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! E st E belfa R east Fbackin
SUMMER! SUMMER! SUMMER!
Issue 18 • June 2013
SUMMER! SUMMER! SUMMER! SUMMER! SUMMER! SUMMER! SUMMER! SUMMER! SUMMER! SUMMER! SUMMER! SUMMER!
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Contents
June 2013
You might think we’ve overdone the word summer on the front cover? Don’t worry, its not a massive big typo. Or a terrible oversight on our behalf. It’s an attempt at throwing positive messages into the sky direct to the weather master person, or whoever it is that controls the beams. We all had a taster of them on the odd day here over the last few weeks and went out and bought sunglasses and sausages and everything. But a big blast of sustained heat in the next while would be magic. Either way, the good news is that the fact you’re even reading this meteorological gibberish means that you have the brand new Bloom in your hands or on your screen. Nice one! We hope you enjoy what we have lined up for you. Plus if there’s something else you would like to see in a future edition, perhaps you know of an event, a person or organisation of inspirational note that you feel your community should share in? Perhaps you yourself have a story to tell? Feel free to tell it to us, and we will endeavour to pass it on. If we don’t hear the phone straight away it’s because we we’re maybe momentarily grabbing a few solar rays while on the move in 30 degree heat. In which case, you’re welcome. Enjoy!
m Stuart, Angela, Juanita Bloom Magazine Belfast
@bloommag
East Belfast is in Bloom Bloom Magazine 308 Albertbridge Road Belfast BT5 4GX Tel: 07719 104862 Editorial: stuart@bloommagazine.co.uk Advertising: angela@bloommagazine.co.uk Accounts: info@bloommagazine.co.uk Printed by Nicholson Bass www.nicholsonbass.com 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.
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Local News
Here come the headlines neatly laid out in once place. The news pages.
16
Our Heritage
The increasingly mind blowing historical investigations of Emma Dunn.
18
Health & Beauty
Our resident beauty aficionados get you ready for the impending bikini season.
20
Food Focus
Read about St George’s Bar & Grill, perched above the cream of NI suppliers.
22
The Best Trail
A new initiative launched in East Belfast on the trail of the legendary George Best.
26 32 36 32
What’s On
Stuck for what to get up to? Become unstuck with our rundown of events.
Cookbook
Let The Mac bean you up with their coffee inspired creations.
Rising Star
Meet Brenda Fraser, the creator of sumptuous hand-made chocolate.
Local Legend
We speak to Johnny of Keens Furniture keeping the East in style for decades.
www.bloommagazine.co.uk 3
Bloom News Email: stuart@bloommagazine.co.uk Twitter: @bloommag Facebook: Bloom Magazine Belfast Web: bloommagazine.co.uk
(L-R) Ben Simpson and Carla Dynan from St. Josephs Primary School, Eddie Allan of BS Holdings and Morgan Johnston and Josie Knox from Orangefield Primary School.
Around 150 shipyard workers descended upon Parliament Buildings to take part in the Titanic Green Energy Challenge, supported by BS Holdings to help raise awareness of green energy among local primary school children and showcase renewable technologies. Organised by Titanic Schools Project this unique event included Primary 7 students from Orangefield and St Joseph’s Primary Schools in East Belfast. The students came to Stormont donning their mufflers and flat caps to learn about how green energy works through interactive activities including building a bridge to the future of green energy. They also learned about how the green energy sector has benefitted from innovations and civil engineering projects within Northern Ireland. Belfast-based heat engineering specialists BS Holdings, who manufacture bespoke biomass heating modules, played an integral role in supporting the event by explaining the growing importance of using sustainable fuel such as biomass to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. “Rising fuel costs and unreliable supplies have encouraged us to look at alternative forms of fuel including wood pellets and it is important that we educate future generations about this,” explains Eddie Allan, Engineering Manager, BS Holdings. Current government schemes in place include the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) which has the potential to significantly develop the green industry in Northern Ireland. In addition to biomass heating modules, other green technologies represented at the Titanic Green Energy Challenge included photovoltaics, thermodynamic heat exchange panels, tidal power and wind turbines. 4 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
Ticker Club - A group of ex-patients from the cardiac department of the Ulster Hospital are currently meeting every week in the Aslan Centre at Knocknagoney to take part in exercises and games from 7pm to 9pm on a Thursday evening. The club is open to all heart patients in the area who feel they could benefit from sharing support with like minded individuals who want to reduce the risks of further setbacks. Contact; Alan Houston, Health Development Worker (Outer East), on 028 9045 1512 alan@ebcda.org or Bob Buick, Secretary on 028 9087 3637.
Congratulations to Grosvenor Grammar School’s Chamber Choir which sang its way to the runners-up position in the BBC’s ‘Songs of Praise’ Senior School Choir of the Year Competition 2013. The Choir, conducted by the School’s Head of Music Miss Rosemary Foster and accompanied by fellow Music teacher Mr Jonathan Arnold, achieved entry to the final following an impressive rendition of ‘Be Thou My Vision’ during the semi final stage of the competition, where six competing Schools from across the UK were narrowed down to just three for the final. Belfast City Council’s Development Committee have given the go ahead for the fourth annual Belfast Music Week to take place between November 11th and 17th following a report which showed that the 2012 Belfast Music Week had been the most successful yet with 41,000 people attending more than 250 events in 70 venues across the city with an associated economic impact of almost £2.1m
Members of the Likely Lads and Crafty Ladies
Group from East Belfast enjoyed Streamvale Farm’s Living History Trail on one of the rare sunny afternoons in May. After a talk on the history of the farm the group took a stroll round the farm attraction and really enjoyed “Tag’s Tricks” – the dog agility display. Chickens were a particular interest for some as they have their own little “Good Life” garden in the fold where they grow vegetables and keep hens. The Lads and Ladies are regular travellers and one thing they insist on is a good afternoon tea! They loved the home made scones and jams provided in the Creamery cafe before they headed home to plan their next adventure out around the local Belfast attractions. “The Likely Lads and Crafty Ladies were a great group to take round the farm. They kept me so entertained that I didn’t notice that the international singing star, Alicia Keyes was also at the farm that afternoon!” confesses Judith their tour guide. The Living History Trail follows the development of the nine generations of the Morrow Family who have lived and worked in Ballyhanwood for over 300 years and pensioner groups can take advantage of a special afternoon price during May, June, September and October this year. 38 Ballyhanwood Rd, BT5 7SN. Tel 028 9048 3244 www.streamvale.com
Mayor of Castlereagh’s Award for Volunteering 2013 - The search is on for Castlereagh’s Volunteering Stars! Castlereagh Borough Council in partnership with Volunteer Now, South Eastern Education and Library Board and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust have begun their search to recognise local volunteers as part of the Mayor’s Awards for Volunteering 2013. The aim is to recognise the valuable contribution that volunteers and voluntary organisations play in shaping, developing and supporting our local communities and will culminate in a prestigious awards ceremony. Awards are available for individuals and groups volunteering within the Castlereagh area and nominations can be submitted by any member of the public, including representatives from Community, Voluntary and Statutory organisation under one of the following categories: Awards for Individual Volunteers Young Volunteer of the Year Award (16- 25 years old) / Adult Volunteer of the Year ( 25+) / Creative Arts Volunteer of the Year / Community Relations & Cultural Diversity Volunteer of the Year Awards for Groups Supporting Volunteering Supporting Volunteering (Large Group Award) / Supporting Volunteering (Small Group Award) The closing date for nominations is 12 NOON on Friday 21 June 2013. A nominations pack can be downloaded from castlereagh.gov.uk. 028 9049 4500 or email communityservices@castlereagh.gov.uk
Are you free on a Wednesday night or a Saturday morning? Would you like to get involved in coaching mini soccer? Braniel under 8’s are looking for people to come on board and help with the coaching of the kids on a Wednesday night and with matches on a Saturday morning. No matter what age you are or what experience you have your help and input would be of great help. If you’re interested contact Steven Nixon 07801 517311, Ian Shanks 07818 566106 or Ian Bickerstaff 07754 051447 www.bloommagazine.co.uk 5
Bloom News Summer Camps @ The Computer Club - The Computer Club will run for 6 weeks this summer
in venues including Ashfield Girls School in East Belfast, for children aged aged 4-11 years. The Club runs from from 9-3pm and places can be booked for 1 day (£20 p/child) or the full week (£75 p/child) with 10% sibling discount. Extended hours are available from 8:00am-5:00pm. The itinerary includes ‘Be a Presenter for a day’ and ‘Be a Web Designer for a day’ using Microsoft Office programs and with a big emphasis on Presentation Skills in our afternoon shows. This will be a great opportunity for your child to become familiar with Microsoft Office skills not currently covered in the primary curriculum using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Email, the Internet & Touch Typing. Contact thecomputerclub@hotmail.co.uk or 0771 204 2222 direct to reserve a place for your child, or visit their website www.thecomputerclub.co.uk
A community scheme in the heart of east Belfast
Hundreds of primary school children joined Dame Mary Peters at City Hall to celebrate her ‘Freedom of the City’. The pupils joined the Olympic hero and the Lord Mayor Gavin Robinson to take part in a range of Pentathlon-style sports activities. The freedom of the city was officially conferred upon Dame Mary at a gala dinner in City Hall. Primary schools taking part included Strandtown, Edenbrooke, Our Lady of Lourdes, Nettlefield, St.Brides, Avoniel, Hazelwood, Victoria Prep and Glenveagh School.
GEMS NI Job Clubs and Rapid Impact Pro-
gramme are running a series of weekly “job clubs” for employment guidance and advice: Monday Enler Centre Ballybeen - 1pm-4pm / Tuesday Brooklands Youth Centre - 1pm-4pm / Wednesday Cregagh Community Centre 1pm-4pm / Friday Hanwood Centre Tullycarnet - 10am-12pm / First Tuesday of every month 10am-12pm Tullycarnet Community Services. GEMS are also running a new “Rapid Impact” programme offering mentoring and further support as a follow-on from the Steps to work programme. Contact Aileen Graham on 028 90332313 a.graham@gemsni.org.uk. 6 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
pipped two of Northern Ireland’s leading visitor destinations and a house of God to top prize in the prestigious RICS Awards. The Skainos Project on the Lower Newtownards Road won Project of the Year at the RICS Northern Ireland Awards ahead of the Peace Bridge in DerryLondonderry, Titanic Belfast, and First Derry and Claremont Presbyterian Church. The best of 28 shortlisted entries were awarded for the categories Community Benefit, Regeneration, Design and Innovation, and Building Conservation. Sponsored by Tughans (Design & Innovation), the Department of the Environment (DoE) (Community Benefit), and the Department for Social Development (DSD) (Regeneration). The awards attracted a wide variety of entries from across Northern Ireland, ranging from a 19th century former jail to a 21st century hospital. Judges, who selected the ‘remarkable’ Skainos Project as the coveted Project of the Year recipient from the four category winners, said that it was a buzzing centre of community activity and has a striking design with impeccable sustainability credentials. The four category winners will be invited to represent Northern Ireland against projects from across the UK and internationally in the overall RICS Awards later this year. Alastair Dunn, awards judging chairman said, ‘Skainos is a project with so many impressive ingredients, from its design that integrates so well and includes the wow factor of its ‘living wall’ fronting the main road, to its cross community nature and its sustainability credentials. It is a remarkable project and we are delighted to have it as Project of the Year.’ www.skainos.org
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Farm & Cafe Open Every Day! Feeding the friendly animals • Cuddle the chicks and bunnies • Puppies to walk • Nature trail hunts • Watch the milking • Mini farmer play areas • Dog agility • Home made ice cream • Term time fun • Rides available at weekends & holidays Friendly farm animals for all to see & enjoy!
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Bloom News Niamh & Primary Plus Ignite Dance Company had its first year in 2011 with the classes being held in Wandsworth Community Centre, Ballyhackamore and had their first dance competition in March 2012 N.I.C.M.A.C (Northern Ireland Creative Movement and Aerobic Championships), held in Lagan Valley Leisureplex. Dance teacher Niamh Tan said, ‘We had our second N.I.C.M.A.C dance competition in March just past and came 2nd, which is amazing considering the kids that I teach had never danced before they joined, which just shows how talented they really are! The next competition was the Ulster’s Dance Championships which was held in Girls Model. We were awarded 3rd place! I have competed in N.I.C.M.A.C for 13 years now and still continue to do so. All the kids are local to the area and I’ve taught a lot of them from teaching in schools such as St. Josephs Primary School and Rosetta Primary. The classes are for boys and girls from 6 years - 15 years. We have a dance display in the Strand Cinema, Belfast on 24th June which will include the winning routines from N.I.C.M.A.C and the Ulsters as well as routines from throughout the year. I’ve also got great support not only from my family and the kids parents but from my boyfriend and best friend who help out with music, ideas and come to every team event.’ For more information call Niamh on 07876 351 552.
Super slimmers’ weight-loss success is in the bag! Local slimmers are dropping pounds (lbs) and bagging up all the clothes they’ve slimmed out of to raise pounds (££s) for a good cause in The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw. Members of the Ballyhackamore and Holywood Slimming World groups have spring-cleaned their closets and are donating the clothes that no longer fit their new slimline figures to their local Cancer Research shop. Sally Moore, who runs the groups in Ballyhackamore and Holywood, said: ‘My members have lost an amazing 2,660lbs (190stone) since January this year and they’re feeling fantastic! Lots of people have dropped down clothes sizes and their wardrobes are full of clothes that are too big and baggy now. And they’re happy to give them away because they know that they’re never going to need them again! Our Food Optimising plan isn’t a diet that members follow for a little while and then ‘come off’ when they’ve reached their target weight. At group each week we support members to make healthy changes to the way they shop, cook and eat that they can keep up for life so they really do slim for good.’ The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw is a nationwide fundraising drive that sees Slimming World members across the UK donating clothes to Cancer Research UK, Slimming World’s charity partner for 2013. Each bag of clothes collected could raise up to £25. Anyone who’d like to slim down like these generous Slimming World members is welcome at their local Slimming World Group. To find out more call Sally on 07738 713436 or visit www.slimmingworld.com. 8 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
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THE PET CARE COMPANY Our two dogs, Bailey and Bracken, and not forgetting the boss, Mable our cat, are very much lifestyle. dogs travel T H EpartPofEour T family CAR E CThe OM PA N Ywith us when we are out and about,
and whether it’s the beach or forest, they love meeting new friends and socializing. Our two Bailey and Bracken, and not forgetting the boss, Mable very Our two Bailey & Bracken not forgetting Mable our our cat,cat, areare very much Thedogs, care dogs, we give our pets willand match the care wethe giveboss, to yours. much part oflifestyle. our family lifestyle. The dogs travel us whenthe wecare are out part of our family The care we give our petswith will match we and giveabout, to yours. and whether it’s the beach or forest, they love meeting new friends and socializing. O Ucare R we S give E Rour V Ipets C Ewill S match the care we give to yours. The D O G WA L K I N G • Dog Walking Pet Care Company dog walking O U R SThe ER VICES service will allow you to feel safe in • Puppy Services theOknowledge D G W A L Kthat I Nyour G dog is getting the exercise socializing requirements • Cat & Kitten Services The Pet Careand Company dog walking it needs if you’re unable to do it yourself.
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HOME PET SITTING For some pets the stress of leaving the home is too much to take. Because of this The Pet Care Company also With this service H O offer M E aPhome E T Spet I Tsitting T I N service. G yoursome pet can home all the theirhome favourite For petsstay theat stress of with leaving is too things.toTheir not The be interrupted so they service will allow you to feel safe in much take.routine Becausewill of this Pet Care Company will be able to relax when youWith are not Prior to the first we likethat to meet you and thewalk, knowledge yourof dog is getting also offer a home peteven sitting service. thisthere. service For more orany clarification any ofNo our services please do not hestiate to contact us: yourinformation dog and the discuss special requirements. exercise and socializing requirements your pet can stay at home with all their favourite H O M E F R O M H O M E charge will be made for this visit. it needs if you’re unable to do it yourself. things. Their routine will not be interrupted so they Telephone: 028 9065 6229 Mobile: 07921 810 219 Thisbe is aable personal service for one dog there. or two will to relax even and whenis you are not We will respect age thetodog in relation Prior to the first the walk, weoflike meet you andto dogs from the same family. Your dog/dogs will join Email: howenquiries@thepetcarecompanyni.com far and what pace we walk with them. We Find us: your dog andatdiscuss any special requirements. No our our H O dogs MN E inFY R O home M H and O Mbe E treated as one of the will with wiped, refreshed, readyM P T Hcharge Ereturn Pthem, T C RE CO A will beEmade forpaws thisA visit. www.thepetcarecompanyni.com family you are awayand is for one dog or two This is awhile personal service for their next snooze and awaiting your return. will dogs, respect the age of the dogBracken, in relation toand not Our We two Bailey and forgetting boss, Mablewill our dogs from the samethe family. Your dog/dogs joincat, are very how far and at what pace we walk with them. We PET TR N Shome P O Rand T be treated as one of the our dogs inAour much part of our family lifestyle. The dogs travel with us when we are out and about, P U P P Y S E R V I C E S will return them, with paws wiped, refreshed, ready If transport or time an issue for you, we can take family while you are isaway from first-hand experience and for whether it’sknow, the beach or forest, lovepet meeting newatfriends socializing. their next We snooze and awaiting your return. they your to appointments the Vet or and Groomers. how difficult it can be when you have
Bloom News Over 80 representatives from East Belfast com-
Reid, Black Solicitors is continuing to develop into one of the leading law firms in Belfast and throughout County Antrim. Founding Director, Seamus Reid continues to drive the firm forward and enhance its growing reputation as a market leading Solicitors practice that gives straight talking, clear and concise advice to its clients. The visit to the firm by Lord Mayor Alderman Gavin Robinson comes in the year that they took a business decision to invest by moving to larger premises on the Holywood Road in the heart of East Belfast. This is one of two offices, the other being in Ballyclare. The Lord Mayor, himself a qualified Barrister, enjoyed a tour and a catch up on current legal issues with several of the Partners and their teams. David French, Director, said: ‘We would like to thank the Lord Mayor for his visit and we hope he found it interesting. We had for many years been operating a Belfast office from the Newtownards Road and although there were options to move out of the area we chose instead to relocate just across the road to where we are now. We continue to recognise the importance of the individual clients who have allowed Reid, Black Solicitors to grow into the practice that it is today with five partners and nearly thirty staff.’ Image: David French and Seamus Reid (Directors in Reid, Black Solicitors) welcomed Lord Mayor Alderman Gavin Robinson. 2 Holywood Rd, Tel: 028 9045 3449 reidblack.com 10 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
munity and voluntary organisations, credit unions and the housing sector came together for the ‘Towards Financial Inclusion’ seminar, hosted by the Consumer Council and the Housing Rights Service. First Minister, Rt. Hon. Peter Robinson gave a keynote address stating ‘it is vital that Government works innovatively with all stakeholders including business, community and voluntary sectors, housing providers and consumers to ensure we achieve growth in the economy whilst protecting the most vulnerable in our society.’ The event explored the impact of financial exclusion on low income consumers, for example not having access to a bank account, insurance products or affordable credit. Consumer Council Chief Executive Antoinette McKeown said: ‘Financial exclusion has a devastating impact on consumers and the current economic downturn has hit communities like East Belfast very hard. The First Minister’s attendance today and his address reflect the importance of this event, which is about listening to consumers in local communities describe the key issues affecting them in terms of managing money and accessing financial services. The Consumer Council will continue to work with local politicians to represent consumers, give them a voice and access to much needed practical support during these hard times. The Consumer Council will ensure that consumer views heard today, and at other similar events, will be fed back to help shape Government policy and our own educational campaigns,’ said Antoinette.
Pigs Can Fly is an outlet to inspire children
to be creative in a fun way. With a choice of workshops and parties such as Jumping Clay, Jewellery Making, Street Art and Graffiti your children can be in an environment where the ethos is “Be Creative, Be Imaginative, Be Unique - Be You!” The happy little pigs are taking flight so if you are organising a summer programme and would them to provide workshops, call on 07595 830759.
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Bloom News
Castlereagh Gets Creative With New Summer Season of Community Arts Events Castlereagh Arts is kicking off its Summer Season in style with a jam packed programme of Community Arts events designed to engage, enthrall and entertain community members of all ages. This ‘something for everyone’ lineup includes live performances, film screenings, craft workshops, training sessions, pop up programmes, exhibitions and free arty antics on offer to schools and community groups across the Borough. Lovers of all things crafty are invited to join the Castlereagh Community Crafts Club where you can learn jewellery making, glass embellishment and much more. The classes will run for 6 weeks at the Tullycarnet Community Centre, beginning Tuesday 7 June from 10am-12pm, £2 per session. Staying with the theme of crafts the ‘train the trainer’ style workshops are ideal for community group leaders, play workers, carers, scheme leaders, centre staff, in fact anyone seeking the necessary skills to deliver exciting arts workshops including clay, textiles and kids cards back to your group. Not forgetting schools across the Borough: you are encouraged to sign up for free workshops in African Drumming to experience the positive, energetic and vibrant rhythms and traditions of African culture. If film is your thing there’s cabaret cinema, with its small candlelit tables and a welcome drink before enjoying the amazing performances of The Pasadena Roof Orchestra (Friday 9th August) and Elvis Presley- Aloha from Hawaii (Friday 16th August) on the Big Screen. Both screenings will be held in Castlereagh Civic Centre at 7pm with tickets costing £3/£2 concession. Lastly is the first Family Open Arts day Sat 29 June 12- 4pm at Cregagh Community Centre. This jam packed day will sample craft workshops for all the family, dance workshops including a Baby Rave, Hip Hop, and an Old Time Tea Dance, Teddy Bear Picnic Style Storytelling, two live puppet performances, the Downshire Jazz Band featuring Linley Hamilton, the Ormeau Concert Band and a delicious BBQ for all the family. To reserve tickets for any of the above events, to receive a copy of the full season brochure or to be added onto the arts mailing list contact the Community Arts & Outreach Officer on 028 90 494550 or email arts@castlereagh.go.uk.
Join a Growing Team of Approved Home Childcarers! Sandra Thompson is excited to have joined a team of Approved Home Childcarers working with Employers For Childcare Charitable Group. Approved Home Childcare is a unique childcare service provided in the family home. So what does a typical day for Sandra look like? ‘I finish up at my part-time job as a Family Support Assistant for Surestart at around 1pm, collect the children I look after from school and take them back to their own home. I’ll prepare a snack for the children and supervise them as they play or study. I’ll help them with their homework and then we enjoy play time until their parents come home. It means a great deal to me to be able to help a family in this way as I know how hard it can be to find the right childcare, having three children myself. I am delighted to be a part of such a new type of childcare service; it is so different to what is currently available to parents. So far it has been a real boost to my childcare career and I am looking forward to taking part in training opportunities provided by Approved Home Childcare. On top of that it has been fantastic to be able to contribute to supporting the work of Employers For Childcare Charitable Group, a campaigning charity which helps parents to balance work and family lives.’ If you are interested in becoming an Approved Home Childcarer or if you are a parent interested in the service, find out more by calling freephone 0800 206 1488, contact ahc@employersforchildcare.org or visit the website www.approvedhomechildcare.com. 12 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
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Bloom News Airport funding brings some math-a-magic to local school Pupils at a Belfast primary school were treated to a magical performance by a local children’s touring theatre company thanks to funding from the George Best Belfast City Airport Community Fund. Cahoots NI arrived at Victoria Park Primary School to perform their newest show, ‘Lights, Camera, Math ‘a’ Magic’ to an audience of pupils, from two of the airport’s adopted schools, Victoria Park Primary School and Mitchell House School, eager to witness the extraordinary feats of mathematical mind reading and illusion. The performance for Victoria Park Primary and Mitchell House School was funded by the Belfast City Airport Community Fund which sees the airport fine airlines for operating late flights. This money is then re-invested into groups and projects within the local community that promote areas such as education, sport or conservation. To date, the Community Fund has donated almost £100,000. The touring production which encompasses elements of the Key Stage 2 Northern Ireland Curriculum such as Mathematics and Numeracy, Language and Literacy, The Arts and Personal Development and Mutual Understanding, has also been sponsored by Danske Bank. ‘Lights, Camera, Math ‘a’ Magic’ will continue its schools tour until 18th June 2013. A full list of Cahoots NI events can be seen at www.cahootsni.com For more information on how your community group or project can apply for funding from the Belfast City Airport Community Fund, please visit www.belfastcityairport.com or contact communityfund@belfastcityairport.com
How Important Is An Online Presence for Your Business? Online or web presence is the collective existence online of a business, company or individual. A website is just one example, but in this day and age quite possibly the most important. A website doesn’t need to be complex, but it must do all the things that your business needs to ensure it is working for you. For many businesses just being online and having a website with all relevant information is enough, but others may need more features. To have a really strong online presence, businesses should also consider social media and networking, review sites, viral marketing and blogs. An online presence is like having a 24 hour shop front, but management of your presence is also important to maintain a positive image. Content, graphics and information should be current and updated regularly, and keywords matched to improve your SEO, which will ensure you are easily found even if the person who is doing the search doesn’t know exactly who they are looking for, just what they need. If you think your business could benefit from improving its online presence, but you just don’t quite know where to start, then contacting CMS Hosting Management could be your answer. Based in East Belfast, they provide graphic design and marketing services including logo design, web design and hosting, online marketing and management, branding, design for print, SEO, social media, strategic and mobile web marketing. By maintaining a small core team and drawing in extra resources when required, CMS keeps costs down and maintains a flexible approach. Therefore they can assist anyone, from the smallest start-up business through to large companies looking for support and advice on design, online presence management and marketing. And with their free consultation service, you really have nothing to lose by giving them a call. For more information or to arrange a free consultation please call Laura on 07563 083150 www.cmshostingmanagement.co.uk 14 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
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We now think of Ballyhackamore as the area around the Sandown and Earlswood Roads, but in an early map from 1628 Ballyhackamore stretches from the Earlswood road right down to Connswater.
Ballyhackamore
T
here are many theories as to how the area got its name, but I think the most likely is ‘the townland of the big horses’ which comes from the ancient Irish translation as the area was famous for its horse racing and a ‘Hackamore’ is defined in the dictionary as “a halter of horse hair fitted to serve as a headpiece”. At one time the village was known colloquially as ‘The Course’ so there is a strong connection to horses. By 1835 there were a number of small dwelling houses and farms in the village and in 1846 a small school was opened at the corner of the Sandown and Upper Newtownards road. This school was renamed as the Jubilee School in 1887 and it closed in 1930 when it was merged into Strandtown School. By 1860 the village had grown to include three horse dealers, three spirit grocers, a pub, a grocery shop and a blacksmith, McAnallys forge, which was located on the upper Newtownards road and I imagine Ballyhackamore became a good place to stop and get your horse shoed on the long journey out to the Ards peninsula. There was also a watering trough for the horses outside the pub which was next to St Colmcilles so both horse and rider could stop and get their refreshment in Ballyhackamore! The village was also a stopping point for the horses in many of the funeral corteges which passed through on their way out to Dundonald cemetery. Mr McAnnally also carried out decorative ironwork and apparently he made the railings for the cemetery amongst other things. Ballyhackamore continued to expand as the wealthier households which had now started to move into and develop the area required goods and services and many of the staff who worked in the ‘Big Houses’ came from and lived in the village. By the 1930s the area included a bank and seven large grocery shops delivering goods by horse and cart and also making up grocery orders for the farmers to collect on their way home from the markets in Belfast. Indeed Kirks had a reputation as a very high class grocery business at 302 Upper Newtownards road and his goods were delivered to customers as far away as Stranmillis and Holywood . Not far from where the forge was located was the Astoria Cinema which opened in 1934 and held over 1000 customers. Unfortunately the cinema closed in 1974.
By & ©Emma Dunn. The East Belfast Historical Society meets in Belmont Tower on the second Thursday of each month. For further details please email secretary@ebhs.org.uk 16 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
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Do you feel good about your bikini body? Stripping down to your bikini in summer can leave many of us quaking in our Havaiana’s. Here are a few tips to feel like a bikini body goddess:
Loving your body starts with a pedicure: It may sound crazy, but treating yourself to a pampering pedicure is an instant body confidence building booster. ‘It’s often small tweaks that give you body confidence! In the summer, we notice our feet more, starting from when we hop in the shower every day. Looking down at gleaming feet and vibrant glossy toes will leave you beaming from head-to-toe. Add shellac power polish and the start of the summer and you wont need to worry about chipped nails.
Imperfections: We all have lumps and bumps that can lower our body confidence. The best approach is to prep your skin well in advance. Start by buffing and exfoliating your skin three times a week, which will stimulate circulation. A gentle granular scrub with built in moisturisers won’t scratch the surface of the skin. Remember to work from the extremities inwards towards the heart, massaging in circular motions. Finally, for hydrated skin every day – go for an un-perfumed body moisturiser to lock in the skin’s moisture which will help your body look firm and dewy. Maintain it with expert hair removal. Book in for a bikini, leg wax and underarm arm wax. Results last up to four weeks so no worrying on your holiday that you have more hairs on your legs than you man! Make up for confidence building: Often when we’re feeling down on ourselves, we pile on the beauty products to overcompensate. When, in actual fact keeping your make-up light and natural is the best way to feel gorgeous. Apply Youngblood mineral foundation, for a natural look that matches your new glowing body. Always use a mosituriser with an SPF, or while we have a bit of colour use a moisturising tint that will have radiance, protection and coverage all in one. To create the perfect cheek bones use Youngblood Lunar Dust. This unique, light-reflecting mineral powder dusts onto the face, legs, shoulders and décolleté to create a luminous, Lunar glow. Can also be used as a seasonless bronzer. Available in three shimmering shades. 18 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
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The Secret Garden 78 Old Dundonald Road Dundonald, Belfast, BT16 1XS T: 028 9048 4000 facebook.com/secret. garden.dundonald Opening Hours: Mon - Sat 8.30am - 4.30pm Late Night Thurs 8.30am - 9pm
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St George’s Bar & Grill We speak to Kathy Toye, manager at the wonderful St George’s Bar & Grill which is situated in one of the city’s oldest and historic buildings. The restaurant first started in 2002 and was first known as The Oxford Exchange. It was refurbished in 2009 and became St Georges Market Bar & Grill. It has always been part of the Mount Charles Group and today is a thriving restaurant above one of the best market’s in the UK. ‘The Head Chef is Ray Malcolmson,’ explains Kathy, ‘who has 25 years experience in the hospitality industry working in hotels such as The Culloden Estate & Spa, The Drumsill House in Armagh, The Marine Hotel in St Andrews and the Gourmet International Hotel in Bermuda. The menu has a major focus on provenance and boasts a wealth of locally sourced Irish produce. The award -winning suppliers that we use only deliver the freshest of ingredients plus all dishes are classically cooked using natural methods and ingredients. The chefs are happy to create gluten friendly dishes and cater for vegetarians.’ St Georges Market Bar & Grill certainly boasts a unique setting – nestled in the eaves of St Georges Market on Oxford Street, one of the oldest and most historic buildings in Belfast. The dining room has an adjoining balcony terrace which has picturesque and atmospheric views of the bustling market below. Which in turn means the chefs are also fortunate to have a wealth of fresh and artisan produce on their doorstep provided by the bespoke market stalls! ‘I guess you could say the clue is in the name’, says Kathy. ‘The restaurant is famous for the grill section as well as offering various seasonal specials. All 20 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
produce is sourced from local suppliers including Hannan Meats and Walter Ewing.’ The restaurant has an excellent Trip Advisor rating and also holds five stars for the Scores on the Doors scheme. The efficient and dedicated service personnel clearly have a ‘nothing is too much trouble’ approach to their work. ‘The staff provide a bright and cheery atmosphere in the dining room whilst always remaining knowledgeable and professional. In fact the staff aims to exceed customer expectation in everything they do.’
COMPETITION To celebrate St George’s Market’s fantastic new summer offer, which includes a main course and glass of wine for two people for £24 (Weds & Thu evenings until 31st Aug 2013 - Grill menu subject to supplements.) Bloom Magazine is giving one lucky reader the chance to win this delicious prize. To enter simply answer: Which market is St George’s Market Bar & Grill located within? Send your answer and contact details to info@bloommagazine.co.uk or Bloom Magazine, City East Business Centre, 68-72 Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 1GW. One entry per person. Closes 30/6/13
1st Floor, St. George’s Market, Belfast. 028 9024 0014 stgeorgesbarandgril.com
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The ‘Best’ Trail in Belfast On what would have been George Best’s 67th birthday, a trail that guides you through the football legend’s humble beginnings, was launched on his ‘home turf’ at the Cregagh Estate, east Belfast. This new trail will guide locals and visitors alike to the places that shaped the young George Best before he was talent spotted and left for Manchester United. Places of interest include his home at Burren Way, the playing fields where he honed his skills, his favourite east Belfast haunts and of course his final resting place. Today, George’s birthday and the 50th anniversary of his signing to Manchester United Football Club, is the perfect occasion on which to pay tribute to the local football phenomenon with this trail. Speaking at the launch George’s sister Barbara McNarry said, ‘The George Best Trail evokes many special childhood memories for me. It was a very happy family time and I have vivid memories of a football crazy George honing his skills in the big field’ as we fondly called it, at the top of Burren Way. Since George’s death in 2005, many poignant tributes have been paid and this latest venture by the Connswater Community Greenway is yet another example of the high esteem in which George was held, not just in east Belfast, but around the world. Many people have already made the journey to pay their respects to their hero and the George Best Trail will give them a better understanding of George’s childhood before leaving east Belfast for Manchester. The 22nd May is George’s birthday and what a special way to mark what would above been his 67th. I wish this venture every success.’ A spokesman for the George Best Foundation further commented, ‘We are delighted that 22 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
Connswater Community Greenway has taken the initiative to create this trail which hopefully will further cement George’s legacy. That will in turn raise the awareness of the Foundation and the work it does to help young people develop life skills and wellness through the power of football and sport.’ Wendy Langham Programme Manager of the Connswater Community Greenway project also made comment, ‘We are delighted with the George Best Trail, one of a series of trails that are being developed along the Connswater Community Greenway. East Belfast is well known for its industrial heritage but less well known for world class people who have come from the area. The trail is an insight into George’s east Belfast, enabling people to experience for themselves the place that produced one of the best footballers of all time. George Best is one of Northern Ireland’s most famous sporting sons and deciding to focus an entire trail on his early life here in east Belfast was an easy decision to make”. The official launch of the trail in Greenway Womens Centre was followed by a visit to the Best family home, 16 Burren Way, which is now available as a holiday rental in order to preserve the legacy of the east Belfast legend www.georgebesthouse.com.
Find out more at www.communitygreenway.co.uk. You can download a copy or find out how to get yours by visiting www.communitygreenway.co.uk/trails.
Quirky Vintage Coffee House in East Belfast 19 Upper Newtownards Road
Opening Times Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm. Sunday 10.30am - 3pm Monday Nights - Open Music Session - Music 7.30-10.30pm Thursday Nights - Acoustic Evening - Music 7.30-10.30pm BYO (corkage £1) Cold Meat Platter - £5.95 / Nachos & Dips £3.95
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Bluebird Care T:(Holywood) 028 9032 1442 / F: 028 9033 0827 TDD (Textphone) 028 9023 8411 Bloom Magazine Regional Office: Londonderry Half page T: 028 7126 9639 / F: 028 7126 7729 info@lra.org.uk June 2013 email: www.lraorrg.uk
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Mondays Sydenham Parent & Toddler
Bloomfield Avenue Tel: 028 9065 2321 www.stdonards.com £1 for adults. Tea/coffee/juice
Strandtown Baptist Tots
Mon 10-11.30 £1 per family Tea/coffee/juice/toast. Inverary CC BT4 1RN Tel: 028 9047 1456
10.15- 11.45am (term time) Strandtown Baptist Church, 1 Clonallon Court BT4 2AB Tel: 028 9080 8380 £1 per adult
St Finnians
Wednesdays
10-11.30 Cregagh Park, BT6 9LF 028 9079 2793.
Wandsworth Mums & Chums
10-11.45am Wandsworth CC 26a Belmont Church Rd BT4 3FF £1 per family.
Calvary Baptist Mums & Toddlers.
10.30-12.00am. £1 per family. 100 Dee St, BT4 028 9073 2331
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 and snacks provided.
CFC Mops
9.30-11am (term time - alternate Tuesdays) £3 per mum incl breakfast and crèche. 10 Belmont Rd, BT4 2AN Tel: 028 9067 1838 www.thisiscfc.com
Mersey Street Presb. Parents & Toddlers
10-11.45am term time Mersey St Pres BT1 1EX Tel: 028 90 657025 aburcombe@gmail.com www.merseystreet.org.uk £1 donation
St Donards Church 10am-12
26 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
Fridays Tots ‘R’ Us
10.30am House of Worship 127a Orby Drive, BT5 6BB Tel: 07791 776307/07980 984506
St Columba’s Mums & Tots
9.45-11.45 (term time) St Columba’s Parish Church 29 Kings Road 028 9065 1412
EVENTS ETC
Busy Bees
10 -11:30am Knock Methodist Church, Knock Road, BT5 6JA Tel: 07867 551366 jackie.blair@karrington.net
Orangefield Baptist Church
37 North Road, BT5 5NE Mothers & Toddlers 10.30-12
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10-11.45am O’field Church & Community, 464 Castlereagh Road BT5 Tel: 07745 076911 www.orangefield.org.uk
Willowfield Mother & Toddlers
10-12pm W’stock Rd, BT6 8PR Tel: 028 9045 7654 office@willowfieldchurch.co.uk
Thursdays
Mondays Shorts Sports & Rec Club
www.shortsclub.com 2.30-4pm Junior Ballet Classes PLUS Big Band Night - 6th Junior Football Prize Giving - 20th
Skainos Building www.skainos.org
Crosslinks - Cross Community Arts 7-9pm 14-21 yr olds. Contact Andy Hill.
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Holywood Road, BT4 .nistars.com Singling & dancing 7-8pm
Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668 Zumba 6-7pm Aerobics 7-8pm Yoga 8.15-9.30pm
Bloomfield Methodist Church
Tuesdays
Grand Parade 028 9065 8946.
Cregagh Mums & Tots
Belmont Tower www.belmont-tower.co.uk
Knock Parent & Toddler Group
Shorts Sports & Rec Club
10-11.30am £1 per family
10-12pm Cregagh CC Mount Merrion Avenue Tel: 028 9040 1444 10-11.45am Knock Presbyterian Church 53 Kings Road, BT5 6JH Tel: Pamela 07921 067927 or Gillian 07803 117619. www.knockpresbyterian.co.uk
Core fitness 9.30am-10.30am Childrens dance classes 4-7pm Zumba Classes 6-7.15pm Pregnancy Yoga 7.30-8.30pm www.shortsclub.com Line dancing & bridge club
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Wandsworth Community
First class absolutely free.
Kids Irish dancing 4-6.30pm, Aerobics 7.15-8.15pm Tai Chi 8.15-9.30pm
Shorts Sports & Rec Club
Wednesdays
Skainos Building www.skainos.org
Holywood Road, BT4 Mixed dance lesson & bridge club www.shortsclub.com
Bloomfield Methodist Church
Vibe Academy - Weekly streetdance programme. p1-p4 3.30-4.30pm P5-P7 4.30-5.30pm 1st yr+ 6.45-8pm. £6 per class. Contact Lisa 07736 315420.
Shorts Sports & Rec Club
Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668
12.30 Over 60’s Lunch Club 3 courses for £3. Grand Parade. Tel: 028 9028 1446 to book. Holywood Road, BT4 Mixed dance lessons 7-9pm Zumba 6-6.45pm
Strand Cinema & NI Stars
LA Dance (kids Hip Hop) 5-6pm Aerobics 7-8pm Core Combat 8.30-10pm
Holywood Road, BT4 Drama 6-8pm www.nistars.com
Fridays
Belmont Tower www.belmont-tower.co.uk
Albertbridge Congregational Church
Baby massage 10am-1pm Yoga with Eleanor 5.45-7.45pm 39th Old Boys 7-9pm
Newbridge Football Club
The club invite 5/6/7 year old boys and girl to play football. Training every Wednesday at Avoniel Leisure Centre 7-8pm. Everyone welcome.
Wandsworth Community
Sewing Group 10am-12noon Flower Arranging 1.30-3.30pm, Yoga 7-8.30pm
Thursdays Belmont Tower www.belmont-tower.co.uk
Art classes 10am-1pm Baby Sensory Classes 7-13 mths Thurs 10-11am 0-7 mths Thurs 11.30-12.30 Yoga with Sharon 6-8pm
Circuit Training Class
For men & women of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels Thursdays @ 6.30pm in Bloomfield Presbyterian (upstairs) 28 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
6 Woodstock Link 028 9045 7434 Friday Friendship - Everyone is invited for a cuppa and a chat anytime betwen 10.30am - 12.30pm.
Belmont Tower www.belmont-tower.co.uk
Belcanto School of Singing 10-1pm
Shorts Sports & Rec Club
Holywood Road, BT4 2 hour Club Special Country & Western - 17th 7-9pm Quiz Night - 31st www.shortsclub.com
Skainos Building www.skainos.org
Fusion - Weekly programme of games, crafts, activities & fun for p1-p7’s. 6-8pm £1 per person. Contact Tanita Robinson.
Wandsworth Community
Busybees musictime for babies 9.45am-10.45am £3.95 per family. Computers for beginners 10am-12 and 1-3pm, Childrens Ju Jitsu 7-8pm Fitness & Boxing Class 8.30-9.30pm
Saturdays Cregagh Community Centre
Musical Bumps. Music for babies & toddlers. www.muscialbumps.com
Orangefield Baptist Church
37 North Road, BT5 5NE Searchlight Club p1-p7. 10.30-12.
Shorts Sports & Rec Club
Holywood Road, BT4 4th Doghouse Ska 11th Charity Night/Lounge Music 18th Invest NI Event / Karaoke 25th Charity Night/Lounge Music www.shortsclub.com
Strand Cinema & NI Stars Holywood Road, BT4 Stage school 10-1pm www.nistars.com
Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668
Jump Jiggle & Jive 9.30-12.30, Childrens Art Class 10am-11am & Ignite teens dance 1.30-4.30pm
Sundays SD Bells - Java Jive Jazz Brunch
516 Upp N’Ards Rd. 028 9047 1774 2nd Rosie Timoney Trio 9th Anthony Toner 16th Martello Jazz Band 23rd Ivan Black 30th Jess Brien Trio
Shorts Sports & Rec Club
Holywood Road, BT4 Super Sunday Special & Sunday Lunch Special www.shortsclub.com
Strand Cinema & NI Stars
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Shiloh Hall 07712 299206
76 The Mount, BT5 4ND Coffee Morning 10:30-12 noon Children welcome.
Send your event details to stuart@bloommagazine.co.uk
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OVENEZE
Reliable Quality Service • Central Heating Installation & Repair • Natural Gas Installation & Repair ALL ASPECTS OF DOMESTIC PLUMBING 24 Hour Emergency Call Out Service
26 Bapaume Ave, Belfast BT6 9JE
Gary Neeson Upholstery • ALL TYPES OF UPHOLSTERY UNDERTAKEN
OVEN CLEANING SPECIALISTS
WE CLEAN OVENS, AGAS, GRILLS, HOBS, EXTRACTORS, MICROWAVES, & BBQS • Removes stubborn burnt on grease and carbon • No fumes, no mess and minimum disruption • Low odour, biodegradable products • Bulb and filter paper replacement service available • Friendly local independent service • Landlords and letting agents welcome Why not call us today and get a free quote over the phone. No hidden costs, our price depends on the size of the oven, not how dirty it is.
TELEPHONE 08453 900222 OR 07780 986777
£5 OFF WITH THIS VOUCHER
All In One Maintenence Repairs
Roof Repairs • Gutters Cleaned & Renewed ALL TYPES OF JOINERY
Door Fitting & Skirting • Wooden Flooring • Fencing & Decking • UPVC Lock Repairs • Single & Double Glazing Repairs CONSTRUCTION SKILLS REGISTER JOINERS 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE
TEL: 028 9048 6211 MOB: 07711 020572
• WIDE RANGE OF FABRICS AND LEATHERS • SPECIALIST IN THREE PIECE SUITES 25 Years ce Experien s te Free Quo
Phone Gary 07970 391138
Would you like to promote your business?
Do it here from £29 PHONE 07719 104862
Electrical Contractor & Oil Service Engineer • All types of electrical works undertaken • Oil fired boilers serviced & repaired • Fast, reliable & professional service • Emergency breakdown service available
We clean your oven so you don’t have to
REWIRES • FIRE ALARMS • INTRUDER ALARMS • EMERGENCY LIGHTING • COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL • INSPECTION AND TESTING OUTDOOR & DECORATIVE LIGHTING
Call today to have your oven, hob, extractor or Aga professionally cleaned
All enquiries welcome - Competitive prices
Johnny Clulow Tel: 02891 462176 Mob: 07889 121551 www.ovenwizards.com
Contact Alistair 079 0222 0492 awjthompson@hotmail.com
Bean Me Up! Take the hottest arts venue in Northern Ireland, located in the heart of Saint Anne’s Square in Belfast, an award winning TV Chef, sprinkle with a tasty selection of menus in a super trendy setting and what do you get?...One of the top 50 best coffee shops in the UK. Canteen at the MAC has been selected for this prestigious title as awarded by the Independent Newspaper. Canteen’s Head Chef Shaun Hanna, along with team Barista Kris Martin and mixologist at the MAC Dave Johnston have put together their top coffee inspired recipes for you to make at home…
Cappucino
“This wonderfully rich dessert has all the subtle flavours which come together to form the perfect dessert to round off any “This coffee cake recipe meal.” - Shaun Hanna, Head is easy to make and Chef , Canteen at the Mac. wonderfully light and delicious, perfect served as a treat in the afternoon or Ingredients with a large dollop of cream 285ml double cream or ice-cream as a dessert…” 210ml full fat milk Shaun Hanna, Head Chef, 1 vanilla pod Canteen at the MAC. 4 leaves gelatin
Canteen’s Coffee Cake
"A firm favourite with coffee lovers the worldover this simple ,,make at home recipe will satisfy your coffee craving to perfection.” - Kris Martin , 150 grams caster sugar Barista, Canteen at the Mac. 4tsp instant coffee Make an espresso single or double shot as preferred - Our coffee bean Espresso blend of 5 [Ethiopian, Brazilian, Guatemalan, Sumatran & Columbian works perfectly, but any good quality espresso bean will do the job! Froth your milk to 80oc – this can be done on a machine or using one of the at-home hand frothers Pour the milk into the coffee create a layer of foam on top Sprinkle with chocolate powder if desired
Coffee Panna Cotta With Chocolate Sauce 32 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
Chocolate Sauce
150grams 72% dark chocolate 100ml water Bring the cream and milk to a simmer in the saucepan Add sugar and vanilla and bring to the boil, then remove from the heat to infuse for five minutes Soak gelatin in cold water and then stir in the leaves until dissolved Add coffee granules and stir until completely dissolved Pass through a sieve, allow to cool slightly then pour into moulds or glasses. For the chocolate sauce, Bring water to the boil, add chocolate and whisk continuously until dissolves and forms a rich sauce
Cake Ingredients
150grams caster sugar 150 grams soft butter 3 medium sized eggs 150 grans self-raising flour 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 1 tablespoon hot water 1 tablespoon instant coffee
Icing Ingredients
225grams icing sugar 100grams soft brown butter 1 ½ tablespoons instant coffee 1 tablespoon hot water Handful of toasted walnuts 50mls veal stock 50mls port 3 juniper berries 1 diced shallot 2 teaspoon redcurrant jelly
Preheat your oven to 160 degree centigrade, grease and line 2 sandwich tins.Whisk the sugar and butter together until light and fluffy Beat the eggs in a cup and add gradually to your mixture Fold in the flour along with the baking powder Dissolve coffee in the hot water and gently add to mixture Divide between the two sandwich tins and bake for 30 minutes Once cooked, turn out onto wire racks and let cool. For the icing, whisk the butter and icing sugar until light and fluffy Dissolve the coffee in the water and add to the butter icing mixture Put in the fridge to firm up
Frappe Coffee A L’Orange “This stunning cocktail is both visually pleasing and tantalizing on the taste buds…” Dave Johnston, Mixologist, Canteen at the MAC.”
Ingredients
35ml Cointreau Juice of half an orange 2 tsp Instant Coffee 25ml Milk 3/4 Scoop Vanilla Ice Cream
Brazilian, Guatemalan, Sumatran & Columbian] works perfectly, but any good quality espresso bean will do the job!” Dave Johnston, Mixologist, Canteen at the MAC.
Ingredients
25ml Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur 12.5ml Creme de Caçao Blanco 12.5ml Smirnoff Vodka 1 Fresh Shot of Espresso 1 Tsp of Demerera Sugar
Shake all ingredients hard in an iced cocktail shaker for 8 to 10 In a blender mix all ingredients with seconds Fine strain into a martini glass and 7 or 8 ice cubes, and blitz briefly. serve… Pour straight into 2 glasses, to create the perfect after-dinner cocktails!
Tiramisu Cocktail
Signature Espresso MACtini “This is one of our most popular cocktails at the MAC, perfect for that aperitif or post-meal drink. Our coffee bean Espresso blend of 5 [Ethiopian,
“A real favourite with coffee lovers and those who prefer a tipple without the alcoholic kick…” Dave Johnston, Mixologist, Canteen at the MAC.
Ingredients
1 Fresh Shot of Espresso 1 Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
2 Ladyfinger Biscuits Cocoa Powder In a blender, mix the first 3 ingredients. Pour into a glass and dust the top in cocoa powder. Delicious! Set in urban and modern surroundings in the MAC, in the heart of Cathedral Quarter, Canteen at the MAC is open 7 days a week from 10am, offering fresh, modern menus for breakfast, lunch and evening meals. For bookings call 028 9023 5053 visit: themaclive.com. www.bloommagazine.co.uk 33
Opening Hours Mon - Wed: 9am - 9pm Thur - Fri: 8.30am - 9pm Saturday: 8.30am - 8pm Sunday: 1pm - 6pm n Count o
www.connswater.co.uk
Rite Price Carpets & Flooring
WE NEED YOU... ...to bring us your best price & WE WILL BEAT IT!
WE BEAT ANY PRICE!
FULL HOUSE OFFER! CARPET YOUR HOUSE FOR:
Was £599
NOW £399 Terms & conditions apply. Based on 100 square yards
LAMINATE FLOORING SPECIAL! FLOOR A ROOM FOR
£99
INCLUDING UNDERLAY Terms & conditions apply. Based on 18 square yards
208 - 210 Castlereagh Road, Belfast BT5 Tel 028 9045 2790 www.riteprice.co.uk
Rising Star
Sweet Dreams From the age of 13 when Holywood’s Brenda Fraser went on a school exchange trip to France and discovered wonderful food and proper chocolate, she fell in love with good food and good products. The catalyst for her culinary and chocolatey journey.
‘This passion was nurtured by working in top restaurants during my five years at University, and food was always one of my first loves and my relaxation.’ With a purely commercial career spanning law, oil and construction to name just a few, she found herself jobless last year at the age of 54 and with the property market in turmoil, it was time to forge a new career which had to involve her first love; food. ‘I spotted a niche for quality handmade chocolates in the North Down area so, having done some initial training at a top chocolatier in London, I have been experimenting with flavours and fillings and honing my skills, setting up my business in May.’ On a trip to Holland when she was 18, Brenda saw the window displays of Godiva chocolates, and then in Italy she tasted the wonderful chocolate there, such as Amedei. ‘I wanted to be able to create the fabulous flavours and look of good quality luxury continental chocolates and when I spotted that niche in the market, my fantasy became reality. My French ‘family’ dubbed me ‘la petite coquine’ all those years ago because I teased them so much, so the name of the business reminds me of discovering ‘real’ chocolates for the first time, but also reflects the tease of my products-the creative design of the 36 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
chocolates drawing the senses through from the visual appearance to the tease of what lies within-an intense flavour sensation.’ Brenda makes a variety of products from filled/decorated bars to truffles and filled moulded chocolates. Some favourites are the pink champagne, chilli and lime, pina colada, raspberry, violet or rose fondants, salted muscovado caramel, goats cheese and lemon, Grappa & raisin and the Thai taster - a white chocolate ganache flavoured with coconut milk, ginger, lemongrass, chilli and lime. Seasonal flavours are on their way too with a Pimms chocolate coming up soon along with a range of cocktail chocolates. ‘All the products are made in small batches for freshness, they are not mass produced, and I make them from scratch from fresh produce. I don’t use preservatives or other agents to extend the life of the product. The range is gluten free with some dairy free products as well. I also do wedding favours and do my best to match the chocolate colours to the wedding, and am happy to create a special flavour a customer may want.’
Catch Brenda at Sunday Fayre in Victoria Square 23rd June and dates after that. Keep in touch via: Facebook.com/LaCoquinehandmadechocolates orders@lacoquine.co.uk / www.lacoquine.co.uk
• • • •
PROPERTIES AGREED WITHIN 1 WEEK BIDDING SITUATIONS HOUSES SELLING ABOVE ASKING PRICE PROPERTY SOLD OFF MARKET
We have experienced all of the above in 2013! The sales market is performing very well across East Belfast. Currently demand out strips supply. If your considering a move or need advice call us in our new Ballyhackamore Branch on 028 9065 3333 We may well have a purchaser up our sleeve!
johnminnis.co.uk
Local Legend
Design Icon
Established 43 years ago, this local legend has grown from a carpet store to a one stop shop for making a house a home.
‘Our dad John was a carpet fitter,’ says Johnny Smyth of Keens Interiors, ‘and he opened his first carpet shop on the Ravenhill Road with mum Clara. It was a tightly run ship - mum sold the carpets while dad delivered and fitted them. We soon began to source good quality, well-priced furniture, sofas and beds. The first Keens Carpets shop was actually two terraced houses converted into a shop with a leaky roof and no heating! We had to cut a large section of the ceiling away to allow the us to stand the remnants up inside.’ During the 1980‘s the family opened other shops on the Castlereagh Road, Albertbridge Road, and Holywood Arches. During the 1990’s they had four separate shops along the main Albertbridge Road - Keens Carpets, Keens Discount Beds, Keens House of Leather Suites and Keens Vinyl Flooring Centre. The most well known site was the Vinyl Flooring shop, located on the crossroads of Templemore Avenue. Many people will remember fondly this shop was previously Nabneys, an East Belfast landmark for everyone’s Christmas gifts and fancy goods. The plan was to make this site the main Keens hub for Keens range of sofas, beds, tables and chairs, living room furniture, bedroom furniture, pictures, mirrors, lights, cushions and more. ‘The long term aim was to bring all home departments together,’ says Johnny, ‘offering all our customers everything needed for their home under one roof. Building work began in 1999 and after many headaches the new shop was officially opened on the turn of the new millennium! Furniture has become quite fashion led, and it is important that our furniture has great style. That said, as soon as something eye-catching has caught our attention, the quality and longevity of the piece is carefully studied - so we can decide whether or not we will add it to our range, and sell the piece with Keens Interiors name on it! Our recently renovated bed studio offers a great choice of Silentnight, Rest Assured, Sealy and Harrison Beds.’ So with the legacy now standing at 43 years and counting, Johnny is clearly grateful for the community support over the years. ‘We are very fortunate to have a great customer base from East Belfast - and also everyday passing traffic customers. We have known many of our customers for decades, and have been fortunate to often serve more than one generation of the same family. They tell us we provide better value for money and a much better personal service so if our customers are happy, we are happy!’
186 Albertbridge Road Belfast, BT5 4GS. Telephone: 028 9045 3310. www.keensinteriors.com 38 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
a&r Interiors INTRODUCING A NEW SHOWROOM
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Refurbishments Si • Bedrooms Taps and much more 3 Elesington Court, • Home Studies
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3 Elesington Court, Bells Bridge Roundabout, Cregagh Road, Belfast BT6 9JY Tel: 02890 799 664 E: aandrinteriors@gmail.com
Le Summer Summer Special Special
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No terms Let – NoApplyFee And Conditions 8 Grand Parade,And BT5Conditions 5HH TEL: (028) 9070 2999 terms Apply www.visionpropertyagents.co.uk
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