 from a pulmonary embolism. But somehow the timelessness of 'Bonjour Tristesse' — and perhaps, the legend of its author — endures, urgent and relevant. As Ms. Chew-Bose put it, 'I think any story told from the pod of a young woman trying to sort through the turmoil of coming-of-age will always feel modern to me.'
