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A recent exercise carried out by journalist David McCandless to find the best breed of dog concluded that the Border Collie is the top canine animal. Purple Rain owner Rebecca McConnell wrote an opinion piece in relation to the study that was published in today’s Belfast Telegraph: I would whole heartily agree with David’s study….

Twenty-two brave members of the Young Farmers Clubs’ of Ulster swopped their wellies and trainers to take part in County Down’s Strictly Young Farmers event at the weekend. The eleven couples had been in training since September and Purple Rain was invited to manage the photography, both on the night and for the glossy brochure…

Saturday was a beautiful autumnal day. The sky was blue, conditions were dry, perfect for the potato harvest. I joined my brother Trevor and the team in a field, with magnificent views of the Mourne Mountains, as we set out to bring in the crop of Marquis potatoes. Now potato harvesting has come a long…

Last night, I attended the CIPR NI Social Summer at the National Cafe in Belfast. It is quite a rare opportunity for PR pro’s in Northern Ireland to meet up so it’s best to make the effort when an event is on. For those not familiar with the CIPR, it stands for the Chartered Institute…

Today, I had a photocall in the diary. That’s nothing new in the life of a PR professional but today was a very special photocall. For once, rather than directing a photographer on what photos to take for a client or, as most recently, taking the pictures for clients, I got to be in front…

The question may be, to plant potatoes or not to plant potatoes, but the answer will always depend on the weather. Spring is a busy time down on the farm, especially when the sun is out, as you might have noticed driving through the countryside lately. My brother, Trevor, has been busy planting potatoes when…

  Did you go and watch the Giro when it was in town? I hope you did. Maybe you managed to get elusive tickets to the team presentation or wore pink to work or were lucky enough to see the peloton pass through your local village. The weather wasn’t ideal for the riders but the…

The countdown to the Grande Partenza of the Giro d’Italia is well and truly on hence various parts of Northern Ireland turning pink – everything from buildings and shop fronts to sheep and horses in county Antrim. Purple Rain has even gone pink with owner, Rebecca McConnell, volunteering in the media centre. Today, clad with…

Last night the coveted Oscars ceremony took place in Los Angeles, as ever a star studded event bringing together the very best of Holywood and the movie industry. Amongst the decisions about which designer dress/tux to wear, what way to style their hair and who to bring as guests, the award nominees will also have…