bloom Magazine Issue 3: February 2012
The very latest news from the community delivered to your letterbox for free every month.
Food and cookery ranging from easy peasy inspiration to recipes to local restaurant reviews.
What’s going on in your own neighbourhood, health, beauty, local legends and much more.
Love is in the air!
“Peter would like to take this opportunity to introduce Louise (Formerly of Lounge, Ballyhackamore). Louise is looking forward to welcoming her clients to her beautiful new salon. We would also like to welcome Vicky Westwood. Vicky is a very talented and creative young stylist who we are delighted to have on our team.�
Our highly experienced and creative team specialise in bridal parties. Trust us to help make your day extra special.
Peter Oliver Hairdressing
223 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3JF
t: 028 9067 1058 e: peter@peterolivers.com www.peterolivers.com Open: Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri: 09.30-17.00 Thu 09.30-20.30 Sat .8.30-16.00
A very warm welcome, come on in. .
Hello
Issue 3
Welcome Given that February’s claim to fame is without doubt Valentines Day, we thought it fitting to crank up the love-ometer even more and present our wedding special in this issue too! With perhaps a whole host of proposals taking place over the festive period and of course on New Years Eve, assuming they weren’t retracted the next day with a clear head, we reckon there will be a fair few couples in the midst of planning their big day be it this year or further down the line. The good news is that the planning of a wedding is much smoother than it used to be and the number of people out there who can not only help you out but can provide something totally unique and bespoke to you is fantastic. We spoke to just a handful of experts who have kindly given us their thoughts and ideas from hen parties to headwear to honeymoons. Also in this issue we have our regular look at some of East Belfast’s newest and longest serving establishments, the latest local news and events, cookery and of course we have a broad selection of local advertisers helping you make the decision to shop local much, much easier. So remember, if you use one of the businesses inside, tell them where you spotted them and spread the word. Thanks for your support. If you would like to find out how you could grow your own business by advertising with us, contact angela@bloommagazine.co.uk 07719 104862 If you have news, events, charity updates or anything else you want East Belfast to know about, contact stuart@bloommagazine.co.uk
@bloommag
Find us on
Bloom Magazine 308 Albertbridge Road Belfast BT5 4GX www.bloommagazine.co.uk Printed by GPS www.gpscolour.co.uk • Delivered by Ace Distribution www.acedistributionni.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.
www.bloommagazine.co.uk 3
Belf ast Blooms floral art
At Belfast Blooms we have been supplying beautiful flowers since 1998. Our customers love our unique blend of blooms and exotic flowers.
“Will you be getting yours on Valentines Day Feb 14th?” Let us help! And don’t forget us for all your school formal flowers
87 Castlereagh Street, Belfast BT5 4FN Tel: 028 9045 0650 www.belfastblooms.co.uk
Contents
February 2012
Bloom. The local magazine for your community. 23
21
16
6 Local News
23 Cookbook
15 Health & Beauty
28 Food Focus
16 Wedding Special
30 What’s On?
21 Rising Stars
34 Local Legend
The very latest headlines direct from the East Belfast area and beyond.
It’s a love thing with our resident beauty experts; The Secret Day Spa.
Plan your dream wedding with tailor made advice from the local experts.
Dj duo Mark and Chris discuss the popularity of their Bespoke Music Solutions .
Pure indulgence this month and the sweetest of creations in Tea with Bea.
Italian restaurant Il Pirata has docked in Ballyhackamore, we take a look on board.
Calenders poised and at the ready, here’s what’s happening this month.
27 years hairdressing and still as passionate as day one; it’s Kenneth Michael. www.bloommagazine.co.uk 5
News
Local news and views. Get in touch.. How to Make Your Unwanted Christmas Presents Turn a Child’s Life Around
Barnardo’s NI is appealing for unwanted gifts from the festive season to be donated to their shops in East Belfast at King’s Square Dundonald so they can be sold to raise vital funds. All money raised in Barnardo’s shops is used to fund the charity’s 40+ projects across the region that support children who are affected by today’s most urgent issues - including those living in poverty, who have suffered abuse or who are disabled. With an estimated 30% of the gifts given at Christmas being unwanted, Barnardo’s guarantees they can find a customer for those unwanted gifts. Shoppers can buy quality collectibles, household goods, books, toys, children’s clothes, books, accessories as well as men’s and ladies’ fashions at Barnardo’s shops. www.barnardos.org.uk/northernireland
Local youth football club Newbridge AFC is available to both boys and girls. They train down at Avoniel every Wednesday night between 7pm 8pm and anyone interested in playing is very welcome to come along to the training sessions to find out more. Gym’ll Fix It
ADAM Newton, DUP Councillor for East Belfast’s Pottinger Area has welcomed the decision of Belfast City Council’s Parks and Leisure Committee to provide an outdoor gym in Orangefield Park. Adam Newton said, ‘I believe this will become a positive feature of the park and will be useful for park users of all ages. It will encourage increased exercise levels that will help make East Belfast people fitter and healthier. I want the council to work alongside the recently formed Friends of Orangefield Park group to deliver this project. It seems appropriate that the new outdoor gym should be sited in close proximity to the bowling pavilion, the football pitches and the playground; this would encourage full use of the gym equipment.’
ICONIC BUILDING NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT
Templemore Avenue Public Baths and Swimming Pools were built as one of four public baths in the City during the late 1800’s. Now known as Templemore Swim & Fitness Centre, the 25 yard pool is still in operation. In addition the centre also has a fully equipped gym, sauna and steam room. In partnership with Belfast City Council and one of its major users, Templemore Aquatics Sports Club (www.templemore.org.uk), the Committee has ambitions plans which require a significant injection of funding. If successful the Centre will renovate into one of the most important buildings in terms of heritage, leisure & community in the whole of Belfast. Opened in 1893 the baths and pools have served over five generations representing thousands of people in the community including men from the shipyard who worked on the Titanic, actor James Ellis and soccer star George Best. If you would like to be kept up to date on developments, or would like more details on the facilities email info@templemorebaths.org.uk orphone 028 9045 7540. 6 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
Bloom :News
stuart@bloommagazine.co.uk IS THIS THE YEAR TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE – AND SAVE SOMEONE ELSE’S?
Why not make 2012 the year when you do something truly life changing? Action Cancer offers a wide variety of amazing overseas trek and challenge destinations every year and challenges planned for 2012 include a trek along Spain’s Camino de Santiago, the pilgrim trail featured in hit movie The Way; cycle trips through Nevada’s Death Valley, treks along the Great Wall of China and climbing challenges up Peru’s Machu Picchu, the legendary Everest base camp and the African majesty of Mount Kilimanjaro. The money raised will help Action Cancer fund its life-saving services which include free digital breast screening for women aged 40 to 49 and 70+ – groups not included in the standard NHS screening programme – as well as men’s MOT health checks, health promotion, complementary therapy and counselling services. Lyn Palmer, Events Officer for Action Cancer, said, ‘I’d like to thank the overseas challengers who chose to support Action Cancer in 2011. They all did an incredible job and we’d love more volunteers just like them, from all over Northern Ireland, to participate in up-coming challenges so that we can sustain our services. Whatever the reasons for taking part, participants always come back with a new outlook on life, a renewed confidence in themselves and a new group of friends, too. If you would like more information on taking part in an overseas challenge in aid of Action Cancer, please contact Lyn Palmer on 028 9080 3369 or email lpalmer@actioncancer.org
Titanic: the legend coming home: Belfast City Council has produced a commemorative publication to mark the centenary of Titanic’s ill fated maiden voyage and to look forward to the opening of Titanic Belfast. It will be delivered to all households in Belfast during the weeks commencing Monday 27 February and Monday 5 March 2012. See our What’s On guide for the Titanic events at the Ulster Hall throughout February. The Life and Work of CS Lewis by Sandy Smith Belmont Tower is pleased to announce the first of an intended series of short courses at the recently launched C S Lewis Centre, the beginnings of an exploration of his life and work. It will run for five sessions on Tuesdays from 30 January until 28 February 2012. Any Bloom readers that miss the initial class Sandy is happy to accommodate later. The programme will run in the mornings from 10:30 until 11:45 and in the evenings from 19:30 until 20:45 in the Craig Suite at Belmont Tower. Both sessions on each week will cover the same material and are offered at these alternative times to facilitate participants. This programme is for adults only. It is not designed specifically for children but it is intended that programmes suitable for children will be run at some point in the future. £50 for the series of five weeks which must be block booked. Contact Leanne Mathews at Belmont Tower 02890 653338. Belmont.tower@ btconnect.com www.bloommagazine.co.uk 7
Bloom :News
News
stuart@bloommagazine.co.uk
National charity relaunch with new name: PTA-NI
The launch of charity PTA-NI (formerly NCPTA) too place recently at Long Gallery Parliament Building. It is a membership organisation and registered charity that supports all forms of home school association and schools wishing to start a PTA. David Butler, PTA-UK Chief Executive said ‘A very committed group of educational professionals were present at the PTA-NI launch event, which marked the next exciting chapter in the charity’s history. It was obvious that everyone present shared a deep-rooted passion for good education and learning and the event gave PTA-NI an opportunity to thank various stakeholders, not only for that passion but also the support they give to PTAs. In NI our membership in the last year alone, has grown by nearly 14% with a total membership just short of 20% of all schools. Our last member survey indicated that PTAs throughout the UK raised some £100 million and that the number of individual PTAs raising more than £10,000 grew to 22%.’ Phone 0845 850 5460. www.pta.org.uk
The Badminton Club is up and running at Belmont Presbyterian Church after a break due to the refurbishment of the halls. The club meets on Monday evenings 7.30-10pm in the McDermott Hall. Why not give it a go? Ring Michael Fletcher 028 9065 4601 or Russell Birch at 028 9076 1132 for further details. We Need Your Ideas East Belfast Partnership’s Newtownards Road 2012 project will be transforming the image of derelict shop units on the Road over the next few months. These can include installation of virtual shop fronts such as a book shop, bike shop or record store as well as iconic images associated with East Belfast. This is your chance to get creative so if you have any ideas please let them know. You can leave a comment on East Belfast Partnership’s Facebook Page or contact Lisa on lisa@eastbelfastpartnership.org. 028 9045 1900. You never know, your idea might be coming to a shop front near you…. 8 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
Use this voucher:
2 Cod Suppers for £10!
Monday - Wednesday all day. Valid until 29th February. 15 Belmont Road, BT4 2AA. Tel: 028 9065 9824. Phone orders for collection welcome
THE BELFAST BARGE
A cargo of culture is presented in Ireland’s only floating heritage centre: the new and luxurious Belfast Barge. This unique attraction, afloat on the River Lagan, brings the past and present together in its stunning museum multi-use performance space and cafe.
The Belfast Barge, moored behind the Waterfront Hall, is the home of a museum based charity that uses physical artefacts and oral history recordings to tell the illustrious story of Belfast’s maritime past (commercial and industrial)
Admission (£4 adults, £3 concessions). Titanic Boat Tour joint ticket also available. Includes a guided tour of the museum and entry to the stage cinema where visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a series of classic maritime documentaries.
For more information contact 02890 232555 or visit www.belfastbarge.com.
Bloom :News
News
stuart@bloommagazine.co.uk
Yardmen Cycle & Walk Reminder
Just a quick reminder that The Connswater Community Greenway, Belfast City Council and Titanic Belfast have teamed up to deliver the Titanic Yardmen Cycle and Walk on 1 April 2012 and are asking 1,000 people to sign up to either walk or cycle to the Titanic Belfast building dressed as shipyard workers from the early 1900’s in aid of Bowel Cancer UK. Upon arrival at Titanic Belfast participants will receive a goodie bag containing a free ‘Duncher’ or flat cap, their piece (sandwich) and other assorted ‘goodies’. They will then be asked to participate in the creation of an iconic image of 1900’s shipyard workers in front of the new Titanic Belfast visitor attraction. To find out more or to register for the event visit www.communitygreenway.co.uk or the Facebook page facebook.com/connswatercommunitygreenway. Numbers are limited so register early. For further enquiries please phone the Connswater Community Greenway Team on 028 9046 7925 or 028 9046 7930.
Getting Married? You are invited to our
Wedding Showcase on
Sunday 5th February 1pm - 4pm at 129 Bloomfield Avenue
Pottery Party Baked in Belfast hosted a pottery painting evening for the girls of Glenburn Methodist GB. The girls travelled to Baked in Belfast in Orby Drive and painted a range of plates and bowls which were glazed and kiln fired for their next meeting. Baked in Belfast are continuing their community outreach activities all week with cupcake decorating in Age NI’s Belvoir and Braniel clubs. Any group or organisation wanting to arrange a creative evening should get in touch with Suzanne at Baked in Belfast on 028 9079 8445 or email suzanne@bakedinbelfast.com 10 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
For more information phone 02890457293 email jeannie@jbirdbakery.com or jenny@129bloomfieldavenue.com
bird
BAKERY
www.jbirdbakery.com www.facebook.com/jbirdbakery
J-Bird Bakery will be hosting a wedding showcase event at the bakery on Sunday 5th February from 1pm-4pm. It’s a chance for future brides and grooms to come and see their new ideas for wedding cakes and cupcakes… and of course taste some flavours! 129 Bloomfield Avenue. www.jbirdbakery.com
Ladies Night LC Cupcakes will be hosting Ladies Night at Inverary Community Centre on Friday 16th March 6.30-8.30pm with stalls by LC Cupcakes, an art stall, Fairydust, Aunt Sandra’s, Pashmina Butterfly (jewellery & pashminas) and much more. All proceeds go to Sarcoma UK for rare cancers that develop in the supporting or connective tissues of the body. For further information or to discuss taking a stall, contact Lynette on 07513 531432 or email lyncon29@hotmail.co.uk
Calling all dirty dogs!!
The heated mobile parlour that comes to your home! No Hassle - No Stress We take care of all your dogs grooming needs in one of our beautiful customised mobile parlours. We offer everything your special loved one could need!
• Hydro-bathing • Shampoo & Condition • Clipping • Deodorising • Grooming
Call Ruth today: 028 9079 0459 or 07503 178082. www.dialagogwash.com
Yo GU gr ur AR ea d A t o og NT r i sm EE ts e D FR llin EE g !
Our Promise: We promise to take care of your pet whilst it is in our care and kindness will always be shown towards your dog!
NO
NT UPFRO FEES
Award Winning Funeral Directors
Tel: (028) 9045 1933 444
woodstock road , cregagh (opposite Ravenhill Avenue)
www.willowfieldfuneralservices.com follow us on facebook
Upcoming free business and retail events in Belfast A number of free business events for small businesses and retailers are being organised by Belfast City Council. Local retailers will benefit from a number of free retail masterclasses which will be running until March. The council will also be supporting the sector through the organising of `Belfast Independent Retail Week’ from 5-11 March which will celebrate independent retailing in the city, through a week-long series of workshops, events and promotions. All of the BEN events start at 6pm following registration and food at 5.30pm. Belfast Independent Retail Week will also highlight the quality neighbourhood shopping and unique retail experiences available in Belfast to local people and visitors. For further information on Belfast Independent Retail Week and the free business events and masterclasses organised by the council, go to the council website www.belfastcity.gov.uk/business
News
Castlereagh Borough Council E Waste Initiative Residents in Castlereagh Borough Council are encouraged to clear out their sheds and cupboards and recycle their electronic waste (e-waste). An advert on e-waste recycling has been broadcast to increase public awareness of the need to recycle waste electronics, such as washing machines, fridges, televisions and electronic gadgets or anything with a plug or battery. The film shows how e-waste that is diverted from landfill can be sent for recycling so that its materials can be recovered for use in new products. In 2010, Castlereagh Borough Council collected over 420 tonnes of e-waste at its Household Recycling Centres for recycling. Alderman Gareth Robinson, Chair of the Council’s Technical & Environmental Services Committee said, ‘The recycling of e-waste can make a significant contribution to the Council’s recycling rate and reduce the environmental impacts and costs associated with landfilling. I would strongly encourage all householders to support e-waste recycling and continue to help the Council meet its recycling and waste diversion targets.’ For more information about where you can recycle your unwanted or broken electronic items go to WRAP’s Recycle Now site to find your nearest recycling centre: www.recyclenow.com
AMC
Classic Decorators - All Interior & Exterior Work - Member of Constructionline For a free estimate:
028 9032 2189 07711 808422 12 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
SERVICE CENTRE SPECIALISING IN:
DYSON VACUUM REPAIRS AND SPARES &
ALL OTHER MAKES OF VACUUM CLEANERS
Same day repair! • • • • •
Washing Machines Dishwashers Microwaves Tumble Dryers Cookers Closed Wednesdays
57 Holywood Road, Belfast BT4 3BA Tel: 028 9047 2115
No. 36
Belmont Road Fresh, Local, Homecooked Nosh
No. 36 is a newly established coffee shop and eaterie on the Belmont Road, offering the best of home cooking, beverages prepared by experienced baristas and to complement a wide range of home baked goods. In addition, No.36 has a retail section presenting a selection of home made chutneys, jams, short-bread, truffles and tray bakes that you can take home to enjoy or pass as your own. To complement our take on the breakfast menu a selection of home-made gourmet scones and muffins are available. At lunchtime you can find fancy tarts, delicious bakes, meaty pies and other hot pots in our kitchen. Our soups are inspired from recipes from Belmont road to Bombay served alongside gourmet sandwiches, Ciabatta and wraps.
• Suki tea • Ristretto coffee • Freshly baked scones • Hot pots • Homemade traybakes • Gourmet sandwiches
No 36 F Fluffy avourite! Blue Panca berry kes
OPEN LATE THURSDAY AND FRIDAY FOR LIGHT BITES AND SWEET TREATS! Opening hours: Mon: 8-6, Tues: 8-6, Wed :8–6, Thurs: 8–8, Fri:8–8, Sat 9–4 Sun: 10-4
36 Belmont Road, Belfast, BT4 2AN Tel: 028 9065 7476 no.36belmontroad@hotmail.co.uk
DICKSON’S DRY CLEANERS 384 Upper Newtownards Road, Ballyhackamore, Belfast BT4 3EY. Tel: 028 9065 5126
SPECIAL DRY CLEANING OFFER!
3 items for the price of 2 We also offer an ironing and alterations service.
•Shoe Repairs •Key Cutting •Bag & Case Repairs •Locks
Delivery Service & Collection Available - Quality Service Guaranteed
February, the month of love!! Also it’s when we start booking our summer holidays. Would you like your skin to have a healthy glow for jetting off? With [Comfort Zone] daily beauty regime your skin will look and feel perfect!
Health & Beauty
3 Everyday steps to perfect skin!
Cleanse! ep 1 - every StApply day cleansing milk to dry skin
morning and evening and gently massage, rinse well or remove with a damp cotton pad. Every Day cleansing milk is a revitalizing, silkening gentle cream milk with anti oxidant and hydrating active ingredients. It contains almond oil that acts like a magnet to any makeup or dirt!
ep 2 - Tone! StApply every Day Tonic with damp cotton pads
all over the face and neck. Every Day Tonic – A revitalizing and tonifying lotion with anti oxidant and hydrating active ingredients to help skin be radiant, protected and feel silky.
oisturise! ep 3 - M StAlways ensure you are using the correct moisturiser to suit your skin type.
[Comfort Zone] Skin Resonance Cream. A rich cream with a velvety and protective texture. A product for the daily care of sensitive skin, especially for the more mature and those in need of nourishment and hydration during cold, dry winters.
Health & Beauty
Welcome to The Secret Day Spa beauty page. Keeping the good people of East Belfast looking gorgeous & feeling fantastic!
YoungBlood High Definition Brows Since the emergence of The Only Way is Essex and Desperate Scousewives, we have fallen in love with their big dark and wonderful eyebrows! Contact The Secret Day Spa to get the look everyone is talking about. To keep your Youngblood High Definition eyebrows in perfect shape use Youngblood Brow Artiste kit. Each kit contains two shades of pressed powder, one wax, a dual ended applicator wand/angle brow brush and our ultra- premium tweezers. Available in four shades; Auburn, Blonde, Brunette, and Dark. Sshhhhh… We recently had a celebrity visit; Faye from Steps, who loved our massages and shared it with all her twitter followers!
“
St Valentines Day 14th February
”
The day to celebrate love and affection between loved ones! Show your love by booking you and your partner a Destress Back, Neck & Scalp Massage and receive a free glass of bubbly and chocolates. Special price £70 for per couple. Available from 14th – 18th February.
The Secret Day Spa, 30 Belmont Road, Belfast. Tel: 028 9067 1914. www.bloommagazine.co.uk 15
Wedding Special We speak to some wedding experts in their field to help you on your very special day... Photography: This Modern Love ‘Most couples we work with are looking for relaxed, natural wedding photography. We usually do a few portrait and family shots, but focus our attention on documenting natural moments and relationships between people. Some important things to consider when choosing a photographer; Firstly, do you like their style? For example we have a creative, alternative style that wouldn’t be everybody’s cup of tea but is perfect for others. Secondly, it’s a great idea to meet up with your potential photographer before booking. Finally, price wise, many couples planning weddings are on a tight budget but they choose to prioritise photography and save on some other things, because they know that their photographs will be with them for the rest of their lives. It’s a real privilege for us to be able to give people beautiful images which will be passed around families and down through generations.’ PhoneTim & Claire 07794 552817 www.thismodernlove.co.uk Hen Night & Engagement Party: Lagan Boat Co. ‘Make your hen party a night to remember on the River Lagan, Belfast Harbour and beyond on either the Joyce Too, for more intimate parties up to 30 or on the Mona with her enclosed cabin and two open decks for parties of up to 50. We supply this fully weatherproof and heated venue along with an icebox, ice, glasses, and lights, with a CD player or an i-pod dock. You are welcome to bring your own decorations (balloons and banners) to decorate the boat. You supply your own beverages and food to keep you refreshed. Local catering companies can be recommended or if you wish to salsa or burlesque the night away we can provide contact details for companies specialising in teaching you as you sail. Our boats are also available for other parties too. Bookings are by the hour and are subject to terms and conditions.’ Phone 028 9033 0844/07718 910 423 www.laganboatcompany.com Sweet Treats: LC Cup ‘n Cakes ‘LC Cup ‘n Cakes not only makes cakes but also makes dainty cupcakes which are becoming increasingly popular for weddings along with one tier cake. The cupcakes can be made to suit your wedding theme, and can be done as either miniature cakes or quirky cupcakes with hand-crafted versions of your bridal flowers or your colour theme. The cupcakes can either be done with sweet icing or buttercream. The cakes can be the classic fruit cake with a plain design to the more modern or extravagant design with any other flavours which includes carrot, lemon sponge or chocolate. I also can make little sugar paste trinket boxes which can be a lovely keepsake for your lady guests. I also do cake pops – a great treat for the kids!’ Phone 07513 531432. www.wix.com/cakeangel/lccupandcakes 16 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
Hats etc: My Little Hat Box ‘We love weddings this time of year, when the New Year is upon us and we are looking forward to the brighter days and the onset of Spring. With Valentines day hot on our heels it makes the atmosphere for a wedding at this time of year all the more romantic. At My Little Hat Box we not only embrace the traditional but also our non traditional brides and those who like to steer away from the norm. Valentines allows us to use rich reds and passionate pinks as well as all of our traditional colours. My Little Hat Box loves every season and loves adapting new styles with a vintage twist. Spring /Summer 2012 will bring beautiful necklines and an abundance of lace for our brides, all of our clients can expect flattering feminine pieces that complement their features, rich laces, soft silks, everything that says elegance and class.’ Phone 07754 719242. facebook.com/MyLittleHatBox Honeymoon: Co-Operative Travel, Cregagh Rd. ‘Barbados: Barbados is a lovers delight. Colourful nightlife & friendly people, glorious beaches & fun-filled attractions. Almost yearround sunshine provides a welcome relief for winter honeymooners. Maldives: Long sandy beaches, palm trees, stunning coral reefs & mysterious lagoons. If serenity and beauty are the most important factors for your honeymoon destination, you have hit the jackpot! New York: Great nightlife, attractions and a tranquil green haven in Central Park. A lesser known honeymoon destination, who caters to the city lovers and those who like their entertainment at super speed. Italy: Few could argue with a honeymoon on the Amalfi coast with iconic towns of Sorrento, Ravello, Minori and Maiori. Twin this with a few nights in the city of Rome for a great all round honeymoon. Cyprus: The romantic island of Aphrodite greek goddess of love and beauty. A year round temperature of sunny days & mild nights.’ Phone 028 9045 1654. belfastcr@co-operativetravel.co.uk Décor Etc: Charm Wedding Studio
‘We provide wedding venue styling and wedding stationery. We offer a wide range of chair covers and sashes, table centres and stunning fibre optic and LED backdrops to transform any room into a fairytale setting. Our service starts with a design consultation Fairydust have these beautiful to get a idea of how you imagine your venue designer windproof wedding um- to be styled and then on the day we transform brellas for the discerning bride. your ceremony or reception rooms, completely The range includes swarovski relieving you of the stress! It’s our job to create crystal umbrellas with perspex the ‘WOW’ factor and to add those finishing handles to beautiful pagodas with touches to your wedding venue to leave a hanging crystals or just ordinary lasting impression. We also provide a bespoke plain wedding umbrellas. From wedding stationery service to set the tone for £16.99 to £34.99. Phone 028 your big day!’ To make an appointment with Lynsey & Allyson visit www. 9073 1141. charmweddingstudio.com or email info@charmweddingstudio.com www.bloommagazine.co.uk 17
Wedding Special... The Perfect Shave: Peter Oliver ‘Well the big day has finally arrived, all that’s left to do is have a nice shower, a good shave and a decent breakfast. We can’t help with the shower or breakfast but we can give you guys the perfect shave. If you intend shaving at home here is some great advice for the perfect shave. First it is important to leave yourself adequate time to shave while relaxed, you’ll have more risk of cutting yourself when rushing. It is best to shave before you’ve had breakfast as once the metabolism has kicked in; the blood flow around your face is increased. Always start by washing your face with a cleanser and warm water after which you should use an exfoliator which will remove any dead skin leaving the hair follicle free of skin debris. Always use hot water, as this will soften the beard, use a quality shaving soap and shaving brush to lather up, lathering in small circular movements. A shaving brush will help lift the stubble face giving a better shave. Now using a new blade in your razor shave in the direction of the growth pattern, this will help prevent razor rash and in grown hairs. Rinse your razor regularly between strokes and when you’ve finished rinse off and repeat the lathering shaving process again if you feel any rough spots. Rinse off with clean cold water to help close the pores and reduce redness. Now apply a good quality moisturiser. You are now looking sharp and ready for the big day ahead! For top quality shaving products call in to any of our branches.’ www.peterolivers.com Make Up: Jill McMillan ‘I graduated from the Oonagh Boman School of Make-Up and studied advanced bridal make-up training in the South of Ireland. Every bride wants to look radiant and luminous on her special day whilst retaining her individual look and style. But, before lifting a brush, it’s important to understand the look they want to attain and help them achieve a beautiful flawless look that will stand the test of time for the duration of the day but also stand up to flash photography for stunning pictures that will look beautiful for a lifetime. I advise my brides on current trends and classic looks that we can achieve which will complement and enhance their natural beauty. I can travel to the comfort of your home for the trial where together we can create the perfect look for your big day. But bridal make-up does not stop here! Together we can achieve the perfect look for your bridal party, which will not only complement each individual but also bring together your chosen colour scheme or theme. A final piece of advice to all brides to be is that beautiful make-up starts with good skin care and a regular skin care regime leading up to your big day will ensure stunning results and maximum staying power.’ Phone 07843 578 285. info@makeupbyjill.co.uk www.makeupbyjill.co.uk 18 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
Lesley Manor 805, Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7GX. T: 028 9068 7050
107 Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast, BT5 5AB T/F: 028 9045 2665 F: 028 9087 2491 E: elaine.peel@ntlworld.com
Just A little Preview of A few of this seAson’s Must hAves At Peel And MArc cAin
Marc Cain
Moschino Cheap and Chic
Moschino Cheap and Chic & Citizens Jeans
Moschino Cheap and Chic & Citizens Jeans
Marc Cain
Marc Cain
All of the Above AvAilAble At Peel And or MArc cAin
sAle shoP hAs re-oPened on 111 blooMfield Avenue, oPen every sAturdAy 10-5PM until further notice. www.PeelfAshionstore.coM find us on facebook
RisingStars
Bloom :Rising Stars
The Bride & Groove
Belfast DJs Bespoke Music Solutions talk to us about how they made the wedding disco a cheese free zone.
M
ark Bell and Chris Frieze have both been lifelong record collectors, playing in the most popular clubs and bars in the country winning DJing competitions, running successful club nights and playing alongside some of the world’s most respected DJ’s. But as their careers developed, they spotted a gap, as they explain, ‘We always felt there were people who wanted an alternative to the standard cheesy, mobile DJ road shows, not to mention wanting a DJ that can actually mix music properly on record decks.’ The eureka moment came when Mark went to a wedding show with his fiancé (now wife) and were tortured by prospective wedding disco companies offering exactly the sort of thing that makes him shiver and cringe. ‘One of the packages from a particular company had an encore of two men dressing up as Elvis Presley and doing a sing off!’ And so as an antidote to the cheese, Bespoke Music Solutions began with a superior level of quality and precision. ‘Now we are in the mp3 generation, anyone will have a go at trying to be a wedding DJ by playing back to back cheese from an iPod through a terrible sound system. We are music obsessives. Not only do we use top of the range equipment but we believe that record turntables are musical instruments and each record should be creatively mixed together 20 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
whilst reading the crowd and giving them the best party possible. Some companies put restrictions on the set time and what time the night ends. Weddings are stressful enough without those barriers so our full night package has no time restrictions at all and we also offer a cheaper half night package for couples that want a band as well as a DJ. ’ You can also select what genres you would like to hear as well as picking limitless specific songs, or make unique remixes or mash-ups of your favourite song to your specification. ‘We are the only company that can offer a fresh alternative to the now clichéd cringey wedding disco.’ So with such an incredible job seeing all these smiling loved up faces week after week at weddings nationwide, what have been the highlights so far? ‘Seeing our vision become successful. Realising that people want what we have to offer. Playing at great weddings all over Ireland and meeting some of the nicest couples you could ever meet. Being told by brides and grooms that we made their day really special for them means a lot.’
07800 576220 or 07595 597544 Live DJ mixes: www.bespokemusicsolutions.co.uk Catch them at The Alternative Wedding Fair: Crescent Arts Centre, 19th Feb 1-5pm.
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Tea with Bea Bea’s of Bloomsbury has been offering mouth-watering teatime treats in London since 2008. Every day the layer cakes, meringues and tiers of cupcakes in the shop window entice passers-by. Now you can enjoy Tea with Bea at home with these easy-to-follow recipes. Recipes and images from Tea With Bea. Photography by Kate Whitaker. Published by Ryland Peters & Small.
Gingerbread Guinness Cupcakes 250ml/1 cup Guinness stout 250 g ¾ cup black treacle/molasses 1 ½ tsp bicarbonate of/baking soda 280g /2 cups plain/all-purpose flour 11/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 tablespoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cinna mon 1 teaspoon ground all spice ¼ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom ¼ teaspoon ground cloves 3 eggs 100g/½ cup caster/superfine sugar 100g /½ cup dark brown soft sugar 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger 200ml/¾ cup sunflower oil Chopped crystallized ginger Gold cream cheese icing 225g/1 cup cream cheese 60g/ 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 175g/ 1 ½ cups icing/confectioners sugar sifted 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons golden syrup Muffin trays & 24 large cupcake cases Piping bag fitted with star-shaped tip • Preheat the oven to 170 °C (340 °f) Gas 5. Put the Guinness and treacle in a tall saucepan (the next step will cause the mixture to bubble up violently and potentially overflow, so choose a very tall pan) and bring to a boil over high heat. Remove from the heat and stir in the bicarbonate of baking/soda. Let stand until completely cool. • Put the flour , baking powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, all spice, nutmeg, cardamom and cloves in a bowl and stir until well blended. • In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, both sugars and the grated fresh ginger. Gradually add the oil. Add the stout syrup and stir thoroughly. • Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Spoon the mixture into the prepared cupcake cases, filling them four-fifths of the way up ( the mixture will not rise that much). • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes until they feel springy to the
24 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
Red Velvet Cake
touch. Remove the cupcakes from the muffin tray and let cool on a wire rack. • To make the golden cream cheese icing, put the cream cheese and butter in a bowl and beat until combined and glossy. Add the icing/confectioners’ sugar and beat until fluffy. Fold in the vanilla extract and golden syrup. • Fill the prepared piping bag with the icing and pipe onto the cupcakes. Top with a couple of pieces of crystallized ginger, to decorate.
Red Velvet Cake Serves 8-12 2 eggs 225g/1 1/4 cup caster/superfine sugar 1 ¼ teaspoons salt 250ml/1 cup sunflower oil 1/½ teaspoons vanilla extract 150ml/ 2/3 cups buttermilk 2 tsp bicarbonate of/baking soda 2 ½ tsps apple cider/red wine vinegar 225g/1 2/3 cups plain flour 1 ½ tablespoons natural cocoa powder ¾ teaspoon red food colouring paste Ulimate cream cheese frosting
250ml/1 cup cold whipping cream 175g/¾ cup mascarpone 175g/¾ cup cream cheese 85g/¾ cup icing/confectioners’ sugar, sifted 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 20-cm/8-inch round cake pan, greased and base lined with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 170°C (340 °f) Gas 5 • Put the eggs, sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl and whisk together. While whisking, add the oil in a steady stream until fully combined and the mixture thickens slightly. Stir in the vanilla extract. • Put the buttermilk, bicarbonate of baking soda and vinegar in a smaller separate bowl. The mixture should bubble then fade. • In another bowl, combine the flour and cocoa powder and sift twice. Add one third of the flour mixture to the egg mixtue and mix until well incorporated. Add half the buttermilk mixture and mix until just combined. Repeat with another third of the flour mixture, then add the rest of the buttermilk. Finally, add the last third of the flour mixture and mix until thoroughly combined. • Add the food colouring last and stir until thoroughly incorporated. Spoon mixture into the prepared cake pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 28-35 minutes. A wooden skewer inserted in the middle should come out with almost no crumbs attached, and the middle of the cake, when pressed should spring back slightly instead of sink. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes if necessary. • To make the ultimate cream cheese frosting, whisk the whipping cream to stiff peaks. Set aside. • Put the mascarpone, cream cheese, icing/confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract in another bowl and beat until well combined. • Add one third of the whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture and beat until combined. Fold in rest of cream until combined. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes. Frosting must always be refrigerated due to fragility of whipping cream. • Cut the cake horizontally into 3 layers. Spread a little of the ultimate cream frosting over one layer of the cake and top with another layer. Spread a little more frosting over the second layer and top with the final layer. Spread the remaining frosting all over the cake using a spatula
Banoffee Bourbon Cheesecake Serves 10-12
25-cm/10-inch cake pan, greased and baselined with parchment paper Bamboo skewer Preheat the oven to 125 °C (240 °f) Gas 1.
extract and mix until combined. Pour the mixture into the cake pan over the crust. Add dollops of dulce de leche and swirl through the mixture with a fork. • Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour • To make the crust, crush the digestive 20 minutes until the middle is slightly biscuits/graham crackers until you get jiggly and the top doesn’t look shiny fine crumbs. Add the melted butter-the • Remove from the oven and let cool in amount of butter you will need is variable. the pan for 1 hour. Refrigerate overnight. Test by grabbing a bit of the mixture and Unmould the cheesecake by turning it squeezing into your hand to make a ball, upside down on a plate or board, then upthen releasing your hand. The mixture righting again. should hold its shape but also fall apart • To make the topping, put the butter when touched slightly. If it doesn’t hold and both sugars in a non-stick frying pan its shape, add more butter, otherwise over medium to high heat. Cook until the biscuit cracker will dissolve into the you get a nice, gooey caramel. Add slices cheesecake and you’ll have no crust. If it of banana and the nutmeg and cook until holds its shape too well then add more hot. When the mixture is bubbling, light biscuits/crackers to absorb the butter, a bamboo skewer. Immediately add the otherwise your crust will be too hard. Bourbon to the bananas and light with • Press the mixture into the prepared the bamboo skewer. It should have a quick cake pan and pat down until level. Put blue flame and then dissipate. the cream cheese and sugar in a bowl and • Let the topping cool before spreading beat until well mixed and the sugar has over the cheesecake. dissolved. Slowly incorporate the eggs, one at a Tea with Bea time, beating until thoroughly combined published by before adding the next. Scrape the side Ryland Peters of the bowl regularly so you make sure & Small is everything is incorporated. • Sift the cornflour/cornstarch into available now the mixture and stir until thoroughly priced £16.99. combined. Add the cream and the vanilla Banoffee Bourbon Cheesecake
400g/14oz. digestives/graham crackers 75-100g/¾ -1 stick unsalted butter, melted 800g/1lb. 12oz. cream cheese 225g/1 cup plus 1 tablespoon caster/ superfine sugar 2 eggs 50g/½ cup plus 1 tablespoon cornflour/ cornstarch 250ml/1 cup whipping cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 can of store bought dulce de leche Topping 150g/1 stick plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 250g/1 cup plus 1 tablespoon dark brown soft sugar 200g/1 cup caster/superfine sugar 3 bananas, cut into diagonal slices A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg 100ml/½ cup Bourbon www.bloommagazine.co.uk 25
Warwick’s Quality Family Butchers Est. 1987 Specialists in locally sourced dry aged beef, lamb, dry cure bacon, fresh pork and poultry and seasonal game.
Awards: Butchers Choice Elite Butchers Award 2009 1st Prize National Sausage competition 2009 1st Prize National Sausage competition 2010 3rd Prize National Sausage competition 2011 24 Holywood Road Belfast BT4 1NT
Tel: 02890 657086
bloom Magazine Grow Your Business With Bloom Magazine...
Reach the people of East Belfast directly every month. To find our how and for a copy of our media pack, contact Angela: angela@bloommagazine.co.uk Tel: 07719 104862
www.bloommagazine.co.uk
bloom Magazine bloom Magazine Issue 1: December 2011
The very latest news from the community delivered to your letterbox for free every month.
Food and cookery ranging from easy peasy inspiration to recipes to local restaurant reviews.
What’s going in your own neighbourhood from mums and tots groups to entertainment.
A warm and festive welcome to East Belfast’s brand new community magazine!
The very latest news from the community delivered to your letterbox for free every month.
Issue 2: January 2012
Food and cookery ranging from easy peasy inspiration to recipes to local restaurant reviews.
What’s going on in your own neighbourhood, health, beauty, local legends and much more.
bloom Magazine Issue 3: February 2012
The very latest news from the community delivered to your letterbox for free every month.
Food and cookery ranging from easy peasy inspiration to recipes to local restaurant reviews.
What’s going on in your own neighbourhood, health, beauty, local legends and much more.
East Belfast is in the depths of winter, so come on in and warm yourself...
Love is in the air!
Opening Hours
Sun - Thurs 5pm - Midnight Fri - Sat 5pm - 2am
Lydias ’
PIZZERIA & KEBAB HOUSE
Delivery Service
Tel: 028 9047 2544
Or ring to have your order ready for collection. Deliveries £1.20 for 3 mile radius.
Lydia’s Pizzeria & Kebab House is located on Belmont Road and delivers excellent food straight to your door. Specialising in authentic stone baked pizzas, you can place your order by phone or online and enjoy a delicious meal from Lydia’s in the comfort of your own home. What is great about our menu is that there are dishes that suit all tastes and occasions and on the top of that there are some great Special Offers too. Lydia’s Pizzeria & Kebab House is open every day from 17:00 to 24:00, on Fridays & Saturdays from 17:00 to 02:00 You can find our menu on facebook just-eat.co.uk niftynosh.com or on the menu section of yellow pages.
Lydia’s Pizzeria & Kebab House 38 Belmont Road, Belfast. Tel: 028 9047 2544
Bloom :Food Focus
Food Focus
Photography by Little Pink Kitchen
Simple, Rustic & Tasty. Three words that clearly define what Ballyhackamore’s newest restaurant has to offer. Il Pirata has taken the area by storm.
T
he restaurant Il Pirata is a locally and independently owned venture with Jonny Davison as head chef who and a front of house team lead by Sarah Fitchett. The restaurant is named after Marco Pantani, an Italian cyclist, due to the owners love of cycling, who was nicknamed ‘Il Pirata’ due to his bandana and large gold ear rings. We spoke to the team behind the venture who explain the restaurant was just waiting to happen, ‘We wanted to do something completely different that didn’t exist anywhere in our city. Ballyhackamore seemed like the perfect location. One of the team had eaten in a ‘spit and sawdust’ place in a backstreet in Rome patronised solely by Italians. It served traditional roman cuisine and he wanted to reproduce that almost rustic, simple Italian cooking in Belfast.’ That blueprint from Rome has certainly docked in East Belfast. The relaxed, unpretentious environment very much promotes the social aspect of dining...sharing, mixing and matching, getting stuck in with family or friends. ‘We wanted a relaxed casual yet professional style of service and to create a destination restaurant. We always wanted the place to have an air of coolness about it and I think we achieved that. Oscar & Oscar did the interior design. They are a fantastic design group that we have worked very closely with before.’ It’s that interior that has added to the rustic, relaxed feel. As the restaurant was being created, pictures of the furniture, the tireless work on the floor, the sublime central bench were being posted on Twitter from Oscar & Oscar which was tremendously exciting to see something so different coming together. So what can people expect when they arrive? ‘Superb, traditional Italian food and slick service, atmospheric lighting. People should not expect to eat in a traditional starter/main/dessert style but in more of a Mediterranean style where you can order multiple times as you fancy, taking your time. Don’t expect the music to be turned down, the lights to be turned up or for us to chicken out and stick steak and chips onto the menu!’ So originating from the backstreets of Rome to a central thoroughfare of East Belfast, Il Pirata has quickly become one of the city’s most talked about restaurants with a menu and evening out with a difference and some dishes becoming firm favourites already. ‘Our beef brisket ragu sums us up in a bowl. This authentic dish is one of our trademarks. Our pork slider made from award winning sausage meat packs a hefty and delightful chilli and fennel punch too. There are plenty of delicious small plates packed with flavour perfect for getting round and sharing, whilst the lemon posset and tiramisu are heavenly.’ 279-281 Upper Newtownards Road. Walk in only, no reservations. twitter.com/ilpiratabelfast 28 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
WIN!
East Belfast fashion retailer Silhouette is offering Bloom readers the chance to win a £50 gift voucher to spend on any of their new Spring Summer styles! To enter, answer to the following question:
Where do Seasalt clothes and accessories come from? Send your answer along with your name, address and telephone number to: Silhouette 75 Belmont Road, Belfast, BT4 2AA
76 Belmont Rd, Belfast, BT4 2AA. Tel: 028 9065 2428. Belfast stockist of Seasalt www.silhouettefashionbelfast.co.uk
Voucher valid for 3 months. Competition closes 16th March, draw will take place on the 19th March.
Search ‘Silhouette Belfast’ on
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Forever Living Products offers a fantastic opportunity to change your career. We provide a professional and easy way to build your own business on a part-time basis working alongside existing commitments or you may decide to build a full-time role as your income increases. As an Independent Distributor, income is earned through the retailing of a market leading range of aloe vera health and nutrition products, and through building a team of like minded people. This opportunity is open to everyone and no previous experience or qualifications are necessary as award winning training and support are provided.
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Whats On
Plan your time with our handy guide..
TODDLER GROUPS
MONDAYS Sydenham Parent & Toddler Group Invarery Community Centre BT4 1RN Tel: 028 9047 1456 Mon 10-11.30 £1 per family Tea/coffee/juice/toast. St Finnians 10-11.30 Cregagh Park BT6 9LF 028 9079 2793. Wandsworth Mums & Chums Group 10-11.45am Wandsworth Community Centre, 26a Belmont Church Road BT4 3FF Cost £1 per family. Calvary Baptist Mums and Toddlers. 10.30-12.00am 100 Dee Street BT4 028 9073 2331 £1 per Family.
TUESDAYS Mersey Street Presbyterian Parents & Toddlers 10-11.45am term time Mersey Street Presbyterian Church BT1 1EX Tel: 028 90 657025 aburcombe@gmail.com www.merseystreet.org.uk £1 donation
Strandtown Baptist Tots 10.15- 11.45am (term time) Strandtown Baptist Church, 1 Clonallon Court Belmont Road BT4 2AB Tel: 028 9080 8380 £1 per adult
WEDNESDAYS Busy Bees 10 -11:30am Knock Methodist Church, Knock Road, BT5 6JA Tel: 07867 551366 jackie.blair@karrington.net smallTALK @ orangefield 10-11.45am Orangefield Church and Community, 464 Castlereagh Road BT5 6BH Tel: 07745076911 shajam38@yahoo.co.uk www.orangefield.org.uk Willowfield Mother and Toddler Group 10-12pm Woodstock Road BT6 8PR Tel: 028 9045 7654 office@willowfieldchurch.co.uk
THURSDAYS Cregagh Mums & Tots 10-12pm Cregagh Community Centre Mount Merrion Avenue BT6 OFL Tel: 028 9040 1444 Knock Parent & Toddler Group 10-11.45am
30 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
Knock Presbyterian Church 53 Kings Road BT5 6JH Tel: Pamela 07921 067927 or Gillian 07803 117619. office@knockpresbyterian.co.uk www.knockpresbyterian.co.uk
FRIDAYS Wandsworth Mums & Chums Group 10-1.30pm Wandsworth Community Centre, 26a Belmont Church Road BT4 3FF Tel: 07903 674698 alison_smith4@talk21.com www.wandsworthcommunity.ik.com £1 per family Tots ‘R’ Us 10.30am House of Worship 127a Orby Drive BT5 6BB Tel: 07791 776307/07980 984506 info@houseofworshipireland.com www.houseofworshipireland.com
EVENTS
TUESDAY Belmont Tower www.belmont-tower.co.uk Childrens dance classes 4-7pm Zumba Classes 6-7.15pm Pregnancy Yoga Classes 7.30-8.30pm
Happy Valentines Day GET YOUR VALENTINES DAY BALLOONS FROM
BELMONT ROAD’S NEW PARTY SHOP ON THE 1ST FLOOR OF JUST for YOU WHERE ALL OCCASIONS ARE CATERED FOR •BALLOONS (latex & foil) •BANNERS •COSTUMES •PARTY TABLE ACCESSORIES •PARTY WARE A sample of our staff expertise - they are trained in balloon design, so why not order balloon table presentations for your valentines day party in your choice of balloon colours.
- AND ON OUR GROUND FLOOR -
VALENTINES DAY CARDS AND GIFTS, QUALITY COSTUME JEWELLERY, BRANDED HANDBAGS, SCENTED CANDLES, SCARVES, CATH KIDSTON MUGS, GABRIELLA MILLER POTTERY, WILLOWTREE ANGELS & MUCH MORE!
Just
for You
13 BELMONT ROAD, BELFAST, BT4. TEL: 028 9065 7228 Mon-Sat 9.30-5.30
Whats On WEDNESDAY Belmont Tower www.belmont-tower.co.uk Baby massage 10am-1pm Yoga with Eleanor 5.45-7.45pm 39th Old Boys 7-9pm
THURSDAY Belmont Tower www.belmont-tower.co.uk Art classes 10am-1pm Baby Sensory Clsses Development classes to support baby’s sensory development. 7-13 mths Thurs 10-11am 0-7 mths Thurs 11.30-12.30 Yoga with Sharon 6.8pm
FRIDAY Belmont Tower www.belmont-tower.co.uk Belcanto School of Ringing 10am-1pm
EXHIBITIONS TITANICa:
The Exhibition at the Transport Museum
Explore as you discover why Titanic and her sister ships were built in Belfast. Discover how local enterprise and skills were combined to produce vessels of exceptional quality and design. Find out about life on board through fascinating objects and personal stories that explore the tragic loss of Titanic in 1912. 32 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
Bloom :Whats On
stuart@bloommagazine.co.uk T: 028 9042 8428 E: info@nmni.com W: www.nmni.com
ers will address issues associated with the regeneration of Titanic Quarter.
TITANICa: The People’s Story at the Folk Museum Explore the ultimate living history experience of Titanic by walking and talking with the people who knew her best. Dress in period costumes and take away your own copy of the Titanic launch ticket. Meet local shopkeepers, businessmen and townspeople, and watch silent movies in the Picture House. T: 028 9042 8428 E: info@nmni.com W: www.nmni.com
Film Screening Thursday 16 February, doors 6.30pm, screening 7pm. Free. Light refreshments will be served before the screening and film historian, Mike Catto will lead a post screening discussion. Made during the Second World War, this 1943 Nazi propaganda film used the sinking of Titanic as a setting for an attempt to discredit British and American capitalist dealings and glorify the bravery and selflessness of Germen men.
Making Connections - Ulster Folk and Transport Museum 12-4pm, running until Wednesday 14 March 2012 Making Connections is a programme of monthly open afternoons for the over-50s taking place on the second Wednesday of every month. Free entry to the Museum after 12pm. For booking and enquiries please contact the Live and Learn Team on 028 9039 5080/5081. E: info@nmni.com W: www.nmni.com
Ulster Hall - Titanic Photographic Exhibition Running throughout February The exhibition charts the redevelopment of Titanic Quarter, focusing on the new Titanic Belfast building and the workers involved with the project. Lunchtime Lecture Wednesday 15 February, Group Space 1pm to 2pm Running in association with PLACE, a panel of specialist speak-
Ulster Orchestra - Titanic Journey Friday 17 February, 7.45pm Tickets: £8 to £22 The Ulster Orchestra’s associate composer Ian Wilson presents a new work inspired by Titanic and her sister ship Olympic.
We do advise ringing ahead before any visits to check details. If you have an event you would like the people of East Belfast to know about, send all the details to: stuart@ bloommagazine.co.uk Many thanks.
The Rite Fit
Experts in ladies & gents garment alterations
LC Cup’n Cakes Quirky creations for every occasion!
LC Cup’n Cakes create cakes cup cakes, tray bakes, cake pops and other sweet treats.
A family business for 30 years
All types of garment Making & alterations of alterations, bridesmaid curtains, roman blinds & formal wear. Fitting & soft furnishings all at service available. competitive prices.
Friendly, helpful staff
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Lynette Conlon
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64 Woodcot Avenue Belfast Tel: 07513 531432 Email: lyncon29@hotmail.co.uk
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Page 3
Community Weight Loss Challenge Are you serious about losing weight? Join the 12 week challenge TODAY!
BIGGEST LOSER WINS £300!* 2nd Place £200*; 3rd Place £100*
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Private Weekly Weigh & Measure Weight Loss Coaching Fun & Friendship Nutrition Education Support & Community Weekly Prizes & Rewards
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Bloom :Local Legend
S I H T E D A M E ur best V ’ E W Here’s all of o dles. in handy bun s it b EASY FOR YOU Local Legend
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s read + Wedge Garlic Pizza B Kenneth Michael Hairdressing has stood proudly on the Woodstock Road for 27 years. We find out why.
H
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airdressing is extremely competitive in East Belfast have won a lot of competitions themselves and proudly so to be still in business after 27 years is an incredible display trophies in the salon and from all over the world. achievement. But Kenneth wasn’t always in the trade, as Now as the business has developed they offer a beauty L he explains, ‘I set D upEA originally at the end of 1985 as a sole salon and specialise in weddings. They’re also a Premier trader. I was 31 when I started, I had a local government Goldwell edgessalon, the only one in Belfast and a main GHD W + ad re B za arlic Gthat background in education before forP 14izyears. At that stockist too. time I also had qualifications in dance, ballroom and latin. So how has the Woodstock changed in all these years? ‘It’s Through that I had friends in hairdressing and my friend always been a good value for money shopping road. The who was head of NI Hairdressers Association used to get lower part used to have a lot of old and bricked up buildme involved in the shows they did. When I decided to call ings which have been rebuilt and its busier now with that it a day in education, I thought if I was going to get into regeneration and there is new housing.’ hairdressing, I had to be as good as the best out there. So I Yet throughout all the change, loyalty and hard work have theskey to the success here. ‘You have to be there did a course at Rupert Stanley (now Belfast Met).’ edge Wbeen read + izza lic Pand for your clients when they want you to be there meaning After that Kenneth worked for Hair Traffic thenBon Gar you have to sacrifice a lot in your own life. I have very few to manage Grand Reflections on Grand Parade to cover holidays or leave and what time I have away is working on maternity leave. ‘That salon is still there. I stayed for over * Up to 4 Toppings or Speciality Pizza. the competitions. But I have clients coming today 27 years a year and they also owned the salon in the location that on who were here from day one plus I’m getting the next we’re in now which at the time wasn’t doing particularly generations from their families too which is fantastic. I have well. They asked me to come and run it which I declined. a very loyal and faithful client base.’ I was 35 then and thought it was time for me to do someAnd how does that loyalty remain so intact? ‘I’ve always thing on my own so I bought that salon over from them said that your hairdressing ability is very important but so is and have been here ever since. My partner Steven came on communicating. You build up a rapport with clients. Those board a few years ago. He was also in the trade and is very considered highly by their clients have that dual skill. You passionate about the competitions. He’s a former world have to be switched on from first thing and also until 9pm champion.’ three nights a week too. I would sincerely like to thank all Kenneth and partner Steven are president and vice the faithful and loyal clients, we really appreciate their suppresident respectively of the NI Hairdressers Association port and look forward to welcoming some new ones too.’ and they play a vital role within the entire industry. They organise the world cup team which travels globally every 221-223 Woodstock Rd 028 9045 5740 year amongst other competitions including The Hairdresswww.kennethmichael.co.uk ers Ball, the NI and the all Ireland championships. They
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36 Kennedy Way.
. 131 Doagh Road.
Sun - Wed: 4pm-Midnight, Thurs, Fri: 12 Noon-Midnight Sat: 4pm - 1am
Sun -Fri: 4pm-Midnight, Sat: 4pm - 1am
Sun -Fri: 4pm-Midnight, Sat: 4pm - 1am
Sun -Fri: 4pm-Midnight, Sat: 4pm - 1am
9066 2999
9022 6633
9060 5333
9085 4949
Cafe • Bakery • Gallery • Sit-in • Take-Away • Private Hire
Thursday nights: B.Y.O wine and live music with an evening menu.
Cafe Smart 56 Belmont Road Belfast BT4 2AN
Mon-Sat 0830 -1700 Thurs 0830 - 2200 cafesmart.co.uk Find us on Facebook and twitter