From Rivers Deep to Mountains High, The Platter Women are on the digital road!

I once played Tina Turner in a community showcase based here in Omagh, the Strule Art Centre. Little did I know then that I would 4 yrs later win the tender to be the franchisee of the cafe for the next 6 yrs of my life and then to win tenders for the Ulster American Folk Park, The Ardhowen Theatre and the cafe at Enniskillen castle in Fermanagh, and I loved it!

So I think it's fair to say creativity, hard work, a certain flair and eye for detail have always been at the forefront of what I do.

As with the rest of the world covid had a major impact in mine and my families roles but that time was essentially the time when The Platter Women took off.

It most certainly was the busiest time ever and also the loneliest. I recall delivering to people, who were alone or hadn't seen family members for months.

Driving down empty roads and thinking,

' should I still even be doing this?'

only to bear in mind that I may be the only person these people might get to see each day.

It really bothered me terribly, but with so many people contacting our page from all over the world to deliver our afternoon teas to their loved ones in Tyrone really motivated me to keep going.

At that time we made such great bonds with brides who were eventually able to wed with a breakfast in the morning of their big day and it's fair to say we've been back with them for numerous milestones in their lives. Catering for family gatherings, baby showers, christenings and holy communions.

Time has flown by and now I can see the next chapter in my life. Time for this auld granny to embrace the digital age and take the Platter Women to another level,

the world wide web.

We acquired storage space in Strabane in 2023 and now it's time to launch the website for online order and food hamper boxes, which has been a labour of love and patience but as the saying goes everything comes to she who waits, and it really has been worth it.

I've traveled the lanes and back roads of Tyrone and hills and farms in Fermanagh in order to get the best produce that independent artisan producers have crafted in particular the Curly Pigs and Dart Mountain Cheese whose produce will be featured on my online shop alongside other fantastic suppliers the length and breadth of Ireland and the United Kingdom.

It is with immense pride that I get to see the fruition of a year's work. I have had the privilege to have worked with and been guided by strong intelligent woman who have educated, supported, cajoled and encouraged this auld granny every step of the way in the production and growth of the Platter Women Webpage!

I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Kerrie Grugan for dragging this 60's kid kicking and screaming into the digital age with her wizardry and patience. For the last 6 yrs this woman has been my social media rock and caption tutor, for this I thank you.

To my copious amounts of coffee buddy, Jill Dillon. For her unwavering support and long, long hours in growing and developing this site from start to finish. To think this all started because I called with her to order a hoodie, and this is where she's taken me - from hoodie to website. She's a gal you don't meet everyday.

Who says age is a barrier to education there is nothing us silver haired beauties can't bring to the table.

Just like Tina..The Platter Woman is about to enter her prime time on the journey to make the most of this thing we call life and become simply the best.