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EAST BELFAST ISSUE 39 MAY 2015
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Welcome Welcome to the May issue of Bloom Magazine. That can't possibly be right, could it? Where is the time going? I hope everyone had a lovely Easter and enjoyed getting out and about taking advantage of the glorious weather. This month as usual we catch up with some of our local experts. Our cook Book comes from the delightful Jane McClenaghan of Vital Nutrition. Something slightly different from Jane this month to take advantage of the delicious fruit and vegetables in season. The lovely ladies at The Secret Day Spa give us a lesson on how to 'fake it' just in time for the sunshine. All this and much much more. Enjoy the read!
Angela ^
Contents 04 18 20 23 25 28 30
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LATEST NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL AREA
HEALTH & BEAUTY SECRET DAY SPA
THE GOOD LIFE STEPHEN MOORE
SHOP LOCALLY BLOOMFIELD / ORANGEFIELD
RELAX LOCALLY ORANGEFIELD PARK
COOKBOOK VITAL NUTRITION
LOCAL EXPERT DUNDELA PHARMACY
PROPERTY BLOOM AMPM
WHAT’S ON IN EAST BELFAST
THE BIG PICTURE FILM NEWS
LOCAL EXPERT ERIC MERCER
EMBARASSING BUDGETS JENNIE HAMMOND
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News ANY NEWS? GET IN TOUCH!
MAY 2015
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NEW GAME SET TO REVOLUTIONISE GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL A new innovative concept developed in Northern Ireland, is set to change the way football is played from a grassroots level by reinventing small sided games. Circular Soccer is the brainchild of Professor Jim Dornan, father of actor Jamie Dornan, who together with former Manchester United Academy Coach, Jackie Evans, father of Manchester United’s Jonny Evans and Blackburn Rovers Corry Evans, has developed this unique game which following testing by leading clubs is already receiving overwhelming support from football bodies including the IFA and FIFA. Professor Dornan said, “It started as a child playing with my father, a former international football player (one of us would be in goal and the other would try and score), I thought there has to be a more engaging way to play with smaller numbers – where attacking and defending skills, practice and fun could be experienced! Circular Soccer can be played on any surface, anywhere and helps to promote interaction by giving more opportunities to touch the ball.” Jackie Evans adds, "We want to use this game as a way to encourage kids to play football and address the current decline in participation at a grassroots level and help keep children active. We see this as an opportunity to change the culture of football for future generations” For further information on Circular Soccer visit www.circularsoccer.com. Follow us on Twitter @CircularSoccer #CircularSoccer and Facebook - www.facebook.com/CircularSoccer
CATS PROTECTION HOSTING SPRING OPEN DAY Cats Protection’s Belfast Adoption Centre will be hosting a Spring Open Day on Saturday 9th May 2015 from 1pm – 4pm. Please bring all of the family along on the day to meet the cats in care of the centre. There will be loads to see and do including meet the vets, homemade craft stalls, delicious food and sweet treats for sale and a fundraising raffle with super prizes. Entry is only £2 per adult (children FREE!). All of the money raised from the event will be used to care for the cats and kittens of the Belfast Adoption Centre and will enable Cats Protection to find each and every one a forever home. We would love to see you on the day to be part of all the feline fun!!
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ONE NIGHT ONLY WITH REV ELVIS! Elvis Presley is coming to town! Andy Kelso’s unique Elvis Tribute Act will be appearing at Willowfield Parish Church, Woodstock Road, Belfast, on Saturday 30 May 2015 at 7.30pm. Andy’s show comprises the very best of Elvis with rock, ballad and gospel songs and is an evening not to be missed! What makes this event unusual is that Andy used to be a Church minister! He trained as an actor before going into the church. He has appeared on BBC Radio singing Elvis songs, talking about his Tribute Act, and even doing a special Elvis Gospel service. He has recorded six CDs as well as writing two books. A near-fatal motorbike accident was to change the course of Andy’s life and parts of his amazing story are weaved into his act to make it a memorable and magical evening. Do visit Andy’s website to find out more about him: www.revelvis.co.uk There will also be an ‘Elvis Presley look-a-like’ competition on the evening, with a prize for the best dressed! All proceeds will go to the Belfast Central Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Centre Tickets cost £10 and are available from the following: 1) Willowfield Micah Centre Office, 149a My Lady’s Road, Belfast – call or tel: (028) 9045 3041 2) Willowfield Church Office, 290-296 Woodstock Road, Belfast – call or tel: (028) 9045 7654 3) By post (please include SAE) to either Office with a cheque made payable to: “Willowfield Parish Community Association”
MAKE SMART MOVES WITH TRANSLINK THIS MAY May is packed with top local events for the whole family to enjoy and Translink is providing a wide range of hassle-free travel options and great value tickets to get you to the heart of the action. Hoof it to Balmoral Show, 13 – 15 May
Translink tees-off transport plan for Irish Open
With large crowds expected at the 147th Balmoral Show, 13 – 15 May 2015, Translink is asking visitors to plan their journeys in advance and leave extra time to make onward train connections. On each day of the show, a free shuttle bus service will run from Lisburn Train Station to the Show grounds between 8.30am – 9pm and here will also be special coach services running from across Northern Ireland. Plan your journey now – click www.translink.co.uk/balmoralshow/
The Irish Open will be an unmissable sports event positioning Northern Ireland as a top visitor destination. Translink is encouraging all ticket-holders to think about how they will get safely to and from Royal County Down and have put in place attractive services and good value tickets to get people there with full details available online now at www.translink.co.uk/irishopen/. For the latest travel updates and a chance to win Irish Open tickets follow @Translink_NI #smartmovers on Twitter.
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MOVIE MATTERS Moving Image Arts students from Ashfield Girls’ High School recently participated in the East Side Urban Villages event in conjunction with the Strategic Investment Board. Pupils had the opportunity to use iPad technology to create their own urban village stop motion animation and TV news programme about their hopes and dreams for East Belfast. The girls also had the unique chance of meeting with a range of film and television industry professionals from Northern Ireland Screen and BBC NI including Catherine Geary – the Locations Manager for films such as Dracula Untold, Star Wars Vii and Philomena. Head of Media Tracy Rossborough told us, “It was a great privilege for Ashfield Girls’ to be invited to be part of the project and the pupils gained so much from it. Not only were they involved in the film making but also participated in a ‘Talkaoke’ discussion on their views on redevelopment of the area, Fablab workshops which involved laser cutting and t-shirt printing and in a volunteering capacity. To gain such in depth information from the media professionals was also a fantastic experience for the GCSE pupils and will certainly benefit them in their futures.”
MAY IS ROBOT MONTH AT W5! To celebrate the arrival of RoboThespian, W5’s fantastic new interactive robot exhibit, W5 are making May Robot Month which is jam-packed with robotic events programmed to amaze and entertain! Events kick off on 2 May with the arrival of RoboThespian. W5 will then team up with the Transformers fans at Opticon on 9 & 10 May to welcome Transformers comic creators Nick Roche and Simon Furman for a weekend of sketching, signing and lecture theatre talks and interactive workshops! Watch out for the life size Optimus Prime bust, a display of toys and collectibles and costumer Brian Campbell who will be patrolling the building in his amazing “Ironhide” costume. Saturday 23 May will see the arrival of robotic guru Pete Redmond and the Mechatrons crew. Don’t miss Pete’s very special robot creation AL1X who will be wandering the building throughout the day! From 23 to 25 May W5 will be giving visitors a sneak preview of their new Lasertag activity for this summer - Rogue Robots. The Star Wars costuming club, The 501st Legion Ireland Garrison, will be sending their General Grievous to W5 on the 30th for the final event of the month – do you dare approach him for a photograph? All weekend events are FREE with admission to W5. For further information on RoboThespian and Robot Month visit www.w5online.co.uk.
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JOHN MINNIS SCOOP 5 NATIONAL AWARDS John Minnis Estate Agents scoop 5 national awards and are named ‘Best Estate Agents in Northern Ireland’ and ‘Best Local Lettings Agency in the UK’. John Minnis Estate Agents has scooped five awards at the highly coveted, national awards, the ESTAs, and were crowned the ‘Best Local Lettings Agency in the UK’ and ‘Best Estate Agents in Northern Ireland’. The ten-year-old agency with 25 staff, received full recognition in ‘Best Estate Agents in Northern Ireland’ category, with all three offices winning awards. The Donaghadee office was also given additional recognition as it won Gold in the Best Lettings Agency in Northern Ireland. John Minnis was one of just four agencies from Northern Ireland to be shortlisted in the twelfth annual ‘ESTA awards, which are the ‘Oscars’ of the estate agency industry. Phil Spencer, the TV property expert, announced the award at the Hilton Park Lane London, attended by 800 of the UK’s top estate and letting agents in the UK property industry. The ESTAS determine the best estate and letting agents in the UK through research carried out amongst customers who are asked a series of questions about the service they have received from their agent. John Minnis Estate Agents offer sales and lettings across Belfast, north Down and Ards Peninsula.
LOCAL TOURISM CHAMPIONS UNVEIL NEW VISITOR ORIENTATION MAPS FOR EASTSIDE & TITANIC QUARTER East Belfast Partnership and Titanic Foundation Limited with support from Belfast City Council have unveiled two new visitor orientation maps for both EastSide and Titanic Quarter that will guide visitors to the shared shipbuilding heritage of east Belfast. The maps also highlight the many tourism attractions including Titanic Belfast, T13, W5, SS Nomadic in Titanic Quarter and Templemore Baths, Ship of Dreams Mural, The Yardmen statue and McMaster Street in EastSide. Mandy Patrick, Chair of East Belfast Partnership Tourism Committee said: “This has been a great opportunity for East Belfast Partnership to work alongside our neighbours in Titanic Quarter to drive local tourism. Visitors will now be able to follow the Belfast shipbuilding story from start to finish; from visiting the streets where the men who built the ships lived and socialised, to the slipways in Titanic Quarter where the ships were built and launched”. Maeve Curran, Titanic Foundation said: “It’s been fantastic to work in partnership with East Belfast Partnership in developing the new maps which are located either side of the Titanic Quarter Halt. Not only will they promote the best attractions to visit and things to see and do across Titanic Quarter and EastSide, they will also highlight how accessible they are for visitors just minutes from the city centre. We are delighted to be part of the Destination Belfast programme and it's great to help signpost visitors and local people to the wonderful tourism products available.” The Destination Belfast Programme, which included the Local Tourism Champions project, is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland.
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HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY MAY! May Crone from Hollywood celebrated her 100th birthday on 17 th April. At Tesco Extra Knocknagoney, May had morning coffee with the Management and staff at the store. May is our oldest customer and is in store each Thursday. May is known to most of the staff for her friendly personality and wit. May's smile also brightens your day. We wish May good wishes for the future.
CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF FOSTERING This year Barnardo's NI is celebrating 35 years of its Professional Fostering Service which along with Barnardo’s Regional Office is based in East Belfast. Celebrations to mark the event have included a balloon release at Parliament Buildings, Stormont. Foster carers, children and staff were also invited to a reception at the Lord Mayor’s Parlour and Belfast City Hall was floodlit in Barnardo’s green to mark the occasion Director of Barnardo's NI Lynda Wilson started the Professional Fostering Service in 1980, she said: "I saw the need for a fostering service after working with one young man who was constantly running away from children's homes. He was crying out for a stable long term foster home. We were eventually able to find a placement for him and help get his life back on track. It was from there that the service really started. Fostering can be challenging the same as any job, but the rewards are immeasurable. We have had so many success stories over the years and so many children's lives turned around, I am so proud that we are celebrating 35 years." Barnardo's foster carers Colin and Sharon Jamison from East Belfast are Barnardo's NI longest serving foster carers. They have been fostering with the charity for 25 years. In that time they have fostered over 20 children including a number of long term placements with serious disabilities. Colin Jamison says it has been a privilege to welcome so many young people into their home: "We have two daughters of our own. We thought we would like more children but decided we wanted to foster. With fostering you change lives and our own lives have been enriched. Currently we have a long of 13 who has disabilities and a two year old boy. It keeps us young and they get along brilliantly." Foster carers Brian and Avril Kenwell from Ballynahinch decided to foster once their three children were grown up. Nine years ago they welcomed Elaine McAuley into their home. Elaine, now 20 and working as a care assistant says back then she had no trust in anyone: "I was scared, I had 27 moves before I came to live with Brian and Avril. I didn't know what was going on and I don't know where I would have ended up without them. Knowing them has turned my whole life around." Barnardo's prides itself on placing the right people with the right child and is keen to promote the benefits of long term placements. At any one time in Northern Ireland there is a need for 200 foster carers and an urgent need to recruit more couples or single people who are able to offer a child a safe and nurturing home. For further information about Barnardo's NI Professional Fostering Service T: 028 9065 2288 or visit www.barnardos.org.uk/fosteringandadoption
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LANDMARK EAST BELFAST SURGERY GETS READY FOR A NEW LEASE OF LIFE Much needed redevelopment work has got underway at a landmark GP surgery in East Belfast. Bryson Street Surgery, which sits on the corner of Bryson Street and Newtownards Road, has been servicing both communities for generations, even throughout the troubles. The £1.2m redevelopment led by Landmark East Ltd, with £1m of funding from the NI Executive’s Social Investment Fund, will be completed by January 2016. It will feature a new 680sqm purpose built community surgery which will service the area as well as focus on growing the current patient levels of 7000. During the redevelopment a temporary service has been provided to patients in East Belfast Enterprise City East Building.
MASONIC CHARITY CONCERT WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
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United Masonic Charity Committee presents charity concert 'Dance to the sound of Shades, with special Artists George Jones and Trevor Kelly. The evening will be a mix of cabaret and dancing.
Get a great deal at Fusion Robes this summer. If you have a friend moving home, renovating an existing one, or one who would just love some new bedroom furniture, then why not help them (and yourself) to this cash saving bargain. Fusion Robes will send you a £50 M&S voucher and take £200 off the wardrobe price when your friend confirms their order of £1550.00 or more. To qualify just fill in yours and your friends details at http://www.fusionrobes.co.uk/re commend-a-friend/. See Fusion Robes website for T&C’s and more details.
After 13 years of Business, Hair City have had a major refurb to their Salon.
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There will also be a ballot on the night with an array of fabulous prizes. Thanks go out to P&O, Tesco, M&S, Hillmount Gardening Centre and Lyric Theatre who have all donated prizes.
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They said to us, “We have modernised and added a few new features.. Without our clients support we wouldn’t have been able to achieve this. We thank you!”.
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HOW TO APPLY FAKE TAN Our best fake tan tip is to apply it before bed, sleep in loose clothing you don't mind getting tan-stained, and then washing it off in the morning . And don't forget the mitt to avoid that classic error: tanned palms. If all goes wrong, never fear – IT WILLWASH OFF!
Using a bronzer will give you a healthy glow. We are obsessed with Vita Liberata’s new Trystal Minerals. Apply to your face using the free kabuki brush for a smooth long lasting glow
We would recommend using Vita Liberata Phenomenal 2 – 3 week tan in Medium for a great glow. It is really easy to apply and wears off well. It last longer 4 times longer than ordinary tans with just a top up after a week.
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THE GOOD LIFE FINAL OF A FOUR PART SERIES ON HOME PRODUCE BROUGHT TO YOU BY LOCAL BOY STEPHEN MOORE
PART 4:
GROW YOUR OWN For this last instalment I would like to leave you all with encouragement to grab hold of a little bit of the Good Life, no matter where you live! It is quite simple to grow a selection of edible delights in the smallest of spaces, even a window sill or balcony can be used to great effect for this purpose. Also, if you have a bigger garden it may not suit you to dig up the prize azaleas or plough drills for potatoes in the lawn, and so cultivating crops in containers might be a good use of space. There are plenty of sites on the internet and books in the library instructing you how to grow different varieties of fruit and veg, so I will not go into those details here. Instead I will tell you of a few mistakes that have been made and how to avoid them. Don’t go mad and plant all the seeds you have on your window sill; in reality you will not have the space for 40 tomato plants once they grow and need transplanted into pots or growbags. Instead plant a small number of a few selected plants and once you move these seedlings on you can plant more for a continuous crop throughout the season, this is particularly true of leafy greens which you want a steady stream of for summer salads. Take note of daily conditions where you plan to plant (or place your containers). It is no good planting chillies in a shady spot in the garden where the wind cools them down, they need heat to produce a good crop. Likewise some plants do not tolerate full sun for long periods during the day, so you need a little bit of preplanning to grow crops that are suited to your site. To deter pests and mutually benefit different plants then utilise companion planting techniques. For example, planting onion with carrot works to confuse pests due to their strong scent. Also, planting flowers that encourage beneficial insects will prevent an imbalance and serve to keep pests to a minimum (if you read my article on beekeeping you may already have implemented this). If you have an existing flower bed then perhaps you can plan to plant your produce in amongst this or in containers that can be placed nearby. For successful growing then plant things you like to eat! There is no point in planting something you aren’t too keen on munching down as you will not take as much care of it and you won’t feel that satisfaction of eating your own produce in the end. Grow perennials for a crop that comes back year on year. Raspberries, strawberries, asparagus and rhubarb are classic examples of this which also offer a significant cost saving for the minimal work required to get good produce! Start out slow this year with one or two plants in a few containers or in a raised bed. Get a feel for growing your own and next year introduce another couple of plants into your plan and let your urban farm evolve from there. Perhaps you live in a flat or an apartment and have no ground space? In that case your window sills are your fields to labour in. An indoor herb garden in a window box is invaluable, especially if your kitchen window has a good sunny aspect you can have the freshest of herbs on hand for cooking up a storm. And that is the point of growing your own - what can be better than wholesome, nutritious fruit and vegetables nurtured by your own hand from your own garden right to your table!
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Bloomfield / Orangefield When we think about East Belfast and all it has to offer, Belmont and Ballyhackamore spring to mind. That being the case we are inclined to forget that there is another B in the hive - Bloomfield! Many people will use Bloomfield Road and its subsequent roundabout to connect to North Road and Grand Parade. However, in doing so, I wonder if they have time to take notice of the amount of thriving businesses that make up the retail/consumer space that lines the roundabout at each side, and that carries on into Orangefield Lane? If they haven't, they are missing out on a fairly diverse range of offerings! This locality actually boasts 18 businesses in that little area alone! Did you realise there were that many? Well, things are often best illustrated by scenario or example so here goes! Let's just say that you are a young couple living in the area and you are heading away for the weekend, you've got things to do before your trip and you want to get everything done at Bloomfield! Stay with me here..... You arrive at Bloomfield and find a parking space. You want to get your hair done and your other half needs a trip to the barbers, you want to be well groomed before your trip! Your little pooch shouldn't be left out so he gets an appointment at the Dog Grooming Parlour. Before you get to your appointment you decide to nip to the newsagent for your favourite magazine and into the bakery/coffee shop for a coffee to take away! Meanwhile, after the barbers, your other half nips to the ink supplies shop, need to make sure your stocked up for printing your boarding passes at home! Still with me? After your hair appointment you fancy a file and polish to feel even more groomed so you head to the Beauty Salon! When you come out you want a new pair of sunglasses, a designer bargain, so you pop to the nearly new shop and take your pick! While you're doing this your other half is at the estate agent and he has spotted a lovely little place that he thinks you should buy, so you book a viewing and you call into the solicitors to see if they can handle your conveyancing when the time comes! You want to get off to a good start before your trip so you go to the grocers for some fresh fruit to stick in your Nutri Bullet the next morning, although you also visit the butchers for some sausages and bacon in case the morning takes a different turn! It's been a busy kind of day so you don't fancy cooking. Take away it is...what type though? Fish and Chips, some Indian food or a Chinese dish? You make your choice, you head back to the car having supported some great local businesses and sampled everything that Bloomfield has to offer! Another thing that makes East Belfast a fantastic place to eat!
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RELAX LOCALLY Orangefield Park
As part of the Connswater Community Greenway Project, Orangefield Park has undergone extensive regeneration. Follow the Knock River which now, due to this project, flows through the heart of the Park and has become a feature instead of the narrow channel it once was. You can also enjoy the wildlife that the Park has to offer including a resident Heron and Egret amongst others. The Park also boasts beautiful wildflowers in the summer which is definitely worth a look. The park has been kitted out with new lighting and street furniture and is now open 24/7. Phase 2 is currently under construction on the remainder of the Greenway including; the new C.S. Lewis Civic Square at Holywood Arches, the Hollow at Elmgrove, Laburnum, Loop River Park and the Cregagh Road. This will link Victoria Park to Orangefield Park and beyond with it extending to Braniel and the Cregagh Glen. Construction will be complete late 2016. If you have any question, queries, or comments relating to the construction please call the Farrans Free Customer Care Line on 0800 0838 160. You can also view design drawings and get the latest information on the project by visiting
www.connswatergreenway.co.uk.
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PAPER TYPE: 250GSM GLOSS
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cookbook ABOUT JANE Award winning Jane McClenaghan, author of the Vital Nutrition Cookbook and a leading nutritionist in Northern Ireland, shares some delicious healthy recipes with us to continue our healthy eating habits for 2015.
Green One Ingredients:
Method:
Vital Tip:
-
Place the ingredients into your blender and blitz to the desired consistency.
Don’t go overboard with the fruit content, and add in a wee bit of protein, like some yoghurt or milled seeds, to keep your smoothies low GL.
Big handful of watercress 1 nectarine (or peach, or pear) 1/4 avocado A handful of fresh mint leaves 1/4 cup apple juice or coconut water 1 cup water
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Pink One Ingredients: - 2 big handfuls of mixed berries (fresh or frozen) - 250g natural yoghurt (or cococut milk) - Optional extra - agave syrup to sweeten
Method: Place the ingredients into your blender and blitz to the desired consistency.
White One Ingredients: -
1 ripe avocado 1 nectarine or peach 1 small banana (not too ripe) 2 dsp natural yoghurt ½ cup almond milk
Method: Place the ingredients into your blender and blitz to the desired consistency.
If you wish to learn more of Jane's recipes, then join one of her cookery classes at Belfast Cookery School. Next date is Monday 11th May, but hurry as spaces filling fast! For more info and to book, please go to www.vital-nutrition.com or contact Finn on 07843 815 140 or finn@vital-nutrition.co.uk
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LOCAL
EXPERT
DUNDELA PHARMACY
Pharmacist Lesa McLoughlin from Dundela Pharmacy, Belmont Road continues her series of articles on health & wellbeing with a look at MENTAL HEALTH. This month, from 11-17th May, is Mental Health Awareness Week. I thought this article would be a good opportunity to get people thinking or talking about mental health issues. Mental health problems can affect the way you think, feel and behave. If you are having mental health problems you are not alone. One in four of us will have problems with our mental health at some time in our lives and it is one of the commonest presenting conditions to GP’s. There are many different mental health problems. These include Depression, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Eating Disorders and Phobias. Most people experience days or weeks when they feel low and fed up, feelings that may recur but generally they get over it. This is a normal part of life. However, a low mood that doesn’t go away can be a sign of depression. Symptoms of depression can include the following: Feeling hopeless and helpless Having low self-esteem Feeling tearful Feeling guilt-ridden Having no motivation or interest in things Not getting enjoyment out of life Feeling anxious or worried
* * * * * * *
If you have had thoughts of self-harming or are feeling suicidal, contact someone immediately such as your GP, a friend, a relative or someone else you can trust. If you want to talk to someone straight away the Samaritans operate a service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for people who want to talk in confidence. Call 08457 909090. It is important to remember that depression is a real illness with real effects and is certainly not a sign of weakness or failure. Recovering from a mental health problem is likely to take time, energy and effort. The two most common forms of treatment offered through the NHS are talking treatments and medication. Visit your GP or Pharmacist for more information on these. There are also some self-help techniques that can be effective in managing the symptoms. These include maintaining your social life, using peer support, keeping active and practising mindfulness. Every year the Mental Health Foundation raises awareness of how different aspects of our lives can impact on our mental health. This year the focus is on mindfulness. Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment, without getting stuck in the past or worrying about the future. It helps people observe the way they think and feel about their experiences, whether good or bad. This can really change the way you manage and react to stressful situations, giving you a valuable tool to stay mentally healthy. For more information on mindfulness visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk For information on different mental health problems and the help that is available, other useful websites include www.mind.org.uk and www.nhs.uk/livewell/mentalhealth For free advice without an appointment on this or any health related matter call into Dundela Pharmacy and speak in confidence to one of our dedicated healthcare team.
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COMPUTER REPAIR SHOP OWNER JAMES BUSTEED IS CELEBRATING HIS 3RD YEAR AT CASTLEREAGH ROAD. CLR is a 1 stop shop for repairs for anything from laptops and mobile phones to GHD hair straighteners. Starting out in April 2012 James has since gained a massive positive reputation that customers can rely on which brings them back time and again. CLR’s goal is to give the customer confidence that their device is in safe hands. “I opened CLR because repairing electronics is something I love doing. Fixing software problems, removing viruses or reinstalling windows is the easy part, as we have an automated network for repairing some of them just to speed up repairs. It’s when you get to strip a device down to the bare board and be able to bring it back to life from changing a tiny component about half the size of a grain of rice is when it gets really interesting. This is where we stand out from most of the other shops; most places don’t have the interest or the knowledge to repair beyond the basics.” “The shop has been increasingly very busy recently and starting to see the newer generation of devices arriving in for repair. PlayStation 4 is already showing several weak points where a repair is going to be required at some point in its life. Phones are forever changing each year which is great to tackle and keep up to date with the latest models and be the first to start repairing them. We aim to repair the most popular models, this can have its down sides but it allows us to really master the phones that we get most often. Whilst working closely with several suppliers we can make sure we get the right parts for them.” The future for CLR is looking to be really positive and with a considerable increase each year on repairs we are here to stay. We will soon be stocking more accessories, parts and selling more refurbished Phones and Laptops.
THE PROPERTY BLOOM AMPM
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E S TAT E A G E N T S SALES | LETTINGS | MANAGEMENT
what’s on TODDLER GROUPS TODDLER GROUPS
Mondays Mondays Calvary Mums & Toddlers. Calvary Mums & Toddlers. 10.30-12.00am. family. 10.30-12.00am. £1 £1 perper family. 9073 2331 100100 DeeDee St, St, BT4BT4 028028 9073 2331 Little Stars Little Stars Salvation Army Cregagh Road TheThe Salvation Army 110110 Cregagh Road Toys/snacks/craft/music. £1.50 Toys/snacks/craft/music. £1.50 perper family. 10am-12 term time family. 10am-12 term time for for 0-40-4 years. 9045 4466. years. 028028 9045 4466. Sydenham Parent & Toddler Sydenham Parent & Toddler 10-11.30 family MonMon 10-11.30 £1 £1 perper family Inverary 9047 1456 Inverary CCCC BT4BT4 1RN1RN 028028 9047 1456 St Finnians St Finnians 10-11.30 Cregagh Park, 9079 2793. 10-11.30 Cregagh Park, 9079 2793. Wandsworth Mums & Chums Wandsworth Mums & Chums 10-11.45am. Wandsworth 10-11.45am. Wandsworth CC.CC. £1 £1 Belmont Church 07903 674698 26a26a Belmont Church Rd.Rd. 07903 674698
Tuesdays Tuesdays
Albertbridge Congregational Albertbridge Congregational 10.30-12.15 10.30-12.15 Woodstock LinkLink. Donation £1 Woodstock Donation £1 & Tots CFC Mops CFC9.30-11am Mops & Tots (term time - alternate 9.30-11am time alternate Tuesdays)(term £1 for one- child, £1.50 total Tuesdays) for one child, £1.50 total for more.£1Tea/coffee/juice/snacks. for CFC more.Mops Tea/coffee/juice/snacks. McQuiston Presbyterian Group 9.30-11am (term time Toddler - alternate Tuesdays 10.15-11am Tuesdays) £3.50 per mum. Breakfast £1 and Eachcreche provided. 10 Belmont Rd. 028 9067 1838 www.thisiscfc.com Includes Tea/Juice & Toast Mersey Street Presb. Mersey Street Presb. 10-11.45am term time. 10-11.45am term time. £1.£1. Mersey St Presbyterian 657025 Mersey St Presbyterian 028028 90 90 657025 St Donards Church St Donards Church 9065 2321 Tel:Tel: 028028 9065 2321 adults. Tea/coffee/juice £1 £1 for for adults. Tea/coffee/juice Strandtown Baptist Strandtown Baptist TotsTots 10.0011.30am (term time) 10.0011.30am (term time) Strandtown Baptist Church, Strandtown Baptist Church, 1 Clonallon Court 1 Clonallon Court BT4BT4 2AB2AB 9080 8380 adult Tel:Tel: 028028 9080 8380 £1 £1 perper adult & Co TotsTots & Co
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email your event details to: angela@bloommagazine.co.uk
10.15Tel: 07791 10.15-11.45am 11.45am(term (termtime) time) Any Tea776307/07980 or Coffee - £1 984506 Cregagh St Columba’s MumsMums & Tots& Tots CregaghMethodist MethodistChurch Church St Columba’s £1.50 9.45-11.45 (term(term time).time). 29 Kings RoadRoad £1.50per perfamily family(incl (incljuice/snack juice/snack& & 9.45-11.45 29 Kings tea. tea.28-30 28-30Cregagh CregaghRd. Rd.028 0289045 90457564 7564
Wednesdays Wednesdays
EVENTS Etc EVENTS Etc
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Busy BusyBees Bees 1010-11:30am -11:30amKnock KnockMethodist MethodistChurch, Church, Knock Ballyhackamore Library KnockRoad. Road.Tel: Tel:028 0289065 90653413 3413 Ballyhackamore Library 1-3 Eastleigh DriveDrive 028 9050 92049204 1-3 Eastleigh 028 9050 BooksBooks R Us R9-11 yr oldsyr reading groupgroup 10.30-12 Us 9-11 olds reading 10.30-123737North NorthRoad, Road,BT5 BT55NE 5NE (third(third Mon of month) 3.30-4.30 Mon of month) 3.30-4.30 Knit &Knit Natter 2-4pm & Natter 2-4pm Bedtime Stories 7pm.7pm. Me Time (Last(Last Community, Bedtime Stories Me Time Community,464 464Castlereagh CastlereaghRoad Road Mon of theofmonth) For busy women 7-8. 7-8. Mon the month) For busy women BeanBean Blessed StStColmcille’s Blessed Colmcille’sParent Parent& &Toddler Toddler 10am 10amterm termtime timeStStColmcille’s Colmcille’s Parish Tea/ coffee, scones, pastries. 10.30-12 Tea/ coffee, scones, pastries. 10.30-12 ParishHall Hall(opposite (oppositeTesco’s) Tesco’s)inin Ballyhackamore. Harding Memorial Harding Memorial Ballyhackamore.Men Menlooking lookingafter after young girls 4-7yrs Monday 6pm 6pm Rainbows girls 4-7yrs Monday youngchildren childrenwelcome. welcome.191a 191aUpper Upper Rainbows Newtownards Brownies girls 7-10yrs Monday 7pm 7pm Brownies girls 7-10yrs Monday NewtownardsRdRd Guides 10-14yrs Mondays 7pm.7pm. Guides 10-14yrs Mondays ClareClare 0790507905 556825. 10-12pm Contact 556825. 10-12pmW’stock W’stockRd, Rd,028 0289045 90457654 7654 Contact LadiesLadies CoffeeCoffee Morning 1st Mon month Morning 1st of Mon of month 10.30am 37 North Rd 028 7876 7876 10.30am 37 North Rd9065 028 9065 Skainos Building skainos.org Skainos Building skainos.org Badminton 2-3pm. Crosslinks - Cross Badminton 2-3pm. Crosslinks - Cross Community Arts 7-9pm 14-2114-21 yr olds. 10-11.30am 10-11.30am£1£1per perfamily family Community Arts 7-9pm yr olds. Contact Andy Andy Hill. Hill. Grand GrandParade Parade028 0289065 90658946. 8946. Contact Strand Cinema & NI Stars Cregagh CregaghMums Mums& &Tots Tots Strand Cinema & NI Stars Road,Road, BT4 .nistars.com 10-12pm 10-12pmCregagh CregaghCC. CC.Mount MountMerrion Merrion Holywood Holywood BT4 .nistars.com Singing & dancing 7-8pm Avenue. Avenue.Tel: Tel:028 0289040 90401444 1444 Singing & dancing 7-8pm Wandsworth Community Gilnahirk GilnahirkPresbyterian Presbyterian Wandsworth Community 1668.1668. Children’s Drama Thursdays Thursdays10-11.30am. 10-11.30am.£1£1per perfamily. family. 028 9065 028 9065 Children’s Drama 5-6pm. Children & Teens 161 161Gilnahirk GilnahirkRd. Rd.Laura Laura07708 07708000025 000025 Academy Academy 5-6pm. Children & Teens carnival drumming 6.30pm-7.30pm. Kirkpatrick KirkpatrickMemorial MemorialPresb Presb carnival drumming 6.30pm-7.30pm. Aerobics 7-8pm. Combat 8.15-9.30pm Parents Parents& &Toddlers. Toddlers.10-11.30am 10-11.30am Aerobics 7-8pm. Combat 8.15-9.30pm Upper UpperNewtownards NewtownardsRdRd£1£1donation donation Knock KnockParent Parent& &Toddler Toddler 10-11.45am 10-11.45amKnock KnockPresbyterian Presbyterian TowerTower 5353Kings KingsRoad, Road,Gillian Gillian07803 07803117619. 117619. Belmont Belmont www.belmont-tower.co.uk www.belmont-tower.co.uk Childrens dancedance classes 4-7pm Childrens classes 4-7pm Pregnancy Yoga Yoga 7.30-8.30pm Pregnancy 7.30-8.30pm East Belfast Wine Wine Makers Tots ‘R’Baby Us Breakfast Club Bank East Belfast Makers Skainos Building skainos.org 10.30am of Worship 10:00amHouse - 11:30am, Bank Cafe Bar Skainos Building skainos.org Compass Womens GroupGroup 7-9pm 127a Drive Road 20 -Orby 22 Belmont Compass Womens 7-9pm
Thursdays Thursdays
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Fridays Fridays
what’s on
email your event details to: angela@bloommagazine.co.uk
10.15- 11.45am (term time) Tel: 07791 776307/07980 Zumba 12.30-1.30pm Skainos Building skainos.org984506 TODDLER GROUPS Cregagh Methodist Church St Columba’s Mums & Tots Wandsworth Community Fusion - Weekly programme of games, £1.50 per family (incl juice/snack & crafts 9.45-11.45 time). 29 Kings£1Road Playclub 3-4 yr olds 10am-12. & fun for(term p1-p7’s. 6.30-8pm tea. 28-30 Cregagh Ballyhackamore LibraryRd. 028 9045 7564per person. Contact Tanita Robinson. Painting for Pleasure 11am-1pm 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 Kids Irish dancing 5-6.30pm, The Academy EVENTS Etc Calvary MumsAppreciation & Toddlers. of Art Rhythm & Rhyme (1st & 3rd Thurs of Aerobics 7-8pm. Lego Club 3.30-4.30pm. Ages 3-6 10.30-12.00am. £1 group per family. 7-9pm. Wasps seniors last Tues the month) 11.15am. Book Pack (1st years. £5 p/wk. 77 Holywood Rd. Busy Bees 100 Dee St, BT4 028 9073 2331 Thur) Adult reading group. Scrabble of month 2-3.30pm 028 9508 8818 10 (adults) -11:30am Knock Methodist Church, Wandsworth Community Little Stars Night 6-8pm. Knock Tower Road. Tel: 028 9065 3413 Ballyhackamore The Salvation Army 110 Cregagh Road Belmont Painting for PleasureLibrary 11am-1pm 1-3 Eastleigh 028 9050 9204 Toys/snacks/craft/music. £1.50 per www.belmont-tower.co.uk Childrens Ju JitsuDrive 6-8pm Books& RBoxing Us 9-11 yr olds reading group 37 North Road, 5NE 10am-12 Art 10.30-12 classes 10am-1pm. BabyBT5 Sensory 29thfamily. NI Girls Brigadeterm time for 0-4 Fitness Class 8.30-9.30pm (third Mon of month) 3.30-4.30 years.Congregational. 028 9045 4466.Explorers (3- Classes 7-13 mths Thurs 10-11am Cregagh Shiloh Hall Knit299206, & Natter76 2-4pm Sydenham Parent & Toddler 7) 6:45-8:15pm. Company Section (8- 0-7 mths Thurs 11.30-12.30 07712 The Mount, ND Bedtime Stories 7pm. Me Time (Last Community, 464 Castlereagh Road Coffee 10-11.30Helen £1 per family with Sharon 6-8pm 18)Mon 6:45-10pm. 07938 521823. Yoga Morning 10:30-12. Mon of the month) For busy women 7-8. Inverary CC BT4 1RN 028 9047 1456 Mindfulness Courses 6.30-8.30pm Belmont Tower Bean Blessed St Colmcille’s Parent &Club Toddler St Finnians Senior Citizens Luncheon www.belmont-tower.co.uk 10am@term time StCentre. Colmcille’s 10-11.30 Cregagh Park, Yoga 9079 with 2793. Midday Ballymac Hot lunch Baby massage 10am-1pm. Parishtime. Hall alison@ballymac.org (opposite Tesco’s) in Tea/ coffee, scones, pastries. 10.30-12 Wandsworth MumsBody & Chums & social Eleanor 5.45-7.45pm. Rolling Road, BT5 5NE Ballyhackamore. Men looking after 37 North Harding Memorial 10-11.45am. Wandsworth CC. £1 Skainos Building skainos.org 7.30-8.30pm. 39th Old Boys 7-9pm children welcome. 191a Upper Searchlight RainbowsClub girlsp1-p7. 4-7yrs10.30-12. Monday 6pm 26a Belmont Academy - Weekly streetdance. Over 60’s Lunch Church Club Rd. 07903 674698Vibeyoung Skainos Building Newtownards Rd P5-P7 4.30Brownies girls skainos.org 7-10yrs Monday 7pm p1-p4 3.30-4.30pm Walking Trips from 10am Guides 10-14yrs Mondays 7pm. 5.30pm 1st yr+ 6.45-8pm. £6 per 12.30pm. 3 courses for £3. Grand Cinema NI Stars Contact Clare&07905 556825. 10-12pm W’stock Rd, 028 9045 7654 Strand class. Lisa 07736 315420. Compass Parade. Tel: 028 9065 2314 to book. Albertbridge Congregational Mens Group 7-9pm. 50+ Gardening & Holywood Road, BT4 Stage school Gilnahirk Men’s Group 10-1pm Ladieswww.nistars.com Coffee Morning 1st Mon of month Crafts Thurs 1-2.30pm Jack10.30-12.15 Britton Hall. Tea/coffee/chat & a The10.30am Academy37 North Rd 028 9065 7876 Woodstock Link.until Donation £1 The Academy speaker. 10.30-12 29th April. 10am Lego Club. 11am Claycrazy Club. Skainos Building skainos.org Mops & Tots Lego Club 3.30-4.30pm. Age 7+ GirlsCFC Brigade £5 per session.2-3pm. 77 Holywood Rd. - Cross Badminton Crosslinks 9.30-11am (term time - alternate £5p/wk. 77 Holywood Rd. 028Community 9508 8818Arts 7-9pm 14-21 yr olds. Tuesdays) £1 forP5one child, £1.50 total 02810-11.30am 9508 8818 £1 per family 3 yrs - P4 6.15pm. upwards 7.30pm Yoga BelfastAndy Hill. Contact Grand Parade 028 9065 8946. for more. Tea/coffee/juice/snacks. Wandsworth Community Luncheon Club Pregnancy Yoga @ & Physioworks Strand Cinema NI Stars Mums & Tots Mops 9065 1668. Needlework For CFC senior citizens. Cregagh Methodist. 028Cregagh 10.30-11.45am @ ComHolywood Road, BT4 .nistars.com 10-12pm Cregagh Mount Merrion Gilnahirk. 9.30-11am timemeals - alternate Spanish CC. mums & tots 12 noon. £1.50.(term Pre book at the 10am-12pm. munity drop&indancing class 10.30-11.45am @ Singing 7-8pm Avenue. Tel:Spanish 028 9040 1444 Tuesdays) £3.50 per mum. Breakfast 11am-12pm. for preschoolers Gilnahirk Primary.Community yogabelfast.com Wandsworth Gilnahirk Presbyterian and creche provided. 10 Belmont Rd. 2.15-3pm. Spanish for children 3.15Skainos Bulding skainos.org 028 9065 Community 1668. Children’s Drama Thursdays 10-11.30am. £1 Combat per family. Wandsworth 028 9067 4pm. Boot Camp 7-8pm. Core Compass Kidz1838 Gap www.thisiscfc.com - Parents, guard9065 1668 5-6pm. Children & Teens 161 Gilnahirk Rd. Laura 07708 000025028Academy Mersey Street Presb. ians, toddlers - crafts, games, stories 8.30-10pm. STX/Kickboxing 10am-11.30am carnival drumming 6.30pm-7.30pm. Kirkpatrick Memorial Presb 10-11.45am £1. 10am-12. Goingterm Greentime. Gardening Park Run 7-8pm. Combat 8.15-9.30pm Aerobics Mersey St 5.30-7pm Presbyterian 028 90 657025 Parents & Toddlers. 10-11.30am 2-4pm. Yoga Upper Newtownards Rd £1 donation Every Saturday in Victoria Park St Donards Church Strand Arts Centre 9.30am - FREE Event Knock Parent & Toddler Congregational “Wacky Wednesdays” All shows, all day Albertbridge 10-11.45am Presbyterian 028 9065 2321 6 Woodstock LinkKnock 028 9045 7434 for Tel: £3. strandartscentre.com 53 Kings Road, 10.30am-12.30pm. Gillian 07803 117619. Belmont Tower £1 for adults. Tea/coffee/juice Friday Friendship. Wandsworth Community www.belmont-tower.co.uk Strandtown Baptist Tots Flower Ar- Ballyhackamore Library Sewing Group 10am-12noon. Strand Cinema & NIclasses Stars 4-7pm Childrens dance 10.0011.30am (term ranging 1.30-3.30pm. Yogatime) 7-8.30pm 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 Holywood Road,Yoga BT47.30-8.30pm Pregnancy Strandtown Chill Out Family Story Time. 3.30pm. Yoga Belfast Baptist Church, Singling & dancing East Belfast Wine1.30-3.30pm Makers Tots ‘R’ Us 1 Clonallon BT4 2ABPrimary. Belmont Tower Pregnancy YogaCourt @ Gilnahirk www.nistars.com Skainos Building skainos.org 10.30am House of Worship Tel: 028 9080 8380 £1 drop per adult 6.45-7.45pm. Community in class www.belmont-tower.co.uk S.D.Compass Bells TeaWomens & Coffee House Group 7-9pm 127a Orby Drive TotsBowl & Co7-8pm. yogabelfast.com Belcanto School of Singing 10-1pm @ Ice Java Jive Jazz Brunch Brunch 11am-2.30pm
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Be home before midnight... I recently took my daughter and some friends to see 'Cinderella'. I had first thought of this as a children's film but was very surprised at how much it appealed to me as an adult. There is always a danger that adaptations will try to do something different and only pay very slight attention to the original. Thankfully this adaptation did not deviate from the original tale of the orphaned 'Ella' left in the care of an evil stepmother and two step-sisters. The film was both well cast and well shot with excellent costumes and attention to detail. The character of 'Ella' was played by Lily James and she played it very well. I like her character 'Lady Rose' in 'Downton Abbey' which is lucky as she plays 'Ella' in much the same way. Cate Blanchett and Helena Bonham-Carter played the wicked stepmother and the fairy godmother respectively, both were excellent. I thought this casting was clever as I would have automatically cast it the other way round. It was nice to see a softer, more fun side of Helena Bonham-Carter. The prince was played by Richard Madden who 'Game of Thrones' fans will recognise as 'Robb Stark'. This was a very different part but he portrayed it well! If I had one slight criticism it would be that it was slightly long winded, this was not problem for me as an adult but I could see it making a younger audience slightly restless. All in all it was very enjoyable film that is well worth seeing.
Dawn x
c oming soon i n
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Two By Two: Ooops Noah is Gone!
Mad Max: Fury Road
From Friday 1st May
From Friday 15th May
LOCAL
EXPERT
ERIC MERCER OPTICIANS
HOW EXERCISE CAN HELP YOUR EYES According to a new study, regular exercise can help stave off the development of cataracts. Swedish researchers found that people who exercised regularly had a 13% decreased risk of cataract when compared to those with less active lifestyles. This latest study adds to the growing body of evidence about the beneficial effects of exercise on eye health – particularly, age-related conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma.
ASK THE OPTICIAN
Cataracts A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside your eye. It is caused by chemical changes in the proteins within the lens material. Researchers believe exercise helps protect the lens by reducing oxidative stress and improving the balance of “good” proteins in the lens.
Macular degeneration Macular degeneration is caused by a breakdown of the delicate cells in the central area of the retina at the back of your eyes. It is thought that the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of exercise help slow down degenerative changes at the macula.
Glaucoma Glaucoma is an eye disease characterised by damage to the optic nerve at the back of the eye. Studies show that regular exercise can help reduce your risk of glaucoma developing by lowering eye pressure and improving blood flow to the optic nerve. However, it is important to remember that while exercise can be beneficial, it does not replace the need to use glaucoma medications.
Healthy lifestyle As well as exercise, other healthy lifestyle choices have been shown to reduce your risk of developing eye disease. These include not smoking, protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV rays and eating a healthy balanced diet, rich in fruit and vegetables.
Diabetes & blood pressure
Moderate exercise
Many eye conditions are linked to general health problems. For example, diabetes, blood pressure and high cholesterol. It is well known that by exercising regularly you can help keep these health problems at bay. This in turn reduces your risk of developing eye complications, like diabetic retinopathy and burst or blocked blood vessels at the back of your eyes.
The good news is that you don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to reap the benefits of exercise. Regularly engaging in low intensity activities, like walking, cycling or dancing can work just as well. Remember, it will not only benefit your general health and energy levels - it will help protect your eyesight too.
CONTACT ERIC: |
44
448 Woodstock Road Belfast, BT6 9DR. Tel: 028 9058 3030
For more information check out the practice website at: www.ericmerceropticians.com
Embarrassing Budgets HERE COMES THE SUMMER SUN It’s hard to believe that we’ve reached the month of May already. With the longer, brighter evenings upon us now we can start to look forward to summer. The May bank holidays and the long summer holidays give rise to lots of opportunity for fun and frolics, from ferry trips to Scotland with Stena Line to bus trips to the Republic of Ireland with Ulsterbus Tours. Why not take the family to M&Ds theme park near Glasgow, or Funtasia Waterpark in Drogheda? Or hop on the train to Dublin with Enterprise day return tickets from just £10? Wherever you decide to head off, set a budget for the day, and avoid queueing at greasy hotdog stands by taking a packed lunch with you.
Another option for a cheap summer break is camping. It took me several years to build up the courage to pack up the tent and go camping as a single parent, but my son and I absolutely loved it when we did! We first camped at Six Mile Water campsite in Antrim which costs from £30 for two nights. We’ve also tried Carnfunnock Country Park, Drumhoney Holiday Park and Benone Tourist Complex, which is our firm favourite now. Pack up the tent, your sleeping bags, a camping stove or a disposable barbecue and you’re all set. You can pick up good value camping gear at Halfords, Decathlon, Tesco and Argos. Of course, the long summer holidays can also bring about extra costs. Childcare is a big one for lots of parents. Childcare costs can rise dramatically when you have to pay for holiday care. If you use childcare, make sure you’ve started to plan and budget for these increased costs during the summer holidays. Childcare vouchers or the Childcare Element of Working Tax Credit may be able to help reduce your costs.
For more information you can visit my blog at www.embarrassingbudgets.co.uk
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