East Belfast Issue 27 • April 2014
www.bloommagazine.co.uk • @bloommag • Find us on Facebook
HAPPY EASTER!
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Food • Cookery • Health • Beauty • Local Advice • Your Regular Faves and MUCH More! Our brand new property section / Post budget advice / Local traders unite / Photography / Local arts projects!
Cookbook
Local News
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BLOOM Contents April 2014
W
m e recently attended the
to go back, to the way it was. This
are working towards one goal
launch of the Newtownards
once thriving and bustling area
together so we look forward to
Road & Inner East Traders’
has been impacted by economic
bringing you more news on this
Association. It was a spirited affair
and social deprivation, shifts in
as things pan out and develop.
and there were some important
population, recession and changes
We congratulate all involved. We
community representatives there to in shopping patterns. All factors
have a broad line up of traders and
hear Chair Karl Bennett launch the
creatives in this edition of Bloom
that need to be addressed across
initiative to build trade and present many areas and sectors. The good
too by the way! A whole host of
a positive image for the area they
news is there are a core of family
local gems plus our snazzy new
serve. It’s a long term project and
businesses already there and some
property section too. Have a great
we put ourselves forward to help
great start ups. Good foundations.
Easter break whatever you get up
in any way we can. A theme of the
There’s still a long way to go but
to and we shall see you right back
feedback on the night was a need
the traders behind the association
here again next month. Enjoy!
Bloom Magazine Belfast @bloommag
Bloom Magazine 308 Albertbridge Road Belfast BT5 4GX www.bloommagazine.co.uk Editorial & Design : Stuart stuart@bloommagazine.co.uk Tel: 07977 144904 Advertising : Angela angela@bloommagazine.co.uk Tel: 07719 104862 Advertising & Accounts : Juanita info@bloommagazine.co.uk Tel: 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.
4 Local News
28 GIRL LOVES VINTAGE
A summary of what’s going down and Vintage tales and discoveries on the what’s already been going down. homeware front from our Rosie.
18 NI HOST FAMILIES
30 COOKBOOK
Welcoming European visitors to Northern Ireland for 7 years now.
Wheat, sugar and dairy free cooking with Susan Jane White.
20 Health & beauty
36 PROPERTY BLOOM
The Secret Day Spa on how to get the Eva Mendes Look.
Our brand new property insight kicks off with Aaron Russell from Cucou.
24 PHOTOGRAPHY
44 GARDENING
Our expert Andrew from Dundela Photo Lab is back with a flash.
Do you fancy growing your own veg this season? Here’s our handy guide.
26 THE BUDGET Post-budget analysis from our expert Richard from Cloud Accounting NI.
44 FINE & DANDY The market showcasing local artists, designers, illustrators and crafters. bloommagazine.co.uk 3
BLOOM News
LOCAL
News
Views
March 2014
Email: stuart@bloommagazine.co.uk Twitter: @bloommag Facebook: Bloom Magazine Belfast Web: bloommagazine.co.uk
CIYMS ON THE BALL FOR CANCER RESEARCH
Even high winds and rain couldn’t put warm-hearted players at CIYMS Tennis Club off their stroke recently as they cheated winter weather by playing their charity tournament in the CIYMS 3-court ‘dome’. Their efforts paid off handsomely and this week they presented a cheque for £655 to the East Belfast
Templemore Baths would like
each family are invited to chat
to ask families who have used
informally with Lorna about
the Baths for several genera-
their life experience and tell
Members of the busy club are
tions to contribute their stories
stories relating to their use of
pictured celebrating net gains
to a dissertation project by
the Baths. Please contact Lorna
for Cancer Research.
Lorna Milligan, who is currently directly at lmill@live.ie or call studying a Masters Degree in
her on 07544251298 should
Applied Digital Media. By mak- you be interested. You can also ing a documentary Lorna hopes leave a note for Lorna at the to reflect on how integral the
Baths or at The Bath House,
Baths currently are, and have
the former manager’s home
been in the past, to the local
behind the Baths at 4 Glenmore
community. Participation will
Avenue, which is an art space
involve a short filmed interview developed by PRIME Collective where a couple of members of
for artists in residence.
branch of Cancer Research.
DONT FORGET! Join Connswater Community Greenway as they officially open the Sam Thompson Bridge on Friday 4th April. Join in the celebrations and be one of 2014 people to ‘get over it’ anytime between 12 - 4pm.
Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster has launched a new Skill project at East Belfast Mission, which aims to assist organisations in Northern Ireland and Great Britain to develop their social enterprise ideas. The Skill project will offer master classes and workshops tailored to the needs of visiting groups, who want to find out how to set up and run a successful social enterprise. It is being supported by Invest Northern Ireland’s Social Entrepreneurship Programme. East Belfast Mission is an award-winning social enterprise providing services to the elderly, people on low income, young children, the homeless and the unemployed. It currently employs 90 people and has 100 volunteer workers. 4 bloommagazine.co.uk
HARLAND YOUTH Team Up For Success
Local TinyTalk Baby Signing classes are growing with an all new toddler class coming to Belfast! These classes are for little ones aged 18 months to 3 years and are open to everyone – whether they have been to baby signing classes or not. Fun with well-known action songs, sharing great story books, playing with puppets, props and percussion instruments. As the children are older though, and generally standing, the classes are more physical, with greater interaction, parachute fun and lots of language games. TinyTalk Baby Signing classes have also been nominated for the prestigious What’s On 4 Juniors Awards 2014. Local teacher, Shelley Wilson, has been nominated for Most Outstanding
Harland Youth have announced a partnership with prestigious east Belfast side, Harland & Wolff Welders, with the aim of providing players that will go into the Tillysburn Park first teams of the future. Harland Youth, a cross community and intergender club side, have confirmed the deal which they are optimistic will bear fruit throughout the years allowing a transfer of skills and knowledge and a sharing of ideas. Harland Youth’s links to east Belfast are everlasting and the club are delighted, through this exciting initiative with Harland & Wolff Welders to further strengthen this bond. Harland Youth boast players from Belfast and beyond, but the club’s east Belfast origins are extremely important, and, like this project, they will continue to look at a variety of ways where they can promote, celebrate and enhance such a positive and meaningful connection. The chairman of Harland Youth, William Sale was enthusiastic about the new connection: “Harland Youth is very excited at the prospect of working closely with Harland & Wolff Welders and forging strong links,” he said. “Like ourselves Harland & Wolff Welders has an excellent reputation in identifying, developing and nurturing young footballers to reach their potential. We would like to thank Harland & Wolff Welders for giving us this opportunity and we look forward to pressing ahead with the plans for the future.”
Activity Leader for the Under 5’s for N. Ireland and Scotland – the only Northern Irish nomination in this category! If you would like any further information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Shelley Wilson on 07928 966443,
East Belfast Ethnic Minority Support Network The network will meet again on Tuesday 29 April at 10.00am in The Micah Centre, My Lady’s Road, and is open to any organisations or individuals with an interest in, or working with, the ethnic minority and migrant worker communities
shelleyw@tinytalk.co.uk or visit
in East Belfast. To confirm your attendance at any of these
www.tinytalk.co.uk/shelleyw.
meetings contact jean@ebcda.org or call 9045 1512. bloommagazine.co.uk 5
BLOOM News EMAIL : stuart@bloommagazine.co.uk
#FuelSave
Staff at Tesco Castlereagh helped launch the new, industryfirst initiative to help customers save up to 20p off a litre of fuel, just by doing their regular shop. Clubcard Fuel Save is the only scheme of its kind in the UK. It is unlike other fuel promotions, which are generally short-term and involve a one-off minimum spend. Now at Tesco, every time a Clubcard holder buys something in store or does their grocery shopping online, however
Action Cancer Men’s Health Checks Action Cancer is continuing to run a Men’s clinic every Monday night from 5.00pm to 8.00pm. Men can book an appointment by phoning 028 9080 3344 or alternatively by going on to their website www.actioncancer.org. Tests provided are: Cholesterol and Glucose, Blood pressure, Body Composition Analysis, Lung Function and Facial skin analysis. In addition cancer awareness advice and advice on lifestyle, diet and exercise is also provided. For further information contact; Malachy Nixon on 028 9080 3344 or email info@actioncancer.org.
small the shop may be, it counts towards a saving on fuel. A 2p fuel discount is awarded for every £50 spent across a month, but customers don’t have to spend £50 all at once. For more information and terms and conditions please visit www.tesco.com/ fuelsave. Follow the conversation on Twitter at #FuelSave or ask a member of staff in your local store.
SPRING TIME AHOY AT BARNETT’S DEMESNE! Get into the open air and enjoy the wonderful Barnett Demesne on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April for the Spring Fair! Besides a host of lovely daffodils, bonsai and other plants, enjoy the birds of prey, small animals, a bushcraft workshop, dancing in the park to Latin-American musicians Allegria. Find out more about traditional woodturning, enjoy archery, off road mountain biking and climbing, create something wonderful out of junk, or just take your ease and enjoy some refreshments in Malone House itself. Time: 1.30pm-5.30pm each day 6 bloommagazine.co.uk
The Health Hub Is a central information point for East Belfast located on the ground floor of East Belfast Network Centre, beside The School Yard Café. It provides health information on a wide range of health issues covering the five themes of East Belfast’s Health Framework. There are leaflets, Events and information on organisations offering help and advice. For more information and to organise a visit contact Alison Bryans, Health Connections Worker at EBCDA on 028 9045 1512 or you can email alison@ebcda.org.
BLOOM News EMAIL : stuart@bloommagazine.co.uk
LOCAL BUSINESS WECLOMES MLA VISIT Flowlens, the East Belfast market leading supplier of solutions that address the ‘Customer Lifecycle’ recently hosted a visit from Arlene Foster MLA, the Northern Ireland Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment. The visit covered the recent growth and customer wins Flowlens has achieved, Flowlens’ plans to move into the UK and international markets and the support received from Invest Northern Ireland in support of these objectives. Flowlens previously traded
has transitioned beyond this
the service operation in support
as ‘Crafty Devil’ and was well
area of business into delivering
of the product. Current genera-
known in Northern Ireland for
a new generation of solutions to
tion software solutions all focus
delivering creative web and
address the ‘Customer Lifecycle’. on one or other of these areas
online marketing solutions to a
combining marketing services,
– Flowlens, uniquely delivers
broad range of customers. Over
sales management, ‘ERP (Enter-
all of them – in a single, simple,
the past two years the company
prise Resource Planning) and
‘joined up’ solution.
The Northern Ireland Hospice marked the opening of its 25th store in Northern Ireland, on the Ballygowan Road. Julian Simmons, one of the charity’s long-standing supporters kick started ce lebrations, cutting the ‘purple’ ribbon and officially declared the shop open. Those wishing to donate items are asked to drop them off between 9.30am- 5pm, Mon to Sat. If you could spare a few hours to help local children, young people and adults with life-limiting illnesses whilst enjoying the fun and friendship associated with being a member of the Hospice Shop volunteer team, drop in and have a chat or phone the shop on 028 9079 3149.
Spring into Easter - Free
Easter Eggstravaganza at
Cine-Saturday on Belfast
spring into Easter festival
Belfast Zoo! You can celebrate
Barge, Lanyon Quay as Cin-
Saturday 19th -Tuesday 22
Easter 18th - 22nd April with all emagic will be showing a special
the animal characters at Belfast Easter screening of Hop! The April from 12 noon-5pm at Belfast City Hall. Free activities Zoo and also follow the amazing film will take place from 12noon to 1.30pm with Easter themed Easter egg trail around the zoo including arts and crafts, park life and drama, storytelling and
while visiting your favourite
arts and crafts available too. £2
children’s workshops.
animals at feeding time.
adult, £4 child.
8 bloommagazine.co.uk
BLOOM News EMAIL : stuart@bloommagazine.co.uk
Castlereagh Borough Council in The 2014 Awards will recognise
and statutory organisations.
partnership with Volunteer Now
individuals and groups under the
Nominations must be made
and the South Eastern Education
following categories:
in writing using the scheme
and Library Board is calling
Unsung Hero
nomination form from the
for nominations to recognise
Long Service Commitment
council website or by contacting
Castereagh’s unsung heroes and
Bringing Communities Together
Community Services on
volunteering stars. The Mayor
Volunteer Team of the Year
028 9049 4500 or emailing
of Castlereagh, Councillor David
Best Newcomer
communityservices@castlereagh.
Drysdale, recently launched the
Best Neighbour
gov.uk. At a glittering awards
Mayor’s Awards for Volunteering
Nominations may be submitted
ceremony later in the year, all
2014, which have been established for recognition under any of the
nominations will be formally
to recognise and say ‘thank you’
six award categories and are
recognised and award winners
to the many individuals who give
invited from members of the
announced. Closing date for
up their time freely to help others
public, including representatives
completed nominations is 4pm
and develop communities.
from community, voluntary
Friday 11 April 2014.
Maitri Studio
a new yoga space for East Belfast
Belfast has a major new yoga and complementary therapy venue in the shape of Maitri Studio at 4 The Mount. Claire Ferry and Maitri’s team of experienced teachers are delighted to welcome people to practice a range of yoga styles at classes throughout the week, or to experience massage and other complementary therapies. Maitri (pronounced “my-tree”) means loving-kindness or universal friendliness. It was Claire’s dream to create a welcoming, friendly and calm space for yoga and similar activities. The two studios and a separate treatment room are available to hire. Claire explains, “Being part of the community is important to us, so we’ll offer some pay-as-you-go classes, where people donate only what they can afford. A similar class I run at the Skainos centre is really popular. We hope the pregnancy and mother & baby classes will be a great support for women, while we have more active classes for those who want to sweat! Yoga can also really help problems including sore backs, anxiety or sleep difficulties.” Maitri Studio has an open day on Saturday 5th April 10am-3pm, including free taster classes. Check the website maitristudio.net for information on regular classes and events, or ring Claire on 07743 841415. 10 bloommagazine.co.uk
JK Autospares YOUR LOCAL SUPPLIER OF CAR ACCESSORIES & PARTS
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WE OFFER A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES INCLUDING: • A FREE windscreen wiper fitting service. We also 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!
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BLOOM News EMAIL : stuart@bloommagazine.co.uk
LOCAL TRADERS UNITE
Small businesses from Belfast’s Lower Newtownards Road, Albertbridge Road and Templemore Avenue have joined forces to make shopping in the area more riveting for locals and visitors alike. Building on heritage, traditional neighbourhood shopping and boosted with a modest influx of new retailers, local businesses have launched themselves as the Newtownards Road & Inner East Traders’ Association in a bid to build trade and present a positive image for the area they serve. While it remains one of Belfast’s busiest arterial routes into the city centre, traders along the Lower Newtownards Road derive little or no benefit from the thousands of commuters
who use the route each day. At its launch the Newtownards Road & Inner East Traders’ Association unveiled its new ‘riveting’ logo with its reminder of ship-building heritage. Over the next few weeks the association will be launching an active presence on facebook and a new A-Z Directory to remind people of the shops and services which they already have right on their own East Belfast doorsteps! NEW PLAY AREAS FOR
families coming soon. Ball can-
nothing they like better than a
ALL KIDS AT STREAMVALE!
nons, mini tractor trails, toy ani-
bit of high tension climbing and
“We have been working very
mal pens are now all successfully to get a treat at the top is heaven
hard to make lots of fun things
under a massive “big top”cover
for two hungry boys” Streamvale
for our big opening which took
so families can play whatever
Farm is open again with all the
place on Saturday 29th March.
the weather.” Commented Bob
usual animal fun, cuddle and
Bob the Builder has been super-
on his last visit. “Our goat kids,
feeding times as well as all the
vising all the works and is happy Bert and Ernie are delighted with new play activities. Phone 028 everything will be ready for the
their new play area too - there is
Thanks to funding from the George Best Belfast City Airport Community Fund, a ‘safety surface’ playground has been installed at the Newtownards Road Women’s Group Tamar Street premises in East Belfast. Tobais, Jack, Skye, Kailey Leigh and Kodi are pictured enjoying their new playground. To date, the airport’s Community Fund has donated over £120,000 to local projects and groups since it was developed in 2009. To find out how your group could benefit from funding please contact: communityfund@belfastcityairport.com. 12 bloommagazine.co.uk
9048 3244 streamvale.com
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Nursery & Afterschool places available Open Mon - Fri 7.30am - 6.00pm 5 Palmerston Rd, Belfast, BT4 1QA Tel: 02890 472848 www.dennursery.com Call us today to arrange a tour. Follow us: www.facebook.com/thedendaynursery
BLOOM EMAIL : stuart@bloommagazine.co.uk
Mimi Turtle, Chief Executive, Strand Arts Centre and Phelim Sharvin, Associate Director, UCIT.
OUT-STRANDING PROJECTION FOR HERITAGE CINEMA
14 bloommagazine.co.uk
The famous Strand Cinema in East Belfast is home to the new Strand Arts Centre who have made their first significant investment to upgrade to its overall arts experience with three new state-of-the-art projectors, thanks to a loan secured from the Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT). UCIT provides community and social enterprises throughout NI and the ROI with access to affordable loans. As a registered charity, all profits generated by UCIT are recycled for reinvestment into the social sector. The Strand first opened its doors as a movie theatre in 1935 but recently due to a lack of modern projectors the cinema had not been able to show the newest movies. The new projectors mark the start of a wider refurbishment project currently being undertaken. As the only theatre in East Belfast, The Strand is aiming to provide a multi-tiered experience for those interested in the arts. The investment means Strand Arts Centre will be able to undertake unique workshops activities such as a filmmakers club where young people can make their own movies and then showcase them on the big screen through the new projectors.
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THE PERFECT HOST Welcoming international students to Northern Ireland
FOUNDER : JUDI BOYLE Spanish students with host family
SHARING
Cultures At Home
Spanish visitors on an adventure programme
horse riding and matching them The Spanish, French and Italians with families who are interested in having been traveling abroad for these sports. Obviously families years during the summer in the receive expenses for getting hope of perfecting their English. involved.’ Some of the host families I felt that there was a need to organise programmes in Northern do this as their own children are learning a language at school but Ireland and this was a great way for local people to show off NI to others simply because they think it is a good idea to expose their our visitors too.’ family to another culture for a The client base is mainly couple of weeks. ‘As I say teenagers who come I felt that for 2 or 3 weeks in orthern Island Host Families there was a need to to the families it is the summer to have a wide range of organise programmes certainly something practice their opportunities for local families in Northern Ireland and they will never English. They with children who would like to this was a great way for forget having are placed local people to show off done! While most welcome one of their younger Northern Ireland to of our visitors are with local host visitors for a couple of weeks our visitors too. teens, we do welcome families who have during the summer holidays. For a limited number of a boy or a girl of a adults they offer the opportunity adults too who come with similar age in order that to host a young person or more the same purpose and stay with friendships can be formed. ‘Host mature adult both during the adult hosts...our oldest client last summer and year round. So where families can show the visitors year was 71 year old Joana from around some of the many lovely did this all begin? ‘I started up Barcelona but she had the energy spots there are to see in NI... Northern Island some 7 years of a 20 year old! She loved it that especially when the sun shines ago now,’ says Judi, ‘after having much she is coming back again worked in marketing at a language like it did last summer. We also this summer! The new website run specialised programmes for travel company in Barcelona. In fact this is still my part time home teens...bringing over visitors who details all the ways any potential as I am married to a Spanish man! are keen on tennis, golf, sailing or hosts might like to get involved.
Northern Island has been welcoming French, Spanish and Italian visitors to NI for the past 7 years to practice their English and live with local families. We speak to the founder Judi Boyle on what inspired this wonderfully fulfilling project.
N
“
“
nihostfamilies.com 18 bloommagazine.co.uk
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The Finery Fabulous Preloved Designer Fashion
Opening 6th Ma y
The Finery. A brand new fashion boutique situated in Holywood focusing on offering the customer the best previously owned top High Street and Designer fashion. Expect Karen Millen, Jaeger, Hobbs, Reiss, LK Bennett, Jigsaw and similar High Street names as well as luxury boutique labels and designer brands. The studio wishes to give customers the opportunity to purchase premium fashion for less. In our opinion being conscious of your spending and wanting to make the pounds go further should not mean having to settle for anything less than top quality. We open on 6th May however we will be taking clothes to sell from 7th April so please do call in and we look forward to welcoming you to The Finery.
1st Floor 76 High Street, Holywood. www.thefinery.co.uk Phone 07513 417553 or find us on Facebook
Health & Beauty 30 Belmont Road • 028 9067 1914 • secretdayspa.co.uk Get the Look : Eva Mendes
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FF L E S U R T 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 for any occasion Relax & Enjoy Our Free Wifi
Open Farm Farm & Cafe Open Every Day!
Lots of friendly animals • Cuddle the chicks and bunnies • Puppies • Nature trail hunts • Watch the milking • Mini farmer play areas • Dog agility • Home made ice cream • Term time fun • Rides available at weekends & holidays
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Andrew Foster, our photographic expert continues his series of tips and advice to help you get the most out of your photography. This month he touches on how to use your flash to best effect, and how to create the perfect composition.
M
“
ost cameras will have a flash which can be set to ON, OFF, AUTO & RED-EYE REDUCTION. Learn how to use the flash, and whether you need to switch it off, or on. Don’t just rely on the automatic flash as sometimes it can produce better pictures by turning it off or on. For example, when outdoors, it can be good to turn the flash on to light up your subject if it is in the shade, even though the automatic flash would be off, due to the rest of the scene being brightly lit. Red-eye is caused by the light reflecting off the subjects’ retina in dim or dark settings. Look for the red-eye reduction setting and, if possible, ask your subject not to look directly into the camera lens. Red-eye reduction flash can often cause blinking - from experience, the absolute best method of preventing red eye in compact cameras, is to NOT use the zoom,
24 bloommagazine.co.uk
indoors with flash. Red-eye can be removed when you review your photos on our kiosks prior to printing, but best try and avoid it in the first place. “When it comes to composing the best possible picture it’s worth remembering that today’s industry standard print sizes may be a slightly different shape to the pictures that your camera takes. You can change the aspect ratio on your camera to suit normal printing preferences. (Use 2:3 for 4x6, 6x9 & 8x12 prints, and 3:4 for 5x7, 6x8 & 8x10) Alternatively, you’ll give yourself more flexibility by zooming out slightly to leave a little room around the edges of your picture. When printing you can crop it depending on the shape you want without losing any of your subject. Cropping may also produce a more interesting layout or give the option to bring more attention to your subject.
My other top tips on composition would be: • Try and keep the camera level with your subject • Don’t take the photo too far away, making your subject too small to be the obvious focal point, and don’t try to fit too much into one picture. • Focus your attention on the background as well as the subject…… do you really want that telegraph pole sticking out of someone’s head? • When taking a picture, make sure the main subject is dominant, and not lost amongst the background. • Try turning the camera around, would a photo look more interesting if it was taken vertically rather than horizontally, or even at an angle?! • Move the subject around inside the frame, don’t always keep them in the middle of the shot. • Your photos can be cropped when printed to produce a more interesting layout.
Moving House? In today’s property market you need an experienced and proactive solicitor to make sure your transaction runs smoothly. We can help. Call or email us if you are: • Buying or selling a property • A first time buyer • Buying through Co - Ownership • Re - Mortgaging For a free competitive quotation Call: 028 9045 3449 Email: quote@reidblack.com
Proactive, Professional & Solution-driven Advice 2 Holywood Road Belfast BT4 1NT www.reidblack.com
THE BUDGET 2014
QUIDS IN
The Man With the Red Case
Or Lost Out?
There were a lot of new measures announced in George Osborne’s 2014 Budget. So did the Budget bring anything exciting for you? Are you in the Winners Enclosure or are you grouped with the Losers in the Chancellors Annual Day Out ? Richard Graham from Cloud Accounting NI digs deep.
The Winners
The Losers
• Isa savers. The Chancellor’s first magic trick was a rise in the amount we can save tax-free, which was raised from £11,520 to £15,000 from July 1 this year. They can also save the full amount in cash, rather than only half, as at present. • Pensioners. A whole range of changes to the pensions system, including more flexibility over taking an income from a pension and a pledge that no one would be forced to buy an annuity. Also, anyone 65 or over will be allowed to put up to £10,000 in a new type of “Pensioner bond”, from January next year paying a whopping 4pc. • Around 1.9m parents will be eligible for a new system of “20pc off” child care tax breaks to replace the current voucher system. It has now decided to increase the eligible total to £10,000, meaning a benefit worth £2,000 for each child. • Socially-aware investors will be able to take advantage of new social investment tax relief with a 30pc tax break. • Small Businesses Investment allowances doubled to £500,000 and extended to the end of 2015. For small, loss-making businesses there was extra help with the Research & Development credit payable increasing from 11% to 14.5%. Under-21s are taken out of employers’ national insurance contributions which should lower wage bills.
• Those trying to avoid stamp duty on homes worth more than £500,000 who will now be charged 15%. • Families where one parent stays at home to take care of the children will not qualify for the new child care subsidy worth up to £2,000 per child. The scheme, which covers children up to the age of 12, will come in from September next year. • Investors who use tax-efficient schemes such as VCTs and EISs. The Chancellor said he would take action to curb abuse of these schemes, meaning more investors losing tax breaks they expected. • Those earning around £40,000. The 40pc tax rate threshold of £41,450 will only go up 1pc higher next year and the year after meaning millions more people will be dragged into the band as their salaries rise. • Those who were planning to retire at 55 who are currently 40 or under… will now have to wait until they 57 before they can access their pension, either the 25pc tax-free lump sum or the remainder, which is taxed.
26 bloommagazine.co.uk
If you’re a non smoking, Bingo playing OAP, like a tipple and have healthy bank balances then you are the big winner, whilst the winners were working families with children. For advice on how to make the budget work for you, get in touch with us Cloud Accounting NI.
cloudaccountingni.com
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Or ring to have your order ready for collection. Deliveries £1.20 for 3 mile radius.
MEAL FOR 1 10” Pizza (Margherita with 3 toppings) Chips Can
MEAL FOR 2 12” Pizza (3 toppings) Potato Wedges & dip Garlic Bread 2 Cans
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DONER KEBAB MEAL Doner kebab in pitta with salad & sauce Chips Can
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Homeware Wonders
I love this time of year! Spring has sprung and the longer, brighter days always fill me with lots of energy. So it’s time to give the house a much needed deep-clean after the long, dark days of winter. A spring clean is always a good excuse to hit the charity shops with bags of much-loved but unwanted clothes, toys, entertainment and
VINTAGE Tales & Discoveries
homeware. And while you’re there, it’s good to have a nosey for a bargain for the house too.
STAND AND DELIVER
I have picked up so many interesting items for my home from my local charity shops. One of my favourites is this colourful cake stand by Aynsley China from the NI Hospice shop. It’s so beautiful that I could never bear to place a soggy bottom on it so it keeps my baking in check too!
Aynsley cake stand, £5.95, NI Hospice shop, Ballyhackamore.
MARVELLOUS MIXING & MATCHING As readers of my blog know, blue is my favourite colour and I am a huge fan of ‘Blue Nordic’ china by J&G Meakin. You can pick up bits and pieces of the range from as little as 50p-I found these pretty scalloped plates for under £2 from the Cancer Research store. There’s a resurgence of interest in vintage dinner and tea sets at the moment and it’s fun to mix and match plates and cups in a particular colour from different makers. Charity shops are great places to build Nordic blue plates, from 50p at Cancer Research, Cregagh Rd
your collection. So if you’re bored of buying bits and pieces for your home in the same places all the time, visit your local charity shop for a change. You may well find something old and interesting that becomes a talking point over dinner!
BOTTOMS UP And who remembers Baby Cham?! This little glass was 50p from Marie Curie and I love it. It makes me think of family get-togethers and the fun times of the 1980s. I’m hoping to add to the collection in the coming months so if you see one on your travels, tweet me please!
28 bloommagazine.co.uk
Babycham glass, 50p from Marie Curie, Belmont Rd
Rosie x
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THE EXTRA VIRGIN KITCHEN
Wheat Sugar & Dairy Free Eating
Introducing the Irish Gwyneth Paltrow … Susan Jane White’s Extra Virgin Kitchen is packed with sinfully delicious recipes for wheat-free, sugar-free and dairy-free eating. Susan Jane White is a specialist cook and food columnist with The Sunday Independent. A former president of Oxford University’s Gastronomy Society, she is a popular broadcaster on health and nutrition. She lives in Dublin with her husband and two little boys. Here she shares her much sought after, delicious recipes for sugar-free, dairy-free and wheat-free eating.
Smoked Salmon Blini with Healthier Hollandaise “If you could do one thing to improve your health this year, swap your nasty margarine and commercial salad dressing for this incredibly sumptuous mayonnaise. When made with warm coconut oil, it rivals the most heavenly hollandaise to ever kiss a blini.” For the ‘hollandaise’: 2 egg yolks 1/4 cup flaxseed oil or Udo’s Oil 1/4 cup extra virgin coconut oil, melted 2 big garlic cloves, crushed 1–2 tablespoons unpasteurised cider vinegar 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 30 bloommagazine.co.uk
The Extra Virgin Kitchen published by Gill & Macmillan priced at £24.99.
6–8 anchovies, chopped For the buckwheat blini: 1 cup buckwheat flour 1 teaspoon baking powder salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 egg 2/3 cup almond/hemp/oat milk Extra virgin coconut oil, to fry 8–10 slices of smoked salmon Makes 8–10 big blinis To make the ‘hollandaise’, run the motor of your food processor with the egg yolks. Keeping the motor on low, gradually add a steady stream of flaxseed oil and watch it thicken ever so gradually. Add it drop by drop – don’t rush or you will end up curdling it, as I have done through impatience and overexcitement many a time. This can take up to 4 minutes. Repeat with
the coconut oil. When it gets very thick, it’s time to add the crushed garlic and cider vinegar to thin it out and give it an edge. Keep the motor running. Next, slowly add the olive oil, watching the mayo thicken again. Always add the olive oil after the coconut oil and not the other way around. Olive oil can turn bitter if overly whisked. Finally, add the anchovies and pulse briefly – you don’t want to pulverise the anchovies. Taste and adjust the sharpness of the cider vinegar to your preference. If it’s too sharp, turn on the motor again and add a little more olive oil. Scoop into a screw-top jar and refrigerate for up to 3 weeks. A jar is approximately 12 portions. To make the blini, sieve the flour, baking powder and a generous amount of seasoning into a bowl. In a separate cup, beat the egg with the milk and gradually pour
FOR LEMON WHOOPIE PIE DESSERT VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.BLOOMMAGAZINE.CO.UK
into the dry ingredients, whisking all the while to prevent lumps. The batter lasts for 2 days in the fridge, so advance preparation is easy. Heat some extra virgin coconut oil in a large non-stick frying pan on a medium to high heat. Drop enough of the blini batter to form a drop scone and fry for 20–30 seconds, until set.
Chocolate Chilli con Carne with Coconut Yoghurt and Jazzy Onions “Here’s a good way of introducing more beans and veg to your diet without feeling oppressed. It doesn’t actually taste of chocolate, but rather, utilises cacao powder as another spice in the mix. Serve with great big dollops of cultured coconut yoghurt, macerated red onions and exceptional company.” 1 1/2 cups dried kidney beans, soaked overnight 2 onions diced 2 red peppers 1 large carrot 4 garlic cloves extra virgin olive or coconut oil, for sautéing 2 tablespoons tomato purée (optional) 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 tablespoon raw cacao powder 1 tablespoon sweet or hot paprika (optional) 1 cinnamon stick good pinch of dried chilli flakes pinch of coconut sugar (optional) 500g minced beef 2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes just over 300ml veg or beef stock
Chilli
Blinis salt and pepper 1 tablespoon ground cumin 2–4 squares dark or raw chocolate (optional) To serve: 1 small red onion 1 really juicy lime 1 tablespoon nam pla (optional) fresh coriander (optional) natural coconut yoghurt, eg CoYo Soak the dried kidney beans overnight. Dice the onions and roughly chop the peppers and carrot into bitesized chunks, discarding the pepper seeds and stalks. Slice your garlic. Heat a little oil in your largest sauté pan or frying pan (I have 2 going at the same time to speed things up). Sweat the onions first, stirring regularly for 10 minutes, until they become glassy. Put them aside, then sauté the peppers and carrot until soft but not browned. Add the garlic towards the end, along with the tomato purée, spices and coconut sugar (if using). Cook for a good 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and pile on top of the resting onions Now
whack up the heat and brown the mince all over. Mince needs to be browned or the end result will be disappointingly insipid. You may need to do this in 2 batches. Tip in the soaked kidney beans (tinned is okay in an emergency), tinned tomatoes and stock. Don’t worry if it looks a little icky. The pot will transform in a few hours. Stir in the veg, pop a lid on and let it paddle on a low heat for 2–3 hours. It’s done as soon as the beans are soft, but not mushy. Taste, tickle with salt and pepper and add the cumin and dark chocolate to liven it up. If you feel it needs more pungency, add some yeast extract, blackstrap molasses or chopped anchovies. To serve, cut the red onion in half and finely slice into semi-circles. Squeeze the lime over the onions, Top each bowl of chilli con carne with a little macerated red onion, fresh coriander (if using) and a great big dollop of cultured coconut yoghurt in place of sour cream. It’s the holy trinity to a good con carne!
bloommagazine.co.uk 31
The Property Bloom IT’S ON The House
Welcome to Bloom Magazine’s Essential Local Property Insight
W
ith signs of recovery in the things are indeed on the up. angle direct from one of your local property market in East Confidence is high and properties estate agents right here in East Belfast, we are in constant contact are moving. There are a number Belfast kicking off with Aaron with the local estate agents and
of reasons for this so each month
Russell from Cucou. Enjoy the
the overall consensus is that
we will be bringing you an expert
advice... it’s on the house.
“
With the economic gloom starting to lift, how has this affected the housing market? The housing market has shown great signs of recovery with sales on the increase and general confidence within a purchaser at its highest for some time now. For the first time in several years demand for housing is outweighing supply. What factors have contributed to this? 1. The unavailability of mortgages had a dramatic effect on
Expert Advice
mobility in the housing sector. Mortgages are now becoming
“The market has shown great signs of recovery with sales on the increase and general confidence within a purchaser at its highest for some time now” 32 bloommagazine.co.uk
more readily available to first time buyers. First time buyers are struggling to get the average 10% deposit saved. Mortgage lenders and developers are under pressure from the government to look at more innovative ways to ease this situation. 2. The number of homeowners in negative equity has clearly impacted on supply. People want to move but can’t. This has forced mortgage lenders to examine alternative ways to allow borrowers to move their mortgage. 3. The significant decline in the construction sector in recent years has reduced the number of new houses being built but there are some indications that this is being addressed. 4. Added to all this, unemployment levels and general job insecurity have also stifled the supply of houses. All these factors have reduced normal mobility in the housing sector. However, this year a certain level of confidence is returning to the market and this increased demand has inevitably driven prices
“
LOCAL EXPERT PROFILE: Aaron Russell (Director) AGENCY: Cucou. SERVICES: Sales & Rentals. FAVOURITE THING ABOUT EAST BELFAST: The amount of small businesses opening & the people of East Belfast’s support for this.
upwards as there is an insufficient supply of stock. More attractive prices will in time encourage more people to consider moving as normal economic supply and demand rules come in to play.
028 9065 5999 cucou.co.uk
We have a passion for property. More than that, we have a passion for helping people find the right home for them.
15B Belvoir Crescent, Belfast £69,950
107 Old Holywood Rd, Belfast £299,950
Exceptionally Well Presented First Floor Apartment Bright and Spacious Accommodation Tasteful use of Internal Decor Lounge Modern Fully Fitted kitchen Two Double Bedrooms Bathroom With Luxurious White Suite
Tasteful Use Of Internal Décor Throughout Bright and Spacious Living Environment Lounge. Open Plan Kitchen/Living/Dining Room Four Well Proportioned Bedrooms With The Master Incorporating An En-Suite Shower Family Room, Utility Room, Family Shower Room with Luxurious White Suite Large Enclosed Rear Garden. Detached Garage
43 Kilmuir Ave, Dundonald £69,950
33 Lisavon Street, Belfast £69,950
Well cared for mid terrace property Two reception rooms Three bedrooms Modern white bathroom Oil fired central heating Gardens front and rear Excellent for a young couple or first time buyer
Attractive red brick mid terrace Comfortable living room with wooden flooring Modern fitted kitchen with stainless steel oven Luxury white bathroom suite Double glazed windows Oil fired central heating Close to Holywood & Belmont Road Ideal first time buy
16–18 Belmont Road, Belfast, BT4 2AN t: 028 9065 5999 e: info@cucou.co.uk
cucoucalling cucoucalling
VISION PROPERTY
Castle Properties PASSIONATE ABOUT PROPERTIES
COME TO CASTLE PROPERTIES - YOUR LOCAL ESTATE AGENTS
55 Stonebridge Avenue Newtownards BT23 7QL
Castle Offers Around £174,950 LANDLORDS Properties • 4 Bedrooms (Ensuite) • White Sanitary
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• 2+ Reception Rooms • Oil Fired Central Heating • Upvc Double Glazing • Tastefully Decorated COME TO CASTLE PROPERTIES - YOUR LOCAL ESTATE AGENTS FREE NO OBLIGATION • White Shaker Kitchen • Corner Site
RENTAL ASSESSMENT
An exceptionally well presented detached villa occupying a prominent setting within the development. It should be obvious, once viewed, you’ve found an absolute gem of a property in this detached home. The property occupies a pleasant corner site with a beautiful outlook over a mature green area. This is an excellent opportunity to purchase a beautifully presented four bedroom detached house.
NO LET, NO FEE.
INNOVATIVE LANDLORDS MARKETING STRATEGY REQUIRED OUT OF HOURS FREE NO OBLIGATION
RENTAL ASSESSMENT VIEWINGS NO LET, NO FEE.
LANDLORDS REQUIRED! INNOVATIVE
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02890 419265 1 Church Road, Belfast, Dundonald, BT16 2LN. CALL US:
02890 419265 CALL US:
FREE NO OBLIGATION RENTAL ASSESSMENT MARKETING STRATEGY
NO LET NO OF FEE • INNOVATIVE MARKETING OUT HOURS NO SALES FEE UPFRONT A friendly hello from Dundonald's new Castle 02890 419265 OUT OF HOURS VIEWINGS FIXED FEE VIEWINGS Properties local estate agents Castle Properties. NO
1 Church Road, Dundonald Belfast, BT16 2LN info@castle-properties.net Sales Lettings
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Castle Properties
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AT Financial COMPLETION OF SALE Services.
A friendly hello from Dundonald's new local estate agents Castle Properties.
Lettings
Financial Services.
392a Upper Newtownards Road Belfast BT4 3EY www.grangepartners.co.uk
Estate EstateAgents Agents& &Surveyors Surveyors
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FORTHE THE FIRST FIRST 30 30 HOMES HOMES FOR WELIST LIST FOR FOR SALE SALE OR TO LET. WE OR TO LET. (subject to terms and conditions). (subject to terms and conditions).
Call us on 028 9002 0506
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KEEPING YOU BUSY
What’s On
Toddler Groups Mondays Sydenham Parent & Toddler
Mon 10-11.30 £1 per family Tea/coffee/juice/toast. Inverary CC BT4 1RN Tel: 028 9047 1456 St Finnians
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 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) £3.50 per mum including breakfast and creche provided. 10 Belmont Rd, BT4 2AN Tel: 028 9067 1838 www.thisiscfc.com
Mersey Street Presb. Parents & Toddlers
£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
10.15- 11.45am (term time) Cregagh Methodist Church £1.50 per family per morning (incl juice/ snack & tea/coffee/snack for the adults. 28-30 Cregagh Rd BT6 9EQ Tel: 028 9045 7564
Wednesdays Busy Bees
10 -11:30am Knock Methodist Church, Knock Road, BT5 6JA Tel: 028 9065 3413
Luncheon Club
For senior citizens. Cregagh Methodist. 12 noon. £1.50. Pre bookm meals at the church office on 028 9045 7564.
Orangefield Baptist Church 37 North Road, BT5 5NE Mothers & Toddlers 10.30-12
smallTALK @ orangefield
10-11.45am O’field Church & Community, 464 Castlereagh Road BT5 Tel: 07745 076911 www.orangefield.org.uk Willowfield Mother & Toddler
10-12pm W’stock Rd, BT6 8PR Tel: 028 9045 7654 office@willowfieldchurch.co.uk
Thursdays Bloomfield Methodist Church
10-11.45am term time Mersey St Pres BT1 1EX Tel: 028 90 657025 aburcombe@gmail.com www.merseystreet.org.uk £1 donation
10-11.30am £1 per family
10am-12 Bloomfield Avenue Tel: 028 9065 2321 www.stdonards.com
Parents & Toddlers. 10-11.30am Upper Newtownards Rd £1 donation www.kirkpatrickmemorial.org
St Donards Church
38 bloommagazine.co.uk
Grand Parade 028 9065 8946.
Cregagh Mums & Tots 10-12pm Cregagh CC Mount Merrion Avenue Tel: 028 9040 1444
Kirkpatrick Memorial Presb
Knock Parent & Toddler 10-11.45am Knock Presbyterian 53 Kings Road, BT5 6JH Gillian 07803 117619. knockpresbyterian.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 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 (2nd & 4th Mon) 2-4pm Bedtime Stories. 7pm. MeTime (Last Mon) Group for busy women
Bean Blessed
Bloomfield Ave Congregational Church FREE tea/ coffee, scones & pastries. 10.30-12 Everyone welcome.
Harding Memorial
Rainbows girls age 4-7 Monday 6pm, Brownies girls age 7-10 Monday 7pm Guides girls aged 10-14 Mondays 7pm. Contact Clare 07905 556825. Orangefield Baptist
Ladies Coffee Morning. First Monday of each month. 10.30am. All welcome. 37 North Rd. BT5 7NE. 028 9065 7876
Skainos Building skainos.org
Badminton 2-3pm Crosslinks - Cross Community Arts 7-9pm 14-21 yr olds. Contact Andy Hill.
Strand Cinema & NI Stars Holywood Road, BT4 .nistars.com Singling & dancing 7-8pm
02890 641 229
KEEPING YOU BUSY
What’s On
Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668 Zumba 6-7pm Aerobics 7-8pm Yoga 8.15-9.30pm
Tuesdays Belmont Tower
www.belmont-tower.co.uk Core fitness 9.30am-10.30am Childrens dance classes 4-7pm Zumba Classes 6-7.15pm Pregnancy Yoga 7.30-8.30pm
Skainos Building skainos.org Compass Womens Group 7-9pm Zumba 12.30-1.30pm
Lily’s Bistro
223 Castlereagh Rd. 028 9045 4287 Curry & Quiz Night - First Tues of each month.
Wandsworth Community Kids Irish dancing 4-6.30pm, Aerobics 7.15-8.15pm Tai Chi 8.15-9.30pm
Wednesdays Girls Brigade
Bloomfield Ave Congregational Church Ages 3-7 yrs 6.15 pmAges 8 yrs upwards - 7.30 pm bloomfieldcong@gbni.co.uk All girls welcome.
Over 60’s Lunch Club
Bloomfield Methodist Church 12.30pm. 3 courses for £3. Grand Parade.Tel: 028 9065 2314 to book.
Skainos Bulding skainos.org Compass Kidz Gap - Parents, guardians, toddlers - crafts, games, stories 10am-12 Going Green Gardening 2-4pm Yoga 5.30-7pm
Strand Cinema & NI Stars Holywood Road, BT4 Drama 6-8pm www.nistars.com
Belmont Tower
www.belmont-tower.co.uk Baby massage 10am-1pm Yoga with Eleanor 5.45-7.45pm 39th Old Boys 7-9pm 40 bloommagazine.co.uk
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 Ballyhackamore Library
1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 Rhythm & Rhyme (first & third Thursdays of the month) 11.15am Book Pack (1st Thur) Adult reading group Game On 6-8pm for games galore
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 E Belfast Historical Society 10th Apr Belmont Tower - Paul Millar.
Skainos Building skainos.org
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. Compass Mens Group 7-9pm 50+ Gardening & Crafts Thurs 1-2.30pm
Wandsworth Community
Line Dancing
Bloomfield Ave Congregational Church £3 per person.
Skainos Building skainos.org Fusion - Weekly programme of games, crafts & fun for p1-p7’s. 6.30-8pm £1 per person. Contact Tanita Robinson.
Wandsworth Community
Busybees musictime for babies 9.45am10.45am £3.95 per family. Computers for beginners 10am-12 and 1-3pm, Childrens Ju Jitsu 7-8pm Fitness & Boxing Class 8.30-9.30pm
Shiloh Hall
07712 299206, 76 The Mount, BT5 4ND Coffee Morning 10:30-12 Children welcome.
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
Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668 Jump Jiggle & Jive 9.30-12.30, Childrens Art Class 10am-11am & Ignite teens dance 1.30-4.30pm
028 9065 1668 LA Dance (kids Hip Hop) 5-6pm Aerobics 7-8pm. Core Combat 8.30-10pm
Sundays
Fridays
516 Upp N’Ards Rd. 028 9047 1774 - 11am
Albertbridge Congregational 6 Woodstock Link 028 9045 7434 Friday Friendship - A cuppa and a chat anytime between 10.30am - 12.30pm.
SD Bells-Java Jive Jazz Brunch Strand Cinema & NI Stars Holywood Road, BT4 Singling & dancing 1.30-3.30pm www.nistars.com
Ballyhackamore Library
1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 Chill Out Family Story Time. 3.30pm.
Belmont Tower
www.belmont-tower.co.uk Belcanto School of Singing 10-1pm
stuart@ bloommagazine.co.uk
love
Slimming World Join a warm and friendly group near you today…
MONDAY
THE PAVILION
MORNING GROUPS
GILNAHIRK PRIMARY SCHOOL
WEDNESDAY
Stormont Estate, Dundonald BT4 3TA Knockbreda Methodist TUESDAY 10am, 5:30pm & 7:30pm CREGAGH Church, Contact: Iris 60-66 Rosetta Road, PRESBYTERIAN 07752 980720 BT6 0LU 102- 104 Cregagh Road, 5:30pm & 7:30pm BT6 9ER WEDNESDAY Contact: Kerrie 10:30am BLOOMFIELD 07895 668311 Contact: Esther PRESBYTERIAN 07804 095409 447 Beersbridge Road, DUNDONALD Junction of Cyprus Ave, THE PAVILION METHODIST CHURCH Islay Gdns (off Rank Rd) Bloomfield, BT5 5DW Stormont Estate, 9:30am, 3:30pm, 5:30pm Dundonald Dundonald BT4 3TA & 7:30pm BT16 2WZ 10am Contact: Deborah 5:30pm & 7:30pm Contact: Iris 07708 373567 Contact: Iris 07752 980720 07752 980720 ROSETTA
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148 Gilnahirk Road, BALLYHACKAMORE BT5 7QQ Bloomfield Collegiate School, Astoria Gardens 5:30pm & 7:30pm Contact: Ashleigh BT5 6HW 07731 420680 5:30pm & 7:30pm Contact: Sally THURSDAY 07738 713436 CASTLEREAGH
BRANIEL PRIMARY SCHOOL
The Royal British Legion, Montgomery Road, BT6 9JD 5:30pm & 7:30pm Contact: Esther 07804 095409
scan here or visit the website to read Aimee ’ s story
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Ravenswood Park, Braniel BT5 7JU 5:30pm & 7:30pm Contact: Ashleigh 07731 420680
save £5 half
price membership
Just £9.95 on yo ur first night then £4.95 a week. See website for details.
BLOOMFIELD PRESBYTERIAN
447 Beersbridge Road, Junction of Cyprus Ave Bloomfield BT5 5DW 9:30am Contact: Deborah 07708 373567
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Grow your For your free quotation: business with Bloom bloom Magazine
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Bye Bye Summer! Food & cookery ranging from inspiration to recipes to local restaurant reviews.
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Can you dig it? It’s National Gardening Week this month from 14-20th April. Have you been mulling over whether to grow your own? What better time to give it a rattle. Here’s our handy guide.
YES We Can
The Layout
Using the Plot Before you start digging holes, thinking about where the best place is in your garden to grow fruit and vegetables. To do this, you need to consider a number of options:
• Don’t expect to be chilling on a deck chair supping a cold one in the hazy sunshine every evening. Fruit and veg plots require lots of work
Try to find a sunny spot with good drainage. A south-facing aspect is ideal.
• Secondly, ensure paths between your beds are wide enough to take the wheelbarrow, and ideally have a hard surface. For example paving slabs will stop your feet getting too muddy.
1.
2.
Avoid overhanging tree branches and shade cast by buildings or hedges.
3.
Make sure there is plenty of water. Avoid the area next to hedges as this tends to be dry.
4.
Provide as much shelter from wind. You may need to put up a windbreak.
like planting, weeding, watering, tying, harvesting, manuring. But you can make your life a little easier by designing the plot to make it low maintenance. Meaning more time for more cold ones. Best way to do this is divide the plot into four areas which helps you rotate the crops, minimising disease problems in the future.
• In terms of size, your beds should be about 1.2m (4ft) wide with paths all around if possible. This way you can water and weed away. • A source of water nearby would be great. An outdoor tap even better. On hot, sunny days you’ll prefer drizzling your parsnips with a hose than carry heavy watering cans back and forward. • You don’t have to have a dedicated fruit and veg plot. Don’t be afraid to mix them in with your flowering plants such as red flowered beans, crinkly leaved lettuce, black French beans and yellow tomatoes. Or you can use vertical shelving in your yard as shown above. Or what about creating a temporary ‘hedge’ of runner beans over a net, or maybe willow teepees in a small bed growing beans or cucumbers. Or of course you can use containers. Salad leaves, herbs, courgettes and climbing beans all grow perfectly well in containers. If your yard is a heat trap, add
tomatoes and sweet peppers to the list. You could also rent an allotment space through the council or privately . The great news is that if none of those options suit, we have community gardens on your doorstep. There’s the Avoniel Community Garden at the leisure centre (028 9046 7925) and at Skainos (028 9073 8989) Ensure there is protection from Take care of your plants and they’ll take care of you. Start with good plants wildlife. You may need a rabbit or seed, give them what they want: food, water and light - and they’ll do and/or deer-proof fence. the work for you. Enjoy!
5.
44 bloommagazine.co.uk
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FINE AND DANDY The FINE & DANDY market showcases the work of independent artists, designers, illustrators and crafters alongside stalls from collectors of records, books and vintage wares and quality local food & drink produce. We speak to founder Kellie.
graduated from Fashion & “ITextiles Design at the University
and it was the obvious area for me
records, vintage wares and quality
to set up the market. The Crescent local food & drink produce. We
of Ulster in 1999,’ says Kellie, ‘and
Arts Centre is such a beautiful
have a bakery and crepe stand, a
found there were no outlets for
venue with a great atmosphere.’
wonderful henna artist and the
graduates to gain exposure and
The first market took place in
soundtrack to the day is provided
sell their work within the city. This June 2013 starting out small with
by our second- hand vinyl stall.
is something that stuck in my
approximately 18 exhibitors in
mind for years and I was spurred
the Studio of
into action early last year when we
the Crescent
were trying to find art work for our
Arts Centre…
new home and remember thinking,
the following
‘wouldn’t it be great if there was a
month, it
dedicated alternative market place
almost doubled
where you could pick up pieces?’ I
in size and took
set about emailing a few people I
on the Cube
knew who I thought would fit the
Theatre. It now
vibe I was trying to create, and
operates a full
thankfully they all had faith in me
market on the last Sunday of
talent and new exhibitors.’ For an
and jumped on board.’
the month, with space booking
exhibitors info pack email hello@
Kellie visited the Graduate Degree
up two months in advance.
fineanddandymarket.co.uk. Market
Show at the Art College, picked
So what can you expect to see
is last Sunday of every month,
up some business cards and
when you visit? ‘The FINE &
11.30am - 3.30pm. Free entry. The
sneakily left her flyer at a few of
DANDY MARKET showcases
next markets are 27th April, 25th
the students stands! ‘I have always
the work of independent artists,
May and they celebrate their 1st
felt the Queens/Botanic Quarter
designers, illustrators and crafters
Birthday with what will be a special
is the bohemian heart of Belfast
alongside stalls from collectors of
market held on Sunday 29th June.
We provide a Market Place and
There is now a “lovely group of core
exhibitors who join us every month, but I do love to welcome new exhibitors and feel this keeps the market fresh and exciting.
“
platform for designer-makers to sell direct to their customers, to gain exposure and confidence in dealing with the public. We are always on the look-out for fresh
fineanddandymarket.co.uk 46 bloommagazine.co.uk
A5_Flyer_front (1).pdf
1
14/11/2012
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Y
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Terra Firma Tile & Bath Grand Parade Belfast
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