PORTADOWN WOMEN UNITE THE TRADITIONS
Portadown has a reputation for sectarian strife; yet again this year, Drumcree and the Garvaghy Road hit the headlines worldwide during July. Yet just a couple of miles outside Portadown, four women, from both sides of a divided community, have come together, aiming to promote their joint heritage by showcasing quality products from both the North and South of Ireland in a new web store at www.holdtheheritage.comJeanette, Anne, Sylvia and Bernadette have sourced gifts which celebrate the best of past traditions, reflecting many of the traditional industries of Ireland, They also plan to promote young Irish designers.
Hold the Heritage looks to the future as well as to the past; many of the gifts are suitable for times of family celebration like birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and christenings, and will be treasured and passed on to future generations.
Based in a converted barn among the rolling hills and apple orchards of County Armagh, the Hold the Heritage team has sourced a range of products grouped under " heritage " themes. The craft heritage includes silver jewelry and hand-painted silk scarves and ties from Dublin, influenced by Celtic legend and imagery. The industrial heritage includes Irish linen from local suppliers; damask and lace-trimmed tablecloths, handkerchiefs and pure linen sheets. There is a selection of giftware from Tyrone Crystal and Mullingar Pewter, a range of beaten copper plaques, and Celtic crosses made from pressed Irish turf.
They are developing their range, and welcome suggestions for additional products. If there is something you have been trying to source from Ireland, contact them via the website at www.holdtheheritage.com; they may be able to find it for you.
The Wild Geese, Inc.
P.O. Box 4384
Greenwich, CT 06831
info@wildgeeseonline.com