I spent time on the Irish Country Living stand at the Knitting & Stitching Show last week and it was as good as a day at the Ploughing. I was there Thursday and Friday and the crowds were massive. It was lovely to meet so many of our readers, many of whom have followed the different craft series we’ve had in these pages.

Rosaleen Dwyer’s patchwork Quilt of Memories from two years ago certainly proved popular. No doubt it will be the same with her latest project, which has its second instalment on page 9 this week.

Walking around the show, it was easy to see why people were laden down with shopping bags. The cottons, silks and wools, buttons and beads, and range of patterns for almost anything were just gorgeous.

Dressmaking or anything that requires a sewing machine wouldn’t be my forte but I have knitted jumpers for all the family. Indeed, my first bit of entrepreneurship began when I was about 14 and in second year in school. I loved crochet and had a great business making little hats with a contrasting crochet flower on the side. I could make two a day and they were in great demand, especially from the nuns. Needless to say, making them wasn’t any help to my studies but at that stage I couldn’t have cared less.

On Friday evening I was heading to Arklow and, having had nothing to eat since breakfast, I dropped in to Hunter’s Hotel in Rathnew in the hope they would still be serving their famous afternoon tea.

Dating back to the 1600s Hunter’s is the oldest coaching house in the country and has been in the ownership of the one family since 1825. With its old-world atmosphere, proper fires and great garden, it is one of the most relaxing places I know.

It didn’t disappoint. The bar, which is really more like a sitting room, was as cosy as ever and I settled in beside the fire. Afternoon tea costs €12 and consists of daintily cut salad, egg and ham sandwiches. There was a warm scone with cream and homemade jam on the side. A slice of Bakewell tart and another of sponge cake with a filling of strawberries and cream completed the feast. Most importantly, the tea came in a big pot that didn’t dribble.

Hunter’s is the perfect place for a good natter and as I headed out into the rain, I envied the groups of women who looked as if they were settling in to do just that. I look forward to going back.

Two years ago last July, Sean and I were on holidays in Devon when we heard about a terrible accident, not 20 miles from where we were, involving the Twomey family from Co Cork. What happened that afternoon would test the faith of anyone.

Elber Twomey lost her “everybody” when a suicidal driver crashed into the family car killing her son, unborn daughter and husband. On pages four and five, she talks to Maria Moynihan about that day, the care she received and the journey she has been on that now sees her leading a campaign for suicide awareness training. To help with her campaign Elber has started a blog – Where There Is Life, There Is Hope – and it’s clear that hope is one thing Elber Twomey will never lose.