Selma to call it a day after 25 years trading

Selma McMullan has been trading from 'Selma's' in Ann Street for a quarter of a century, but time and the demands of a hectic social life have prompted her to call it a day.

Although the decision was not taken lightly, and she will be sad to leave a host of business friends not to mention countless customers, Selma is adopting a positive approach in that she will now have more time to focus on outside interests - and they are numerous!

"I took the decision about three weeks ago and since then I have had many business friends and customers calling with me. They have wished me well and their sentiments mean a great deal to me," Selma told the Times.

Describing her business as a 'General Store', Selma sold ladies, gents and children's wear, as well as soft furnishings, and was particularly busy at the start of the new school term for school uniforms. She also ran the Archway Centre, another shop, but closed it last year.

Since that time, the thought of taking life a little easier began to take on more significance and the task of juggling a busy business life with outside and family interests meant that something had to give.

Selma is Vice-President of Ballycastle Credit Union, Rally Organiser with the Motor Home Club (MCC) which has bodies North and South of the Border, Captain of Ballycastle Girls Brigade - she has been in the company for 34 years - handles merchandising for Armoy Motor Road Racing Club and spends a lot of time doing charity work.

"My retirement will mean that I can get away a bit more with the Motor Home Club, something I really enjoy and I have many projects coming up this summer," she said.

All of this will concentrate her mind, but coming to terms with closing the shop will not be easy.

She explained: "I will really miss it. I am like a part of Ann Street and I am going to miss my neighbours, customers and friends. The traders in the street sort of looked out for each other and that's what made this community strong.

"I have had a lot of well wishers and all those people have played a big part in my life. My shop was like a home. People called in to share their joys and troubles and there were times when I thought I was like an Agony Aunt!"

Selma will be paying her own private thanks to past and present staff and she would publicly like to thank business colleagues, customers and friends who have supported her down the years.

"I owe them all a big thankyou for without them I couldn't have carried on. I wish all of them well in the future," she added.

Selma officially closes her shop on March 31, but it is understood that an agreement has been reached for a new business to be established.