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Lisburn
January / February 2015
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CO
your community / your life / your business
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS Make them a success
JANUARY SALES
Don’t just spend, spend, spend
LAURELHILL COMMUNITY COLLEGE 40 years of excellence
Your Independent Community Magazine Delivered to 12,000 Homes and Businesses
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Up to 30% Off in our
Winter Sale
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
CONTENTS:
Happy New Year. I trust you have started 2015 well. For our new readers this is an independent local community magazine that is produced in both print and online form and is distributed free to 12,000 homes and businesses in the Lisburn area. We also produce a Newtownabbey In-touch magazine which is distributed to 17,000 homes and businesses. We are privileged to have good local businesses that provide the best local products and services. Supporting our local businesses will in turn give us a strong local economy which we all want to see in 2015. Thanks to our trusted distribution team who work hard in all-weather to make sure that this magazine gets to you in good condition and on time. Whilst we are still in celebratory mood, why not join us in congratulating LaurelHill Community College as they celebrate 40 years of excellence with past and present pupils in various events in the forthcoming months. Are you back into your usual fitness regime? If not, why not visit one of your local fitness suites (see page 16 and 18). You could also combine your new fitness regime with one of our healthy, budget friendly recipes (page 24). We wish you a very Happy 2015
Susan Contact: Susan Gilchrist t: 028 9332 4511 e: susan@newtownabbeyintouch.com w: www.newtownabbeyintouch.com Disclaimer Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accidents or any other cause. Newtownabbey In-touch does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission of the publisher.
Get
6. FASHION
January Sale Shopping Spring may still be far in the distance but the days are already getting longer, so instead of hibernating I am going to take you shopping... More specifically January sale shopping!
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LAURELHILL
Community College Still moving on after forty years, Laurelhill’s educational aim remains the same, the nurturing of personal excellence for every pupil in its care.
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CLEANING
Laminate Flooring Laminate flooring is a unique, functional and convenient addition to any home, but how do you keep it clean? This low-cost solution is the undisputed champion when it comes to having a spotless floor.
28. BREAKDOWNS In Winter
Even new cars can struggle when temperatures drop below freezing in the New Year. We look at some simple steps to avoid the most common winter breakdowns.
FAMILY LIFE
Do Something Remarkable in 2015 Consider a Career In Fostering
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FCA Northern Ireland are seeking to recruit foster carers who reside in Lisburn or surrounding areas, who are interested in becoming potential foster carers with Foster Care Associates. Can you provide a safe, caring and stable home for a young person in 2015?
According to FCA Northern Ireland there are many factors that make up an ideal candidate – everything from being adaptable, resilient and nurturing to being a good listener and having a flexible response to a young person’s needs.
FCA is the largest independent fostering agency in Northern Ireland, and from day one foster carers can expect to receive training and support, with numerous opportunities for ongoing personal development.
Everyone is different and with so many responsible, sympathetic and caring adults in the area, FCA Northern Ireland is appealing to people to consider themselves as a potential foster carer in 2015.
We are seeking to recruit foster carers who have a degree of transferable skills, such as teachers, residential carers, community care workers and families We are dedicated to providing who have raised their our carers with all the support own children into adult hood and who are and advice they need to make seeking a new challenge within fostering. a positive impact on the
children in their care.
Feargal O’Keefe, regional manager at FCA Northern Ireland said: “Foster carers come from all walks of life and this diversity is essential in being able to match children and young people to an environment in which they feel comfortable and thrive. What they have in common is the energy and commitment to make a difference to the lives of those in their care. “We want our foster carers to feel support from the very beginning and part of a team. At Foster Care Associates Northern Ireland, we are dedicated to providing our carers with all the support and advice they need to make a positive impact on the children in their care.”
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Anyone interested in fostering is invited to come along to one FCA’s many fostering information events. To discover upcoming events in Northern Ireland, please visit www. thefca.co.uk/our-events. For more information on becoming a foster carer with the FCA, call 0800 023 4561 or visit www.thefca.co.uk
FAMILY LIFE like to follow the principle of only choosing an item if it will go with at least three pieces in my existing wardrobe.
January Sale Shopping By Beverley Crawford www.thefinery.co.uk
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To shake off the winter blues we need something to focus on that will give our spirits a lift. Spring may still be far in the distance but the days are already getting longer, so instead of hibernating I am going to take you shopping... More specifically January sale shopping! Now, if you were one to rush out on boxing day and find yourself already regretting some purchases you made, you might want to keep reading? I have some tips and ideas that I hope will help you get the most of shopping at the sales and help you avoid making costly mistakes. Next time you go out apply some rules and you can really enjoy your shopping experience and get value for money.
After the sales you should have shopping bags with stylish, versatile items showing you really have bagged a bargain.
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Firstly this may sound a little contrived, but I am a great believer in making a list. Be prepared before you mindlessly enter the store and start grabbing random garments at fifty per cent off. If you are never ever going to wear the leopard print leather leggings, they are not a bargain!! Know your own style, likes and dislikes and shop accordingly. Do have an idea of what you need, which will ensure you are not simply buying because something is half price rather than because it is the right item for you.. Do bear in mind some clothes are still on the rails for a reason (nobody wants them). If you see a whole rail of lime green roll neck jumpers in every size, please have the sense to walk on by (unless of course lime green does happen to be your favourite colour and it matches your skin tone perfectly). So make a list of what you need, think about what will work with what you already have. I
Sale time is great for stocking up on staples and classics that are not one season wonders and likely to end up languishing at the back of a drawer. Lots of people choose sale time to buy a winter coat. If that is your plan,look for one in a neutral colour such as camel, grey or black that will work with most of what you already own. A well cut coat in a quality fabric is timeless and should take you everywhere. Avoid pieces with too many embellishments or adornments which will limit its usage and tie it down to a particular season or time period. You are aiming for a coat which will look wonderful now and in two years time. Winter boots are also a good sale option and the biker or riding boot will work time after time. Opt for a premium, hardwearing pair which will take some knocks and age perfectly. Knitwear is also on my list, but I don’t mean reindeer jumpers. If you can still find items in luxury fabrics such as cashmere it is worth stocking up as these seldom date. These are key investment buys and can usually still be found in the sales. This is an instance when I would say allow yourself to go for a colour pop as well as neutral shades. It may sound boring but it is also a good time to shop for work/office clothes, such as tailored skirts and trousers alongside a smart blazer. You will get plenty of usage from these pieces so once again worth investing in items that will stand up to everyday wear and tear. Now you have your perfect winter coat, sturdy boots, warm woollens and some clothes for work it is time to take a look at what is in the sales that will see you in to the next season. Take a look at Spring/Summer 2015 and see what items you can purchase now that will put you ahead of the game. A lot of this will be down to you deciding on the trends you are prepared to adopt that you feel comfortable with. There are lots of ideas out there but don’t become overwhelmed. Pastels were big news in the Winter but are always popular for Spring... You’ve read that blue is big news as a colour so why not buy that fine knit cashmere jumper in cornflower blue as the days will be chilly for a few months yet. Floral fashions are always around but for Spring think texture and bold with a 60s and 70s vibe. The sports wear lux trend is set to continue, so look for trimmed sweaters, over soft cami dresses and flippy skirts or the cricket jumper and wide legged trousers in fluid feminine fabrics. So now you should have shopping bags with stylish, versatile items that tell you that you really have bagged a bargain and not a collection of sad little pieces well past their sell by date. Have a wonderful 2015.
Lagan Valley Island together with Perfect Bliss Wedding Events announce their
Wedding Fayre
Sunday 8th March 2015, 2pm - 5pm Lagan Valley Island, Civic Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL Don’t miss over 45 top local Wedding Exhibitors, Live music by the fabulous Jukebox Jurors, FREE Getting Married in Northern Ireland Magazine for every bride, stunning wedding facilities and our catwalk show compered by Downtown’s Paul McKenna at 4pm.
FREE ADMISSION • FREE CAR PARKING • FREE PRIZE DRAW For further details: www.laganvalleyisland.co.uk www.perfectblissweddingevents.com or call Francine on 078 2121 4173. Why not take a tour of our stunning wedding facilities on the day
BOOK YOUR RECEPTION FOR 60 GUESTS FOR LESS THAN £1600
FAMILY LIFE When the figure 6 arrives, it just doesn’t bear thinking about! It really is hard to believe. You still remember working as a teenager; in my case riding an old message-boy bicycle for the local shop before ‘progressing’ on to summertime only retail units and outlets in a busy seaside town. You still recall incidents from school, names of others in your class, teachers, the layout of your old primary school. Long days out and about your neighbourhood. And running. You had the strength and stamina to run just about everywhere. A mile and a half to the beach. Two miles to the Giant’s Causeway. Five miles to Portrush and a late disco. A Sunday nosey around a nearby town which ended up in a daredevil walk along the OUTSIDE of a bridge spanning a river..... And makes of cars and vans. Noisy, smelly ones which must have been diesel. The Saturday morning job on the milk run, the number plate of the bottle-laden green and white lorry, the running boards either side which – gasp – I’ve just remembered – I STOOD ON while the driver hurtled along on main roads.....
Act Your Age!
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How many times were we to hear comments like ‘act your age’ as we grew up? Some of us, perhaps more frequently than others! How many times did we hear ‘wise up’ or ‘grow up’ from someone who deemed our behaviour or demeanour to be immature?
You’re retired now! You’ve somehow rocketed through several decades, and you’re not only a father, you’re a grandfather – and several times over!!
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It’s a funny old world, because no sooner have we exited and moved on from that stage of immaturity or silly behaviour than we are in a position where it’s US wondering about using such sharp comments to those, probably behaving no worse than we did many years ago!
Growing old is a bizarre situation; a bizarre and on-going situation, a developing situation. You feel older as you hit your thirties, a little less physically fit in your forties and when you put the figure 5 down as the first of two digits in your age you do so with a certain amount of disbelief.
And today, shuffling from one coffee shop to another, hard to take in that that’s all behind you; it all happened a long time ago. And you’re not just older now, you’re RETIRED! You’ve come through those angst-filled teenage years, you’ve somehow rocketed through several decades, and you’re not only a father, you’re a grandfather – and several times over!! Is this the same person? Who’d believe – other than yourself – that you were once young? And you meet an old school friend, one you’ve not seen in maybe 30 years, and the old fibs pour out..... “You haven’t changed a bit, you don’t look any older”! Yeah, right! So I really looked like this in P7?! My hair was this colour in second form?! Gracefully. There’s the key word. Growing old gracefully. Accept it, embrace it, love it. Children now grown up but lovely to see them. They sort of look after and look out for you! And the grandchildren. Exhausting, demanding, but your grandchildren. And you spoil them. They get away with things your own children weren’t allowed to do, for goodness sake! And slow down. Take time to take time. “Do you know what age you are??!!” Did I ever tell you about the time I .....
By Luke North
FAMILY LIFE
Useful Numbers Medical Centres
Dr Trimble and Partner Switchboard Dr Shorten and Partners Drs Hutchinson, Ryan & McGuinness Dr Wales and Partners Dr Forde & Dr Quinn Dr McFarland & Partners
Hospitals
Lagan Valley Belfast City Royal Victoria
Pharmacies
Medicare (Market Lane) Lowry’s Boots (Market Square) Boots (Market Lane) Boots (Bow Street) Hilden
Helplines
Crimestoppers Translink NSPCC Age Concern National Debtline Samaritans Mindwise Volunteering Mindwise Community Bridge Building
Airports
Belfast International City of Derry George Best City
Libraries
Lisburn City Library Belfast Central
Funeral Directors Ronnie Thompson S.D. Brown Bobby Morrison
Primary Schools
Ballycarrickmaddy Primary Ballymacash Primary Ballymacward Primary Brownlee Primary
028 9260 3203 028 9266 5181 028 9260 3090 028 9260 3111 028 9266 6266 028 9260 3133 028 9260 3088 028 9266 5141 028 9032 9241 028 9024 0503
028 9266 4665 028 9267 8430 028 9266 2118 028 9260 2666 028 9266 2193 028 9260 2666
Carr Primary Dunmurry Primary Friends’ (preparatory) Harmony Hill Primary Killowen Primary Knockmore Primary Largymore Primary Fort Hill Primary Lisburn Central Primary Lower Ballinderry Primary Maze Primary Oakwood Integrated Old Warren Primary Pond Park Primary Riverdale Primary Seymour Hill St Aloysius Primary St Colman’s Primary St Joseph’s Primary Tonagh Primary Wallace Preparatory Dept & Pre-Prep Unit
028 9263 8615 028 9030 1454 028 9266 2156 028 9266 4501 028 9266 2111 028 9266 2600 028 9266 3773 028 9266 4505 028 9266 5527 028 9265 1633 028 9262 1739 028 9030 9920 028 9267 9685 028 9267 6992 028 9263 4243 028 9030 1046 028 9266 2293 028 9260 1532 028 9267 4901 028 9266 4491 028 9267 2311
0800 555 111 028 9066 6630 0808 800 5000 028 9032 5055 0808 808 4000 08457 90 90 90 028 9031 5060
Secondary & Grammar Schools
075 0168 3439
Parkview Special School
028 9448 4848 028 7181 0784 028 9093 9093
028 9263 3350 028 9050 9150
028 9260 7367 028 9267 7722 028 9266 0262 028 9264 8360 028 9266 4244 028 9264 8130 028 9266 5635
Fort Hill Integrated College 028 9266 3670 Friends 02892662156 Laurelhill Community Coll 028 9260 7351 Lisnagarvey High 028 9266 2636 St Patrick’s High 028 9266 4877 Wallace High 028 9267 2311 028 9260 1197
South Eastern Reg College 028 9267 7225
Lisburn City Council Departments Main Reception/Switchboard 028 9250 9250 Building Control 028 9250 9372 Waste Management 028 9250 9453 Irish Linen Ctr & Museum 028 9266 3377 Island Arts Centre 028 9250 9509 Lagan Valley Leisureplex 028 9267 2121 Lisburn Tourist Information 028 9266 0038
Activity Centres
Brook Activity Centre Glenmore Activity Centre Grove Activity Centre Kilmakee Activity Centre
028 9030 1848 028 9266 2830 028 9267 1131 028 9030 1545
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FAMILY LIFE assured me I could play games on my new Nokia. “What age do you think I am?” I enquired rather tersely. I had wanted a phone for making phone calls, not playing PacMan or whatever the latest trend was at the time. You’d do well to find a phone now which only makes and takes calls. But I value the smartphone in my possession now. I check local news, national and international stories. I no longer wander around wondering if Chelsea or Arsenal scored another goal before the end of the game. If F1 wants to race at 6am in Sao Paolo, so what?? We don’t have to wait until the next available news bulletin to see if Hamilton secured the necessary points. And that wee break in Tenerife just before the Easter rush: you don’t have to find someone who’s just returned to see about the weather or even the hotel you’ve booked. The answer to those – and just about ANY questions – lies in your pocket.
C U L8R, M8
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Texting, scrolling, deleting, smileys, swipe to open, slide to unlock, upload, download, airdrop, apps, icons, iMessage etc etc etc! How many of these words did we know 10 years ago?? (How many of these words do we know today!!??)
It’s a changing world, from text-speak to social media, Facebook to Twitter and electronic mails tossed in as well. Sure a photo taken now can be with your family friend in 15 seconds, whether For those of us with evershe’s in Newcastle, Co so-slightly failing eyesight, Down or New York, New York!
there is the tablet. No, not the one in the top cupboard as prescribed by your GP, the 21st century product, bearing names like Sony, Samsung or Apple.
And there are those among us who moan about technology and change. They don’t want to adapt. Couldn’t be bothered learning. And that’s fine, but they’re missing out on sooo much. Okay, you don’t have to be 100% techsavvy about digital this, that and the other, e-commerce, iBusiness or whatever – but there’s benefits and therefore good reason to adapt. Mobile phones which put you in touch with just about anything in this world. I remember famously complaining in a shop quite a few years ago when the fresh-faced assistant
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And for those of us with ever-so-slightly failing eyesight, the tablet. No, not the one in the top cupboard as prescribed by your GP, the 21st century product, bearing names like Sony, Samsung or Apple. THAT tablet. Perfect viewing, wherever, whenever. And for those occasions when your son/daughter has packed all into a tiny suitcase and gone off to ‘find’ themselves in some far-flung corner, welcome to Facetime and Skype, the near perfect way to chat face-to-face with loved ones, on smartphone, tablet or computer. Not sure where they are? Simply type in the name, for example, Mukah, into Google or the Maps app on your smartphone or tablet, and you’ll instantly see that they’re in a little town on the northern coast of Malaysia! Furthermore, tap your mouse onto the little yellow figure to the right of your screen and you’ll be able to have a quick glance round the streets of said town of Mukah. And when he or she runs out of dosh on a Friday night, panic ye not! Ten years ago you knew that there was nothing to be done until Monday, and even then there’d need to be a very understanding bank manager. Not any more! Just transfer a little extra from the bank of mum or dad via the app on your phone or tablet, a transaction completed within seconds, not days or even weeks. So! If you’ve put off the thought of new technology until now..... it’s 2015, a little treat for the New Year?? At least make a start, head off to one of the big stores this week to browse. Happy hunting!
By Luke North
Community
selection, have been added to an enriched menu of post-sixteen courses tailored to suit the large numbers of pupils who choose to stay on at the College.
40 Years Of Excellence
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The school year 2014-15 is a noteworthy anniversary in the history of Laurelhill Community College, Lisburn. In 1974-75 the school opened for the first time with an enrolment of 192 pupils and twelve members of staff. Four decades on, with more than 700 pupils, Laurelhill is described by the Department of Education as a viable and sustainable 11-18 College for the years ahead.
Throughout 2014-15, the achievements of pupils past and present will be recognised as part Still moving on after forty of the College’s years, Laurelhill’s educational annual programme of events including the aim remains the same, the Christmas Musical, nurturing of personal excellence Carol Service, Open Night, Spring Concert for every pupil in its care. and Sports Day.
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Principal James Martin, whose chosen theme for the school year is Progressing Together, emphasises the College has always sought to raise pupils’ expectations and to meet the aspirations of parents who believe in and support their children’s potential to achieve the highest educational standards. GCE “A” Level courses were first established at Laurelhill in the late 1970s. Again, the 1990s saw the College pioneer Advanced Level vocational qualifications in Business, ICT, Health and Social Care. Sixth form options were extended to include the study of traditional GCE “A” Level subjects by themselves, or in combination with vocational courses depending on the aptitudes and abilities of individual students. Since then, other subject areas such as Technology, Child Development, History, Geography, Performing Arts and Physical Education to name a
Progressing Together has seen shared education courses at sixth form level take place with Forthill Integrated College, St Colm’s High School, St Patricks, Lisnagarvey, Wallace High School, Friends, Malone College and South Eastern Regional College. “The history of Laurelhill as an innovative and outward-looking College”, notes the principal “is also evidenced by the onsite Laurelhill Sports Zone.” This major investment was the outcome of a partnership formed in 1997 between the South Eastern Education and Library Board, Lisburn Borough Council and Laurelhill Community College, the first of its kind. Opened in 2002, the Laurelhill Sports Zone continues to provide dual use of an extensive range of high-quality sports and recreational facilities for College pupils and the wider Lisburn Community. Former Laurelhill students have made successful careers in Academia, Education, Theatre and Arts, Business, Health, Journalism, Social Care, Retail, Military, Banking and Finance, Television, Police, Church, Charities and Local Government. “It is a pleasure to hear of past pupils who through talent, personal drive and entrepreneurial skill have gone on to establish their own businesses” adds Mr Martin. The principal cites examples of landscape gardening, painting and decorating, baking, hair-dressing, dance and ballet schools, fashion design and PR. Over four decades, Laurelhill pupils have pursued career goals studying at various universities including Cambridge, Glasgow, Liverpool, Leicester, Queen’s, Stranmillis College, Ulster, Magee College, Trinity College Dublin, Swansea, Edinburgh and Dundee. First as well as post-graduate awards at Masters and doctoral levels have been achieved in the Sciences as well as the Humanities. Performing Arts students have distinguished themselves in higher education at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, the Guildford School of Drama and the Royal Academy of Dancing in London. “Still moving on after forty years, Laurelhill’s educational aim remains the same, the nurturing of personal excellence for every pupil in its care. Progressing Together is the best way forward for parents, teachers, pupils and the community served by the College.” You are very welcome to join us for our Open Evening on Monday 12th January at 7.00pm
www.laurelhillcollege.co.uk
HOME
Cleaning Laminate Flooring
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From stains and spills, to every day cleaning, mud and the occasional treat from your pet, it’s fair to say that your flooring often takes the full brunt of life’s little accidents. Laminate flooring is a unique, functional and convenient addition to any interior. Capturing the raw, natural look of real wood, stone and tiled floors, you can have all the aesthetic benefits without the pain of vigorous scrubbing and sleepless nights at the thought of red wine spills.
Whether it’s a newly discovered formula or a concoction passed down through the generations, everyone appears to have the secret to a cleaner floor.
But one thing that is obvious is that, when it comes to cleaning tips, it appears that everyone’s an expert.
What many people believe is that the larger the amount of cleaning detergent used on stains and spills, the greater the cleaning power. In actual fact, the ratio of water to soap for example can play a much more damaging role. Soap is effective by attracting dirt before being cleansed. The problem occurs once the surface has been cleaned as dirt will stick to any excess detergent – meaning the more detergent used does not always result in a cleaner floor. So What’s The Secret? Surprisingly, it comes from a much more domestic source than the cleaning aisle of a supermarket. A simple formula of WHITE VINEGAR and WATER is by far one of the most effective ways of cleaning a laminate floor.
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Its neutralised acidic content is perfect for eliminating any dirt that may have accumulated in between tiles and those hard
to reach areas, but the real beauty is the after-effect. Once the vinegar has evaporated, it leaves no residue which can be the most common cause of a dirty floor. This results in a shiny, clean and footprint-less floor that will last for weeks. This low-cost, low maintenance solution is the undisputed champion when it comes to having a spotless floor. The key here is to dampen the floor as opposed to soaking it and there’s no need to worry about a vinegary after smell. The warm water dilutes the solution resulting in the smell going away within in minutes of application. The science behind this is as simple as cleaning the floor itself. Water is slightly alkaline and, when applied on its own, it can leave damaging water spots on your laminate. This is where the vinegar comes in. As well as tackling dirt, it neutralises the water thanks to its high acidity creating the perfect formula. A Clean Floor In Five Simple Steps • Thoroughly sweep your laminate floor using a soft broom or brush – Vacuum if necessary • Mix together two caps full of white vinegar into a small bucket of cold water • Apply the solution using a mop and bucket or spray. Make sure that the material is only damp and not dripping - For tough marks or stains, try a little more elbow grease. • Leave to dry. There is no need to rinse or add another coat as the formula will evaporate. • If you have applied too much water, dry any areas with a dry towel or paper towel And that’s all there is to it! Discover the most effective way to clean your laminate floor on a budget that rivals even the most expensive of detergents. Courtesy of www.homebuilding.co.uk
HOME
HEALTHY LIVING time around as well. A great workout can be achieved in just 30 minutes, and by putting it in your diary, it becomes something that’s real, tangible and that you can be held accountable for that day.
3. Switch It Up Sometimes – If you feel yourself getting bored with your workout routine, think about making it fresh again. Switch it up by trying a group exercise class, or working out with a friend. Give yourself a reward when you accomplish a certain number of workouts in a week.
New Year, New You
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Coming into the New Year, resolutions are on everybody’s mind. Most peoples last for about on average 3 days, however at Fit4less Lisburn we want yours to last much longer than that. Here are some easy tips to helping you achieve your fitness resolutions in the New Year.
Add “It’s Time for Bed” to Your Vocabulary – The hours before midnight are almost twice as valuable as the hours after midnight for health.
1. Set short realistic goals. The minute people falter, or slip on their resolution, they quit, throwing all their progress out the window. Once you achieve or obtain your first goal you are more likely to set yourself another.
2. Schedule the Gym the Same Way You Would Schedule a Doctor’s Appointment. The minute you utter “I don’t’ have time,” you avoid holding yourself accountable for a trip to the gym, making you more likely to skip the gym the next
4. Find Healthy Habits You Actually Enjoy – To make a lasting change in your life, you need to establish habits that you can enjoy. An easy way to do this is to include family and friends in what you do. Include your kids when cooking a meal at home – it’s healthier and a great way to spend time with family. 5. Realise that Fitness is Only Part of the Plan – In order to achieve peak metabolism, supplement your workouts with a diet made up of real, wholesome foods. Minimise, if not avoid altogether, processed meals and food items. We really are what we eat. Food is the fuel that runs your engine, so do not compromise. 6. Introduce “It’s Time for Bed” to Your Vocabulary – The hours before midnight are almost twice as valuable as the hours after midnight for health. After all, physical change occurs exclusively during sleep. So get to bed early and wake up to a fitter, healthier, you! 7. Anticipate Obstacles: There really is
no such thing as a “perfect plan.” Life is unpredictable and the best we can do is to anticipate obstacles and create strategies for coping with them. If picking up your child from school suddenly turns into a two-hour parent/teacher conference, you could end up famished. If you commit to carrying food (like nuts and low-fat string cheese) with you at all times, you won’t cave in to the temptation to make a quick stop for fast food on the way home. In the New Year why not try one of our group exercise classes, we have a new timetable being introduced in January so get your ass to a class!!
NEW YEAR’S
RESOLUTION? £19. 99 tion!
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UP T O
Mallusk Carpets The McCabe Family have been trading as Mallusk Carpets since 1976. A long running family business, offering a wide range of flooring and carpets. The recently refurbished showroom has undergone a full makeover and now has disabled access available including a lift to the first floor showroom and disabled toilet facilities. The new comprehensive showroom includes the latest displays from all leading manufacturers, Camar, Ulster Carpets, Manx and Brintons to name a few. Still members of the UK’s largest independent carpet and flooring buying group, CARPET 1ST, there is so much to choose from and plenty of stock in store. Stock is available to take home or make use of our Free Local Delivery service.
ONAFNTFS, 5RO0LLS% , REM
OODEN RUGS AND W FLOORS VISIT OUR NEWLY REFURBISHED SHOWROOM 16 Trench Road, Mallusk, Newtownabbey, BT36 4TY Telephone: 028 9084 8686 Email: jp@malluskcarpets.com Web: www.malluskcarpets.co.uk
HEALTHY LIVING
Why not try our Active Lifestyle Centre? Maybe you have never exercised in a gym before and would not know where to start. Possibly you have been and felt out of place, surrounded by mirrors, loud music and clanging weights. The Active Lifestyle Centre is different, no loud music or weights, instead motorised exercise machines which anyone can use. Active Lifestyle is a different concept as a fitness centre, specifically designed to cater for the needs of the mature man and woman.
Time To Talk Cold Turkey! Above: The Active Lifestyle Centre, Chapel Hill, Lisburn
As we grow older and less active health problems appear, our body starts to fail us and we need to make sure that there is enough exercise in our daily routine to keep muscles firm and hold our frame in place. Taking the dog for a walk or going walking with a friend, going for a ride on your bike are all good, however, with the dark nights and ice and snow around, the road can be a dangerous place for pedestrians and cyclists.
Hosting a set of seven revolutionary motorassisted exercise machines, each machine has a different function. The club members complete a full circuit in just 30 minutes by which time the whole body has been exercised. Improved joint mobility, better digestion and sleep patterns, weight loss, figure improvement and increased energy levels are just some of the benefits of working out on our unique machines. These are low impact easy to use gentle exercise machines, therefore are suitable for sufferers of arthritis or lower back pain. Motor assisted exercise is fun and anyone can do it sharing the workload with the machine.
Only One In Northern Ireland
A New Year, A New You 07724 301588 e-mail: activelc@hotmail.com
www.lisburnactivelc.co.uk
HEALTHY LIVING
Reach 17,000 homes and businesses for Reach 12,000 only £69* perhomes issue
and businesses for only £90* per issue
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gareth@newtownabbeyintouch.com
Nominating is easy. All you have to do is state in approximately 150 words who you are nominating, which area they live in and the reason you are nominating them. The only rule is that the person receiving the flowers must live or work within the Lisburn area. Just write your nomination on a piece of paper and post to Friendship Blooms, Intouch Magazines, Mallusk Enterprise Park, 2 Mallusk Drive, BT36 4GN.
Friendship Blooms
You can also email your nomination to blooms@newtownabbeyintouch.com putting ‘Friendship Blooms’ as the subject. Please include your full name, address and telephone number on your nomination otherwsie we will not be able to respond.
Families and friends are precious – they are people to be appreciated, admired and loved. In 2015 Lisburn In-touch would like to offer our readers the chance to show their appreciation for a fellow member of the community – whether it be a friend or family member.
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HEALTHY LIVING Prof Wiseman’s top 10 tips to achieving your New Year’s resolution: 1. Make only one resolution. Your chances of success are greater when you channel energy into changing just one aspect of your behaviour. 2. Don’t wait until New Year’s Eve to think about your resolution and instead take some time out a few days before and reflect upon what you really want to achieve. 3. Avoid previous resolutions. Deciding to revisit a past resolution sets you up for frustration and disappointment.
Make Your New Year’s Resolutions a Success Most of us will make a New Year’s resolution - maybe to lose weight, quit smoking or drink less - but only one in 10 of us will achieve our goal.
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Psychologists have found we’re more likely to succeed if we break our resolution into smaller goals that are specific, measurable and time-based. Professor Richard Wiseman, of the University of Hertfordshire, tracked 5,000 people as they attempted to achieve their New Year’s resolutions.
His team found that those who failed tended not to have a plan, which made their resolution soon feel like Many of the most successful a mountain to climb.
techniques involve making a plan and helping yourself stick to it.
Some focused too much on the downside of not achieveing their goal, adopted role models, fantasised about their goal or relied on will power alone. “Many of these ideas are frequently recommended by self-help experts but our results suggest that they simply don’t work,” says Prof Wiseman. “If you are trying to lose weight, it’s not enough to stick a picture of a model on your fridge or fantasise about being slimmer.” He said the 10% of participants in the study who had achieved their target broke their goal into smaller goals and felt a sense of achievement when they achieved these.
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“Many of the most successful techniques involve making a plan and helping yourself stick to it,” says Prof Wiseman.
4. Don’t run with the crowd and go with the usual resolutions. Instead think about what you really want out of life. 5. Break your goal into a series of steps, focusing on creating sub-goals that are concrete, measurable and time-based. 6. Tell your friends and family about your goals. You’re more likely to get support and want to avoid failure. 7. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits associated with achieving your goals by creating a checklist of how life would be better once you obtain your aim. 8. Give yourself a small reward whenever you achieve a sub-goal, thus maintaining motivation and a sense of progress. 9. Make your plans and progress concrete by keeping a handwritten journal, completing a computer spreadsheet or covering a notice board with graphs or pictures. 10. Expect to revert to your old habits from time to time. Treat any failure as a temporary setback rather than a reason to give up altogether. Getting started Below are some of the most common New Year health resolutions, and you can go to the NHS website below for practical help on seeing them through. Lose weight: Get practical tips to lose excess weight, including getting started, healthy food swaps, and our 12-week weight loss plan. Quit smoking: We’ve got all you need to help you achieve your goal to stop smoking, including ordering a free Quit Kit, getting support and tracking your progress. Get active: Boost your fitness with fun and practical ideas to help you get into shape, including Couch to 5K, Strength and Flex and our 12-week fitness plan. Drink less alcohol: Calculate your units, get tips on cutting down, track your drinking and find out where to get help and support. Eat more fruit and veg: Whether you’re cooking for a family or eating on the go, our tips and recipes can help you get your 5 A DAY. www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Healthychristmas/ Pages/NewYearresolutions.aspx
HEALTHY LIVING
Leave The Old You Behind We all know that smoking is bad for us and, although giving up can be very hard, stopping smoking is one of the best lifestyle changes you can make in 2013 to benefit your health. Facts • 67% of smokers who were asked said they would like to give up. • At present, about a sixth of UK adults are smokers. • Each cigarette contains over 4000 chemicals. • People are four times more likely to quit with • support compared to those who go it alone. • Smoking increases the risk of serious disease and health problems such as cancers, heart attack, stroke and breathing problems such as COPD. • Breathing in second hand smoke increase a non smokers chance of lung cancer by 24%. Your health improves almost • If you smoke when you are pregnant immediately after you stop it can increase the risk of complications to your smoking. unborn baby.
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Your health improves almost immediately after you stop smoking - here’s how : • After 20 Minutes - Blood pressure and pulse return to normal. Circulation improves especially in hands and feet. • After 8 hours - Blood oxygen levels return to normal and chance of having a heart attack starts to fall. • After 24 hours - Carbon monoxide leaves body and lungs start to clear out mucus and debris. • After 48 hours - Congratulations. All nicotine has now left your body. Sense of taste and smell improves.
• After 72 hours - Breathing is easier and energy levels increase. • After 1 month skin appearance improves, owing to improved skin perfusion. • After 2 - 12 weeks - Circulation improves throughout body, exercise becomes easier. • After 3 - 9 months - Lung efficiency increases by 5-10%. Reduction in coughing, wheezing and breathlessness. • After 5 years - Chances of a heart attack are now only 50% of that of a smoker. • After 10 years - Chance of lung cancer is now only 50% of that of a smoker. Chance of a heart attack is the same as a non smoker. Other benefits of stopping smoking include the following: • Chest infections and colds become less frequent. • The smell of stale tobacco goes from your breath, clothes, hair, and face. • Foods and drinks taste and smell much better. • Finances improve. You will save well over £1,000 per year if you smoked 20 a day. • You are likely to feel good about yourself. Your local pharmacist can help you quit smoking through a smoking cessation scheme. This programme involves an initial consultation with your pharmacist to decide on the most appropriate Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for each individual. Thereafter a weekly meeting or phone call with the pharmacist helps to provide vital support and counselling throughout the programme. The NRT products prescribed by the Pharmacist are supplied on NHS prescription, therefore call in now and make an appointment with your local Pharmacy.
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COMMUNITY
Community Notice Board Blood Donation Sessions St Patrick’s Pastoral Centre , 27 Chapel Hill, Lisburn 15 January 2015 1.30pm to 4.00pm and 5.15pm to 8.00pm Date: 16 Jan 2015 1.30pm to 4.00pm and 5.15pm to 8.00pm Lisburn Citizen Advice Bureau Money Advice Service We provide a comprehensive free Money Advice Service for anyone struggling to deal with debt through a specialist Money Adviser. This service is strictly by appointment only. To make an appointment with a Money Adviser, please telephone: 02892 627977. Bridge Community Centre, 50 Railway Street, Lisburn, BT28 1XG. Slimming World Sessions St Patricks Pastoral Centre, Chapel Hill, Tuesdays 6:30pm Contact Catherine on 07786 195726 Lisburn City Church, 1 Graham Gardens Mondays 9:30am and 11:30am Mondays 5:30pm and 7:30pm Contact Mary-Claire 07821 174394 Lisburn Christian Fellowship, 2 Queens Road Wednesdays 6:00pm & Thursdays 9:30am Contact Caroline on 07843 062077 Harmony Hill Presbyterian Church , Moss Road, Lambeg Saturdays 9:30am Contact Linda on 07746 243254 Trinity Community Venue, Knockmore Road Thursdays 5:30pm and 7:30pm Contact Rachel 07887 568350 Largymore Primary School , Hillhall Road Tuesdays 5:30pm and 7:30pm Contact Sharon on 07900 675969
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St Mark’s Parish Church, Ballymacash Road Wednesdays 9:30am Contact Ingrid on 07746 554360
Ballymacash Primary School, 16 Brokerstown Road Wednesdays 5:30pm and 7:30pm Contact Ingrid on 07746 554360 Christ The Redeemer P.S., Lagmore Drive, Lagmore Thursdays 5:30pm and 7:30pm Contact Sarah on 07968 145066 Presbyterian Church, 49 Lisburn Street, Hillsborough Wednesdays 5:30pm and 7:30pm Contact Linda on 07746 243254 Lisburn City Library Adult Reading Group The 2nd Thursday of every month This group aims to allow everyone’s reading experiences to be shared and enjoyed. Participants don’t have to be library members but if you join, you can borrow the book the group will be discussing for free. Contact Helen Keenan Tel: 028 9263 3350 Email: lisburncity.library@librariesni.org.uk Music Club The last Tuesday of every month Music discussion and listening. Exploring various music genres. Tel: 028 9263 3350 Aware Defeat Depression Support Group (Lisburn) Every Thursday at 7.30pm The group is for people who are affected by depression or bipolar disorder. This includes sufferers, relatives and friends. Meetings usually last between 1 and 1 ½ hours. The Bridge Community Centre, 50 Railway Street, Lisburn. Tel: 08451202961 Email: help@aware-ni.org Web: www.aware-ni.org.uk
Notice board
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We are a bi-monthly publication offering you local knowledge, topical issues as well as promoting local businesses.
Next issue: January/February 2015 Copy deadline: 12th December 2014 Distribution: 5th - 12th January 2015
As well as distributing to homes, copies of this magazine can be found at libraries, cafes, local hotels, health clubs, medical centres and local retailers.
RECIPES
Method 1. Heat the oven to gas 6/ 200c 2. Heat a saucepan on a high heat and
add a little olive oil. Add the lamb into the saucepan and caramelize before removing to a casserole dish. (Do this in 2 batches if the pan is smaller to avoid excess liquid). Sprinkle the flour over the meat and put to one side.
January Blues Stew A warming lamb stew that will pick you up after the cold winter weather of December and get you fighting fit for another year.
Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • •
(Serves 4)
500g lamb leg steaks diced 2 tsp plain flour 1 red onion (chopped) 1 turnip (peeled and chopped into 1cm dice) 2 tbsp tomato puree 1 tsp sugar 50g frozen peas half a pint of lamb stock (fresh or from a cube) Olive oil Worcester sauce Salt and pepper
Aubergine Rolls with Spinach and Ricotta
3. Put a little more oil in the pain and add
in the chopped onion, (you can use a white onion but the red will add a little sweetness) soften the onion on a low heat until translucent.
4. Add the turnip to the pan and turn up the
heat to medium. Cook until the outside of the turnip is golden.
5. Put the tomato puree into the pan with
the onions and turnip and cook for 1 minute before adding the sugar and stock.
6. Tip the lamb covered in flour back into the pan and stir to combine before adding the peas and a shake or two of Worcester sauce. Season to taste.
7. Tip the mix into the casserole dish, lid on and into the preheated oven. Wait for the casserole to start bubbling in the oven before turning the heat down to gas 3/ 150c Cook for 2 to 2 and a half hours and serve with plain rice. OR give it a Mexican twist by adding in peppers and serving with couscous or quinoa. www.bbcgoodfood.com
Ingredients
(Serves 4)
• 2 aubergines, cut into thin slices lengthways • 2 tbsp olive oil • 500g spinach • 250g tub ricotta • grating of nutmeg • 350g jar tomato sauce • 4 tbsp fresh breadcrumbs • 4 tbsp parmesan (or vegetarian alternative)
Method 1. Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Brush
both sides of the aubergine slices with oil, then lay on a large baking sheet. Bake for 1520 mins until tender, turning once.
2. Meanwhile, put the spinach in a large
colander and pour over a kettle of boiling water to wilt. Cool, then squeeze out the excess water, so that it is dry. Mix with the ricotta, nutmeg and plenty of seasoning.
3. Dollop a spoonful of the cheesy spinach
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mix in the centre of each aubergine slice, fold over to make a parcel and lay, sealed-side down, in an ovenproof dish. Pour over tomato sauce, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and cheese, and bake for 20-25 mins until golden and piping hot. www.bbcgoodfood.com
COMPETITIONS
WIN Great Competitions A Winter Escape to the 4* Killyhevlin Hotel and Spa Enjoy two nights bed and breakfast (Sunday-Thursday) with one tempting 4-Course Dinner and full use of the Killyhevlin Health Club for up to two persons sharing.
For your chance to win simply send in your name, address and contact number by post or via the competitions page on our website with reference: Killyhevlin
One Months Free Membership to Fit4less Lisburn Enjoy one months free gym membership using top quality equipment, great Personal Trainers and a motivational atmosphere to provide you with a great workout! Prize also includes all fitness classes subject to availability. For your chance to win simply send in your name, address and contact number by post or via the competitions page on our website with Reference: Fit4less
A Couples Escape Package at Hilton Belfast Templepatrick Including a 30 minute Hot Stone Back Massage or a 25minute golf lesson with our PGA Pro Eamonn Logue. A food platter served in the lounge overlooking the golf course for you both to share. Full use of LivingWell facilities – 18m swimming pool, gym, sauna and steam rooms.. For your chance to win simply send in your name, address and contact number by post or via the competitions page on our website with Reference: Hilton CLOSING DATE FOR COMPETITIONS: Friday 6th February 2015 To enter please visit www.newtownabbeyintouch.com and click on the competition link. You can also enter by post sending your answer along with your name and contact number to Newtownabbey In-touch, C/O Mallusk Enterprise Park, Mallusk Drive, Newtownabbey, BT36 4GN
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MOTORING
Vehicle Tax Disc Changes From 1 October 2014 you no longer have to display the paper tax disc on your vehicle windscreen, however, you still need to pay vehicle tax and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will hold a record on their computer system.
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What does this mean for me? To drive or keep a vehicle on the road you still need to pay vehicle tax and you will still get a renewal reminder when your vehicle tax is due to expire. This applies to all types of vehicles including those that are exempt from payment of vehicle tax. If you have any remaining months left on your current paper tax disc, you can either remove the tax disc from your vehicle or display the disc until it expires.
Vehicle tax is no longer transferable so you won’t be able to include any remaining tax when you sell a vehicle.
Changes when buying a vehicle When you buy a vehicle, the vehicle tax is no longer transferred with the vehicle therefore you will need to get your new vehicle taxed before you can use it.
DVLA in Swansea can’t check vehicle insurance details for new keepers in Northern Ireland online or by phone so you will need to get your new vehicle taxed at a local post office which deals with vehicle tax. It is a legal requirement for all UK drivers to have motor insurance in place before using a vehicle on a public road. What happens if I sell a vehicle? Vehicle tax is no longer transferable so you won’t be able to include any remaining tax when you sell a vehicle.
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If you sell a vehicle and you have notified DVLA, you will automatically get a refund for any full remaining months left on the vehicle
tax. The refund will be sent to the keepers details on DVLA records so you need to make sure that these are correct. Vehicle tax refunds You no longer need to make a separate application for a refund of vehicle tax. DVLA will automatically issue a refund when a notification is received from the person named on DVLA vehicle register that: • the vehicle has been sold or transferred • the vehicle has been scrapped at an Automated Treatment Facility • the vehicle has been exported • the vehicle has been stolen • the vehicle has been removed from the road and the person on the vehicle register has made a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) • the person on the vehicle register has changed the tax class on the vehicle to an exempt duty tax class Driving your vehicle abroad DVLA have informed the European Union that UK registered vehicles that are travelling in the EU will not display tax discs. You can check if any vehicle is taxed using the online www.vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk and this can also be if you are using a rental vehicle. Paying vehicle tax by Direct Debit Direct Debit is now offered as an additional way to pay for vehicle tax annually, 6 monthly or monthly. Tax will be automatically renewed and the Direct Debit payments will continue to be taken providing an MOT is in place at the point of tax renewal. Valid insurance should also be in place for vehicles registered in Northern Ireland. www.nidirect.gov.uk
MOTORING
Frozen door locks and door seals A squirt of a water-dispersant like WD40 in the locks will help as will a light smear of Vaseline or silicone polish on the door seals. If snow falls clear it from the car while still soft rather than leaving it for days on end – the car will turn into a block of ice. Frozen ignition locks It’s hard to keep the inside of the car completely dry when it’s cold and wet outside but it’ll help avoid this rare but annoying problem – don’t leave wet clothes or boots in the car overnight.
The Most Common Winter Breakdowns
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Battery faults This is far and away the most common cause of breakdowns in winter. If your battery is more than 5 years old, you should get it checked and possibly replaced. Check that clamps and connections to the battery are secure and free from corrosion. Frozen screen washers Not really a breakdown, unless you keep running the pump until it burns out and blows a fuse affecting something like the immobiliser system! Use a screenwash additive all year round - undiluted in winter.
Frozen wipers Trying to operate Even new cars can struggle windscreen wipers stuck solid to the glass when temperatures drop below can lead to blown freezing. Here are some simple fuses affecting other more vital systems. If steps to avoid the most common low temperatures are forecast make sure that winter breakdowns. automatic windscreen wipers are turned off – so they don’t try to operate when you turn the ignition on. Make sure the wipers aren’t stuck to the glass, before setting off too. Frozen engines Due to lack of anti-freeze. Make sure you get it checked regularly and top-up using a mix of the correct type of anti-freeze. Stripped teeth on cambelt causing engine damage Try to start a car with a frozen waterpump and you could strip the teeth off the timing belt leading to expensive internal engine damage.
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Windows frozen to their frame Windows can become detached from the mechanism inside the door if you try to power them down while the windows frozen in the frame. Best left until the car’s warmed up and the ice melted. Diesel fuel waxing In extreme cold, wax crystals form in diesel fuel and can block fuel lines and filters. All diesel sold in the UK between 16 November and 15 March has to meet the ‘Winter diesel standard’ which ensures protection against waxing down to -15C. There’s not much you can do to avoid it if the temperature drops really low other than garaging overnight if you have one and trying to keep the car warm. Electric fuel filter heaters are available. Electronic parking brake not releasing If the driven wheels are on an icy road and can’t grip it’s possible that an automatic parking brake won’t release. Frozen brakes and handbrake cables It’s good to clean your car regularly through the winter to remove corrosive road salt but not if you use a hose or pressure washer and blast water inside brake cables or drums and the temperature drops. A drive after cleaning can help but it’s best to take care when hosing wheel arches or wheels. Frozen alternators Fortunately very rare, but poor design of under-bonnet drains can lead to water from the windscreen getting into the alternator and freezing the rotor. A screaming noise from the ‘fanbelt’ accompanied by smoke, a burning smell and a battery warning light on the dash will tell you there’s something wrong. Filling with the wrong fuel If you’ve accidently put the wrong fuel in your car, don’t turn on the ignition or start the engine. This will circulate the contaminated fuel and increase the risk of expensive damage. Diesel fuel contaminated with petrol (or vice versa) should be removed from the tank and replaced with clean fuel before the ignition is turned on and the car started. If you’re concerned about the risk of misfuelling you can buy devices to fit into the (diesel) filler neck to prevent you inserting the narrower petrol nozzle. Courtesy of www.theaa.com
N O I T N E T T A W E N THE A I B A F A D O K Š G STEALIN T R A W E T S N Y AT MERV
COMING SOON TO MERVYN STEWART The third-generation ŠKODA Fabia is more dynamic and more expressive. It’s stylish and economical – the new Fabia is designed with passion. We’ve returned to our roots, proving that emotion and incredible functionality complement each other perfectly. The result, a fresh and modern small car that is sure to steal attention. Call Mervyn Stewart to be one of the first to test-drive the stunning new Fabia.
Mervyn Stewart 11 Boucher Crescent Belfast BT12 6HU
08433 201433 www.mervynstewart.com
Model shown is ŠKODA Fabia Hatch SE 1.0 MPI 75PS £12,760 with race blue metallic pearlescent paint £535, panoramic sunroof package £600, sunset glass from B-pillar back £180, front LED running lights £190, front fog lights £170 and Savio alloys (aftersales accessories) £800. Total cost £15,235.
Official fuel consumption for the Fabia range in mpg (litres/100km): Urban 46.3 (6.1) to 72.4 (3.9); Extra Urban 67.3 (4.2) to 91.1 (3.1); Combined 58.8 (4.8) to 83.1 (3.4). CO2 emissions for the Fabia range are 110 to 88 g/km. Standard EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.
MOTORING through the steering wheel at the gauges, Peugeot has instead made the wheel smaller and lower so that drivers will be able to look over it for an unobstructed view of the main instrument binnacle. Higher quality finishes and a very neat infotainment system feature, while both three and five door models offer plenty more occupant space. Not only do rear seat occupants get 5cm more knee room, they do so in a car that is 7cm shorter and 1cm lower than the 207 it replaces. That increased passenger space doesn’t come at the expense of luggage capacity either, with the 208 offering an additional 1.5 cubic litres in which to stow your gear.
Treble Chance With Peugeot 208 1.2 VTi
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The 208 hatchback sees Peugeot return to form and the three-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engine is an absolute cracker. If you thought the days of small, modestly priced hatches that painted a big smile on your face had gone, you need to try this car.
After driving the 208VTi, I reckon Peugeot is back. Proper Peugeot - the Peugeot that Many of us remember the we used to know and love. Yes, the car simply wonderful Peugeots has had to make a of the late 80s and 90s and few concessions to modern motoring, wondered if those days would and the electricallyassisted power ever come back? They have! steering isn’t the wholly organic experience you got behind the wheel of a 205 GTI, but here is a car you’ll drive just for the fun of it.
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The 1.2-litre VTi engine is offered in three midrange trim levels: Access+, Active and Allure. Choose the Access+ and you’ll find cruise control, heated door mirrors and air conditioning with a refrigerated glove box. The Active trim looks good value for money with 15-inch alloy wheels, the multifunction colour touchscreen, Bluetooth and USB connectivity and a split rear bench for added versatility. The Allure gets 16-inch alloys, LED daytime running lights, sports seats, dual zone auto air conditioning, some chrome and leather for the cabin and automatic headlights, dimming mirrors and rain-sensing wipers. On both the latter two trim levels, satellite navigation is an option. Cost of Ownership Where diesel engines in superminis often fail to make sense is down to the premium charged for the more expensive engine when weighed against the fact that most of these cars do modest mileage and the benefits in fuel savings will never actually break even. No such worries with the 208 1.2 VTi. It’s an inexpensive engine that makes all kinds of sense on the balance sheet, both for you and for Peugeot. It’s not going to crucify you at the pumps, no matter how spiritedly you drive the thing. Any car enthusiast who knows their stuff will know how significant it is that Peugeot is back in the game with a genuinely good supermini. The 208 platform just works. Driving position aside, it’s nothing revolutionary, just solid good engineering.
It’s a real hoot to drive, with a real willingness to rev and very little flywheel effect. It’s the first small car I’ve driven for a long time that suddenly gave me the pang of wanting to actually own.
There are a number of commendable engines to try but the three-cylinder 1.2-litre VTi engine just has likeability shot straight through it. It’s a fun and infectious little fizzer of a powerplant, not particularly quick but always up for a bit of sport. This is a small car that is priced well, looks good and is even respectably practical. Ongoing running costs are tiny and equipment levels are good. Downsides? There aren’t too many. The interface on the touch screen is decidedly clunky but it’s nothing a little familiarity wouldn’t conquer. All in, the 208 is a hugely pleasant surprise and the 1.2-litre VTi engine the hidden gem.
The cabin is a big step ahead too and there’s some novel thinking afoot. Rather than peer
Just go and try it, you’ll see.
I tried some of the larger petrol and diesel engines on offer, figuring that more was better, but this 82bhp 1.2-litre powerplant aced the lot of them for sheer fun. As you punt it through corners you’ll be amazed at the sheer amount of front end grip on offer and its speed of turn-in, helped in no small part by the 110kg of weight saved over its larger predecessor.
LIMITED OFFER UNLIMITED APPEAL 208 ACCESS+ • AIR CONDITIONING • ABS AND ESP • ELECTRIC AND HEATED DOOR MIRRORS • REMOTE CONTROLLED CENTRAL LOCKING • CRUISE CONTROL WITH SPEED LIMITER • ELECTRIC FRONT WINDOWS
£159
Includes £1,850 customer saving
down/per month on Passport Personal Lease#
NEW PEUGEOT 208 ACCESS+ The award-winning Peugeot 208 Access+ with new PureTech engine, comes with air conditioning, electric front windows and cruise control with speed limiter. It is now available from just £159 down and £159 per month. For a test drive, call into your local Northern Ireland Peugeot dealer today.
MOTION & EMOTION
Roadside Motors
22 Market Place, Lisburn Tel 9267 7412 www.roadsidelisburn.co.uk Official Fuel Consumption in MPG (l/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km) for the 208 Range are: Urban 51.4 – 67.3 (5.5 – 4.2), Extra Urban 72.4 – 85.6 (3.9 – 3.3), Combined 62.8 – 78.5 (4.5 – 3.6) and CO2 104 – 95 (g/km). MPG figures are achieved under official EU test conditions, intended as a guide for comparative purposes only, and may not reflect actual on-the-road driving conditions. Model shown is a 208 Access+ 1.0 V Ti 68 Puretech 3 door. Terms and conditions apply, participating dealers only or visit w w w.peugeot.co.uk. To finance your lease/purchase we may introduce you to a limited number of lenders. #Passport Personal Lease: A guarantee may be required. Over 18’s only. Written quotations available on request from Peugeot Financial Services, Quadrant House, Princess Way, Redhill RH1 1QA. 208 Access+ V Ti 68 Puretech 3 door, customer initial payment £159, including £1,850 customer saving, optional final payment £4,910. 36 monthly payments payable. Annual mileage 6,000 miles. If you choose to pay the optional final payment, you can pay an annual payment equivalent to one of your monthly payments but will not own the car. Excess mileage charges may apply. Ownership is possible with Passport - ask us for details. Offer available on cars ordered and registered between 1st and 31st January 2015. Calls may be recorded for training purposes. Information correct at time of going to press.
WE WON’T BE BEATEN ON PRICE OR CUSTOMER SERVICE... IT’S THAT SIMPLE! CHARLES HURST TOYOTA BELFAST 62 Boucher Road, Belfast BT12 6LR Tel: 084 4659 3881
www.charleshurst.toyota.co.uk
Ross Graham
GER SALES MANA
*Terms and Conditions Apply. Price Promise-Find a similar vehicle for less in Northern Ireland and we will beat the price. The comparison vehicle must be a like for like model & manufacturer, in similar condition with similar spec and mileage. The vehicle must be from a franchised dealer and you will need written confirmation of the quote or vehicle must be visible on the dealer’s website.