Made in Westmeath launched in Ballinahown

Twenty-eight local craftmakers have come together in a bid to market their wares collectively under the brand 'Made in Westmeath', with the initiative being launched last Wednesday evening by founder of Insomnia Coffee Company and Dragon Bobby Kerr in Core Craft Studio in Ballinahown. A host of crafts were on display, including textiles, knitwear, wooden gifts and sculptures, jewellery, soaps and felts, to name a few. The idea of the Made in Westmeath initiative is to allow craftmakers in the region to create a brand for crafts similar to in Kilkenny. Helen Conneely is the Ambassador for the Year of Crafts for the Midlands told the Westmeath Independent that the idea behind the Year of Crafts is to promote excellence in craft-making and the creation of the Made in Westmeath brand was a longterm initiative rather than something that was solely for the year. "We would love local companies to support Made in Westmeath and buy local products and for people to buy local. They can buy them in Core, in Belvedere House in Mullingar and from the Made in Westmeath website," she said. The initiative was supported by Westmeath Community Development through the LEADER programme and Bernie Leavy of Westmeath Community Development explained that the programme created funding for a Craft Development Specialist, a position held by Aileen Duffy, who has been working with the craftspeople in creating Made in Westmeath. Entrepreneur and radio presenter Bobby Kerr was on hand last week to perform the official launch. He told the Westmeath Independent that it was fantastic to see people coming together and forming a community of craftspeople. He said regardless of what each of the craftspeople makes, be it boats or jewellery, they can each learn from each other and benefit from each other skills. "Many small things make a great unit," said Mr Kerr. "Made in Westmeath is a great brand." He said initiatives like this was the only way forward for small businesses. Anthony McCay, who along with his siblings Vinny and Ethel, created Bog Buddies, was at Core for the launch last Wednesday and said Made in Westmeath was a great idea, saying the staff had been a great support to the craftmakers and it was a great way for local craftspeople and manufacturers to meet. Bog Buddies is based at Bastion Street in Athlone and has been in operation for the past year and a half. Anthony explained that Bog Buddies was a new idea that was inspired by a walk in the bog. Bog Buddies is a range of collectable characters made from peat, sold either loose or in a frame. Anthony explained that the business is now supplying 35 shops in Ireland and 15 in the US, including Kilkenny Design and the National Museum of Ireland shop. Ann Marie Griffin of Ann Marie Griffin Knitwear in Mount Temple said Made in Westmeath has offered a huge support for local craftmakers. She said she has been knitting and crocheting since she was four years old and has been in business for the past three years. Her knitwear is stocked in twelve outlets here and in the US and Canada. Ann Marie said Made in Westmeath was creating a great awareness of crafts and of people working in the field from this region. "There is a great sharing of skills and support for each other and it helps to build awareness," she said. She added that craftspeople can recommend each other to customers also. Fashion designer Sharleen McCaffrey, who is based in Athlone, said she has found Made in Westmeath to be an excellent network and said it is great for sharing information and advice. "Some of the people are in business for ten years and they give you good support," she said. Asked for her advice to other craftspeople who are considering getting into business, she said: "You need a business head. Don't do it if you don't have a good business head. If you're doing it just from a creative point of view you will struggle. You need both." Moate-based Bernice Rafferty makes customised, handcrafted headpieces and jewellery and is now working fulltime in this area. She also colours shoes and bags to match outfits and is a bridal specialist. Originally working from her home on a part-time basis, Bernice has since built a showroom in her front yard and says she has been getting more elaborate with her designs over time. She said she caters for everyone from ages 20 to 80 and has found Made in Westmeath very helpful in allowing her to network with other craftmakers in the region. Gráinne Jameson from Athlone is a feltmaker and explained she has been working in this area for about three years. She said she owns sheep and uses her own wool to make the products, first washing it and then dying it. Her product line includes bags, brooches, hats and even candle holders. Gráinne read about Made in Westmeath in the paper and became involved then. She said she has found it very helpful and said it is easier to be working as part of a group. Another Athlone woman, Jane Walsh, makes handmade jewellery and operates her business The Button Studio from Coosan. Of the Made in Westmeath initiative she said: "I've found it brilliant. It's great for artists to get feedback and support from each other. Aileen has been brilliant and is always there for us when we need help. "Astrid Tomrop-Hofmann from Portumna via Hamburg is a textile artist and works mainly with felt and silk making scarves, hats, brooches, bags and capes. She has twice won the competition for felting in the RDS and said she is very happy to have made Ireland her home, having lived here since 1999. With the Made in Westmeath brand now officially launched the 28 craftspeople involved will be hoping the local community will get behind them and support their initiative. To view or purchase any of the products you can visit Core in Ballinahown, Belvedere House in Mullingar or log onto www.madeinwestmeath.ie