COMMUNITY, CRAIC, AND COCKTAILS
WIMB CIC Nollaig na mBan ~ Little Christmas ~ Weemen’s Wee Yuletide 2025.I didn’t take any pics of myself so thanks Anna McAree and Sophie Doherty!
Hello all. Happy New Year. I wish you all a fab 2025.
So, the Christmas tree is down, and reporter Barbie is back to work.
I spent today talking and typing about terror, border controls, and work experience - not all the same story!
January 7th, 2025 was always going to be my party’s over, and back at it, day.
The heat is on, I can hear the gritters are out, and I am cosy and happy.
I had fruit for dessert instead of loads of chocolate, and can confirm the humble finger of fudge is the last of the tub/selection box chocolates left.
I said farewell to the festive season with a cracker Women in Media event in north Belfast last night.
We had no energy to organise a Christmas do after our three strands conference at QUB in autumn 2024 so extra clever lawyer and activist pal Jude Copeland suggested a Nollaig na mBan event.
Little Christmas, Weemen’s Wee Yuletide, whatever you call it, it’s a reason to celebrate.
Our Niamh Campbell (you can follow her on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram) led on this event, and did a fab job.
I am always keen to shout about north Belfast so McConnell’s Distillery and the Criterion Bar was the perfect sequence of venues. See my Instagram post here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/
I didn’t make it into town with the Monday night party animals but I left feeling full of whiskey and positive vibes after wholesome fun, bubbles, and gorgeous grub from Lasa Belfast and also Rebel & Ruse.
I was so pleased to see young reporters (shout out Sophie, Flavia, Lili, Emma and the rest) and other diverse media workers enjoying the event, each other’s company, and the cocktails/mocktails.
It is important to me that they see more seasoned colleagues supporting them, and them supporting each other.
It does my heart good to work with Patricia and Niamh to bring people together, and I know the work we are doing is positive and worthwhile. More to follow on that in 2025!
There is lots in store for me in 2025. I will be focusing on strength, sleep, and quality work. Some of what is in store for me is planned, and, as with us all, there is lots I am yet to discover.
Thanks to you all for your support for my journalism, commentary, event hosting, WIMB, and more. GRMA for the tips, stories, and beers! I wish peace, good health and happiness in 2025 for everyone.
And some of my top tips for the year ahead are - do what makes you happy, follow your dreams, do excellent work, read books, don’t be a melter, remember ‘no’ is a full sentence, go high, and go get your health screening done - it could save your life!
Also, as Cher’s mother (icon) said, think about issues like this: “If it doesn’t matter in five years, it doesn’t matter.”
Amanda
You can find me elsewhere online here: https://linktr.ee/amanda.ie
