Back in May, I interviewed a couple who had owned and run a haberdashery in Belfast city centre for more than 40 years.

Located on Callender Street, Charlie and Marie McLarnon’s Sew ‘n’ Sew was a small shop with enormous character, which seemed to stock everything from wool in every colour under the sun to buttons, badges, needles and even a few lighters.

What struck me most, however, was the warmth of Charlie and Marie, who personified that Belfast charm and craic we are supposedly famous for.

I wish I had been visiting them under happier circumstances, but unfortunately the feature was about the couple closing their doors after their building was acquired as part of a hotel development.

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Although the developer offered to help them relocate, Charlie and Marie explained that everywhere they looked cost at least........

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