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Lisburn
May / June 2015
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your community / your life / your business
Great vents Spring E & tions Competi e Insid
ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR YOUNG DRIVERS As one in three drivers killed are aged under 25
WHY PLAY GOLF?
Exercise, friendship, concentration and fun!
NOT JUST A MORTGAGE
The one off costs of buying a house Your INDEPENDENT Community Magazine Delivered to 12,000 Homes and Businesses
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Lisburn & Castlereagh City Events 2015 May - September
MAY Lisburn City Festival of Orienteering Friday 1st - Monday 4th Lisburn City Centre Daily Mirror May Day Meeting Monday 4th Down Royal Racecourse, Lisburn Spring Gardeners Market Saturday 16th Ulster New Zealand Trust at Ballance House, Glenavy Balmoral Show Wednesday 13th - Friday 15th Balmoral Park, Maze / Long Kesh, Lisburn Barclays Communication Race Evening Friday 29th Down Royal Racecourse, Lisburn All Ireland Italian Motor Club Saturday 30th Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn
JUNE Run Lisburn Half Marathon 10k Road Race and Fun Run Wednesday 17th Lagan Valley LeisurePlex, Lisburn
Summer Festival of Racing Friday 19th - Saturday 20th Down Royal Racecourse, Lisburn Lisburn & Saintfield District Show Saturday 20th Balmoral Park, Maze / Long Kesh, Lisburn Cooperation Ireland Maracycle Saturday 27th - Sunday 28th Belfast to Dublin and Dublin to Belfast
JULY ISLAND Children’s Arts Festival 2015 July - August (EXACT DATES TBC) Island Arts Centre, Lisburn Get Ready, Get Set, Go! Summer Activity Scheme Mon 20th July - Fri 14th August Lough Moss Leisure Centre, Castlereagh Magners Race Evening Friday 24th July Down Royal Racecourse, Lisburn Raspberry Tea Saturday 25th July Ulster New Zealand Trust at Ballance House, Glenavy
Sunflowerfest Friday 31st July Sunday 2nd August Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough
Hilden Beer & Music Festival Friday 28th – Sunday 30th Hilden Brewery, Lisburn
Summer Scheme July - end August Lagan Valley LeisurePlex, Lisburn
Musgrave Retail Partners NI Race Day Friday 28th Down Royal Racecourse, Lisburn
National Balmoral Championships July (TBC) Maze Long Kesh www.balmoral-park.co.uk
AUGUST The Little Green Allotments Festival & Show Saturday 1st White Mountain Road, Lisburn City of Lisburn Pipe Band Championships Saturday 1st Moira Demesne, Moira International Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week Monday 3rd - Saturday 8th Dundrod, Lisburn Triathlon Saturday 9th August Lagan Valley LeisurePlex, Lisburn
For more information please contact Lisburn Visitor Information Centre on Tel: 028 9266 0038 or Hillsborough Visitor Information Centre on Tel: 028 9268 9717.
www.visitlisburn.com
All dates are correct at time of going to press and are subject to change.
Northern Ireland Speed Weekend Saturday 29th - Sunday 30th Balmoral Park, Maze/Long Kesh, Lisburn
SEPTEMBER Hillsborough International Oyster Festival Tuesday 1st - Sunday 6th Hillsborough Village Heritage Open Days Thursday 10th - Sunday 13th Various Locations Summer Evening Race Day Friday 11th Down Royal Racecourse, Lisburn Culture Night Lisburn Friday 18th Lisburn City Centre
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR As I’m writing this piece I’m sipping through my third warm cuppa and not a cool glass of lemonade as I had hoped for. Does anyone know if it’s Spring or Winter today? Hopefully by the time you are reading this it will most definately be spring? Maybe like my family, you enjoyed watching Paul Radcliffe cross the finish line in her final London marathon a few weeks ago and we are now looking forward to cheering on our local runners taking part in the Lisburn half marathon in June (pg 15). If running is not your ‘forte’ why not join the many golfers practicing their swing in the run up to The Irish Open. I too have always wondered where they got those crazy words like birdies and bogeys and it promises to be a great event. (See pgs. 6 and 12). Staying on the theme of keeping fit, the Active Lifestyle Centre seeks to help anyone wanting to keep active regardless of their medical condition and two remarkable ladies tell their story of recovery on page 4. If you are lucky enough to be a young driver there’s great advice on staying safe on our roads (pg30) during the long summer days ahead. There’s safety advice of a different kind on page 14 for those planning a backpacking holiday around Europe or further afield. Exciting developments are afoot at In-touch so as page 5 says: Watch this space!
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.
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CONTENTS: 4.
TWO LADIES
Two Remarkable Stories The story of two ladies, Margaret Norwood and Ailleen Dixon fighting debilitating illnesses but not giving up. With determination and the help of power assisted gym equipment they are able to maintain an active lifestyle.
12.
FORE!
Know Your Golf Lingo The end of May, Royal County Down Golf Club is the date and place to mark in your diary if you’re an aficionado of the small white ball being struck with force, precision and accuracy.
20.
DUST MITES
Too Close For Comfort Allergy awareness week in April raised awareness about allergies and highlighted the difficulties people with allergies suffer. However, one cause of allergies in particular might be a little too close for comfort.
30. YOUNG DRIVERS Some Essential Tips
In the UK, one in five new drivers are involved in a crash in their first year of driving. Worst still, one in three drivers killed are aged under 25.
HEALTHY LIVING Six years ago when I tried to stand up I found that I could not move, my brain said stand but my body didn’t respond , I thought I had a brain tumour and was relieved, if you can believe it, when diagnosed with Parkinson’s. The deterioration has been gradual and the only tell-tale sign is my posture. I am very stiff after sitting or first thing in the morning but have no shakes.
Two Remarkable Stories Above: Margaret Norwood tells her story of recovery with Active Lifestyle.
When I was younger I kept fit running and walking; however ten years ago I developed what felt like heaviness in my body, my left leg was weak and dragging and I was constantly exhausted. The diagnosis was remitting recurring MS.
I joined Active Lifestyle in August shortly after it first opened on Chapel Hill, it has helped to loosen my joints and muscles and one machine in particular is good for posture. People have noticed an improvement in my stance and movement and commented on it. When I went to school I always hated Physical Education, now I am well past retirement age and for the first time in my life I am enjoying exercise. I attend at least three times a week and more often if I can, it gives me an excuse to get out of the house, not that I need much encouragement.
The shops were only five minutes’ walk away, but by the time I stopped to recover several times it took 15 minutes to get there. When I eventually made it home my hands were shaking and I needed to rest. The doctor suggested I try to exercise, he felt the exercise bike would be especially beneficial and so I joined a gym. I concentrated on the bike and the treadmill and found both difficult with my leg so weak. I came out after 20 minutes exhausted, hardly fit to make it to the car where my husband was waiting. I tried two different conventional gyms but neither helped, if anything I had less energy. Then I saw a new fitness centre had just opened on Chapel Hill with motorised fitness equipment, I made an appointment for a free trial and went along expecting to be disappointed once more. However I knew as soon as I tried the machines that I had found the right place, and joined straight away. I struggled at first with my leg but within 3-4 weeks I was noticing an improvement. I have now been going to Active Lifestyle Centre for over 7 months, attending 6 days a week when possible, and the improvement in my energy levels and mobility is remarkable. Now I do the housework in the morning, then go for a walk in the park before I go to Active Lifestyle. I then do my shopping in the afternoon. The improvement is ongoing and there has been no further deterioration in my condition.
4.
I unreservedly recommend Active Lifestyle Centre. Margaret Norwood
Above: Aileen Dixon at Active Lifestyle As well as the fitness point of view there is a social aspect to the centre, there are a lot of people there I know and I have renewed old friendships and made new friends. I love it. Aileen Dixon
HEALTHY LIVING
Lisburn
Much more than just a Magazine
Watch this space!
HEALTHY LIVING
Why Play Golf? With the Irish Open coming to Royal County Down in Newcastle at the end of May and with many of the worlds top golfers taking part, golf will very much be in our focus over the next few weeks.
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But once the event is over will we witness many new golfers taking up the sport? Even without the persuasion of the Irish Open there should be as there are many benefits to playing golf. Not only is it good exercise, it is a great way to build relationships, practice concentration and have fun!
1. Exercise Even though golf is a sport, the benefits of playing golf go beyond exercise. According to some recent studies by the Rose Center for Health and Sports Sciences, as well as the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, golfers live about five years longer than non-golfers. Golf is a sport helps people These studies have also shown that a golfer that improve their concentration. plays nine holes will burn off as much as 721 You have to study each shot, calories if they carry read the greens and make a their bag and at least decision on how to hit the ball 411 calories, even if they use a golf cart.
from almost every possible location.
6.
This means that a person playing 18 holes of golf can expect to burn anywhere from 822 calories to 1,442 calories in just one day. According to these studies, people who burn at least 2,500 calories a week will cut their risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. If you choose to walk the course and carry your bag, that is only two rounds of golf. It is almost hard to believe, but one study even showed that golfers that pull their bag on a trolley and walk the course score better than golfers carrying their bag or riding in a golf cart. 2. Building Relationships The greatest thing about golf is that anyone
can play. You do not have to be a great golfer to enjoy playing this sport. It does not matter how old you are, whether you are in shape or not, what race or gender you are, or how tall or short you are. The game is meant for everyone. And if you practice enough and establish solid fundamentals, well , who knows how far you can go or what you may achieve Not only do these benefits exist when playing golf, getting out of the house and out into the fresh air is beneficial. Instead of sitting around and watching television, you can make it a family sport and involve and introduce your loved ones to the game. One of the better benefits of playing golf is the friendships that you will make. Many golfers have a group of friends that always get together to play golf, because they enjoy each other’s company. Camaraderie is beneficial to everyone. A lot of close friendship have developed from playing golf together. 3. Improved Concentration Another thing people do not understand about golf is that the sport helps people improve their concentration. This is particularly important to children. You have to study each shot, read the greens and make a decision on how to hit the ball from almost every possible location. It also helps you visualize situations and improving your concentration can translate over to your personal life, as well as a child’s school work. 4. Fun The most important thing to remember is that golf should be enjoyed, its a game and games are supposed to be fun. The enjoyment in playing golf can last a lifetime, try it you may even like it.
Ricky Duckett PGA Golf Professional Fortwilliam Golf Club 028 9077 0980
COMMUNITY
Community Notice Board Blood Donation Sessions St Patrick’s Pastoral Centre, 27 Chapel Hill, Lisburn 21st and 22nd May 2015 1.30pm to 4.00pm and 5.15pm to 8.00pm BloodMobile, Tesco, Bentrim Rd, Lisburn 29th May 2015 2.00pm to 4.00pm & 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. #AntrimHour – Twitter Business Community Forum
connect with other like-minded businesses throughout the whole of County Antrim – all you have to do is remember to include #AntrimHour in your message. For more info or for help setting up a twitter account contact Damien Magill at Pauley Business Services Limited 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.
Do you have a twitter account? Does your company have a twitter account? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, you should be following @Antrim_hr - Every Monday night from 8-9pm @Antrim_hr provide a Business Community Chat Forum hosted by Pauley Business Services Limited (@PBS2TheRescue) for people like you to
8.
The Bridge Community Centre, 50 Railway Street, Lisburn. Tel: 08451202961 Email: help@aware-ni.org Web: www.aware-ni.org.uk Lisburn YMCA (28 Market Square) M@7 Mondays 7pm - 9.30pm Drop-in for young people with learning disabilities
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 0800 555 111 028 9066 6630 0808 800 5000 028 9032 5055 0808 808 4000 08457 90 90 90 028 9031 5060 075 0168 3439 028 9448 4848 028 7181 0784 028 9093 9093
028 9263 3350 028 9050 9150
028 9260 7367 028 9267 7722 028 9266 0262
Carr Primary Dunmurry Primary Downshire Primary Friends’ (preparatory) Harmony Hill Primary Killowen Primary Knockmore Primary Largymore Primary Fort Hill Primary Lisburn Central Primary Lower Ballinderry Primary Maghaberry Primary Meadow Bridge Moira 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 9267 2311
Secondary & Grammar Schools 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 Parkview Special School
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 028 9264 8360 028 9266 4244 028 9264 8130 028 9266 5635
028 9263 8615 028 9030 1454 028 9268 0640 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 9261 1529 028 9262 2509 028 9261 1554 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
Brook Activity Centre Glenmore Activity Centre Grove Activity Centre Kilmakee Activity Centre
028 9030 1848 028 9266 2830 028 9267 1131 028 9030 1545
9.
FAMILY LIFE
Property Prices On The Rise Above: Carol has joined the team at Welby & Associates. L-R: Suzanne Donnelly, Julie Budd, Ciaran Rea, Simon Thompson, Glenn Welby and Laura McLean
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Good news for the property market in Northern Ireland as The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) revealed Northern Ireland outperformed the rest of the UK with house price growth in March and expectations for increases in property prices over the next three months. Surveyor sentiment in Northern Ireland reflected the figures released this week from the Office of National Statistics, which showed house prices in Northern Ireland went up 14.2% in the year to February, the biggest rise since November 2007.
With such buoyancy being shown in the market, now is the right time for anyone considering buying their First home to do so and also the perfect time to move house.
March was the first month this year that saw instructions to sell homes increase in Northern Ireland, but strong demand from buyers continued to push up prices.
But RICS Northern Ireland spokesman Samuel Dickey said “he expected more properties to come onto the market in the months ahead which should ease the pressure on prices and support growth in transactions.”
With such buoyancy being shown in the market now is the right time for anyone considering buying their first home to do so and also the perfect time to move house. For those existing borrowers who have not reviewed their mortgage, now is the ideal time to utilise the increased equity in their homes and take advantage of the more competitive rates available to them. As a professional, experienced and accomplished Mortgage and Protection Advisor . I have worked for more than 23 years within the Financial Services Industry specialising in Mortgage and Protection Advice. I work at Welby & Associates based in Lisburn and offer Independent advice to my clients regarding their Mortgage and Protection needs. I am committed to providing a first class and personal service to all of my clients throughout their mortgage journey. If you want to find out more or require Advice in relation to your Mortgage or Protection needs, contact Carol at Welby & Associates for an appointment today. Carol Alexander
The House of Vic-Ryn, Moira Road Lisburn BT28 2RF
028 9262 2910
10.
Email : carol@welbyassociates.co.uk www.welbyassociates.co.uk
FAMILY LIFE And there you have it; it’s good for the sport, good for the country, good for the fans, good for the players. And what he hasn’t touched on - it has to be brilliant for the Northern Ireland economy in general, and the local economy in particular. If you’re into your golf, all is good. If, like me, you’re not that golf-savvy, here’s an InTouch (light-hearted!) guide to what Mark Twain, (or Oscar Wilde, or Winston Churchill) is reputed to have referred to as “a good walk spoiled”!! To take up the game, or chat knowledgeably at the 19th (the bar!) about the game, take note of and attempt to learn the following.......... First off you will require a bag containing irons – no, not that sort of iron madam; you also need a putter, wedges – the non-edible type, and a driver – no, not that sort of driver, sir.
FORE!
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The end of May, Co Down, Royal County Down Golf Club is the date and place to mark in your diary if you’re an aficionado of the small white ball being struck with force, precision and accuracy. Yes, for the first time in nearly 80 years, the Irish Open returns to Newcastle. Stand by to welcome names like Rickie Fowler, Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer and of course, Northern Ireland’s very own homegrown trio, Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke.
Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening. wee country’.
Now, I’m not a golfer, I couldn’t exactly tell you the difference between a golf club and a tennis racquet, let alone a wood and an iron – but I do know that this promises to be yet another classic, not just for the sport, but for what so many lovingly refer to as ‘our
Rory McIlroy makes no bones about it: “I am delighted that the Irish Open is being hosted at Royal County Down in 2015. It is hugely exciting to be joining some of the world’s greatest golf talents on my home turf. Northern Ireland has established itself as one of the world’s greatest golfing destinations and Royal County Down is one of the world’s finest links courses.”
Be prepared to dip in and out of conversations by flourishing such terms as par, birdie, eagle, bogey – sounds a bit revolting, I know – double bogey, (both nostrils??), triple or quadruple bogey – horrendous!, and for a hole in one, ace. I like the last one. Nice, simple term. When analysing the finer points of your game, drop in some of the following: lip-out, gimmie, shank, air shot, dogleg – honestly – dogleg! Throw in occasional references – with appropriate head-shaking – like a ‘break in the green’, those awful ‘divots’, the nightmare ‘hook’, ‘pin high’, and ‘getting up and down’ – the mind boggles!! So, there you have it. Your local, community magazine supplying a helpful, last minute ‘this will allow me to pass myself at the 19th’ guide! Confused? Yeah, well, as American journalist Paul Harvey remarked when talking about the game, “Golf is a game in which you yell ‘fore’, shoot six, and write down five”. So it’s not just me! We’ll finish on a more serious note, one which you may prefer to be left considering. It’s from retired American professional golfer, Arnold Palmer, a man generally thought to be one of the greatest players in golf history. “Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening - and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented.” Enjoy your game, and enjoy the Irish Open! By Luke North
12.
FAMILY LIFE
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FAMILY LIFE Busy pockets Bulging, big pockets and luggage always suggest you have alot to share. The best way to prepare is to make a list of all you think you will need for the period you are away and weigh every item before you pack it into your bag. Many items can be used for multiple purposes for example dental floss, which can also be used as sewing thread or for tieing something. A cooking pot can also be used as a bowl or a cup for hot drinks! Pack clothes that dry quickly to avoid carrying your whole wardrobe. If travelling with others, have a chat to see if there are things that you can share to avoid carrying multiple numbers of the same item.
A Little Common Sense Perhaps © Lisburn In-touch
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Backpacking is any adventurous young persons dream! But the dream can easily become a nightmare when all you possess suddenly vanishes. So how well prepared are you before setting out on your adventure? Here are some things to consider.
Don’t be an easy target Taking your camera for future memories is an obvious essential. Choosing a camera to take depends purely on where you plan to I know it’s not alot of fun, go, what you want to photograph, what you but try and think of some of want to do with the images and how you the worst things that could want to store them. happen to you when you’re Whatever camera you choose, try and avoid travelling and then think of a carrier bag that what you would do if that publicises what is inside. Any would-be situation arose. thief that sees names like Sigma, Nixon, Pentax and the like knows that something expensive is inside. This also goes for other electronics such as mobile phones, ipads and laptops. Some good advice might be … if you’re not prepared to loose it, then don’t take it. If you still insist then at least keep it out of sight in public places.
14.
Tie yourself to your bag Ok, I know this sounds a bit crazy but imagine you are in a bus station or railway station in a foreign country. You have more than 4 hours to wait for the next train or bus and you quite simply can’t stop yourself nodding off …who will be looking after your luggage? An easy solution is to use a piece of cord to tie your bag to your wrist while it is sitting next to you so you can enjoy your nap with a little peace of mind!
I’m a rich backpacker What you wear will draw attention to yourself and is one of the most common mistakes made. Watches, jewellery, clothes, shoes and trainers tell thieves how wealthy you are and how much more there is in your bag that’s worth stealing. Dress modestly on your travels to detract any unwanted interest in your possessions. And the country is… You already know the countries you are planning to visit but do you really? Let’s face it, we are Northern Irish, we only tend to think of what’s necessary to take use through to the next day. Don’t be like Jeremy Clarkson and risk being thrown out of the country you are visiting! Consider your home country’s political and historical relations with this country before sewing your flag on your bag. It might not be the best time to be so proud of where you come from. There may be other cultural issues you should be aware of for example, head coverings might be needed in some countries whilst shorts may not be advisable in others. Therefore research, research, research… ‘Astalavista baby’ Sometimes when we think of backpacking we want to use Arnie’s words quite literally ‘see you later, I’m out of here, never to be seen again’. Remember however, you are still part of your family and local community and it’s a good idea to keep in regular contact with them and keep them updated on how you’re getting on. Make contact with your home consulate before you leave and send them a copy of your travel itinerary. Carry the numbers of the British or Irish consulate for the countries you are visiting and contact them when you arrive in country and again before you leave, just in case of an emergency. I know it’s not alot of fun, but try and think of some of the worst things that could happen to you when you’re travelling and then think of what you would do if that situation arose. Then hopefully, you will be prepared for most eventualities. Happy backpacking!
COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL & T–SHIRT FOR ALL COMPETITORS OVER £5000 WORTH OF PRIZES FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY ONLINE GO TO LISBURNHALFMARATHON.COM
WEDNESDAY 17 JUNE 2015 AT 6.30PM PROCEEDS IN AID OF THE MAYOR’S CHARITY:
FAMILY LIFE
Money Makes The World Go Round By Luke North
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An article about pension pots, the Editor said. What you’d do, if you cashed yours in and came into loads of money. What advice you’d give readers if they were to get rich quick. Hmm. Well, to start with, thank goodness for the internet and email! Cos this article would be winging its way to Norn Ireland from some far-flung hotspot on the other side of the world! Seriously though, what would you do? What would I do?
I suppose it’s all about what makes you happy, or as folk like to say, what floats your boat. And there’s a good starting point. Unlimited cash, let’s take a cruise, I can hear my wife say. I know my brother A small fortune means a has been on a cruise new house, not a small one, a somewhere on the Med; mansion. Walk-in wardrobes. I know of a friend who’s been and absolutely Designer bedrooms. Wet raved about it – the food, the locations, the rooms, swimming pool area, entertainment. I also know my youngest stables ..... daughter and her hubby went off on a cruise for their honeymoon. And they had a great time on honeymoon, she said. The boat – sorry – ship – was fantastic, she said. But you know I haven’t heard her discuss repeating the experience.....
16.
Okay, so boats and ships may be out. Round the world by aircraft? Ever since I was told off by a lady for grabbing the back of her seat as we came in to land at Belfast International a few years back, no. It was a rocky landing, I must say. The pilot was showing off some of his fancy sideways manoeuvres. I wasn’t impressed. Nor, as I say, was the lady in front.
Okay, some sensible ideas. The old mid-life crisis might kick in. A nice, gleaming new convertible car. And as I write this, the sun is splitting the stones, though as you and I know, that’s NOT necessarily the case through till the end of August. But you could at least buy a Ferrari. A dashing, prancing, elegant horse of beautiful Italian engineering. Or a bright yellow one, I dare you! So that’s the weekly shopping transport taken care of. Next – or probably first – a new wardrobe. Certainly for my wife. I’d go for an extra few pairs of jeans and some shirts, but not go overboard, I’ve nowhere to put them. Oh, wait, of course, a small fortune means a new house, not a small one, a mansion. Walk-in wardrobes. Designer bedrooms. Wet rooms, swimming pool area, stables..... And it would have a sprawling conservatory, long views of lush meadows, a stream trickling somewhere in the distance, the Ferrari sitting idly near the front turning circle. The sports fans will be off to the world cup in whichever sport they follow, film fans will maybe even buy up their own private movie house, sun lovers will find a perfect beachside pad where they can come and go as they please in their very own private jet! So whether your idea is covered up above, maybe you’ve something entirely different in mind, maybe it’s the wind breezing through your hair – depending on how much you’ve got left – as you hightail it through France’s sleepy highways and byways on the back of a Harley Davidson; maybe it’s a few nights every month in London, Paris, Rome, New York – for goodness sake don’t go to the casinos in Las Vegas and blow the whole blooming lot in one night of madness! Sweet dreams!
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Big Ideas For Small Spaces © Lisburn In-touch
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Having a small garden doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy it as much as a larger garden. However small gardens need to be planned with a little more care taking into account how you want to use your garden throughout the year. Take note of where the sun falls during the day as this will dictate your garden layout and plant choices and try some of these great ideas to make the most of your space. In a small garden you can create the illusion of more space by keeping it simple and reducing clutter at ground level. Control the number of plants you put in and limit the number of features and materials you try to incorporate.
If your small garden does not get much light brighten it up by painting one of your Planters can be bought in outside walls with a warm exotic colour. sections to allow you to make
the most of every corner and to fit those awkward angles in your patio.
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Your garden walls and fences can be used to hang plant pots, lights and handy shelving to free up space on the ground. Even a small water feature such as a fountain can be hung on a wall to give you the soothing sound of trickling water and make up for the lack of a pond. You could also hang a rustic outdoor mirror, which not only looks stylish but will make your garden look bigger. The amount of space you have will determine the type and size of garden furniture you can accommodate. Wire furniture is ideal for small gardens as it allows you to see through it to the rest of your garden. It will also make your garden seems bigger as well as provide seating to relax in. Furniture that folds or stacks away when you are not using it is a great space saving idea for a small garden.
Another great space saving idea is to use a custom built bench for seating. A basic frame can create a sturdy base to fit any space and can be finished with an attractive piece of varnished wood. You can also use the space underneath as a clever storage area for your garden accessories. There are some ingenious ideas for planters that can be bought in sections to allow you to make the most of every corner or to fit them into awkward angles in your patio. Also think of tiered storage for your planters that can utilise otherwise redundant spaces as going up instead of across obviously saves space. Wall shelving and window sills also prove useful space saving areas. It’s possible to have a vegetable or herb garden in a small space. Think of container gardening and the idea of growing strawberries or lettuce in hanging baskets. Many vegetables will need a lot of mid day sun in order to flourish so consider that when positioning your container however many root vegetables and greens require less sun. Herbs don’t need a lot of soil and can therefore be planted in smaller and lighter containers that can be hung on a fence or even on a washing line. Hedges in a small garden create a sense of order and Dwarf hedges can be used to form ‘rooms’ without making a small space feel even smaller by filling the airspace above. Coloured stones or slate chippings are an attractive and low-maintenance paving idea for a small garden and are easier to lay and less expensive than brick or flagstone. Just make sure you spread a sheet of landscape fabric underneath to prevent weeds from growing through. Try some or perhaps all of these ideas and most of all this spring, enjoy your garden!
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Dust Mites: Too Close For Comfort © Lisburn In-touch
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Allergy awareness week from 20th – 26th April raised awareness about allergies and highlighted the difficulties people with allergies suffer. However, one cause of allergies in particular might be a little too close for comfort.
Overall, 29% of us suffer from dust mite allergies, with allergies more common among women than men.
New research has shown that poor bedroom hygiene is putting allergy suffers at high risk of attacks triggered by dust mite infestations in their homes.
• Use allergen-proof barrier covers on all mattresses, duvets and pillows. These should be breathable and should completely enclose the item to prevent the escape of dust mite allergen • Wash sheets, blankets and pillow cases every week. Washing at 60 degrees centigrade or above will kill mites. • If possible remove all carpeting in the bedroom. Vacuum hard floors regularly with a high-filtration vacuum cleaner • Remove all carpeting from concrete floors. Such floors trap moisture allowing dust mites and mould spores to thrive. Seal the floor with a vapour barrier, and then cover it with a washable surface such as vinyl • Where carpets cannot be removed, vacuum regularly with a high-filtration vacuum cleaner. Use a high-temperature steamcleaner to kill mites effectively. • Use a high-filtration vacuum cleaner with filters capable of retaining a high proportion of the smallest particles (HEPA filter, S-class filter or similar). • Damp-wipe all surfaces such as pelmet tops, window sills, tops of cupboards each week • Use light washable cotton curtains, and wash them frequently. Reduce unnecessary soft furnishings • Vacuum all surfaces of upholstered furniture at least twice a week • Washable stuffed toys should be washed as frequently and at the same temperature as bedding. • Reduce humidity by increasing ventilation. Use trickle-vents in double-glazing, or open windows. Use extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens • If necessary use a dehumidifier to keep indoor humidity under 50% (but over 30%).
House dust mites are tiny creatures, about a quarter of a millimetre long. They live off human skin scales and thrive in humid environments. Mites are found in bedding, carpets, soft furnishings and clothing. It is often not the mite itself but proteins in their droppings which cause the allergy. Each mite 59% of us fail to wash produces about 20 of these waste droppings our bedding once a week, every day and the droppings continue which is what is advised to to cause allergic reduce dust mites. symptoms even after the mite has died. House dust mite allergy is very common and is associated with asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis. A significant amount of exposure to house dust mite allergen happens in the bed, so taking precautions in the bedroom is advisable. The new research conducted by online bed retailer Time4Sleep found that a huge 57% of us were failing to take precautions against dust mites in their homes, despite their potential to cause allergic reactions. Overall, 59% fail to wash their bedding once a week, which is what is advised to reduce dust mites. Surprisingly two-thirds of those asked (77%) wash bedding at below the recommended 60
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When it comes to taking care of mattresses, where dust mites like to reside, one in four (25%) respondents admitted to never vacuuming their mattress. A further 12% stated they had never turned their mattress over.
Allergy UK, the leading national charity dedicated to supporting the estimated 21 million allergy suffers in the UK advise:
For more information on Allergies visit www.allergyuk.org
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Quality you can be proud of Dundrum Road, Clough
028 4481 1999
14a Ballynahinch Road, Carryduff
028 9081 4011
87 Malcolm Road, Lurgan
028 3832 5485
www.jwmccall.com
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Not Just a Mortgage © Newtownabbey In-touch
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Buying a house will be one of the biggest purchases of your life and if not well thought through could turn out to be one of the most costly. When we are thinking of buying a house we tend to only take into account the mortgage fee, but unfortunately there are a number of other fees that need to be paid.
Building Survey Fees Not everyone wants to pay a building survey fee but if you have any doubts about the property you are buying it is worth it for your own peace of mind and it could save you a lot of money in the future. There are Buying a house will be one of a number of different surveys that should be the biggest purchases of your carried out depending on the type of property you life and if not well thought are buying. They include through could turn out to be a new build snagging survey, structural survey, one of the most costly. homebuyer report survey and condition survey. These surveys could cost from £250 to £1500 depending on the size of the property.
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It is important for you to be there when the survey is being carried out so you can ask questions about any matters that concern you. The surveyor will be able to give you an idea of repair costs for any issues they have found although it is advisable to get further estimates from more than one builder. These estimates will give you an idea on how best to renegotiate the price of the property. Legal Fees A licensed conveyancer or a solicitor will be required at this stage. Most lenders will contribute to your legal fees however you will be required to use their assigned solicitor. Legal fees can be anything from £400 - £1000 including VAT for a standard purchase although some solicitors will charge a percentage of the property’s value. You can source your own solicitor but obvipusly check their creditentials and qualifications.
Stamp Duty Also known as stamp duty land tax (SDLT) is a fee charged if you buy a property in the UK depending on its purchase price. From the 4 December 2014 bands are as follows: 0% up to £125,000; 2% to £250,000; 5% to £925,000; 10% to £1.5million and 12% above that. This fee is payable upon completion of the purchase of your property where the solicitor will request you to complete and sign a form. Valuation Survey Fees A mortgage lender will charge you a valuation fee in order to establish how much they are willing to lend you. The cost of the valuation depends on the value of the property - for example, allow about £125 for a property worth £50,000, £165 for a £100,000 house and so on. Some lenders do not charge this fee, as an incentive for you to take out a mortgage with them but it is a good idea to build it into your budget anyway. Mortgage Arrangement Fees This is an arrangement fee that you pay to your mortgage lender/broker to set up your mortgage. It can have other names and can include or not include other fees that are applicable so check what’s included carefully. This fee may vary but the average payment is around £1000. Be aware that this can be non-refundable even if the purchase of your property falls through. This fee can be paid upfront or can be added to your mortgage although the disadvantage of adding it to your mortgage is you will pay interest on it. Removal Costs If your belongings will not fit into the boot of your car you will need to consider a removal company or the cost of hiring a van. If you are hiring a van don’t forget to add in the cost of a refundable deposit, petrol and insurance. Then there is the cost of cardboard boxes to pack up your belongings, light bulbs, locks and hocks, repairing leaking sinks, the list is endless…
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We are a bi-monthly publication offering you local knowledge, topical issues as well as promoting local businesses.
Next Issue: issue: July/August January/February Next 2015 2015 Copy 12th Copydeadline: deadline: 12thJune December 2014 Distribution: 29th JuneJanuary - 6th July2015 Distribution: 5th - 12th
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.
COMPETITIONS
WIN Great Competitions Win Four Tickets to Gulliver at The Mac 29 September to 17 October A Big Telly Theatre Company and MAC co-production that is perfect for families with teenagers. When Gulliver returns from another amazing experience at sea, his family are more than a little perplexed. They had just about coped with the giants, the tiny people, the floating islands and outlandish inventions. But a world ruled by horses? That’s a different kettle of fish. Only one thing is certain; family life will never be the same again. For your chance to win simply check out their website at www.themaclive.com and tell us which award The Mac has been shortlisted for. Send your answer along with your name, address and contact number by post or via the competitions page on our website.
Win a 1 hour Golf Lesson With PGA Professional Eamonn Logue at the Hilton Templepatrick Championship Course This prize is for male, female, experienced golfer or novice alike and is tailored to help you master your long game, medium irons and putting. For your chance to win simply go to www.hiltontemplepatrick.com/golf and tell us how many bays there are in their driving range. Send in your name, address and contact number by post or via the competitions page on our website.
CLOSING DATE FOR COMPETITIONS: Friday 5th June 2015
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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
RECIPE Ingredients • 460 g chicken breast fillet portions, cut into chunks • 1 tbsp hot curry powder • 2 tbsp apricot jam • Zest and juice of 1 lime • 15 g fresh coriander, finely chopped • 335g cherry tomatoes • 1 orange pepper and 1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks • 1 tbsp olive oil • 4 pitta bread or any flat bread • 120 g bag bistro salad, to serve
Method
1. In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces
Curried Chicken Kebabs These grilled kebabs are fun to eat and so simple to make. You can also cook them on the barbecue!
with the curry powder, apricot jam, lime zest and juice, and coriander.
2. Thread the chicken onto the skewers,
alternating with the cherry tomatoes and chunks of pepper.
3. Brush a griddle pan with the oil and
place over a medium heat. When hot, add the skewers and cook for 10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until cooked through. Set aside and keep warm.
4. Add the pitta breads to the griddle pan
and toast for 2 minutes on each side. Serve with the kebabs and bistro salad.
Method
Easy Flat Breads
1. Add all the flatbread ingredients to a
mixing bowl and mix together with a spoon, then use clean hands to pat and bring everything together.
2. Dust a clean work surface with flour, then tip out the dough.
3. Knead for a minute or so to bring it all
together (this isn’t a traditional bread recipe, so you don’t need to knead it for long – just enough time to bring everything together).
4. Put the dough into a floured-dusted bowl and cover with a plate, then leave aside.
5. Dust a clean work surface and rolling pin
with flour, then divide the dough in half, then divide each half into 6 equal-sized pieces (roughly the size of a golf ball).
6. With your hands, pat and flatten the dough, then use a rolling pin to roll each piece into 12cm rounds, roughly 2mm to 3mm thick.
Ingredients • 350 g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting • Sea salt • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 350 g natural yoghurt
7. Use a knife to cut 6 lines into the centre of each round, leaving about 3cm at each end. 8. Place the griddle pan on a high heat, then
once hot, cook each one for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until bar-marked and puffed up, turning with tongs.
Courtesy of Jamie Oliver
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MOTORING
The All New Skoda Fabia Reviewed The new ŠKODA Fabia was the winner of the prestigious What Car? Car of the Year 2015 award.
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Speaking at the awards ceremony, What Car? editor Jim Holder said: ‘The Fabia wins not only because it’s a superb small car that’s practical, well equipped and cheap to run, but also because of the rivals it managed to dispose of in the process. ‘When you consider the strength of the competition the new Fabia had to beat, it simply has to win.’
Available as a five-door hatch, with an estate version released in March, the new ŠKODA Fabia has also been awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating, In the Skoda Fabia you’ll be making it the safest car buying one of the finest small in its class.
cars on sale today. In this guise, it has the makings of a five-star car.
Mervyn Stewart’s principal, Stephen Stewart said, ‘it’s fantastic to be able to offer our customers the new Fabia. It not only introduces innovative safety features, but it’s stylish on the outside, with a lower-slung, more sporty feel, while the inside has been completely redesigned for maximum comfort. ‘What’s particularly impressive about it is that it doesn’t do this at the expense of features.’ It has a superb infotainment system and the dash is logically laid out, with a five-inch central screen on the entry-level S editions and a larger 6.5-inch screen on the SE and SE-L cars.
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All Fabias come with Bluetooth, DAB radio, electric front windows and a tyre pressure monitor. SE trim adds alloy wheels, the larger
touch-screen system, a leather steering wheel and gear lever and air-con. Range-topping SE L models then add on luxuries such as larger alloys, cruise- and climate control and a keyless entry system. ‘The What Car? awards recognise that ŠKODA hasn’t compromised on any aspect of the car.’ The new Fabia is also more spacious and 17% more fuel-efficient than its predecessor, thanks to significant weight savings and the introduction of cleaner EU6-compliant engines. Director of ŠKODA UK, Alasdair Stewart, said: ‘We are delighted to receive these accolades from What Car?. UK customers trust What Car? when they are buying a new vehicle, and winning the Car of the Year award is the perfect introduction to the UK for the new Fabia. The new Fabia is the third generation of ŠKODA’s popular small car. Since the firstgeneration Fabia went on sale in 2000, some 250,000 have been bought in the UK, with 3.5 million sold worldwide. The Fabia is one of the most spacious cars in its class, comes well equipped and undercuts both its main rivals - the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo - on list price, with competitive CO2 emissions. In fact, go for the sweet-spot of the range (the 89bhp 1.2 TSI in SE trim) and you’ll be buying one of the finest small cars on sale today. In this guise, it has the makings of a five-star car. ŠKODA has demonstrated five years of record growth, culminating in sales of 76,027 cars in the UK last year (10,000 more than in 2013), and over one million cars worldwide in the same period.
THE NEW ATTENTION STEALING ŠKODA FABIA WhatCar? Car of the Year 2015 From £129 per month* 4.9% APR representative with £500 deposit contribution^ plus up to 3 years’ servicing for £99‡ Solutions Personal Contract Plan# representative example for the ŠKODA Fabia Hatch S 1.0 MPI 60PS model based on 3-year, 30,000-mile agreement. Terms of the agreement
36 months
Optional final payment
£4,103.95
Retail cash price
£11,135.00
Option to purchase fee
£60
Optional extra - metallic paint
£535
Total amount payable
£11,989.69
35 monthly payments of
£129
Total amount of credit
£7,824.26
Deposit contribution^
£500
Representative APR
4.9%
Customer deposit
£2,810.74
Interest rate
3.76% Fixed
Acceptance fee
£125
Excess mileage (inc VAT)+
4.4ppm
Mervyn Stewart 11 Boucher Crescent, Belfast BT12 6HU 08433 201433 www.mervynstewart.com #At the end of the agreement there are three options: i) retain the vehicle: pay the optional final payment to own the vehicle; ii) return the vehicle; or iii) replace: part-exchange the vehicle, subject to status. *Available when purchased on Solutions Personal Contract Plan. ^Deposit contribution is available when purchased on Solutions Personal Contract Plan. +Subject to agreed annual mileage. Retail sales only. ‡Up to 3 years/30,000 miles (whichever comes first) when purchased on Solutions Personal Contract Plan. Offer available on vehicles ordered between 1 April 2015 and 30 June 2015 from participating retailers. Further charges may be payable if vehicle is returned. Offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Available to 18s and over. Subject to availability. Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. Accurate at time of print. Freepost ŠKODA Finance. We can introduce you to a limited number of lenders to assist with your purchase, who may pay us for introducing you to them.
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 Areas with white diagonal stripes or chevrons are to keep traffic lanes apart or to protect any traffic that is turning right. If the area has a border of a broken white line, you shouldn’t go into the area unless it is necessary and you can see clearly that it is safe for you carry out the manoeuvre. N.B: If the area has diagonal stripes and is bordered with solid white lines you should not go into it. If the area is marked by chevrons, you must not enter it (unless in an emergency).
Know Your Road Markings Road markings are as important as road signs and give us information about the roads we are travelling on and the actions we should or should not be taking. Read on to find out what these markings mean.
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White Lines White lines are usually on the road surface and tell you something about the road that you are travelling on. Lines that travel along the road (longitudinal) inform and warn drivers of approaching situations that will need them to do something - like turn right, or do not cross. Lines that cross the road (transverse) give instructions to road users like ‘give way’ or ‘stop’.
A broken white line marks the middle of the road. When this line becomes longer, and Road markings are as the gaps get smaller, this means that there important as road signs and is a hazard close ahead. You should give us information about the not cross this line roads we are travelling on unless you can see that the road ahead is clear and you wish to overtake another vehicle or turn off the road.
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Double white lines where the line nearest to you is broken is an indication that you may cross the line to overtake, providing that it is safe and that you can complete the manoeuvre before it becomes a solid white line on your side. White arrows on the road will indicate when you need to get back on your side of the road. Double white lines where the line nearest to you is solid means that you must not cross or straddle the line until it is safe and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road. You may cross the line if you need to pass a car parked at the side of the road, overtake a push bike, horse or roadwork vehicle, if they are travelling at 10mph or below.
Short white broken lines are lane dividers and are used on wide carriageways to determine where the lanes are. They should not be crossed unless you are changing lanes and it is safe to do so. Reflective Studs with White Lines • White studs mark the middle of the road or the lanes on a wider carriageway. • Red studs mark the left edge of the road. • Amber studs determine the central reservation of a motorway or a dual carriageway. • Green studs mark the edge of the main carriageway when you are passing a lay-by, side road or slip road. White lines that cross the end of the road you are travelling on all have different meanings and often depend on the road. Parking It is illegal to park on a single lane carriageway with a solid white line. Yellow Lines There are various types of yellow lines marked on the road or on the edge of the pavement or kerb that indicate waiting restrictions. They are usually used when there is a need to restrict parking to help keep traffic flowing and consistent, and to prevent people being obstructed by other vehicles on public highways. Double yellow lines tell us that there is no waiting at any time. However, there are usually exceptions and if there are, they will be indicated by plates attached to lamp posts nearby to tell motorists what the actual restrictions are. They can vary from council to council. Single yellow lines tend to be less restrictive. Plates attached to lamp posts will tell you the exact restrictions and you may find that you are able to park there as long as you are not doing so at a restricted time. Loading restrictions are also indicated by yellow markings on the kerbs and again by plates on the lamp posts. Red Lines Seen less than the other colours, red lines ban all stopping, parking and loading. Double red lines apply at all times and single red lines apply usually during the working day. There are exceptions and they are indicated where they apply. By Tracy Wilkinson www.safermotoring.co.uk
MOTORING Check your blind spot every time. Your mirrors do a good job of showing you what’s behind you, but they can’t show you what’s just outside of your peripheral vision. Your blind spot, as it’s known, is a pretty large area – big enough for bikes and cars to lurk undetected. Check your blind spot every time you change lane or turn right.
Essential Tips for Young Drivers In the UK, one in five new drivers are involved in a crash in their first year of driving. Worst still, one in three drivers killed are aged under 25, and this is despite only one in eight motorists being aged 25 or under.
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Clearly then, a large number of new drivers need a little extra help. With this in mind, we’ve pulled together some of the most useful tips we think could be of use to a newbie wheelboy or wheelgirl.
You’ve passed! Now get more training. Only after you pull away alone for the first time do you really start learning to drive. We recommend you follow up your basic training with some further driving education in the form of the Pass Plus scheme. They’ll teach you how to drive in busy towns, in all sorts of weather, on motorways, at night and generally in environments that most learners Young drivers in particular feel would find stressful. under pressure to drive in a It’ll make you a driver and way that impresses their mates better you’ll probably get a cheaper insurance taking unnecessary risks. premium as a result.
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Get to know your car. So you’ve got a shiny new car. Don’t just get in and drive it. Sit in it. Turn it on. Look at the buttons. Learn what they do. Find the switches for the front and rear fog lights and learn to spot the corresponding warning lights on the instrument binnacle. Where’s the hazard light button? These are all little things, but failure to instinctively know how to activate or deactivate one of these features in a hurry could cause you to become distracted and lead to an accident. Go on a track day. Driving fast on the public road is just asking for trouble, so it’s a good idea to satisfy your lust for speed in a safe environment. Track days teach you valuable lessons on how cars handle on the limit in a place where it’s safe.
Don’t drive in someone else’s blind spot. The number of people who change lanes without looking properly is quite staggering, so put the onus on yourself to stay out of trouble. If you notice you’re cruising along to the right of and slightly behind another car, there’s a good chance they can’t see you. Either accelerate to pull alongside or in front of them, or drop back until you’re sure you can be seen in their mirrors. Use the left lane on the motorway. The left lane on the motorway is for normal driving. All others are for overtaking. Highway code rule 238 states: “You should drive in the left-hand lane if the road ahead is clear. Return to the left-hand lane once you have overtaken all the vehicles or if you are delaying traffic behind you.” Drive in bad weather. Now. Sure, going out in rain, sleet, snow or icy conditions can be terrifying, but the best way to learn how to deal with those situations is to go out there and get your hands dirty. Try to feel how the inclement conditions affect the car, how braking distances are increased, how grip is reduced and try to appreciate the fact you’ll have to alter your driving style to deal with those conditions. Doing so on your own terms and at a time of your choosing means you’ll feel more comfortable and more confident when conditions take an unexpected turn for the worse. Put the phone down. Using a handheld phone is illegal, so don’t even think about it. And no, putting your handset on speakerphone and holding it just in front of your mouth as you drive isn’t fooling anyone. Even hands-free car kits aren’t as safe as you think. The mental workload required to have a conversation and process additional thoughts can slow your reaction times, causing you to miss things in front of you – like a child crossing the road. Kick your mates out. Young drivers in particular generally feel under pressure to drive in a way that impresses their mates, which often means going too fast and taking unnecessary risks. If you ever notice your driving change when you’re ferrying your friends around then do something about it. Stop offering them lifts or, better still, make sure your driving isn’t negatively affected by their presence. Speeding, spinning your wheels up and showing off isn’t big or clever. Courtesy of www.recombu.com/cars
PASSION FOR LIFE
CLIO 0.9 TCE DYNAMIQUE NAV
MEGANE HATCH DYNAMIQUE NAV 1.6 16V 110
MRRP £15,170 CHARLES HURST PRICE £11,995* OFFER VALUE £3,175
MRRP £17,750 CHARLES HURST PRICE £11,995* OFFER VALUE £5,755
CAPTUR 0.9 TCE DYNAMIQUE MEDIA NAV
MEGANE HATCH DYNAMIQUE NAV dCi 110
MRRP £15,890 CHARLES HURST PRICE £12,995* OFFER VALUE £2,895
MRRP £19,245 CHARLES HURST PRICE £12,995* OFFER VALUE £6,250
SCENIC DYNAMIQUE NAV dCi 110
GRAND SCENIC DYNAMIQUE NAV dCi 110
MRRP £21,395 CHARLES HURST PRICE £14,495* OFFER VALUE £6,900
MRRP £22,615 CHARLES HURST PRICE £15,495* OFFER VALUE £7,120
The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the cars shown are: urban 30.1 (9.4)–72.4 (3.9); extra-urban 51.4 (5.5)–88.3 (3.2); combined 40.9 (6.9)–80.7 (3.5). The official CO2 emissions are 159–90g/km. EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment figures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary with driving styles, road conditions and other EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment figures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary with driving styles, road conditions and other factors. The 2015 4+package applies to new vehicles when ordered from a UK Renault-approved dealer from 1 January 2015. All vehicles provided with 4 years’ warranty and Renault Assistance as standard. Warranty up to 4 years’/100,000 miles (whichever comes first). For full warranty terms and conditions visit www.renault.co.uk/warranty. For Renault Assistance terms and conditions visit www.renault.co.uk/assistance. *Prices shown include delivery to dealer, number plates, 20% VAT, 12-month Government road fund licence and £55 first registration fee. Prices shown are valid when ordered and registered by 30 April 2015. Cars shown with optional metallic paint, available at an additional £525. Offer subject to availability, while stocks last. FOUR YEARS WARRANTY & RENAULT ASSISTANCE
FOUR YEARS WARRANTY & RENAULT ASSISTANCE
CHARLES HURST BELFAST 62 BOUCHER ROAD BELFAST BT12 6LR TEL 028 9038 1721
WWW.CHARLESHURSTGROUP.CO.UK/RENAULT
The Dublin M50 toll is barrier free and is located between Junction 6 and Junction 7 on the M50.
How does the M50 Toll work? 1. You drive under the M50 tolling point (pictured above) 2. Cameras automatically read your Vehicle registration number (when travelling in both directions) 3. The toll charge is then assigned to your vehicle depending on its size 4. You have until 8pm the day after your journey to pay the toll 5. If you miss the payment deadline of 8pm, fines will be issued to the vehicle owner’s address.
It’s simple to pay before the 8pm deadline • Prepay for your journey on www.eflow.ie – Simple! • Pay before 8pm the day after your journey on www.eflow.ie – Simple! • Go to your nearest participating outlet – Simple!
www.eflow.ie
M1
N2 TO MONAGHAN
TO BELFAST J3
J4
N3
N32
J5 TO CAVAN, NAVAN
DUBLIN AIRPORT
J2
J6
M50 TOLL HERE N4
J7
J1
DUBLIN PORT
DUBLIN
TO GALWAY, WESTPORT, SLIGO
BARRIER FREE TOLL M50
J9 N7
DUN LAOGHAIRE PORT
J10
N31
TO LIMERICK
J11
TO WEXFORD
N81 J12 J13
J14
N11
N
J15 J16 J17