Magazine EAST BELFAST ISSUE 34 DECEMBER 2014
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contents
EAST BELFAST • EDITION #34 • DECEMBER 2014
WELCOME! WISHING A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS!
4 LOCAL NEWS All the headlines happening this month and beyond
20 XMAS DECOR Donna from E interiors creates the ultimate festive look
22 XMAS CRAFTS Get crafty this Christmas and create your own delights
24 BLOOMFIELD AVE Your invite to a special shopping evening this month
26 HEALTH & BEAUTY The Secret Day Spa and their Christmas sparkle tips
28 A TWIST IN THE TALE The extraordinary story of local artist Tanya Mai Johnston
30 PROPERTY BLOOM Century 21 Belfast on the current state of the market
34 WHAT’S ON? Bloom Magazine Belfast
@bloommag
City East Business Centre 68-72 Newtownards Road Belfast BT4 1GW www.bloommagazine.co.uk Editorial & Design : Stuart stuart@bloommagazine.co.uk 07977 144904 Advertising : Angela angela@bloommagazine.co.uk 07719 104862 Advertising & Accounts : Juanita info@bloommagazine.co.uk 07725 621642 Printed by Nicholson Bass • Distributed by Speedpost NI Any views expressed within are not necessarily endorsed by Bloom Magazine or Newborn Media. Reference to any specific product or service does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by Bloom Magazine. Links and contacts are provided for user convenience and do not constitute or imply endorsement or recommendation by Bloom Magazine. Any reproduction without permission is prohibited.
All the local groups, meetings. clubs and all sorts more
38 A SLICK SCHEME The East Belfast Oil Club and how it can save you money
42 WATERWAY TO TRAVEL 1871 barge named Industry launched on the Lagan.
46 WINTER WHEELS Roundabout Tyres share their advice on winter tyres bloommagazine.co.uk 3
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EAST BELFAST • EDITION 34 • DECEMBER 2014 TWITTER : @bloommag FACEBOOK : Bloom Magazine Belfast
Harding Memorial Primary School host their open day on 7th January 2015. Here is some info on the school: “It is a warm and welcoming school where high standards of behaviour and learning are consistently demonstrated by the pupils. The school was established in 1913 and we recently
NEW BUSINESS LAUNCHED Belfast’s first Iyengar-equipped yoga studio celebrated its opening to great acclaim. BBCNI Health correspondent Marie-Louise Connolly welcomed guests as the Master of Ceremonies. “I’m delighted to be delivering this great news – a new yoga and well-being studio and a new business in Belfast. Places like Maitri studio are havens that help us achieve work-life balance.” Claire Ferry, studio owner and teacher, outlined that the studio offers something for everyone; many different weekly classes and treatments, weekend workshops and holidays, all ages, all budgets, all levels of experience from complete beginner to advanced and people who have injuries. Further to this Claire broke some news, “I’m delighted to announce that the studio is expanding and taking on additional space in the current premises”. For more info contact Claire Ferry info@maitristudio.net or 07743 841415 www.maitristudio.net.
participated in a wide variety of community celebrations to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the school. A new Centenary “Soft Playground Area” is due to be completed by November 2014 and we are confident that this wonderful facility will benefit present and future generations who choose Harding Memorial for the first seven years of their child’s education. Our professional interest as teachers is identical to yours as parents – that is to give each child the best opportunities
George Best Belfast City Airport has welcomed an announcement
we can provide. If you are in-
by leading European airline Vueling that it is to commence a twice
terested in enrolling your child
weekly service to Barcelona in May 2015. The low cost yet full serv-
at Harding Memorial Primary
ice airline, which is part of Willie Walsh’s International Airlines Group
School, feel free to contact us
(IAG), has ambitious plans for growth with Belfast City Airport being
at www.hardingmemorial.org.uk
one of a number of new routes from its Barcelona El Prat base 4 bloommagazine.co.uk
or call 028 9045 8040.”
Christmas fun, fair & carols at the assembly hall of the old Mersey Street School on Saturday 6th December 1pm-3pm. Free. Fun activities, crafts, cakes, florist and marmalades followed by carol singing. An initiative of Mersey Street Presbyterian Church Contact John 0772 9516576 The Spirit of Christmas Past at The Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, Cultra: Storytelling, brass bands, and carol singing around the Christmas tree. Make your own Christmas decorations, sample traditional food and drink and meet Father Christmas! nmni.com/uftm
In the year which marks the centenary of World War 1, men, women and children packed the grounds of Belfast’s City Hall to take their part in the city’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations. Amongst those gathered at the Cenotaph to honour the nation’s fallen were Army Reservists, Cadet and Cadet Adult Instructors from East Belfast. Pictured: Colour Sergeant Wray (centre) is pictured with the four East Belfast men who, for the first time in their Army Reserve careers, had the honour of acting as Cenotaph
The Hoose opened the summer of this year and has grown from strength to strength with the aim of serving quality food, great customer service in relaxed comfortable surroundings. Having recently been reviewed by the Belfast telegraph this has been a great achievement for the business. Joris Minne describes his Hoose experience as having a “tiny holiday” in a place that has “timeless quality”. Open daily from 9am The Hoose caters for breakfast, lunch and evening meals Thursday-Saturday with a tempting two course experience for £14.95 with the added advantage of BYO with no corkage charge. For reservations or enquiries contact Sarah on 028 9065 8216
party. Pictured, from left, are Colour Sergeant Ian Fordyce, Geoff Strain-Smyth, Nigel Lynn and John McCoullough.
Winners of East DPCSP award, Lagan Village group pictured with singer Janet Devlin.
Winner of BELB group award Wandsworth Youth Independent Advisory Group.
LOCAL groups each scoop a ‘Youth Oscar’ Young people from across Belfast were given the red carpet treatment at their very own awards night at City Hall on 7th November. The annual Youth ‘Oscars’ which are now in their seventh year, recognise the important role young people play in city life, and celebrate the positive work going on in communities across Belfast. From East Belfast; Lagan Village Youth Group picked up the east DPCSP award for having tackled tough issues such as racism, teenage obesity, bullying and sectarianism. Other winners too included Wandsworth Youth Independent Advisory Group who were awarded the BELB group award for their work with the PSNI on projects with older people living in the area and organising and taking part in community safety days. bloommagazine.co.uk 5
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BARNARDO’S TOY EXCHANGE Six year old Harley Cousins from Dundonald pictured with Anne Dawson from Barnardo’s at the launch of the Argos Toy Exchange in aid of Barnardo’s NI. The Toy Exchange invited children to donate unwanted toys to either their local Argos or Barnardo’s store in exchange for a £5 voucher off any purchase of toys over £35 from Argos. The donated toys will be sold through Barnardo’s shops to raise money for the children’s charity. barnardos.org.uk
All aboard the Meningitis Research Foundation Express! A festive sightseeing bus tour of Belfast including a tour of Stormont Buildings and refreshments on Saturday 6th December. A great way to experience the history of Belfast. To commemorate their 25th Anniversary Meningitis Research foundation have teamed up with Belfast Tours Ltd, Belfast’s leading Tour Operator to bring you this unique and entertaining event. They have also included a guided tour of Stormont Buildings for you along with some light refreshments before returning to the City Hall. All for £20 which includes a donation to MRF. Your support could save a life. Contact Keli on 90321283 or mail keli@meningitis-ni.org 6 bloommagazine.co.uk
Christmas at the Cathedral launched Malachi Cush joins young choristers from Stormont School of Singing to launch the first ever Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke Christmas Concert at St. Anne’s Cathedral. ‘Christmas at the Cathedral’ will see NICHS patron Malachi join with Brian Kennedy, Stormont School of Singing and Queen’s University Belfast’s Viol Consort and Brass Band for an evening of reflection and celebration on Friday 19th December. With a repertoire of Christmas classics along with popular favourites, this will also be a night guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit, not long before Christmas itself arrives! Organised in support of people lost to or living with chest, heart and stroke illnesses, this exclusive concert will raise vital funds to help NICHS carry out its care and prevention work here in Northern Ireland. Tickets priced at just £20 and all proceeds going directly to NICHS, visiting www.nichs.org. uk/stannes. For purchases of 7 or more tickets, please call 028 9032 0184. Image by Harrison Photography.
Celebrating 3 years in business. Thank you to all our customers and friends for your support. Come and sample our new menu. Fresh, local, home cooked nosh as always 36 Belmont Road • Belfast BT4 2AN Tel: 028 9065 7476 info@no36catering.co.uk www.no36catering.co.uk
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DUNDELA PHARMACY & PHOTO LAB HAVE CHRISTMAS ALL WRAPPED UP It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas and the good news is Dundela Pharmacy on the Belmont Road has it all wrapped up! Serving the community since 1959, they offer a great range of gift ideas including branded beauty products, cosmetics and fragrances including Chanel, Jimmy Choo, Swarovsky, Elie Saab, Dolce & Gabbana, Hugo Boss and more. They also offer a great range of cosmetic and skincare products such as Clarins, Nuxe and Vichy and their consultants are always on hand to give expert skin care advice and help you choose the perfect perfume. There’s an emphasis on friendly personal service and they even offer free
gift wrapping. Christmas is a time for taking photos too. But remember, to keep it, print it! Dundela Photo Lab’s state of the art equipment (using a “wet chemical” process) produces proper photographs that will never fade (with 400dpi giving 40% more detail than you’ll get with the best ink-jet). Prices are as low as 10p each for 6”x4” prints on the standard 24hour service, although print sizes go up to 18”x12” and 1hour & 4hour services are also available. They even produce large format art canvas and poster
prints. Pharmacist and owner David McCrea urges everyone to support independent retailers this Christmas. He said “We’re keeping your high streets alive - we employ local people, we buy from local suppliers, we pay local taxes, and any profits we’re lucky to make are invested back into the local economy. Our prices are very competitive compared to the big stores in town and you can also escape the hassle of city centre shopping. Shop local – you know it makes sense!” 17-19 Belmont Road. Tel 028 9065 7853.
FESTIVE FASHION SHOPPING AT SIREN BOUTIQUE Siren currently stocks fashion brands including: Piesak jeans, Ilse Jacobsen raincoats, NU by Staff, Absolute by zebra, One Life, My Soul, Lauren Vidal, Summum Woman and affordable casual wear by Postcard from Brighton & D.e.c.k by Decollage. Alongside they also offer amazing jewellery and scarves that make fantastic gifts. These include Pom scarves, Powder faux fur, Statement rubber necklaces, and quirky jewellery including Tutti & Co. They are also happy to gift wrap free of charge! Gift shopping and gift wrapped in one fell swoop. 72 Bloomfield Avenue, 028 9046 6555. sirenboutique.co.uk 8 bloommagazine.co.uk
OPEN EVENING Wednesday 7th January 2015 Primary 1
Information Talk commences at 6.30pm
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Santa and Mrs Claus @Oxfam store Ballyhackamore on
L-R: Stuart Nelson, Adam McCormick (Bloomfield Captain), Mark Duggan (Sales Director) Century 21, Mark Nelson Bloomfield Assistant Manager, Jason Elliott Bloomfield manager, James Duggan (Managing Director Century21) & Kurtis Elliott
CENTURY21 BELFAST ANNOUNCE SPONSORSHIP OF BLOOMFIELD FC CENTURY21 Belfast has announced it is the new team sponsor of local U-17’s kids football team, Bloomfield FC. The Bloomfield FC squad now have a brand new football kit, emblazoned with the CENTURY21 logo, and CENTURY21 Belfast have committed to ongoing sponsorship for the full season ahead. CENTURY21 Belfast offers sales and lettings services
Saturday 6th December. Oxfam Ballyhackamore shop manager Karen Russell said: “Kids can meet Santa in his grotto in the shop from 2pm to 4pm and also receive a gift, for a donation of £3 in aid of Oxfam. The Christmas raffle includes 30 fantastic prizes to be won – including a £200 drinks hamper, a £100 food hamper, restaurant vouchers for Horatio Todd’s and Acapulco, and Galway Crystal glasses with wine. Contact Karen Russell on 028 9065 5114 oxfamireland.org Elsewhere on the day; 2pm - a bumper Children’s Christmas
to the local community offering a number of unique services
Party at Kirkpatrick Church until
including: A dedicated personal contact for each client, 100%
4.15pm, registration is required. 2.30pm to 4pm St Colmcille’s Parish Church car park hosts face-painting, go-karts, vehicle displays by the PSNI and Fire Service and very special guests. Ballyhackamore Main Square kicks from 2.30pm music from The Left Backs, voted Best Band in this year’s Irish Youth Music Awards. 3.45pm to 4.30pm Christmas carols performed by the choirs of Strandtown, Greenwood and St Joseph’s primary schools before the Big Christmas Tree switch on by the
accompanied viewings, no obligation market valuations, a network of offices, locally and nationally and a national client database. CENTURY21 Belfast also offers clients a range of additional services including mortgage, life insurance and conveyancing services. Mark Duggan, Sales Director of CENTURY21 Belfast, said: “CENTURY 21 Belfast is at the heart of the community and we are therefore delighted to be able to announce our new sponsorship of Bloomfield FC. The kids recently paid a visit to our office and looked fantastic in their new kit, with the CENTURY21 logo on their shirts. They certainly look the part and we are hopeful this will provide them with a real boost to go out, enjoy themselves and hopefully secure many wins throughout the season. We wish all the kids and their parents the very best for the season ahead.” Century 21 Belfast: 93 Bloomfield Road. Tel 028 9076 3189 10 bloommagazine.co.uk
cast of Frozen.
BANK CAFE BAR 20-22 Belmont Road, Belfast
028 9047 3333
Open 7 Days a Week 9am-9pm www.bankcafebar.com ❱ Brilliant hand made burgers ❱ Family friendly with kids play area BANK CAFEof BARbeers 20-22BAR Belmont Road, Belfast BANK CAFE ❱ Wide selection & wine ❱ Allergy aware menu 20-22 Belmont 028 9047 3333 Road, Belfast. 7 Days a Week 9am-9pm ❱ Morning,Open Noon & Night 028 9047 3333 www.bankcafebar.com
Days Week ❱Open Brilliant hand made a burgers The reformed bank7 building on the10am-9pm Belmont Road has been Family friendly kids a play area owner and head chef the under a few❱www.bankcafebar.com guises, nowwith with new ❱ Wide of beers & wine bustling area of selection East Belfast welcomes Bank Café Bar with ❱ Allergy aware menu its friendly restaurant atmosphere and great passion for food ❱ Morning, Noon & Night whilst serving the best Coffee on Belmont. With a dedicated The reformed bank varied building on the Belmont Road hasparents been children’s corner and kids menu, can relax a few guises, new now with amenu new owner and head chef the ❱whole Brand knowing theunder is happy. bustling areafamily of East Belfast welcomes Bank Café Bar with
The reformed bank building on the Belmont Road has been under a few guises, now with a new owner and head chef the bustling area of East Belfast welcomes Bank Café Bar with its friendly restaurant atmosphere and great passion for food BANK CAFE BAR 20-22 Belmont Road, Belfast its friendly restaurant atmosphere and great passion for food ❱ Now taking Christmas bookings whilst serving the best Coffee on Belmont. With a whilst serving the best Coffee on Belmont. With a dedicated children’s corner and varied kids menu, parents can relax ❱ Monthly Supper Club dedicated children’s corner and varied kids menu, knowing the whole family is happy. parents can relax knowing the whole family is happy. ❱ New Cocktail List
028 9047 3333
Open 7 Days a Week 9am-9pm www.bankcafebar.com
❱ Brilliant hand made burgers ❱ Family friendly with kids play area ❱ Wide selection of beers & wine ❱ Allergy aware menu ❱ Morning, Noon & Night The reformed bank building on the Belmont Road has been under a few guises, now with a new owner and head chef the bustling area of East Belfast welcomes Bank Café Bar with its friendly restaurant atmosphere and great passion for food whilst serving the best Coffee on Belmont. With a dedicated children’s corner and varied kids menu, parents can relax knowing the whole family is happy.
NOW PRINTING DIRECT FROM ALL PHONES SMART PHONES & TABLETS Dundela Pharmacy Ltd 17-19 Belmont Road BT4 2AA 028 9047 2845
FULL DIGITAL SERVICE & STILL PROCESSING FILM!
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East Belfast Social Economy Hub open! East Belfast Mission (EBM) is delighted to announce that the new East Belfast Social Enterprise hub is now open! The Social Enterprise Hub is based at 14-16 Castlereagh Road and has a downstairs office and trading L-R: Helen McKenna - Clarity Business Training, Peter Donaldson and Adrian unit with an upstairs training suite McGrath - East Belfast Hub Clients, Paula Reynolds - Sector Matters and Lesley Johnston - SE Hub Manager. and meeting room facilities. It aims to support individuals and local groups who are interested in developing their social enterprise idea. Lesley Johnston SE Hub Manager stated: ‘EBM has a strong track record running successful social enterprises including 12 restore charity shops, 2 refresh cafes, Bright Sparks Child Care, Refurb and Recycle. We wanted to use our knowledge of social enterprise to support local groups to develop their own projects, to help make their work more sustainable while meeting their social objectives’. Over the coming months Lesley is keen to meet local groups through a series of community engagements, to promote the Social Enterprise Hub and the support on offer. Experienced business advisors will be on hand to offer mentoring support on various aspects of starting a social enterprise. Opportunities for best practice visits, peer to peer support, training and networking with other groups will all be provided. This support is free and available to those who are committed to starting a new Social Enterprise project. The East Belfast Social Enterprise Hub is one of eleven Hubs established across the nine Social Investment Fund zones under the Northern Ireland Executive’s Delivering Social Change framework. With £4million of funding from the Executive’s Delivering Social Change fund, the Social Enterprise Hub Signature Programme will address poverty, dereliction and unemployment by encouraging social enterprise business start-up within local communities. The Hub is open Monday to Friday, from 9.30am to 5pm. If you would like Lesley to meet your group or for more information ring 028 9045 5835 or email Lesley.johnston@ebm.org.uk Bright Sparks Child Care Nursery @ Skainos Centre have their pre-school open evening on Tuesday 16th December from 6pm – 8pm. Bright Sparks childcare nursery offer funded places through the Pre-school Education Programme for children in their final year pre-school year. The pre-school will operate Monday to Friday from 9.30–12pm or 1pm –3.30pm with full attendance required. All pre-school staff members have relevant childcare qualifications and are supported through The Early Years Specialist. If required wrap around day care from 7.30am–6pm can be offered alongside the funded place. For more info on the open evening or on the nursery please contact Brenda McLarnon on 028 9046 3480 or see the staff in the Connswater shopping centre on Tuesday 9th December. 12 bloommagazine.co.uk
Tel: 028 9045 4448 www.flowersofelegance.co.uk
NOW TAKING CHRISTMAS ORDERS MAKE THIS CHRISTMAS TRULY WONDERFUL! CALL IN AND SEE OUR FABULOUS RANGE OF FLORAL DESIGNS TO DECORATE YOUR HOME ALSO SEE OUR FANTASTIC RANGE OF GIFT IDEAS: • HOME DECORATIONS • INDOOR & OUTDOOR PLANTS • SCENTED CANDLES • JEWELLERY
PAY ON COLLECTION FOR ALL FLORAL ITEMS FREE GIFT WRAPPING AVAILABLE 259 Castlereagh Road, Belfast, BT5 5FL
Tel: 028 9045 4448 www.flowersofelegance.co.uk
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Belfast City Council along with the Belfast Strategic Partnership (BSP), which is led by the Public Health Agency (PHA), and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, launched the Belfast Active Travel Action Plan, which aims to build a healthier city by encouraging people to incorpoOver 4000 young people from across NI have used their creative talents to reinforce this year’s Anti-Bullying Week message ‘Together we will make a difference – END BULLYING NOW!’. Winners of this year’s anti-bullying art and creative writing competition were announced recently (18 Nov 14) at a special awards ceremony at Cultra Manor at Ulster Folk & Transport Museum. The competition is a key part of Anti-Bullying Week (17 – 22 November) which is coordinated by the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum (NIABF) and supported by Translink. NIABF is an interagency group funded by the Department of Education and hosted by the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) NI. Matthew Branagh, 14, from Campbell College, Belfast, was runner–up in the Intermediate Art category. Matthew is pictured with l-r Ursula Kelleher, Translink; Education Minister, John O’Dowd; Noel Purdy, Chair of Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum (NIABF) and Lee Kane, Regional Anti-Bullying Co-ordinator, NIABF.
Naomi Long MP (East Belfast) was given a tour of the premises by Frank Flynn, Chief Financial Officer at HeartSine, and Dymphna Donaghy, Chief Technology Officer at HeartSine. www.heartsine.com
14 bloommagazine.co.uk
rate walking and/or cycling into their daily travel. The 2012/13 NI Health Survey shows that 28% of adults do less than 30 minutes of physical activity per week. While the Chief Medical Officer recommends that we should be aiming for 150 minutes per week, only around half (53%) of adults in NI meet this target. The plan aims to try to make Belfast a more vibrant city where people are healthy, fit, well-connected with one another, and use physical activity as part of their everyday lives.
Naomi Long MP visited the headquarters of HeartSine Technologies, the East Belfastbased innovator of defibrillator technology, to congratulate the company on its recent success at the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA) Management Team Awards which, produced in partnership with Grant Thornton, reward the best and brightest UK businesses, highlighting the vital role this industry plays in driving the economy. The company’s lifesaving devices, are used in more than 40 countries across the world.
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A BALANCED CHRISTMAS! “Keep the balance just right this Christmas, it can be a time for overeating, excess alcohol consumption and throwing the gym card out of sight: but it doesn’t have to be that way! Bulk out your Christmas meals with lean meats and veggies: turkey, ham, sprouts, carrots, parsnips and other wholesome veggies should make the bulk of your meal! Limit creamy and fatty sauces and enjoy the occasional sweet treat, well, occasionally! Intersperse your alcoholic drinks with glasses of water (helps keep the hangover at bay too!) or agree to take it in turns to be designated driver, Get out! Whilst everyone is off work/school, get out in the winter sunshine and walk. We have plenty of local parks and forests to explore: or pack up some Christmas Day leftovers and make a day of it: explore our beautiful country and spend some much needed time with your family when the gym isn’t achievable!”
Carol & Jemma, Urban Fitness
PORT AND MO EVELOPMENT CHRISTMAS OFFER 12 days of Fitness for £12! Available throughout December 2014
• GROUP EXERCISE FOR EVERYONE
BodyCombat, BodyPump, Zumba, Insanity and much more! All our classes are suitable for any level of fitness, we demonstrate options for beginner, intermediate & advanced within each class. Talk to any of the fitness team if you are not sure about where to start.
Owners - Carol & Jemma
• FLEXIBLE OPTIONS Offering Personal Training, Indoor and Outdoor Bootcamps, Herbalife weight loss and sports nutrition, as well as our classes and a small training facility.
Open 7 days. Out of hours access available. 35+ timetabled classes Unit G1A Dundonald Enterprise Park Carrowreagh Road Dundonald BT16 1QT Telephone: 028 9041 0949 info@urbanfitness-ni.co.uk Wwww.urbanfitnessni.com
EN
SPORT AND MOVEMENT Programs for DEVELOPMENT SPECIALISTS
2 - 9 year olds USING SPORT AS THE MEANS WE DEVELOP EVERY ASPECT OF A CHILD’S LIFE
Using sport as the means, we develop every aspect 7 Different Sports of a child’s lifeListening Skills
QPEC, Botanic – SAT
All programs start at 9:30, 10:20, 11:10 or 12:00 Two Can Do Age 2-3 Dinkies Age 4-5 Watch me @ 3 Age 3-4 Preps Age 6+
SPORT AND MOVEMENT Perception DEVELOPMENT SPECIALISTS Belfast Boat Club, Stranmillis - MON 10:00 – 10:45 10:45 – 11:30
Two Can Do Two Can Do
Age 2-3 Age 2-3
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2 to 3 yrs : Two Can Do Life Skills 3 to 4 yrs : Watch me @3Team Work All programs start at 9:30, 10:20, 11:10 or 12:00 5 yrs : Dinkies Two Can Do Age 2-34 toDinkies Age 4-5 Self-Confidence 7 Different Sports Watch me @ 3 Age 3-45 toPreps Age 6+ 6 yrs :Gross Preps Motor Development 6 + yrs : Players Listening Skills Belfast Boat Club, Stranmillis - MON Improved Further playball programs availableCo-Ordination at other Two Can Do Age 2-3 venues in Belfast. Please check out the (Right/Left) website. Dominance Two Can Do Age 2-3 Tennis
ey Hock
10:00 – 10:45 10:45 – 11:30
et Soccer
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info@playballni.com Belmont - Belmont Road Better - Wed Concentration All programs start atTower 14:30, 15:20 or 16:10 07734 384616Life Skills Two Can Do Age 2-3 Rhythm & Timing 45 me minute every Watch @ 3 Age sessions 3-4 For more info visit: Work Dinkies Age 4-5between 9am-1pm: Team Wednesday Midline Crossing Preps Age 6+ www.playballbelfast.com Play ball parties are available Two Can Do - Age 2-3 Belmont Tower Belmont Road3-4 - WED for BIRTHdays, sPECIaL Independence Watch Me–@ 3 - Age Self-Confidence 9:45 – 10:30 Two Can Do age 2-3 OCCasIONs, check website @playballni Playball NI 82 Belmont Church ba 10:30 – 11:15 Two Can do 2-3 2age toRoad 3 yrs Two can do ll for Balance information. QPEC Botanic - MON
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Gross Motor Development Ne tb a ll Vol Belfast Boat Club – Stranmillis - THURS Improved Co-Ordination leyb 4 to 5 yrs Dinkies all FURTHER INFO FOR and m ore... info@playballni.com 5 to 6 yrs Preps Dominance (Right/Left) 07734 384616 Jacqui Philpott Dance Studio, Ormeau Rd – FRI High quality delivery in small classes. QPEC Botanic - MON6 + yrs Players Better Concentration All programs start at 14:30, 15:20 or 16:10 www.playballbelfast.com Two Can Do PlayballAge runs as2-3 an afterschool activity, visit our website for a full list of schools in your area Rhythm & Timing Watch me @ 3 Age 3-4 Dinkies Age 4-5 Midline Crossing Preps Age 6+ Belmont Tower – Belmont Road - WED Independence 9:45 – 10:30 Two Can Do age 2-3 ba • Oil– Heating Installation Service 10:30 11:15 Two Can do & age 2-3 Balance ll 11:30 – 12:15 12:15 – 13:00
Watch me @ 3 Watch me @ 3
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OVEMENT SPECIALISTS 15:15 – 16:00 Two Can Do Age 2-3 Watch me @ 3 Age 3-4
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10:00 – 10:45 10:45 – 11:30
Age 2-3 Age 2-3
se b Ba
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11:30 – 12:15 Watch me @ 3 age 3-4 12:15 – 13:00 Watch me @ 3 & age 3-4 • Gas Heating Installation Service
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Belfast Boat Club – Stranmillis - THURS •
Complete Bathroom Refurbishment
15:15 – 16:00 Two Can Do Age 2-3 • Central Heating Cleanse Watch me @ 3 Age 3-4
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M: 077 5380 High quality delivery in 4407 small classes.
• Renewable Jacqui PhilpottEnergy DanceInstaller Studio, Ormeau Rd – FRI 10:00 Heat – 10:45 Two // Can Do Age 2-3 Pumps Solar 10:45 – 11:30 Two Can Do Age 2-3
E: keith@btkservices.com
www.btkservices.com Playball runs as an afterschool activity, visit our website for a full list of schools in your area
EXPANSION FOR FAMOUS FAMILY ESTABLISHMENT Well-known tea and coffee specialist SD Bell & Co Ltd has invested in a major refurbishment of its premises, SD Bell’s Tea and Coffee House at Knock.
A
s well as increasing the size of the
sympathetic as possible.
site by removing internal walls to
The company has also refurbished its
expand into the entire building, SD Bell’s
bathroom facilities, kitchen and upgraded
improvements have not only increased
its communications infrastructure, including
efficiency, but have also expanded the
‘beefing up’ the free wi-fi network. With live
shop, to enhance the overall experience for
music a popular feature at SD Bell’s, the
the customer.
stage has been moved to give the musicians
Fourth generation managing director,
more prominence and opening hours have
Robert Bell said: “SD Bell’s has a very
been extended to offer live music into the
strong family heritage and long-established, evenings during the week. loyal customer base, so it was important
SD Bell’s is a renowned importer of quality
that any changes we made did not in any
tea and coffee goods, with its products
way affect the ambience and strong sense
selling online and right across Northern
of culture. Incremental changes weren’t
Ireland too in venues such as St George’s
– the refurbishment this time had to be
Market and many quality restaurants, hotels
significant, but to maintain the heritage
and artisan shops. For more information call
look and feel we had to make alterations as
in or visit the website.
516 Upper Newtownards Rd. 028 9047 1774 www.sdbellsteacoffee.com 18 bloommagazine.co.uk
milk
____________________ estates
Merry Christmas & a fabulous New Year
028 9065 4314 . 145 Holywood Road
DESIGNER
Christmas
When it comes to decorating your home...anything goes. Here is some festive advice from local interior designer Donna Evans of E Interiors.
Twinkle Twinkle
Clear glass vases filled with christmas lights and no baubles, the simplicity looks sleek and chic. Coloured lights look more dramatic but stick to the one colour.
All That Glitters
Take an ikea Christmas metal stand and hang various size and shaped baubles on it. Keep them all the same colour preferably silver, gold or white adds sparkle.
Picture Perfect
You can also get creative by taking any unused picture frames in the home, remove the glass and backing paper and spray a colour of your choice. Hang matching baubles and ornaments to them and hang with gold and silver ribbons.
Decor Wreaths
You dont have to go with just one. You can group several together at different heights hung with Christmas ribbon. Have an uneven number 3, 5 or 7 depending on wall size. Spice them up with cloves, frosted cherries, cinnamon sticks and a spritz of your favourite Christmas room spray.
Fill empty glass jars with homemade sweets and biscuits cut into Christmas shapes. Tie oversized ribbons and hang oversized labels on them. The perfect, inexpensive thoughtful gift. Co-ordinate all your wrapping paper, bows, ribbons and gift cards and blend the colours with your decorations and Christmas tree colour scheme. Less is more everytime. Make it simple keep to the one colour find a style that you like and just use less of it!
E Interiors: 109a BLOOMFIELD AVENUE, BELFAST. T: 028 9046 6553 EINTERIORS@BTCONNECT.COM 20 bloommagazine.co.uk
the
HOOSE Bistro 52–54 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3EL Email: hoosebelfast@gmail.com
For reservations telephone Sarah: 028 9065 8216
NEW YEAR’S EVE SPECIAL 3 COURSE MENU including complimentary glass of prosecco
NOW TAKING BOOKINGS
£23.95
Available 6.00pm – 9.00pm
Christmas Menu Lunch
2 courses £14.95
Lunch
3 courses £17.95
Evening 2 courses £19.95 Evening 3 courses £22.95
Now taking bookings for Christmas Party Nights telephone Sarah
028 9065 8216 Deposit £10.00 per person Available from 1st – 24th December
Open 6 days Monday to Saturday For Breakfast and Lunch 9.00am – 4.00pm Thursday, Friday & Saturday Evening 6.00pm–9.30pm
Evening Dinner Menu – 2 Courses £14.95 BRING YOUR OWN – NO CORKAGE CHARGE
ARTFUL
Christmas
In Artful Christmas by Susan Wasinger, crafters can make 30 elegant yet incredibly easy projects out of the most affordable and accessible materials. Deck the halls with a lacy air-dried clay wreath, a stamped muslin bag Advent calendar, festive felt stockings, sparkling paper ornaments, a glittered garland and other seasonally splendid items. Here is just one project from the book:
DOILY SNOWFLAKE BOWL
MATERIALS white glue small/medium-sized balloon vintage crocheted doily 9-inch/22.9 cm spray polyurethane (optional) TOOLS disposable bowl for mixing glue cup or small bowl paintbrush PREPARATION Mix one part white glue with one part water. Blow up the balloon so that it’s about the
size of a large cantaloupe. Set it on the cup or small bowl to keep it steady. Drape the doily over the balloon and smooth it down over the sides. Make sure the doily drapes evenly over the balloon with no rolled edges or crimped areas. (photo 1) Paint the entire surface of the doily liberally with the glue mixture, making sure you work glue into all of the nooks, crannies, and fibers. Make sure no errant blobs of glue remain
on the doily. (photo 2). Let the doily bowl dry overnight or longer until it’s totally stiff. If it isn’t stiff, paint it with another layer of glue. When it’s completely dry, gently wriggle your fingers beneath it, depressing the balloon. Loosen the doily carefully. Don’t puncture the balloon! If you do, the doily bowl will collapse. If desired, spray the bowl with polyurethane for added rigidity. Use the bowl as a decorative element or add a candle to make a stunning votive.
Reprinted with permission from Artful Christmas © 2014 by Susan Wasinger, Lark Crafts, an imprint of Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. Photography and illustrations by Susan Wasinger. £14.99, available from www.thegmcgroup.com. 22 bloommagazine.co.uk
Bloomfield AveNUE invites you to a late night Christmas shopping event!
Peel, E interiors and Yaro will be open until 8pm for some festive cheer and Christmas shopping on Thursday 4th December and they are inviting you to join them for some bubbles, wine and nibbles.
PEEL
YARO
COMPANY
Peel will be offering up to 30% discount on purchases made all day Thursday 4th December, and there will even be some other special “surprise” discounts dotted throughout the three floors of this wonderful minidepartment store. Sizes span 8-20 including luxury items such as leather and sheepskin coats, accessories such as cashmere scarves, hats, designer bags and costume jewellery which would all make super gifts. Peel stocks 25 collections including Moschino, Citizens of Humanity, Velvet by Graham and Spencer, MarcCain, Riani and Annette Gortz. Something for all budgets. E interiors, the latest addition to the Avenue is packed with beautiful scented candles and 24 bloommagazine.co.uk
E INTERIORS
room scent diffusers from True Grace and the exclusive Manuel Canovas. There are wonderful umbrellas designed by Matthew Williamson and luxurious lighting and lamps. There is also an amazing selection of luxurious fabrics and wall coverings from designers such as Zoffany, Andrew Martin, Jane Churchill, Nina Campbell and Sanderson to name but a few. Just what you need to whet your appetite for decorating in the New Year! Kay at Yaro is offering 20% off all Ren products. Ren is “clean” skin-care free of any harmful additives and while you are purchasing these gorgeous beauty products feast your eyes on Kay`s new venture, her fabulous, scrumptious award winning chutneys. Deli Muru
food hampers of bespoke sizes are available from Yaro. Company Haircutters have been looking after your hair for over 27 years on the Avenue and will be pleased to provide you with fabulous hair products which make wonderful Christmas gifts and stocking fillers. Call in for a consultation on the new wonder product Serioxyl. Peel, 107 BLOOMFIELD AVENUE. 028 9045 2665. peelfashionstore.com E Interiors, 109A Bloomfield Avenue. 028 9046 6553. Yaro, 114 Bloomfield Avenue. 028 9045 7717. yaronaturalhealth.co.uk Company, 68 Bloomfield Avenue. 028 90 459641. companyhaircutters.com
Rite Price
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HEALTH BEAUTY & WELLBEING
The Secret Day Spa 30 Belmont Road 028 9067 1914 www.secretdayspa.co.uk
CHRISTMAS SPARKLE TIPS!
T’is the season. Christmas isn’t Christmas without a sleigh load of sparkles. Here’s how its done: Sparkle Tip 1 : Smooth as Silk For skin as smooth as silk this Christmas start putting in a little work now and reap the rewards ready for any parties and fun nights out. Exfoliate the face and body every 2-3 days Use Dermalogica Daily Resurfacer for a refreshed look. Apply a face mask once a week – try Dermalogica Multivitamin Power recovery masque
Sparkle Tip 2 : Majestic in Metallic Make an impact by adding some metalic make-up this Christmas, we are in love with Youngblood Siren lip gloss.
Youngblood Siren Lip Gloss
Sparkle Tip 3 : Brighten and add a glow! Add some highlighting makeup. Sweep a glittering powder over your cheekbones, below your brow bone and on the inner corner of your eyes. Try: Youngblood Lunar Dust in dusk. Create a bold, glamorous finish by enhancing the eye area with black eyeliner! Use liquid, fluidliner, gel liners or an eye shadow with a damp slanted make-up brush to create the look!
Sparkle Tip 4 : Be bold! Be creative!
Youngblood Lunar Dust
Whether it’s smokey eyes, glitter liner, foiling or metallics, make sure you stand out from the crowds!
Christmas Sparkle 5 - Nails! Whether it’s shellac overlays or extensions, creating an eye catching shape to the nail or adding lots of glitter, nails are what’s hot this season! Perhaps just add a little difference to the ring finger to keep it subtle! Have a fun Christmas! 26 bloommagazine.co.uk
Shellac Sparkley Red
designed by blackstonemedia.co.uk
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RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL INTERIOR DESIGNERS
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· Delivered to you
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full interior design service · Fully Matured
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This Christmas why not treat yo family your t a quality to Northern Irish Bronze Turkey?
TURKEY’S
Q Holywood, l b BT18h 0JR Craigavad Turkeys, 19 Carney Hill, Craigavad, 07719 553 750 / 028 9042 2813 (9am - 5pm) / www.craigavadturkeys.com
Q Holywood, l b BT18h 0JR Craigavad Turkeys, 19 Carney Hill, Craigavad, 07719 553 750 / 028 9042 2813 (9am - 5pm) / www.craigavadturkeys.com
e interiors
Free range bronze turkeys brought to you by
Free range bronze turkeys brought to you by
designed by blackstonemedia.co.uk
Craigavad
Free range hams and vegetables g also available
Free range hams and vegetables g also available
Q Holywood, l b BT18h 0JR Craigavad Turkeys, 19 Carney Hill, Craigavad, 07719 553 750 / 028 9042 2813 (9am - 5pm) / www.craigavadturkeys.com
h 0JR T18 turkeys.com Craigavad
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OSBORNE & LITTLE • DESIGNERS GUILD • SANDERSON • HARLEQUIN • RALPH LAUREN • ZOFFANY COLEFAX & FOWLER • ANDREW MARTIN • LARSEN • CARLUCCI • SCION • ROMO • NINA CAMPBELL JANE CHURCHILL • JAB • BYRON & BYRON • DECORA BLINDS • FIBRE FLOORING • SILENT GLISS
FABRICS • WALLPAPER • BLINDS • CARPETS • PAINT • CURTAIN POLES • FURNITURE • LIGHTING
A TWIST IN THE TALE Meet Tanya Mai Johnston as she tells us her remarkable life story and how she came to be the unique, inspiring artist she is to day.
T
anya had been left in an orphanage is Saigon and just before the VietCong decided to invade the South, she was one of the 99 babies chosen to get on a rescue mission airflight to London. ‘After a stint in hospital with pneumonia and malnutrition, we then stayed in a children’s home and then I was one of the two babies bought over to Northern Ireland, adopted by Bishop Ken and Helen Clarke.’ By the age of seven Tanya had been to five primary schools and the family moved to Chile as missionaries with SAMS, (Tanya’s dad was a pastor). Then to Holywood, Dublin, Coleraine (High School), Lancaster University, London (to teach), Coleraine – (Supply teaching and youthwork), Hertfordshire – All Nations Christian College, Vietnam (teaching) and now Belfast (Lay minister in a church, then Secretary in a QUB Chaplaincy) and now
for my degree and the day I graduated in 1997, I stopped... until May 2013 after being made redundant, I drew my first Bendy picture of Amsterdam and just kept on drawing! Its a cathartic process, I go off into my own little world/zone/cave. As I draw, I am processing events over my life. Every picture has a story to tell.’ And every picture has Tanya’s own unique style and sensibilities, something which stems from that trip to Amsterdam. ‘I love doing my bendy style. When we went to Amsterdam a few years ago, I loved the way the buildings leaned over. They looked like they were chatting away to each other. Having a laugh. However I didn’t draw them until last year.’ Tanya has been documenting her life in a book which is a therapeutic and yet inspiring task. ‘I have written about loss in my life; people, places, homes, countries. Ill health has been a
finally... forty years later... a full time artist of Mai Bendy Art!
major factor and I have a written Queen’s University Gift Shop, at length about my experiences of The Dock Cafe, both markets, racism and bullying. Identity has The Yard Gallery, The Picture been a huge issue and adoption Gallery and maibendyart.co.uk has been a large factor especially Tel: 07455199180
‘I have always loved being creative in many forms. I did ceramics, screen printing and painting 28 bloommagazine.co.uk
the fact that I do not look like my family. But there have been many good times too. I have written about travelling, meeting interesting people, being part of some amazing teams, doing youth work, my amazing family. The thing that held it together the most is my personal faith. I have written a lot about this aspect. I know someone has been watching over my life. And still is.’ In the last 16 months, Mai Bendy Art has opened the door to trading in The Dock Market, St. George’s Market and with retailers in Belfast and Holywood. She also sells online worldwide. ‘The main reason I want to get my work out there, is to sell it and make enough money to support some type of charity/ centre for Vietnamese kids who haven’t had opportunities in life. I was thrown a lifeline. I need to give back and throw others a lifeline.’
Sewing ROOM
The
YOUR COMPLETE SEWING SERVICE
ALL GARMENT ALTERATIONS
• Bespoke Curtains • Soft Furnishings • Roman Blinds • Bridal Alterations
Open
Mon, Wed Fri: 9-6 Tues & Thurs: 9-7 Sat: 9-5 Unit 16, Hanwood Business Park, Old Dundonald Rd
Tel: 9048 9642 or Mob 077 0615 6331
Siren would like to wish all their customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !
Follow & Like Us: Siren Boutique www.sirenboutique.co.uk
Free On Street Parking 72 Bloomfield Avenue Belfast BT5 5AE Tel 028 9046 6555
FF L E S TRU COFFEE SHOP 63 BELMONT RD Tel: 028 9047 1405 Family friendly cafe Breakfast • Lunch • Afternoon tea • Tray bakes Sit In or Take Away • Children’s Portions Gift vouchers • Free Wifi
NEW BISTRO NIGHT! FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH FIND ALL THE INFORMATION ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR CHRISTMAS PARTIES STARTING IN DECEMBER!
Monday - Saturday 9am-3.45pm Sunday 9.30am-2.30pm
IT’S ON The House
THE PROPERTY
Bloom
Bloom Magazine’s Essential Local Property Insight
Century 21 Belfast 93 Bloomfield Road, Belfast, BT5 5LS
century21uk.com/belfast
Continuing our series of consultations with East Belfast’s property agents, we bring you the latest advice and analysis on the local market and how they can assist you in buying, selling or letting. Enjoy this month’s column from Century 21, it’s on the house.
T
Mark Duggan Sales Director
“For those considering putting their property on the market, now would certainly be a good time to do this – at present demand is outstripping supply”
he latest statistics for
appetite from mortgage
Northern Ireland show
lenders and again this is
an ongoing positive picture
likely to continue into 2015.
when it comes to house price
For those considering putting
levels and expectations, as
their property on the market,
well as agreed sales and
now would certainly be a good
surveyors’ expectations for
time to do this – at present
activity up until the end of
demand is outstripping supply
2014 and into next year. This
and we therefore believe that
is extremely good news and
vendors can secure strong
shows a strong foundation for
valuations for their property.
the marketplace, especially
Our team is on hand to help
when you consider this is
take both purchasers and
the 17th consecutive month
vendors through the whole
that prices have gone up in
process with our focus on the
Northern Ireland. Activity out
quality of service and ensuring
of our Bloomfield Road branch
no stone is left unturned when
continues to be busy and
it comes to getting the right
we are seeing an increasing
result for all. We offer a free
number of potential buyers
marketing pack so there is no
looking for either their first,
upfront costs payable to us
or their next, property. The
and with a fixed price sale fee
market has certainly been
of £850.00 plus vat our fee is
helped by the increase in
very competitive.
century21uk.com/belfast 30 bloommagazine.co.uk
Season’s Greetings from THE WORLD’S LARGEST ESTATE AGENTS
If you’re looking to buy, sell, let or rent… Pop inside to see how we can help. 93 Bloomfield Road Belfast BT5 5LS belfast@century21uk.com Dedicated to providing buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants the highest quality of service.
www.century21uk.com/belfast
Local, National, International
milk
ELL WE WANT TO S Y YOUR PROPERT ____________________
estates
sale
sale
sale
2 Bellevue Terrace
7a Chapel Road
18 Earlswood Road
---- £90,000 ----
---- £399,950 ----
---- £280,000 ----
sale
sale
sale
Apt 4, 36 Clonevin Park
51 Nevis Avenue
16 Laurelhill Road
---- £135,000 ----
---- £99,950 ----
---- £305,000 ----
sale
agreed
sale
rent
33 Rosebery Road
23 Marlborough Court
49 Glenbrook Avenue
---- £74,990 ----
---- £125,000 ----
---- £500 pcm ----
FREE PROPERTY 145 Holywood Road, Belfast TION www.milkestates.com | 028 9065 4314 VALUA
What’s On? TODDLER GROUPS
Mondays Calvary Mums & Toddlers. 10.30-12.00am. £1 per family. 100 Dee St, BT4 028 9073 2331 Little Stars The Salvation Army 110 Cregagh Road Toys/snacks/craft/music. £1.50 per family. 10am-12 term time for 0-4 years. 028 9045 4466. Sydenham Parent & Toddler Mon 10-11.30 £1 per family Inverary CC BT4 1RN 028 9047 1456 St Finnians 10-11.30 Cregagh Park, 9079 2793. Wandsworth Mums & Chums 10-11.45am. Wandsworth CC. £1 26a Belmont Church Rd. 07903 674698
Tuesdays Albertbridge Congregational 10.30-12.15 Woodstock Link. Donation £1 CFC Mops & Tots 9.30-11am (term time - alternate Tuesdays) £1 for one child, £1.50 total for more. Tea/coffee/juice/snacks. CFC Mops 9.30-11am (term time - alternate Tuesdays) £3.50 per mum. Breakfast and creche provided. 10 Belmont Rd. 028 9067 1838 www.thisiscfc.com Mersey Street Presb. 10-11.45am term time. £1. Mersey St Presbyterian 028 90 657025 St Donards Church 10am-12 Bloomfield Avenue Tel: 028 9065 2321 £1 for adults. Tea/coffee/juice Strandtown Baptist Tots 10.00- 11.30am (term time) Strandtown Baptist Church, 1 Clonallon Court BT4 2AB Tel: 028 9080 8380 £1 per adult Tots & Co 34 bloommagazine.co.uk
10.15- 11.45am (term time) Tel: 07791 776307/07980 984506 Cregagh Methodist Church St Columba’s Mums & Tots £1.50 per family (incl juice/snack & 9.45-11.45 (term time). 29 Kings Road tea. 28-30 Cregagh Rd. 028 9045 7564
Wednesdays Busy Bees 10 -11:30am Knock Methodist Church, Knock Road. Tel: 028 9065 3413 Orangefield Baptist Church 10.30-12 37 North Road, BT5 5NE smallTALK @ orangefield 10-11.45am O’field Church & Community, 464 Castlereagh Road 07745 076911 orangefield.org.uk St Colmcille’s Parent & Toddler 10am term time St Colmcille’s Parish Hall (opposite Tesco’s) in Ballyhackamore. Men looking after young children welcome. 191a Upper Newtownards Rd Willowfield Mother & Toddler 10-12pm W’stock Rd, 028 9045 7654 office@willowfieldchurch.co.uk
EVENTS Etc
Mondays
Ballyhackamore Library 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 Books R Us 9-11 yr olds reading group (third Mon of month) 3.30-4.30 Knit & Natter 2-4pm Bedtime Stories 7pm. Me Time (Last Mon of the month) For busy women 7-8. Bean Blessed Bloomfield Ave Congregational Church Tea/ coffee, scones, pastries. 10.30-12 Harding Memorial Rainbows girls 4-7yrs Monday 6pm Brownies girls 7-10yrs Monday 7pm Guides 10-14yrs Mondays 7pm. Contact Clare 07905 556825. Orangefield Baptist Ladies Coffee Morning 1st Mon of month 10.30am 37 North Rd 028 9065 7876 Skainos Building skainos.org Bloomfield Methodist Church Badminton 2-3pm. Crosslinks - Cross 10-11.30am £1 per family Community Arts 7-9pm 14-21 yr olds. Grand Parade 028 9065 8946. Contact Andy Hill. Cregagh Mums & Tots Strand Cinema & NI Stars 10-12pm Cregagh CC. Mount Merrion Holywood Road, BT4 .nistars.com Avenue. Tel: 028 9040 1444 Singing & dancing 7-8pm Gilnahirk Presbyterian Wandsworth Community Thursdays 10-11.30am. £1 per family. 028 9065 1668. Children’s Drama 161 Gilnahirk Rd. Laura 07708 000025 Academy 5-6pm. Children & Teens Kirkpatrick Memorial Presb carnival drumming 6.30pm-7.30pm. Parents & Toddlers. 10-11.30am Aerobics 7-8pm. Combat 8.15-9.30pm Upper Newtownards Rd £1 donation Knock Parent & Toddler 10-11.45am Knock Presbyterian 53 Kings Road, Gillian 07803 117619. Belmont Tower www.belmont-tower.co.uk Childrens dance classes 4-7pm Pregnancy Yoga 7.30-8.30pm Tots ‘R’ Us East Belfast Wine Makers 10.30am House of Worship Skainos Building skainos.org 127a Orby Drive Compass Womens Group 7-9pm
Thursdays
Tuesdays
Fridays
JK Autospares YOUR LOCAL SUPPLIER OF CAR ACCESSORIES & PARTS
Our staff have over 40 years experience, providing friendly & helpful advice on all car related matters.
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• We stock a large selection of bulbs, air fresheners, floor mats, cleaning products & key fob batteries. All we need is your registration number and we can supply all the parts you need for servicing and mot failure etc. We deal with all makes and models and our door is open to everyone. WE’RE HERE TO HELP!
Find us on Facebook
294 Albertbridge Road, BT5 4GX Tel: 028 9080 9030 albertbridge@jkautospares.co.uk www.jkautospares.co.uk
What’s On? Zumba 12.30-1.30pm Wandsworth Community Playclub 3-4 yr olds 10am-12. Painting for Pleasure 11am-1pm Kids Irish dancing 5-6.30pm, Aerobics 7-8pm. Appreciation of Art 7-9pm. Wasps seniors group last Tues of month 2-3.30pm
Thursdays
Ballyhackamore Library 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 Rhythm & Rhyme (1st & 3rd Thurs of the month) 11.15am. Book Pack (1st Thur) Adult reading group. Scrabble Night (adults) 6-8pm. Belmont Tower www.belmont-tower.co.uk Art classes 10am-1pm. Baby Sensory 29th NI Girls Brigade Cregagh Congregational. Explorers (3- Classes 7-13 mths Thurs 10-11am 7) 6:45-8:15pm. Company Section (8- 0-7 mths Thurs 11.30-12.30 18) 6:45-10pm. Helen 07938 521823. Yoga with Sharon 6-8pm Mindfulness Courses 6.30-8.30pm Belmont Tower Senior Citizens Luncheon Club www.belmont-tower.co.uk Midday @ Ballymac Centre. Hot lunch Baby massage 10am-1pm. Yoga with & social time. alison@ballymac.org Eleanor 5.45-7.45pm. Body Rolling Skainos Building skainos.org 7.30-8.30pm. 39th Old Boys 7-9pm Vibe Academy - Weekly streetdance. Over 60’s Lunch Club p1-p4 3.30-4.30pm P5-P7 4.30Bloomfield Methodist Church 5.30pm 1st yr+ 6.45-8pm. £6 per 12.30pm. 3 courses for £3. Grand class. Lisa 07736 315420. Compass Parade. Tel: 028 9065 2314 to book. Mens Group 7-9pm. 50+ Gardening & Gilnahirk Men’s Group Crafts Thurs 1-2.30pm Jack Britton Hall. Tea/coffee/chat & a The Academy speaker. 10.30-12 until 29th April. Lego Club 3.30-4.30pm. Age 7+ Girls Brigade Bloomfield Ave Congregational Church £5p/wk. 77 Holywood Rd. 3 yrs - P4 6.15pm. P5 upwards 7.30pm 028 9508 8818 Wandsworth Community Luncheon Club For senior citizens. Cregagh Methodist. 028 9065 1668. Needlework 12 noon. £1.50. Pre book meals at the 10am-12pm. Spanish mums & tots 11am-12pm. Spanish for preschoolers church office on 028 9045 7564. 2.15-3pm. Spanish for children 3.15Skainos Bulding skainos.org 4pm. Boot Camp 7-8pm. Core Combat Compass Kidz Gap - Parents, guardians, toddlers - crafts, games, stories 8.30-10pm. 10am-12. Going Green Gardening 2-4pm. Yoga 5.30-7pm Strand Arts Centre “Wacky Wednesdays” All shows, all day Albertbridge Congregational 6 Woodstock Link 028 9045 7434 for £3. strandartscentre.com Friday Friendship. 10.30am-12.30pm. Wandsworth Community Sewing Group 10am-12noon. Flower Ar- Ballyhackamore Library ranging 1.30-3.30pm. Yoga 7-8.30pm 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 Chill Out Family Story Time. 3.30pm. Yoga Belfast Belmont Tower Pregnancy Yoga @ Gilnahirk Primary. 6.45-7.45pm. Community drop in class www.belmont-tower.co.uk Belcanto School of Singing 10-1pm @ Ice Bowl 7-8pm. yogabelfast.com
Wednesdays
Fridays
36 bloommagazine.co.uk
Skainos Building skainos.org Fusion - Weekly programme of games, crafts & fun for p1-p7’s. 6.30-8pm £1 per person. Contact Tanita Robinson. The Academy Lego Club 3.30-4.30pm. Ages 3-6 years. £5 p/wk. 77 Holywood Rd. 028 9508 8818 Wandsworth Community Painting for Pleasure 11am-1pm Childrens Ju Jitsu 6-8pm Fitness & Boxing Class 8.30-9.30pm Shiloh Hall 07712 299206, 76 The Mount, ND Coffee Morning 10:30-12.
Saturdays Orangefield Baptist Church 37 North Road, BT5 5NE Searchlight Club p1-p7. 10.30-12. Skainos Building skainos.org Walking Trips from 10am Strand Cinema & NI Stars Holywood Road, BT4 Stage school 10-1pm www.nistars.com The Academy 10am Lego Club. 11am Claycrazy Club. £5 per session. 77 Holywood Rd. 028 9508 8818 Yoga Belfast Pregnancy Yoga @ Physioworks Gilnahirk. 10.30-11.45am @ Community drop in class 10.30-11.45am @ Gilnahirk Primary. yogabelfast.com Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668 STX/Kickboxing 10am-11.30am
Sundays Strand Cinema & NI Stars Holywood Road, BT4 Singling & dancing 1.30-3.30pm www.nistars.com
/// email your event details to: stuart@bloommagazine.co.uk
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CLUBBING TOGETHER FOR HOME HEATING SAVINGS IN EAST BELFAST Community Heating Oil Buying Clubs are an innovative way for everyone to save on their home heating bills. We spoke to the secretary of the East Belfast Oil Club, Ross Brown The East Belfast Oil Club Team Raymond Gormley, Ross Brown, Liz Davey & Janet Booker
“The East Belfast Oil Club started last September and has been going from strength to strength. The idea is simple - we combine the orders to get everyone bulk buy prices. Depending on the size of your order our members can save up to £30 compared to the lowest cost or £60 compared to the highest cost when purchasing as an individual. Those with smaller orders also purchase oil at the same price per litre as the larger orders. Establishing an oil club offers real, practical help for everyone to cut their fuel bills. Coming into winter there is no better time to think about becoming a member. The Oil Club has the support of the credit unions, Bryson Energy and Engage with Age. It is a secure way to purchase fuel as payment goes through to the oil distribution company directly as usual and people can pay using saving stamps if they wish.”
The East Belfast Oil Club is run entirely by volunteers. Membership is free and open to everyone in East Belfast or Dundonald. There is no obligation to order. Joining is very simple: • Pick up a membership form from Ballyhackamore Credit Union or from the website www.eastbelfastoilclub.wix.com/site • Return form to: East Belfast Oil Club, Ballyhackamore Credit Union, 171-173 Upper Newtownards Rd, • Place an order for the quantity of oil you require (between 200 – 1000 litres ) before the next order deadline by either: Leaving an order form into East Belfast Oil Club, Ballyhackamore Credit Union Emailing eastbelfastoilclub@gmail.com Or Calling/Texting 07551 337183 • We shop around and negotiate the lowest possible price. You will receive a call to confirm the price, the payment and the delivery time. Pay the oil distributor as normal on or before delivery and you get all the savings as a member. 38 bloommagazine.co.uk
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Above Left and Right: The Mayor of Castlereagh, Alderman Jack Beattie MBE with actors from Belvoir Players’ Studio in period costume.
HISTORIC BARGE OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED IN CASTLEREAGH The local waterways stepped back in time to officially launch an original 1871 Barge known as the ‘Industry’.
T
he Barge which arrived on the navigation at Lock III in August has undergone an extensive restoration programme over the last few months to restore the original Lagan Lighter back to its former glory. To celebrate the launch of the Barge, actors from Belvoir Player’s Studio along with school children from St Joseph’s Primary School and Belvoir Primary School made a number of nostalgic performances to reflect the era in which the Barge first journeyed down the Canal. To mark the occasion local man Noel McMaster wrote and performed a new song celebrating the ‘Industry’ and there was a special appearance from a traditional horse, provided by Lessans Riding Stables, which would have been used to pull the Barge down the Canal in the late 1800’s. The Mayor of Castlereagh, Alderman Jack Beattie MBE was pleased to launch the Industry Barge in Castlereagh. “I am delighted 42 bloommagazine.co.uk
Mayor of Castlereagh, Alderman Jack Beattie MBE, Director of Leisure Services, Heather Moore and Chair of the Lagan Rural Partnership Joint Council Committee, Anne Marie Beattie.
to see the Barge fully restored and back to its rightful home on the Lagan Navigation. It is hoped the barge will not only add a nostalgic feel to the area, but it will also complement the existing facilities on site and provide visitors with an exquisite piece of Northern Ireland heritage and tourism. Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy an exhibition on board focusing on the history of the Lagan Navigation and the workings on the Locks, along with a set showing the living conditions of the Lighterman and his family. This is a great opportunity to learn something new about the history of the area and life on the barge. Finally, I wish to thank the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the European Union for funding the project, and also the Lagan Rural Partnership for their continued support.” The ‘Industry’ Barge is available for private hire. Contact Lagan Valley Regional Park Offices on 028 9049 1922.
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Mayor of Castlereagh, Jack Beattie MBE with actors BT4 17-19 Alderman Belmont Road Belfast from BelvoirTelephone: Players’ Studio in period 028costume. 9065 7853
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WINTER TYRES Advice on selecting your tyres for winter from local experts Roundabout Tyres, Ballygowan Road
During such harsh winters, driving conditions become extremely challenging and making sure you are safe on the road is important. Cold weather tyres or Winter tyres as they are also now commonly known, are one of the key factors in ensuring you, and your family, are safe during the winter months.
WHAT ARE WINTER TYRES? What makes a winter tyre different from a ‘summer’ tyre is the tread compound and tread pattern. The tread compound of a winter tyre contains more natural rubber so that it does not harden when it’s cold. This ensures that the tyre stays flexible in low winter temperatures (below +7C) which helps to reduce the stopping distance and maintain excellent grip on snow and ice as well as on wet roads in cold conditions. The design of the tread on a winter tyre allows the tread to bite in to snow and ice to give interlocking grip, which is critical in the centre of the tread where the tyre carries the highest load. The most common way to identify a winter tyre is to check the sidewall as this will be marked with a symbol showing a snowflake or snow-topped mountains. It is important to note that winter tyres are not suitable for all year round use – summer tyres will provide better performance when temperatures are higher and roads are dry.
WHY FIT WINTER TYRES?
does, now on average, have many days that are cold with a surprising number of them with ice and snow. Recent winters have resulted in chaos on the UK roads with many people struggling to get out of their road or driveway. In the UK there is currently no legal requirement to use winter tyres but with drivers being six times more likely to have an accident from October to March (Source: driving.org), there is a strong argument for fitting them to your vehicle and winter tyres make sense if you live in a high altitude or remote area of the UK where winter conditions are likely to be worse for longer. It is recommended Winter tyres be fitted in sets of four. Fitting only one pair may affect the balance and stability of the car.
Shorter Stopping Distances, improved safety, reduced aquaplaning In comparison to summer tyres, winter tyres not only reduce braking distance significantly in snow and ice but also in cold and wet weather and due to the specially developed compound which contains more natural rubber and increased groove ratio a winter tyre can maintain excellent grip in snow/ice and wet conditions. The specific tread pattern design of winter tyres can also disperse a greater amount of water, effectively, reducing the risk of aquaplaning.
For more info about winter tyre options Although the UK does not consistently suffer from available to you, contact Roundabout Tyres: 1D Ballygowan Rd. Tel: 028 9079 6552 extreme winters like many parts of Europe, it 46 bloommagazine.co.uk
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