Lisburn In-touch Sept/Oct 2015 by In-touch Magazines

Lisburn

September / October 2015

your community / your life / your business

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CONTENTS: 6. FAMILY LIFE

6. 20.

The new pension savings market offers much more flexibility and choice post 6 April this year, which is a positive, but it can be overwhelming.

20. YOUR HOME Kitchens are increasingly becoming the heart of the home, a space we feel good in. We look at some of the most innovative designs available to make this space feel even better.

22. FASHION

22. 28.

We have had a peek at the upcoming trends for Autumn/Winter, and chances are you can achieve most of the looks with items you already own!

28. MOTORING

With the state of our roads receiving unwanted media coverage in recent months and with warnings that due to budget cuts our roads are only going to get worse

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Well, you don’t need me to remind you that summer is over. Whether it’s the mad rush out to school in the morning, or the infuriating crawl in rush hour traffic or perhaps the quietness of children free parks and shops during the day, they are all reminders that we are heading into autumn and back to routine. Mind you, routine is not a bad thing for many of us and it’s good to get back to the things we have missed over the past few months. Perhaps you are planning some home improvements prior to Christmas and if so this issue is definitely for you. Whether your project is Bathroom (pg.’s 18 & 19), Kitchen (pg.’s 20 & 21), making

Disclaimer

your home warmer for winter (pg. 2), or a new carpet (pg. 17), we can put you ‘in-touch’ with local companies that will help you achieve your goal. Maybe you’re looking to start something new, a new fitness regime (pg.’s 8,9 & 10), a new sport (pg. 11) or even a new career (pg. 14). With autumn, comes a new wardrobe, or at least an update of your existing one. Our fashion column (pg.’s 22 & 23) tells you how to get into fashion with the clothes and accessories you already have. If you’re struggling already to think of

new ideas for packed lunches, have a look at our recipes (pg. 24) which will hopefully give you some inspiration. In the meantime I hope you enjoy this autumn issue and please keep in-touch.

Contact: Susan Gilchrist t: 028 9332 4511 e: susan@newtownabbeyintouch.com w: www.newtownabbeyintouch.com

Get

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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.

FAMILY LIFE

with a badge and a touch of braid, A-line skirts which – surprise surprise – can only be bought in two or three specialist stores – at a rather special price! Yes, probably the biggest adjustment come August was the digging deep for huge amounts of specialist clothes to make sure the kids aren’t spoken to at school for ‘incorrect’ uniform. So, what about a checklist to see how you got on in preparation for back to school? You got them into the back-to-school habit by encouraging earlier bedtimes? Good. You got them out of bed early a few mornings just to make sure they remembered what it was/ would be like? Good.

Bye to Those Lazy, Hazy Days of .....! Two long months of lie-ins, late nights and endless hours outdoors in warm sunshine. No school, no moaning teachers, no rushing to catch a stupid o’clock bus; no jostling for a seat, no ‘getting stuck straight in’ to maths, history or scientific equations at a few minutes past nine; no more shirt inside trousers, tie tightened to a choke-throttling angle; no mushy school dinners and no continuous attempts to convince mum or dad that there really is NO homework to do! “Honestly, we weren’t given any!” And that’s how summer is supposed to be, at a certain age. This summer?? Dare I say it? Who’d have believed so much rain could possibly be stored up, ready to be unleashed at any time? How on earth can you go from 22 degrees on a Tuesday afternoon to a shivering, monsoon-like Wednesday morning when those foolish enough to still be wearing their shorts, look, well..........foolish! But in spite of the weather, for many households there is, nevertheless, a return to school. And all that that entails. From haircuts to new shoes, lunch boxes to new rulers, clean nails to school uniforms. And we all know the cost of that last one. No such thing as a cost-price blouse or skirt, a sweat-shirt bought for a couple of quid in a large department store, a pair of PE shorts which were used camping in the Glens of Antrim. Oh no, top range clothing – or should I say top range PRICE clothing: jackets

You reminded them of that all-important Sunday night routine? Tea at a set time, books and clothing checked and put into the appropriate bag? Good. You enforced a ‘no screens’ policy in the bedroom? Phones, tablets, laptops left in the living room, turned off? Good. You insisted on a ‘no more late-night TV’ approach? Good You pointed out that teeth had to be cleaned each morning and each evening, not just on an occasion? Good. You considered checking they had washed their hair, washed their neck as well as given their ears a good cleaning? Good. Finally, you could think about totally incurring their wrath by insisting on a tidy bedroom, though maybe after any or all of the above points have been attempted, maybe best leave the bedroom. It doesn’t really look that bad, at least not until the end of the first week back when he/she announces that Josh/Amy/Mike/Zoe might be calling round – homework project, ‘end of first week celebration’ of crisps and coke..... etc etc Maybe just give the bedroom a quick lick and a promise yourself – their first day back at school, when you’ve secretly prayed all summer for them to get back to school and now the glorious moment has arrived and the house is totally quiet and you can drink as many cups of tea when you like and ..... and ..... and you realise you miss their company at home and you’ve been clock-watching and working out what’s for tea and looking to see if there’s anything on the telly they might want to see that night and ..... and ..... You know some of us are NEVER satisfied!! Oh look, it’s nearly half three.....!

September - December SEPTEMBER

NOVEMBER

Heritage Open Days Thursday 10th - Sunday 13th Various Locations

Harry Ferguson Lecture Night Friday 13th Hillsborough Village Centre

Summer Evening Race Day Friday 11th Down Royal Racecourse, Lisburn

Christmas Lights Switch On Thursday 19th Lisburn City Centre

Culture Night Lisburn Friday 18th Lisburn City Centre

DECEMBER

OCTOBER

Celebrate Christmas at the Castle Friday 4th - Saturday 5th Hillsborough Castle

Apple Day Saturday 17th Ulster New Zealand Trust at Ballance House, Glenavy

Victorian Christmas Market Saturday 5th Ulster New Zealand Trust at Ballance House, Glenavy

Northern Ireland Ploughing Championships Friday 16th - Saturday 17th Balmoral Park, Maze/ Long Kesh, Lisburn

Santa Dash Saturday 5th Wallace Park, Lisburn

NI Festival of Racing Friday 30th - Saturday 31st Down Royal Racecourse, Lisburn Halloween Event Friday 30th Lisburn City Centre

Boxing Day Race Meeting Saturday 26th Down Royal Racecourse, Lisburn

Understanding the New Pension Freedom Rules Planning for retirement in the new pensions landscape The new pension savings market offers much more flexibility and choice post 6 April this year, which is a positive, but it can be overwhelming. For people planning for retirement who want to take full advantage of the new world of pensions freedoms, they need to start planning now

FAMILY LIFE

opportunity to build a larger pension pot. Remember that for every £80 you pay in, this normally gets topped up with £20 in tax relief, and more taxtext can be reclaimed if Sample you pay tax at a higher rate. Check how your pension savings are invested – you might have selected the funds years ago, and they may no longer reflect your wishes today or they be performing poorly. Or perhaps you are in a ‘default’ fund, one which was automatically selected for you at the beginning. Either way it’s prudent to look and see if your funds are still suitable. Consider reviewing your pension/retirement plans in light of the new rules – do you know how much your pension is worth? Do you know how many pensions you have or where they are? Do you know what funds they’re invested in or how much risk is involved? If the answer to any of these questions is no you need to take stock and review your pension to ensure than your pension is on track to support your lifestyle in retirement. Ongoing reviews may be arranged to suit your needs and circumstances.

WHAT ARE YOUR NEXT STEPS Make sure you have a clear picture of what pension you have – many of us lose track of old pensions. Age UK says 1 in 4 working adults have lost a pension. Somewhere there is £3 billion sitting in lost pension pots according to the Pension Tracing Service. Use the free government service to track down your money: www. gov.uk/find-lost-pension If you have various pensions from former jobs, think about whether you want to ‘tidy up’ your pensions – UK workers move jobs 11 times on average in their lifetime. Each job usually means a new pension. The chances are that if you stayed more than two years at any one company, you may have been enrolled into a pension. One solution could be to bring them together and consolidating them in one pot, so they are easier to manage. However this might not be suitable for everyone. Check if you are making the most of your workplace pension – new rules means that your employer may have to offer you a company pension. See if you could afford a bit extra each month to give yourself a better

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR RETIREMENT OPPORTUNITIES Regardless of the life stage you have arrived at, it is important to receive expert professional financial advice on your pension plans and requirements. Whether you need to set up a pension, wish to review existing pensions or retirement planning strategies, we can help you make the most of your retirement opportunities. To understand more about the new pension freedom rules, please contact us at Welby & Associates for an appointment today and take advantage of your complimentary consultation. Tel: 02892 622910 Email: info@welbyassociates.co.uk Website: www.welbyassociates.co.uk INFORMATION IS BASED ON OUR CURRENT UNDERSTANDING OF TAXATION LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS. ANY LEVELS AND BASES OF, AND RELIEFS FROM, TAXATION ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. A PENSION IS A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT. THE FUND VALUE MAY FLUCTUATE AND CAN DOWN AS WELL AS UP. ACCESSING PENSION BENEFITS EARLY ISN’T SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE. YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT THIS MAY IMPACT ON INCOME IN RETIREMENT

CHARTERED FINANCIAL PLANNERS

Director: Glenn Welby Company Registered Number NI630504, Registered Address: The House of Vic Ryn, Moira Road, Lisburn, Co.Antrim, BT28 2RF. Welby Associates Wealth Management Ltd is authories and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Firm Reference Number 697372

All images © Quaker Tapestry

Quaker Tapestry

This fine collection of embroidered panels chronicles and celebrates 350 years of Quaker life, ideas and experiences. Crafted by over 4000 men, women and children from 15 countries, the tapestry is a reminder of the rich contribution the Quaker community has made to art, science, education and civic life. On public display from Friday 11th to Saturday 26th September 2015, the exhibition is accompanied by an evening lecture, titled ‘Four Centuries of Work and Witness’, from former principal of Friends’ – and noted local Quaker historian

– Arthur Chapman, on Thursday 24th September. There will also be a demonstration and Q&A with Bridget Guest on Wednesday 16th September – you may even be inspired to have a go at your own embroidery!

Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum Market Square, Lisburn BT28 1AG Tel: 9266 3377 Friday 11 September - Saturday 26 September 2015 9.30am – 5.00pm Admission Free

www.LisburnMuseum.com for more information

HEALTHY LIVING

Being healthy doesn’t have to cost more!

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FREE GYM MEMBERSHIP FOR 12 MONTHS Here at Fit4less Lisburn, we truly believe in the power of a healthy and active lifestyle. In fact, we’re so excited about it, we will reward you with free gym membership for 12 months. Why? Because our vision is to help shape a world where prevention is in fact better than the cure. We know it can be daunting, but we strive to make it easier and cheaper for anyone to get active. With weekly rewards and benefits such as a free drink at Starbucks, a weekly iTunes download and 50% off at Sweatshop there’s bound to be something to keep you motivated. Or maybe you’re already top of your gym class- so why miss out on all these amazing benefits? You could look like the good guy by treating your family to a weekly cinema trip.

For corporate clients we work with you to boost your corporate culture and improve the wellbeing of your workforce. Making sick days a thing of the past while putting you in the running for the employer of the year award.

Contact us today on 02892668771 and quote VitFit 2015 to claim your FREE one day guest pass and find out more about this fantastic offer *T&C’s apply. Ask in store for details.

Exercise, Record & Receive

FREE GYM MEMBERSHIP FOR 12 MONTHS

s e d u l c In

POLAR LOOP & HEART RATE MONITOR

Vitality Beneﬁts Get rewarded for being healthy The choice you make affects your health more than you think. Stop smoking, watch what you drink or eat, exercise more and your less likely to get ill Less likely to claim on your insurance.

ASK US HOW

One free ticket each week

Up to 40% off economy ﬂights

£15 for a health review

Up to 50% off bikes

50% off a pair of running shoes (one per year)

One free download each week

CONTACT US ON 028 9266 8771 IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS Unit 12, Riverside Commercial Centre,Young Street, Lisburn, Antrim BT27 5EA E: lisburn@f4l.com

Free weekly coffee

Digital gift card of up to £30

Up to 25% cashback

And many more... in association with

wellnessrewards.co.uk

Vitality Life is part of the discovery group, a global ﬁnancial services business. It generates £4.5bn of annual revenue and, if it were listed in the UK, would rank in the FTSE100. In 1997, Discovery introduced Vitality, the world’s ﬁrst incentive-based wellness programme linked to insurance.Today, Discovery has over 4.4 million customers across four continents, with already more than 800,000 members in the UK. Terms & conditions apply

HEALTHY LIVING

Let’s Work it Out! Looking and feeling great is every woman’s right, and there’s no better endorphin rush than a sweaty workout session. Whether you’re new to exercise or looking to change things up, here are some moves you may not have tried yetdesigned to torch fat and target trouble spots.

Bums/thighs Weighted squat: Add a pair of dumbbell weights ( ideally no more than 5kg each) to a traditional squat for a little extra zing. Complete 3 sets of 30 (with a rest of 30 seconds between sets) and you will definitely feel the burn in your bum and upper thighs.

Resistance training moves Resistance workouts, especially weight lifting, are crucial for toning and have the highest level of calorie burn, that continues for up to 24hrs post-workout! Small weights (combined with the fact that us girls have zero testosterone) will ensure you don’t bulk up body builder style! Introduce the following moves 2-3 times per week, and you will feel a difference immediately. Don’t forget to consult with a Dr prior to commencing any new form of exercise- especially if you are pregnant or post-partum as these moves may not be suitable for you. Abs Reverse cycling: Lie flat on your back and lift one leg about a foot off the ground, maintaining a straight leg. Bend your knee and bring in towards your chest and back out straight and do the same with the other leg- like you’re pedalling backwards. Do fast bursts of 30 seconds or so with a 15 second rest, repeat 3-5 times.

15s: Grab a dumb bell for each hand (1-5kg depending on your ability level), put your arms out straight to the sides and complete 15 seconds of the following consecutively- no rest! : - small circles forwards - big circles backwards - small up and down movements - small in and out movements If you can, then repeat the processit’s a killer, but it’s only 2 minutes of your life!

Upper arms/shoulders Figure of 8’s: You will need a medicine ball for this one- 2 or 3kg should be sufficient to feel the burn! Stand Straight, feet shoulder width apart. Hold the medicine ball out in front of your body with both hands, arms straight. Trace figures of 8 in the air with the ball, ensuring you maintain straight arms at all times. Start with 2 sets of 10 reps and work up to 4 sets of 15 reps.

Cardio fix Forget lengthy plods on the treadmill, High Intensity Interval training (HIIT) is a far more productive use of gym time. Choose any cardio machine and try the following : 20 seconds of high intensity sprint/cycle etc, then slow to a recovery pace for 40 seconds. Repeat 10 times. It’s a mere 10 minutes but you’re guaranteed to sweat. As you get fitter, add on more reps until you can do 20 minutes. These short explosive bursts of activity will prove far more effective than longer sessions at a steady pace. By Rachel Campbell

Aberdelghy Golf Course BELL’S LANE, LAMBEG, LISBURN BT27 4OH TEL: 028 9266 2738 Aberdelghy Golf Course is a Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council facility situated near Lambeg just off the Belfast Road on Bell’s Lane, less than 5 minutes from Lisburn centre. Although a relatively short parkland course with tight, tree lined fairways and water hazards, the emphasis is on accuracy rather than distance. Aberdelghy has undergone an intensive course refurbishment over the last few years including a major overhaul of the drainage system, several new greens and re-located tee boxes and bunkers, making it a more challenging and playable course.

LAMBEG GOLF SHOP The well stocked on site golf shop and electric trolley sales, service and repair centre should cater for most golfers needs. LAMBEG GOLF CLUB Lambeg GC is a GUI affiliated golf club based at Aberdelghy and was founded in 1986. Membership is currently open for Men and Ladies. Email: lambeggolfclub@btconnect.com GREEN FEES



Green Fees from £10.00



Weekend rate ONLY £16.00



Concession rates available

FURTHER INFORMATION Full details of our prices and further information can be found on the website: www.aberdelghygolfcourse.co.uk

FAMILY LIFE

Must-See.... at a Quieter Pace! My wife’s sister recently called in with their local travel agent in mid Ulster. Like the rest of us, they’d had quite enough of the warm summer rain and day-today weather with more changes than a catwalk model during a big floorshow. She and her husband thought that a few days in the sun might lift their spirits and offer a wee bit of a tan before September. Imagine their horror – no, their disbelief – at being told that the holidays were “all gone”. Now, they could have dipped into their savings and gone a bit further afield, maybe gone up a star in their hotel choice, paid a lot more by simply saying “we’re going”. But common sense must prevail, and though dejected, they went home to plan ahead for next summer..... But it doesn’t have to be like that. Think about it! September and early October generally produce quite pleasant days, shorter evenings with jacket or top required, but for goodness sake, Northern Ireland has a WEALTH of places worth a visit – and even better – it’s out of season and thus, no mad rush, no elbows in your ribcage as you try to find a seat in a little cafe, no younger brigade snapping at your heels as you negotiate the last few steps on a visit somewhere.

So let’s take a look at just some of the many places worth considering. Starting in the capital first, September will prove a much quieter time for investigating Titanic Quarter. The must-see attraction and state of the art visitor experience; easy to get to and vast, plus it’s guided and has a cafe to complete the day! Or the Zoo on Antrim Road. Too hilly? Well, maybe even a few hours there, surely an idea with the children all back in the classroom, you should be able to take your time and see things at your own speed. Up the coast a bit and there’s Carnfunnock Park, Larne. Normally bursting with screaming, excited kiddies, this is another fresh air gem on the doorstep. And much quieter now! Further afield you have the Giant’s Causeway. Nearly a million visitors a year can’t be wrong but the new visitor experience is worth half a day. (And sssh!! Keep an eye on their website – twice a year they run a ‘free’ day. No charge to call in!) Then there’s The Gobbins, much talked about of late and a real adventure for hardy souls with its exhilarating cliff walk. Or what about trekking across to Fermanagh? Our own version of the

Caves of Drach await you – a must see at Marble Arch, exciting and fascinating, the underworld rivers and waterfalls will entrance you. Just remember to take a warm coat And still in the west of the province, the Ulster American Folk Park, near Omagh. It’s been a year or so since I last visited, but this is another jewel in our rolling landscape of places to see. And you’ll marvel at the major influence this little country has had on the one of the world’s superpowers! Or up to the north west and the welcoming city of Derry/ Londonderry. Its walls prove to be one of the best examples of Walled Cities in Europe, a breathtaking promenade of the original city. And don’t forget boat trips on the Foyle, maybe even a few hours in two of the country’s busiest shopping centres, Foyleside and Richmond. So when you’re reaching for the morning paper, wondering what to do..... If it’s too late to plan for today, take another day later in the week and plan for an outing. The suggestions above are but a few. Check out Discover Northern Ireland’s website, get those macs and fleeces looked out – and go see some of those places you’d actually quite forgotten about! And enjoy!!

FAMILY LIFE

Could a Move into Foster Care be the Best Career Decision You Ever Make? Seeing someone flourish before your eyes thanks to the support you’ve given them is one of the most exciting and fulfilling things life can offer. With a shortage of more than 170 foster carers currently in Northern Ireland, Foster Care Associates (FCA) is appealing for individuals with a big heart to consider providing a loving and stable home for young people in the region. FCA, a leading independent foster care provider, has fully trained support staff across Northern Ireland, ready to work with new carers, guiding them through the process and providing them with all the necessary training and support to change a young person’s life. Feargal O’Keefe, registered manager for FCA Northern Ireland, said: “We’ve been working with children and young people for 21 years and our experience shows that one-to-one support in a family setting is the best way to help these children flourish. Our team of social care professionals work closely with our foster carers to deliver intensive, holistic support tailored to the individual needs of each young person and carer.

supervising social workers, Judith Ross and Victoria Innes, Melissa Baird, a support worker. The girls had trained hard for the competition with foster carer Caesar Doyle, who provided mentoring and support to the girls, and were even specially lent team kits by the Irish Football Association. After two days of matches, the Emerald Rovers beat off stiff competition to take home the trophy in the Aged 15-18 Girls category. Coach Judith Ross said: “The girls were extremely excited to kick-off the tournament and were determined to bring back a trophy to Northern Ireland. The team played with enthusiasm and worked hard to support and encourage each other, which was wonderful to see. Every year everyone is overwhelmed by the enthusiasm, talent and sheer determination the young people demonstrate and this year was no exception.

“We have some fabulous foster carers in Lisburn and the surrounding areas and want to encourage more people in the region to make room in their life, and room in their heart, to seriously consider becoming a foster carer.” FCA is committed to driving support for children and young people in Northern Ireland by providing activities to encourage their development. Last month, a team of staff and foster children from FCA’s offices in Derry and Belfast pitched their football skills at a tournament hosted by international children’s services organisation, Core Assets. The annual event, which was held at Nottingham University, welcomed over 1,200 foster carers, staff and children who travelled from across the UK, Ireland and as far afield as Finland, Sweden and Canada to take part. The tournament has been running for the last 13 years and is intended to help encourage camaraderie and team spirit among foster children, who can sometimes find it hard to integrate with other young people.

More than 70 teams took part over the weekend including the Emerald Rovers, who flew over from Northern Ireland especially to compete. Made up of seven young girls, the team travelled with their coaches,

Above (L-R) Supervising Social workers Victoria Innes & Judith Ross with support worker Melissa Baird

“The tournament aims to encourage young people to develop social, communication and team working skills as well as helping them to be more active, embrace healthy competition and interact with different peer groups. It was a wonderful weekend and the girls came through the airport after their flight home to a welldeserved celebratory welcome as their awaiting foster carers celebrated their brilliant win.” For anyone considering a career in fostering, FCA provides ongoing comprehensive support to all foster carers including training, a financial allowance, access to carer support groups and organised family activities – all contributing factors as to why FCA placements are 22% more stable than the national average.

careis...

helping a young person and having your life enriched.

Foster a young person. Seeing someone flourish before your eyes – thanks to the support you’ve given them – is one of the most exciting and fulfilling things life can offer. Fostering a young person not only transforms their life, it also changes yours. If you would like to do something truly unique and rewarding, go to fosterwithfca.co.uk to find out how.

0800 022 4012 fosterwithfca.co.uk

Changing a Carpet

YOUR HOME

Unfortunately fitting a new or replacing an old carpet is not that easy. If you’re installing carpet into the home you are living in, there’s furniture to move, old carpet or floor coverings to remove, possibly subfloors to replace or repair. It pays to employ a professional Anyone with a carpet staple gun and Stanley knife thinks they’re a carpet fitter, but don’t be fooled. It takes years to develop the skills for professional carpet fitting, skills like minimising and hiding seams, matching surface transition heights and using specialised tools. It pays to do it right the first time. Use a Seaming Diagram Your new carpet — as lovely as it is, may not come in a roll wide enough to fit your room. It’s going to need to be cut and seamed together so it is good to plan ahead and work with your supplier and fitter to create a seaming diagram that carefully plots out the seams and transitions before any cuts are made. It just may be possible to place those seams where no one will ever notice them! Plan Ahead Get help to remove furniture and other items from the room in which your new carpet will be fitted. You probably don’t want carpet fitters moving your furniture and precious items, as they may not be as careful as you would be — they may also charge for the privilege. Decide What To Do With Your Existing Floor Covering Removal of old flooring or carpet can be time consuming — and it must be disposed of responsibly. Discuss this with your supplier and fitter and assume that at least one day will be spent on removal, cleanup and preparation. Before removing your carpet, first, vacuum it one last time before you begin. Then be sure to open your windows and let fresh air in while the carpet and underlay are removed. Finally, vacuum the floor to remove any remaining dust and dirt. Underlay The underlay you fit beneath your new carpet will affect the way it feels beneath your feet in a major way. A new, good quality underlay will ensure that you get maximum wear and excellent appearance, as well as providing heat and acoustic benefits. Don’t make the mistake of believing that you will save money by utilising your old underlay. It will probably have little, if any, life left in it and certainly next to no bounce or resilience. Underlay also adds ventilation between the fibers and the floor, making vacuuming easier and offering its own level of protection. Check your Subfloor Under your existing carpet or flooring lies a subfloor or the foundation of your home. Is it wood? It is concrete? Is it level? Is it in good shape? Your subfloor may need preparation prior to the fitting of your new carpet. Discuss this with your retailer or fitter to make sure it is done properly as you don’t want to have to lift your new carpet to fix an amateur repair job. Trimming your doors Internal doors often have space at the bottom to accommodate carpets. If yours do, then you’re ready to go. If they don’t — or they’re cut for a lower pile than you install, then you may need a carpenter to cut or shave the bottom of each affected door. Check with your retailer if they provide this service and what the charge will be.

What to do with the waste Carpet installation results in a lot of waste — old carpets or floors, plastic wrapping and remnants. Talk to your retailer or fitter about their clean up policy — and what is done with remnants. You may want to save some leftover carpeting “just in case” — or maybe your fitter will cut you a door mat or two! Take A Day Off It’s a good idea to be at home the day your carpet is being delivered and fitted. Inevitably, questions will be asked and decisions will have to be made and nobody has an eye for detail about your home like you do. So take a day off or work from home — just be there. Watch From A Distance Razor blades and flying carpet staples can make your carpet fitting area dangerous to the health of your children and pets. Find a comfortable space for them in another room or outdoors while the work is taking place. Conduct A Walk-Through Before your fitter leaves, walk through the room together to ensure that every last detail meets or exceeds your expectations. Ask questions and make sure that you “approve” of both the product and the fitting before making your final payment. Let It Breathe That “new carpet smell” may put a smile on your face, but may not make your lungs very happy. Chemicals used to make carpets, as well as the adhesives and glues used to install them, can emit odors for up to 72 hours. Open windows, turn on fans and ventilate the space. While most carpeting is now low on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), ventilation is still the order of the day. Expect Changes It’s a fact of life. Your new carpet will shed. Take a deep breath and vacuum the lose fibers away. Your new carpet will also sprout. In other words, small loops or tufts may become visible after fitting. Fret not. Just use scissors to trim the loose fibers to the consistent pile height. If wrinkles or ripples appear, then it may be necessary to re-stretch your carpet. Contact your retailer or fitter immediately to rectify the problem. And most of all – enjoy your new carpet.

Gorgeous Plaids,

Funky Stripes,

Contemporary and Traditional Patterns, Sophisticated Sisals

and Everything in Between TEL 9266 3587 / 9267 3930 42-58 CHAPEL HILL, Co ANTRIM, BT28 1BW Opening Hours Monday - Saturday 9am- 5.30pm (Late night Thursday) Only 50 m from Bow Street Mall

YOUR HOME

Thinking of Refurbishing Your Bathroom? Changing your bathroom is a big decision, so it’s important to get it right. Follow these hints & tips to make the process easy & get the bathroom you need; FIRST STEP Who uses the bathroom? For example if it’s the main family bathroom, try to think a few years ahead to futureproof it, after all you don’t want to be changing this room for at least 10 years. What actually gets used in the bathroom? Rolltop freestanding baths look amazing, but if they’re seldom used what about a stunning & spacious shower enclosure or wetroom? Making life easier. Think of the needs of the users, plenty of storage to keep everyone’s toiletries tidied away is simple with vanity units & co-ordinating cabinets. Or why not go for a fully fitted bathroom with all the pipework fully concealed? Be creative! The fun bit, how would you like to finish your new bathroom? We have a massive range of tiles in the latest styles & colours, including mosaic & decor tile options. Alternatively you could consider panelling the walls to give a different look.

IDEAS & TRENDS Vanity units. More than just efficient storage, these are increasingly popular for any bathroom big or small & can provide the centrepiece to design the rest of the room around. Wetroom. Increasing in popularity as people experience showering without having to open or slide doors to have a shower. We can even get your floor tile cut into a matching mosaic to complete the look. Wall hung everything! By hanging the basin & WC off the wall, you create the illusion of a bigger floor making the room seem larger. As before this also means all that messy pipework is hidden from view. Tiles. These are only getting bigger, this helps create clean looks with less groutlines. Same size decor tiles also provide a cost efficient way of creating your own bold designs. NEXT STEP Planning. Ahead of visiting one of our three showrooms it would be useful if you could bring some basic measurements of your bathroom. This will help visualise your bathroom & what we could fit into it. Come & see us. We have three showrooms; Carryduff, Clough & Lurgan. All of which have an extensive range of tiles & bathrooms on display. This will help bring on your ideas, hopefully showing things you hadn’t thought of! Experienced staff. In each showroom there are knowledgeable consultants to take you through the process. We can provide free samples of tiles to take home & try out different designs, as well as literature from our bathroom suppliers should you want to do some ‘homework’. Detailed quotations. Once we’ve worked out the best bathroom solutions for you, we will provide you with a quote specifying all the bits needed. This will help you & your installer plan the fit.

Fast delivery. By stocking hundreds of tile lines in our warehouse in NI & using local stockists for bathrooms, we can provide your selected goods quickly & accurately.

Quality you can be proud of

www.jwmccall.com |

facebook.com/McCalls

Dundrum Road, Clough 028 4481 1999 14A Ballynahinch Road Carryduff 028 9081 4011 87 Malcom Road, Lurgan 028 3832 5485

COMPETITIONS

WIN a ÂŁ100 Voucher to Spend at Seymour Dugan, Lisburn

For your chance to win send in your name, address and contact number, by post or enter via our competition page at www.newtownabbeyintouch.com Closing date Friday 9th October 2015 T&Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s: Offer applies to carpet and furniture departments only.

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

YOUR HOME

stands firmly at any height. Operation is child’s play: simply pulling a lever starts the table stand moving up or down into the chosen position. In a matter of seconds, the table is at the right height for a specific job or to enable a user to work at the optimal height. The adjustable stand makes it easy to adjust tabletop height so that every family member can sit comfortably and work standing or sitting at their ideal height. Kesseboehmer at www.kesseboehmer.com/en/ home/ offer innovative workspace solutions

Must have Modern Kitchen Innovations Kitchens are increasingly becoming the heart of the home, a space we feel good in. That is why kitchen manufactures invests so much in kitchen design. Here we highlight some modern kitchen innovations that can make your kitchen space a welcoming and relaxing place. Extra workspace on call. If kitchen space is tight there are innovative hidden worktops that can be pulled out when needed and neatly stored away when not. These extendable worktops are concealed behind drawer style fronts. As the drawer is pulled out the drawer front drops down automatically. The table sections slide effortlessly into place and even partially extended is already a usable surface. Fully extended, the two sections plus the drop-down front and the flushmounted runner create a streamlined table surface. Adjustable height tables Ideal for small kitchens and all the family, the fitting makes it possible to use the same table top successively for a number of different functions. The whole system has a small footprint so that it takes up as little space as possible.

The hydraulically-operated centre post is engineered for absolutely reliable operation and designed to leave plenty of leg-room. The adjustable stand is connected to a wall so that it

Popup Solutions Maximising otherwise wasted space towards the rear of the cabinet or within the voids in a kitchen island, popup solutions can be easily installed and adds value and innovation to any kitchen design. Described as the most innovative development in the kitchen market since the soft-close drawer, popups are set to become the next “must-have” accessory in every household kitchen. Popups aren’t only limited to power sockets but also extend to popup Knife boxes, Spice Racks, Key Boxes, Chef Centres and even TV’s. S-Box have a clever range of popups at www.the-sbox.com/uk/ Instant Kettle hot water from the tap In the past you would have needed a pot or kettle, now it can come directly from the tap, filtered kettle hot water ready for immediate use at all times. Take a moment to count up just how many times you need kettle hot water in the kitchen. When you’re looking forward to a nice cup of tea or coffee, when you want pasta in tomato sauce in an instant, for blanching vegetables etc. Cool, filtered and carbonated water from the tap Not only do modern systems feature an advanced under-sink filter, they can also chill the water and offer a choice of two levels of carbonation. Grohe have an innovative collection of kitchen taps at www.grohe.co.uk/en_gb/kitchen-collection Built-in bean-to-cup coffee machines To give your kitchen that favourite coffee shop feel, you can have a fully plumbed bean to cup coffee machine built in flush with your cupboards. Miele, for example have a machine that fits perfectly into a 45 cm high recess in a tall cabinet creating a uniform appearance with other units. Being plumbed into the mains water supply it is always ready for use at a moment’s notice. This eliminates manual filling of the water container and your coffee is always prepared with fresh tap water. www.miele.co.uk/domestic

Inspired new ways to enjoy quality time in your home...

The role of modern kitchens is changing in line with today’s lifestyles. Your desire for a beautiful kitchen is achieved through a design process: Understanding your requirements in a functional and practical way and getting you involved

In-Style IN TUNE WITH TODAY’S LIFESTYLES

in the process to achieve your dreams and expectations

The In-toto IN-STYLE Collection is not only about cooking and

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With over 30 years experience and 47 studios throughout the UK, In-toto has an unblemished reputation for designing

and relaxation and using new colours, textures and design to create easy to live in spaces that all the family can enjoy.

and installing superb quality kitchens and creating ideal spaces

The huge variety of style and finish options ensures that

for your lifestyle.

we can create a kitchen for you that’s as individual as you are.

Visit our Belfast showroom at 162 Lisburn Road or call: 028 9066 0011 www.intoto.co.uk Join us on Facebook facebook.com/Intotokitchen

FASHION

“Fall” into the Autum/Winter Fashion Trends By Rachel Campbell

Once again, the bright nights and sunny weather (albeit occasionally sunny here in NI) of summer have drawn to a close- heralding the imminent and unpredictable Autumn/winter season. Whilst the change of season is welcoming in many ways (less confrontations with angry wasps, getting the kids back into a school routine), changing your wardrobe is more of a pain- especially for busy families. Not to mention, with new school uniforms to be bought, most of us can ill afford the extravagance of a new season wardrobe! If this is you- don’t despair! We have had a peek at the upcoming trends for Autumn/Winter, and chances are you can achieve most of the looks with items you already own! If not, we have already done the hard work for you and found some key pieces that won’t break the bank. The essential colour palette For the last few years, staple autumnal colours have been pretty much what you’d expect: Mustard, maroon, terracotta orange and leafy greens. So, if your autumn/winter wardrobe is in storage from last year, the good news is you can dust it off; these colours will remain on trend this year. However, in addition to this, you will notice the autumn/ winter palette introducing richer and brighter tones than ever before: Cobalt blues, emerald greens, luscious pinks, deep purples and citrus yellows- it’s all fair game. However, the main take home message for colour this season is RED; the bolder, the better! Invest in a statement piece such as this red anaconda print pelmet skirt (River Island, £30) which will take you comfortably through to spring. If this is a tad too bold, you can still incorporate subtle splashes of colour into your look through your accessories. The retro vibe As most fashion lovers know, trends are cyclical. Hold onto any clothing long enough, and it’s pretty much guaranteed a second (or third!) wind. So for the throwback fans out there, AW2015 gives us (drumroll)…70’s chic!

FASHION

“Such a versatile trend which can be applied effortlessly in so many ways; think paisley prints, ascot blouses tassels, flares, platform shoes, prairie dresses and floppy hats. The best bit is, you don’t even to be wearing high fashion to remain in vogue”. These flared jeans from Tesco at £22.00 will keep you on trend, whether it’s cocktail hour or time for the morning school run. Fur ‘n’ fluff Whilst catwalk trends this season are undoubtedly bolder, anyone living in Northern Ireland knows the importance of warm, practical layers for the incoming cold and dreary nights! So thankfully, your go-to material this season should be furry (faux of course!), fluffy and cosy. The trend is set to be so huge that it won’t just stop with clothing- look out for furry bags, belts, headbands and even shoes (!). Therefore, you can be as subtle or as “out there” as you want with this trend.

geometric heels, latex, and thigh high boots are just a few of the shoe fads to be experimented with. If, however, you are of a slightly more conservative nature- worry not. The ankle boot trend is going nowhere this season and there are enough styles to suit any and all personalities. Suede is also a winning material, and possibly a tad more forgiving than latex boots. Marks and Spencers do a gorgeous pair of beige ankle boots at £55- an investment buy that will compliment any outfit this season and beyond. On an added style note, whatever shoes you are wearing this A/W- brownie points for wearing calf or knee length socks with them. Yes this schoolgirl-come-librarian look is big this season if you dare! So there you have it- a cool and concise snapshot of upcoming fashion this season. If you can spare the time it is worth setting aside a weekend organise your new season wardrobe. Sorting through old clothes can often throw up a hidden gem or two. If finances are tight- why not check out charity or vintage shops, or arrange clothing swaps with friends and family? These new trends are versatile and so are you!

High fashion aside, investing in some good fluffy pieces for winter makes practical sense. Gilets, in particular, are extremely versatile for the beginning and latter stages of the season, before the bitterly cold weather sets in. Topshop offer a lovely bottle green gilet, that will keep you both cosy and in vogue! Quirky footwear Having checked out the catwalks and new shoe collections in stores, the take home message for footwear this season is simple. ANYTHING goes- and the crazier, the better. As mentioned above, the major fur trend will be crossing over into footwear- but this is merely the tip of the iceberg. Perspex heels, garish and elaborate designs, gravity defying

RECIPES The kids are back to school and so is that brainteaser every morning ‘what am I going to make for their pack lunch’. Sometimes making the same old thing over and over is boring – especially for the kids, so here are a few inspirational ideas for you to try.

Bill Granger’s Berry Yogurt Muffins You can freeze these muffins too so make a big batch and make them last for several lunchbox sessions - both tasty and time-saving.

Ingredients • 185g(6½ oz) self-raising flour • 150g (5½ oz) wholemeal self-raising flour • 1tsp ground cinnamon • 155g (5½ oz) firmly packed soft brown sugar • 250ml (9 fl oz) buttermilk • 125ml (4 fl oz) low-fat natural yogurt • 2 eggs, lightly beaten • 2tbsp vegetable oil • 440g (15oz) chopped mixed berries Method Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F, gas mark 4). Line a 12hole, 125ml (4 fl oz) capacity muffin tin with paper cases. Sift the two flours and cinnamon together into a large bowl. Stir in the sugar and then make a well in the centre. Pour the buttermilk, yogurt, eggs and oil into a large bowl and whisk with a fork until just combined. Pour into the well in the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. Add the berries and stir until just combined (do not over-mix or your muffins will be tough). Spoon into the muffin tin and bake for 20 mins, or until golden. www.bills.com.au

Moroccan Chicken Pockets Stuffed pitta bread is versatile and makes a change from sandwiches - plus pitta bread is less messy than a sarnie.

Ingredients • Pitta bread • Shredded, skinless chicken breasts • A handful of dried apricots • A handful of parsley • Greek yogurt • Iceberg lettuce, shredded Method Cut open the pitta bread, either cut in half across the middle or slice along the side, whatever you prefer. Stuff half the pitta with the shredded lettuce. Chop the dried apricots and mix with the shredded chicken, yogurt and parsley. Fill the rest of the pitta with the chicken mixture. There are lots more inspirational ideas for pack lunches on the Good to Know website www.goodtoknow.co.uk

Next issue: November/December 2015 Copy deadline: 16th October Distribution: 2nd â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9th November.

COMMUNITY

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

Activity Centres

Brook Activity Centre Glenmore Activity Centre Grove Activity Centre Kilmakee Activity Centre

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 028 9030 1848 028 9266 2830 028 9267 1131 028 9030 1545

Primary Schools Ballycarrickmaddy Primary Ballymacash Primary Ballymacward Primary Brownlee Primary 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 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 028 9267 2311

Secondary & Grammar Schools Fort Hill Integrated College Friends Laurelhill Community Coll Lisnagarvey High St Patrick’s High Wallace High Parkview Special School South Eastern Reg College

028 9266 3670 028 9266 2156 028 9260 7351 028 9266 2636 028 9266 4877 028 9267 2311 028 9260 1197 028 9267 7225

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council Departments Main Reception/Switchboard Building Control Waste Management Irish Linen Ctr & Museum Island Arts Centre Lagan Valley Leisureplex Lisburn Tourist Information

028 9250 9250 028 9250 9372 028 9250 9453 028 9266 3377 028 9250 9509 028 9267 2121 028 9266 0038

Charles Hurst Renault Oﬀers

MEGANE Hatch Dynamique Nav 1.6 110

MEGANE Hatch Dynamique Nav dCi 110

MRRP £17,750 Charles Hurst Price £11,995 Oﬀer Value £5,755

MRRP £19,245 Charles Hurst Price £13,495 Oﬀer Value £5,755

MEGANE Coupe Dynamique Nav 1.6 110

MEGANE Coupe Dynamique Nav dCi 110

MRRP £18,250 Charles Hurst Price £12,495 Oﬀer Value £5,755

MRRP £19,750 Charles Hurst Price £13,995 Oﬀer Value £5,755

SCENIC Dynamique Nav dCi 110

GRAND SCENIC Dynamique Nav dCi 110

MRRP £21,395 Charles Hurst Price £14,395 Oﬀer Value £7,000

MRRP £22,995 Charles Hurst Price £15,995 Oﬀer Value £7,000

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 159–93g/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. *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 31 August 2015. Cars shown with optional metallic paint, available at an additional £525. Offer subject to availability, while stocks last.

CHARLES HURST

RENAULT BELFAST RENAULT NEWTOWNARDS 62 Boucher Road 10 Comber Road Belfast BT12 6LR Newtownards BT23 4QP Tel 028 9038 1721 Tel 028 9181 5277

RENAULT NEWTOWNABBEY 547 Antrim Road, Mallusk Newtownabbey BT36 4RF Tel 028 9084 3816 www.charleshurst.com/renault

Potholes: Stay Safe and Don’t Lose Out With the state of our roads receiving unwanted media coverage in recent months and with warnings that due to budget cuts our roads are only going to get worse, it is of increasing concern that potholes pose a significant danger to road users. Recent figures from the World Economic Forum show the UK dropping from 24th to 28th place for the quality of its road infrastructure, putting it behind Chile, Cyprus and Croatia – and on a par with the southern African state of Namibia. The state of our roads can have an enormous financial impact on motorists, who most of the time end up bearing the cost of repairs to their own paintwork, suspension and tyres. Those who can’t afford these repairs risk making journeys in vehicles that are potentially unsafe. Potholes and road defects are usually formed when water gets into the road surface through cracks. In winter, when temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands, causing the surface to break up. When the ice melts it leaves a space below the surface, which collapses under the weight of traffic and eventually forms a pothole.

MOTORING

4. Never swerve to avoid a pothole; always slow down or stop completely if necessary, checking that there are no cars close behind you. Drive over the pothole slowly or manoeuvre around it if it’s safe to do so. Responsibility for our roads TransportNI, a business unit within the Department for Regional Development has responsibility for the maintenance and repair of publicly-maintained roads and footways. Repair of potholes which happen on ‘private streets’ is generally the responsibility of the developer or street owners. Potholes open between inspections, so there might be some time lag between the formation of the pothole and TransportNI becoming aware of it. It will be very useful if you report a pothole or road damage as soon as you notice it to help them deal with it quickly. After all, they cannot be held liable for a defect they are not aware of. You can report a pothole to TransportNI by using the map at http://reportfaultproblem.nidirect.gov.uk/

2. Remember to keep your distance from the car in front. Motorists will often brake or swerve suddenly if they have spotted a pothole too late, so ensure you are far enough away to slow down safely.

What sort of damage can a pothole do to my car? The damage can be instant, such as a punctured tyre, or dents forming around the wheel and on the lower bodywork. Alternatively, it could lead to the shock absorbing system becoming compromised, or a misalignment of the steering system. You won’t be able to see this, but may detect it over a longer period because you’ll feel the car to be harder to steer, or your tyres may be wearing out more quickly than you might expect. The deepest potholes can cause serious damage to your car’s tracking, tyres and wheels.

3. Make sure you stick to the speed limit and slow down on smaller roads and residential streets where potholes may be prevalent. Hitting a pothole at speed will cause much more damage to your vehicle.

Making a claim 1. If you believe you have a valid claim for pothole damage, make sure you are able to give the exact location of the offending pothole.

Stay safe on the road 1. Always be aware of dangerous potholes on your route home and in your area and, if necessary, find an alternative route.

2. Note when you went through it, what direction you were travelling and approximately how wide and deep you believe it to have been. 3. If it’s safe, stop and examine the pothole. Take photographs if you can, but don’t put yourself or anyone else at risk in the process. 4. Obtain quotes for any repairs that may be required. Keep copies of these, along with receipts and invoices, if they form part of your claim. 5. Then write to Transport NI, including all the details and requesting a settlement of your claim. 6. Expect a rejection, as they have a system of regular inspection and repair. But you can check what they may be liable for, and can take steps to make sure they are carrying out the system they claim to have.

7. If you feel your case is strong enough, it may be worth getting legal advice or taking your case to the small claims court. However, be aware that it could end up being a lengthy and costly process.

MOTORING

Just Like the Old Viva, Only … As the once proud owner of a Vauxhall Viva back in my students days, I am amused that Vauxhall have resurrected the name for their 2015 City Car. One thing that their marketing strategy has got absolutely right is that – ‘it’s just like the old Viva, only completely different’, and just as well too. Having said that, I do have many fond memories of my faithful old car and I thought it would be amusing to share some of them with you. My Viva was a 1977 model, racing red, four door, chrome wing mirrors and bumpers with double ‘go faster stripes’ on both sides. It was my pride and joy at the time, however, it wasn’t without its faults. In danger of incriminating myself, I remember making the journey one Friday afternoon from university in Coleraine back to Glengormley without a working brake pedal. Yes, not even the hint of a brake as the brake cylinder seals had gone, the fluid had leaked all over the university car park and I was left with the dilemma of how to get my pride and joy all the way home. Off course the thought of an expensive repair bill from a local garage or a tow truck home was completely out of the question for a cash strapped student like myself. Armed only with the handbrake, I worked out a route that would require the least amount of stops at traffic lights and junctions. As you can imagine, this required precise judgement and speed control to allow enough time between my approaching car and the stopped car at the back of the queue before it moved off as the lights turned green. Thankfully I did make it all the way to the safety of my parent’s garage to embark on the necessary repairs. Like many cars of its age my Vauxhall Viva was prone to the odd rust spot. Perhaps more than the odd spot, the top of the front wings, the bottom

of the doors, the sills and even the bumpers. Thankfully, armed with copious amounts of Isopon, sandpaper and a spray gun attached to my mum’s vacuum cleaner, I was also able to make frequent repairs to the crumbling body work. Now a day, the aim of any self-respecting young car owner is to get the floor of the car as close to the road as possible whilst still being able to move. In my day, the aim was to get the back of the car as high off the ground as possible similar to Starsky and Hutch’s Gran Torino if you remember it. You did this by putting spacers in between the rear leaf springs, which gave the look but also gave a bone shaking hard ride. Another customisation that was popular in the day was to fit furry seat covers, back and front. The furrier the better and a few friends and I went one further by also covering the inside door panels with an equally attractive matching fur finish. We did draw the line however when it came to a furry dice. I remember being proud of the fact that my Viva was fitted with additional sports twin headlights and smaller temperature and oil pressure dials on the instrument panel. To complete the look I replaced the standard factory wheels and tyres with larger sports wheels. The tyres were wider at the back than they were at the front, and off course didn’t quite fit. I remember being flagged down one day by a passing motorist on the motorway who was concerned that my rear wheels were wobbling so much that they were about to come off. No, I was able reassure her, they were perfectly secure and the wobble was just a feature of the car. Yes! ‘ Just like the old Viva, only completely different’ – Thankfully. © Newtownabbey In-Touch

DESIGN FOR THE HEART PRICES FOR THE HEAD

NISSAN MICRA 1.2 VISIA (5DR)

NISSAN NOTE 1.2 ACENTA (5DR)

AVAILABLE FROM

NISSAN JUKE 1.6 VISIA

NISSAN PULSAR 1.2 DIG-T VISIA

AVAILABLE FROM

NISSAN QASHQAI 1.2 DIG-T ACENTA

NISSAN X-TRAIL 1.6 DCI ACENTA+

AVAILABLE FROM

£7,995

£9,995

£11,495

£18,495

£12,995

£23,995

LOW RATE FINANCE AVAILABLE ACROSS THE RANGE. CALL FOR DETAILS Charles Hurst Nissan 62 Boucher Road, Belfast, BT126LR 0844 6591291

www.charleshurst.com/nissan

Fuel economy figures for the Nissan range mpg (L/100km). Urban - 51.4-33.6 (5.5-8.4), Extra Urban - 74.3-49.6 (3.8-5.7), Combined - 64.3-42.2 (4.4-6.7), CO2 emissions 103-159 g/km. All calls may be recorded for training, monitoring and quality purposes. Calls to 0844 numbers cost £0.05 per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

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

N2 TO MONAGHAN

TO BELFAST J3

N32

J5 TO CAVAN, NAVAN

DUBLIN AIRPORT

M50 TOLL HERE N4

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

J15 J16 J17