Lisburn
March / April 2016
your community / your life / your business
LaurelHill Community College Join a thriving Sixth Form – Open Night 13th April
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Celebrating local writing talent
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CONTENTS: 10. 18.
10. COMMUNITY
Lisburn Harmony Ladies Choir, currently in its 6th year, is continuing to celebrate the joy of singing and entertaining audiences. Founded in 2010 by its Director, Kirsty Orr.
14. HEALTH
If I told you that you would be paid £250 per month to stop smoking I am sure you would take up the challenge and make a darn good effort to claim the prize.
18. YOUR HOME
14. 26.
Getting your garden in order early will help make spring a little less hectic, more manageable and of course, you will have healthier plants come the summer.
26. MOTORING
Keeping a car on the road is expensive enough without the added cost of falling victim to one of the current scams being used by criminals against unsuspecting motorists.
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to our March/April issue and we hope you are feeling the optimism of spring with signs that it’s on its way. The days are getting longer and the spring buds are starting to bloom. It’s not that we hibernate over winter but we naturally spend more time inside than out. If that describes you there is plenty in this issue to encourage you to venture outdoors. Maybe you are a runner or wanting to take up jogging to get into shape for the summer? If so the Belfast Marathon is coming up with lots to get involved in for the less competitive amongst us including a Fun Run and walk. Disclaimer
If running is not for you there are lots of other options to improve your health. If you are a smoker The British Heart Foundation No Smoking Day is 9th March and that could be the incentive you need. Have a look at our article on page 14 for some tips and advice on how to start to giving up smoking. For the gardener there are lots of ideas to encourage you back into the garden, and now is the time to be planting your spring bulbs. Page 18 gives you some suggestions on what bulbs to choose and how best to plant them. Perhaps you are looking at all the DIY jobs that need done around your house
and if you’re thinking of painting check out our article on page 11 to find out what colours are in trend this year. We do hope you enjoy this spring issue and thank you for keeping in-touch with your thoughts and ideas.
Contact: Susan Gilchrist t: 028 9332 4511 e: susan@newtownabbeyintouch.com w: www.newtownabbeyintouch.com
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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.
COMMUNITY
Thriving Sixth Form at Laurelhill Community College Making the decision to commence Sixth Form study is an exciting time in a student’s life. The choices they make and the subjects which they begin to specialise in will enable them to commence the journey on their career pathway. Laurelhill Community College continues to celebrate success in its thriving Sixth Form. The college offers a broad and balanced curriculum at Key Stage 5; with a variety of AS, A level and Level 3 equivalent courses on offer it is clear why it continues to be a popular choice for sixth form study in Lisburn. The variety of our curriculum allows pupils to follow academic and/or vocational courses at Laurelhill, and also in collaboration with the Lisburn Area Learning Community. Megan Waterworth is currently enrolled in lower sixth at the college studying CACHE. Megan made the daunting decision to change schools after her GCSEs, moving from her previous grammar school to study at Laurelhill Community College. She reflects on her experience so far: “I have always known I want a career that involves working with children in an early years or primary setting. Unfortunately my previous grammar school didn’t offer CACHE at sixth form so my only option after receiving my GCSE results was to change schools. I felt incredibly nervous about starting a new school, even though I wasn’t entirely happy at my previous school. However once I attended the open night at
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Laurelhill, I knew instantly I would be happy here.
On my first day, I felt like a Year 8 student all over again. Would I make friends? Will I be happy? But thanks to Laurelhill’s fantastic induction programme for sixth form students I made so many new friends by the end of my first week. The course is fantastic, I spend three days out of the week on placement in either nursery school or primary schools. I love the practical element of the course and I really feel like I’m gaining beneficial “hands on” experience which will prepare me for my future career. Sixth form is hard work, independent study is a huge part of the course but it’s made so much more manageable thanks to the supportive and dedicated teaching staff at Laurelhill.” At Laurelhill we value the social and academic development of all our students. Principal Mr James Martin emphasises Laurelhill’s passion to help all students succeed: “We place a strong emphasis on our pupils’ academic and pastoral care. We value each pupil as an individual and our curriculum enables them to give of their best. We want students
to be curious, to seek answers, to explore and expand their horizons and to question the status quo. I am confident that making the choice to study in sixth form at Laurelhill will prepare students to take their next step into further and higher education.” Head Boy, Paul Alexander, reflects on his time in Laurelhill as he approaches the end of his seven years at the college. “I became a student at Laurelhill Community College in 2009, and have enjoyed my time in school immensely. The care and guidance which I have received from the college, academically and pastorally, has enabled me to reach my full potential. My journey in Laurelhill through Key Stage 3, GCSE and now in sixth form has been challenging, but it feel it has prepared me for the next step in my life – my degree. I now look forward to commencing the next stage of my academic career at university in September.”
We welcome all students who are considering sixth form study to Laurelhill Community College on Wednesday 13th April 2016 at 7pm to our annual Sixth Form Open Night.
6th Form Open Night Wednesday 13th April 2016 at 7pm
Come along and find out more information on the fantastic range of subjects on offer in Sixth Form
Laurelhill Community College ‘Learning and Achieving Together’
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COMMUNITY
Eggs-citing Times at Easter
By Luke North
As I write this, I have four eggs sitting downstairs. Not small ovals from your friendly, farmyard hen, much bigger. And made from chocolate! Well..... I couldn’t really help it. They were on the shelves this lunchtime when I trollied around my local Tesco. Standing proudly some three or four feet from the ground, just the right height, I suppose, for eagle eyed youngsters to spot, fixate on, drool over. “So why did YOU lift them,” my wife enquired, “if they’re for children?” (That’s another of those very many questions she often asks, questions I can’t really find an appropriate answer for!)
colourful wrapping on my sister’s egg, pinching the back chocolate , carefully resealing the wrapper and replacing the egg on the shelf. Must have been an egg fairy..... So how did this custom of chocolate eggs come about? The oldest tradition was to use dyed and painted eggs, as presents after Lent, or signifying the end of Holy Week, but the modern custom is to substitute chocolate eggs, or plastic eggs filled with confectionery such as chocolate. It is believed that eggs and other dairy products were not eaten during Lent, consequently, eggs were often given at Easter, as a gift. More than 100 years ago, people began to offer eggs made from sugar or marzipan. The first chocolate eggs may have appeared in France and Germany in the late 19th century but were bitter and hard. As chocolate-making techniques improved, hollow eggs like the ones we have today were developed. And I refer to what we might like to call ‘proper’ Easter eggs. Hollow chocolate delights, bought a few weeks before Easter, not the egg-shaped, egg-sized cream – or should that be – crème – eggs! The ones on sale from 27th December!
And these are not your typical solid chocolate, stuffed precariously into an outsize mug which will take up space in the mugs cupboard along with the birthday, Christmas, granda, best dad etc etc mugs!
(Note: do NOT try rolling the choccy version downhill! Apart from being unhygienic, this symbolic gesture of the stone being rolled away from Christ’s tomb before his resurrection is best left to the hard-boiled specimens.)
This one – sorry – these ones, are Malteser eggs. Mmm, how could anyone resist!
And almost 20 million chocolate eggs will be eaten in the UK this year!
Okay, let’s be honest, they were advertised as ‘buy two, get two free’. And I immediately thought of my grandchildren. Well, I thought of them almost immediately. Paul, his wee brother David and their little cousin Katie. Three eggs needed, one extra, one spare. Just in case. You never know. I remember as children, getting into serious hot water with my mother and father. Easter eggs had been bought, usually by a very generous cousin, a man who recognised
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the sweet tooth and confectionery needs of his young cousins. And I was always blamed for opening the
So! There you have the why and the wherefore! 20 million to be eaten this year, and I have made my contribution to our economy by stocking up this lunchtime, for my grandchildren. Although there is one extra, one not needed, one that has no one’s name on it..... My wife slipped out earlier to the hairdresser’s. She’s still not home. I’ve worked all afternoon. I don’t suppose anyone will mind if ..........
Next issue: May/June 2016 Copy deadline: 15th April Distribution: 2nd – 9th May.
COMMUNITY
2016 Tax Matters Reducing the Taxman’s Take HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) creates many legitimate opportunities for you to reduce the amount of tax you pay. HAVE YOU TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF YOUR 2015/16 INDIVIDUAL SAVINGS ACCOUNT (ISA) ALLOWANCE? The maximum annual amount you can save or invest in an ISA is £15,240 (tax year 2015/16) which is free of income and capital gains. You can put the whole amount into a Cash ISA, a Stocks & Shares ISA or any combination of the two. HAVE YOU MADE A WILL, AND, IF SO, WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU REVIEWED IT? If you die without making a Will, your assets will be divided between your relatives according to the intestacy rules. This will be after Inheritance Tax (IHT) is paid at 40% on any value above £325,000 (or up to £650,000 if a transferable nil rate band is available) that goes to anyone other than your spouse or registered civil partner (an additional exemption will be available from 6 April 2017 if your main residence passes to your children or grandchildren). If you have no surviving relatives, the whole of your estate will go to the Crown. ARE YOU PLANNING TO LEAVE ANY OF YOUR ESTATE TO CHARITY? By leaving at least 10% of your net estate to charity, after the deduction of the £325,000 nil rate band, this will reduce the IHT rate on your taxable estate from 40% to 36%. The exact calculation of your net estate may be complicated, so it’s important to obtain professional financial advice when drawing up or amending your Will. COULD YOU MAKE MONETARY GIFTS FROM YOUR CAPITAL RESOURCES? If you make gifts totalling £3,000 each tax year from your capital resources, these gifts are free of IHT. In the event that you forget to make your £3,000 gift one year, you can catch up in the next tax year by giving a total of £6,000. Both you and your spouse or registered civil partner can each give £3,000 every tax year in addition to gifts you make out of your regular income. COULD YOU MAKE USE OF THE IHT MARRIAGE EXEMPTION FOR GIFTS? If your son or daughter is about to marry or register a civil partnership, then you and your spouse or civil partner can each give them £5,000 in consideration of the marriage, and the gift will be free of IHT. This is in addition to any smaller gifts you make out of your regular income each year. The marriage exemption can also be combined with your £3,000 a year exemption to allow you to make larger exempt gifts.
Understanding he New Pension Freedom Rules 8
nning for retirement in the new pensions dscape
Glenn Welby and Ciaran Rea
ARE YOU TAKING ADVANTAGE OF YOUR ANNUAL ALLOWANCE FOR MAKING PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS? Your annual allowance for tax year 2015/16 is £40,000 (up to £80,000 for some people) plus any unused allowance brought forward from the previous three tax years. This allowance must cover any pension contributions you make yourself and any contributions paid for you by your employer. Contributions made in excess of your annual allowance will attract a tax charge at your marginal tax rate. WANT TO DISCUSS ANY OF THESE OPPORTUNITIES? The start of a New Year is the perfect time to review your current situation, so, if you would like to discuss any of these opportunities, please contact us for further information. We’ll take the time to understand your needs and wishes, and recommend appropriate solutions that are tailored to your needs. 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 BUSINESS FROM, TAXATION ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. A PENSION IS A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT. THE FUND VALUE MAY FLUCTUATE AND CAN GO DOWN. YOUR EVENTUAL INCOME MAY DEPEND UPON THE SIZE OF THE FUND AT RETIREMENT, FUTURE INTEREST RATES AND TAX LEGISLATION.
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COMMUNITY
Lisburn Harmony Ladies Choir Lisburn Harmony Ladies Choir, currently in its 6th year, is continuing to celebrate the joy of singing and entertaining audiences. Founded in 2010 by its Director, Kirsty Orr, it is a crosscommunity choir with approximately 65 loyal members of varying ages who come from all walks of life. The ladies love to sing and they love the bond of friendships, health benefits and the satisfaction of working as part of a team to create the beautiful wall of sound in the blend of their voices. Celebrating its 5th year anniversary in April of 2015, the choir performed a sell-out concert at Lagan Valley Island. The concert, which included the highlights of the choir’s musical repertoire over the five years, was a huge success. Songs such as Sister Act, Chicago, Run, Shule Aroon, You Raise Me Up, May It Be, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Rhythm of Life, Chattanooga Choo Choo, Edelweiss, Tell Me It’s Not True, and many more, were eagerly enjoyed by the audience who thanked the choir with a glorious standing ovation.
The choir is well known in the City of Lisburn and further afield and has achieved a lot in its first five years, including participating in (and winning) choral festivals, performing annual concerts to large audiences in Lagan Valley Island Lisburn, Christmas concerts in the Lisburn Cathedral, carol singing in Lisburn City Centre, recording the Christmas CD ‘Christmas in Harmony’, being the first choir to sing in the Parliament Rooms at Stormont, singing Christmas songs on Good Evening Ulster (Radio Ulster), providing backing vocals for Muriel Day’s ‘Testify to Love’, travelling to Bournemouth to perform a concert with the Bournemouth Male Voice Choir and many more performances at local, church and community events or as part of other events. In April 2015, the choir was featured in Irish TV’s ‘Antrim County Matters’ (Sky 191,
Freesat 400, eVision 191, free to air boxes and online). The programme can be viewed at http://www.irishtv.ie/ antrim-matters-34/. On Sunday 10th May it was featured in BBC Radio Ulster’s ‘Classical Connections with John Toal’ and in July it sang at Rose Week in Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park. The new 2015-2016 season has already been a busy one with performances at Hillsborough Castle and on SS Nomadic as part of European Heritage Open Days, singing at Culture Night Belfast, Ballance House, Bangor SERC Theatre, Edenmore Golf Club, Kilwee and Brooklands Nursing Homes, the PwC Carol Service at St Anne’s Cathedral Belfast and ‘Carols by Candlelight’ in Lisburn.
“The choir has a huge repertoire of songs which is continually growing—from a wide range of musical genres including classical, pop, stage musicals, Irish folk songs, ballads, swing, gospel and Disney. “
Kirsty is passionate about her choir …“I formed the choir to fill others with the joy that I get from singing and performing. Singing has amazing benefits for the body and mind, and there is never a rehearsal that I don’t enjoy or, indeed, learn something new. I have the blessed fortune of working with an amazing bunch of ladies, who are up for anything I throw at them, and work incredibly hard. I would like to think though that all our members get as much out of Lisburn Harmony as I do.” Many of the choir’s songs are available to view on YouTube so check them out. They can also be followed on Facebook (Lisburn Harmony Ladies Choir) and Twitter (@ LisburnHarmony) for the latest news of where they are performing.
COMMUNITY
Preparing Your House For Re-painting
ROSE QUARTZ
SERENITY
Preparing your house for re-painting while you are still living in it is not always easy but often that is just the way it is. With each year comes a new trend in colours and this spring the colours to embrace are pantone. When preparing to re-paint either the inside or outside of your home, there are a few things that you can do to ensure the process goes smoothly and that the paint looks as well as it can when the job is complete. Proper cleaning and preparation of the surfaces to be painted is essential to ensure the paint adheres well and dries smoothly. Also, extra time will be needed for walls to dry after cleaning or if repairs have been carried out. For exterior walls, be sure to remove loose, peeling, or flaking paint before the painters come. Pressure washing can be beneficial to clean off dirt effectively, however be careful of over- spraying especially around the window sills and seals as this can damage the rubber or dislodge cement. Let everything completely dry before applying any new paint. When cleaning the surfaces, try using environmentally friendly cleaning products which are available at your local DIY store. Given the unpredictable weather we experience an obvious tip is to check the weather forecast and choose a time when there is going to be two or three days of a dry spell. Without further ado, the two main pantone colours for 2016 are Rose Quartz and Serenity. They are colours that are seen to embrace warmth and reflect connection, wellness and peaceful tranquillity. Rose Quartz is seen as a persuasive colour with a gentle tone that gives compassion and a sense of composure. Serenity speaks for itself; like the blue skies, weightless and airy, making this colour calm and giving a relaxing feeling. These colours are appealing in matte, metallic and gloss finishes and can be complemented by other mid-tones such as silver, rich brown, greens and purples and all shades of yellow and pink. Copyright Newtownabbey In-touch
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HEALTHY LIVING
Alzheimer’s Society The Alzheimer’s Society runs a group in Lisburn for people who are living with dementia and their carers. The group meets twice a month – on the first and third Tuesdays – at the Trinity Community Venue on the Knockmore Road in Lisburn. The group is for men and women who have been diagnosed with dementia and are in the early to moderate stages of their condition. Lunch is served followed by a short activity. Over the past year the group has sat and listened to storytellers and fiddle players; played games together; potted plants; enjoyed quizzes; watched films. Recently (along with people attending other groups in Ballynahinch, Newcastle and Downpatrick) the group has been involved in a Spring craft project. Martin Towers, the Alzheimer’s Society’s Befriending manager for Down and Lisburn, told us that once people have expressed an interest in attending the group he will visit them to tell them more about the group and to make sure it is the right thing for them.
“Folk are, understandably, often wary of attending for the first time,” says Martin. “But it is always great to see how welcome they are made to feel and how quickly they settle and become part of things.” Martin says that the Society always does its best to enable people to attend, even if there are transport difficulties – sometimes using the services of volunteer drivers to bring people to and from the group.
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Carers are asked to accompany people to the group but, says Martin, they also get a lot from the experience. “We are very aware of the impact dementia has on family and carers. I know how important it is for people to come along and be able to share their experiences with one another and support each other through the ups and downs.” Several volunteers are always present at the group, some of who are Befrienders – volunteers who visit people in their own homes; accompany them out for walks and to events, like the Trinity group, that are organised by the Society. Caring for someone with dementia can be very stressful and at times upsetting, but also rewarding. Carers often go through a wide range of emotions, including loss, guilt and anger. They may also have positive feelings, such as satisfaction from being able to support the person with dementia. As a carer you have a right to a carer’s assessment and to receive support to help you to maintain your caring role. Sources of support for carers include family and friends, health professionals, social services, carers’ support groups and organisations such as Alzheimer’s Society. It’s important to look after your own health and wellbeing. Try to eat a balanced diet, and to get enough sleep and exercise. Make sure you have some time to yourself. There are practical tips that can make caring for someone with dementia a little easier. For example, encourage the person to keep doing what they can to retain their independence. When communicating, make eye contact, listen carefully, be aware of your body language and speak clearly. Talk to a doctor – ideally a specialist – about behaviour that is challenging or causing either of you distress or worry. There are things that can be done to help. If you would like to know more about the group, or other Alzheimer’s Society services, please call Martin Towers on 028 9756 4681.
Are you interested in volunteering with people with dementia?
Befriending Volunteers Our Befriending volunteers offer companionship and support to individuals in the early stages of dementia. The aim of the service is to promote social inclusion, enabling people living with dementia to maintain and develop their hobbies and interests in a supportive way for a few hours each week. We provide induction, out of pocket expenses, ongoing training and support for all volunteers. You will be fully supported in your role. If you are a caring, reliable and passionate about making a real difference to people living with dementia, then we would love to hear from you.
For more information about becoming a volunteer, information about dementia and local services please contact
The Down and Lisburn office on 028 9756 4681 or email
downandlisburn@alzheimers.org.uk National Dementia Helpline 0300 222 11 22 9am- 8pm Monday-Wednesday 9am-5pm Thursday and Friday 10am-4pm Saturday and Sunday
www.alzheimers.org.uk Registered charity no. 296645
HEALTHY LIVING
If I Told You... “If I told you that you would be paid £250 per month to stop smoking I am sure you would take up the challenge and make a darn good effort to claim the prize. If I told you that there was a greater prize if you gave up smoking than the cost or the price of giving up I am sure you would take that too! If I told you that there was a better than 50:50 chance of you stopping smoking you would probably have a go, especially if you have had enough of the habit. The truth is that many of us give up on the possibility of stopping smoking before we have ever actually given it a good try. Smokers know that it is difficult to stop, but it is not a hopeless case. Many people do succeed.
“Believe it or not, stopping smoking 20 cigarettes per day will provide you with that £250 prize which is hopefully significant enough to persuade you that the price of giving up is worth it. And that is only the financial argument. The health benefits from stopping smoking are not only significant but also widely published, and you are probably familiar with these.“ I believe that scare mongering rarely succeeds in the long term. Carrots work better than sticks. This article is not about telling you of the dangers which you undoubtedly already know about (and are rather fatalistic about and choose to keep out of your consciousness), but rather about the positives.
decline and wait until the next time slot. This will change the habit, and help you to break the old habit. Try to stop smoking with someone else and use them as a spur to succeed, and be an encouragement to them also. Put the fag money in a tin every day and watch the sum grow, and treat yourself to a weekend away or some other treat! Try not to smoke after a meal or with a cup of tea or coffee which you “always do”. Or have a different hot drink or a cold drink instead. If you are still struggling there are nicotine replacement therapies which are available on prescription or over the counter, and there are also E cigarettes. These are not endorsed by the medical profession, and although safer than smoking are not totally safe!! There are other prescribed medications to help to suppress the urge to smoke which can be taken for 12 weeks. If you want advice about this you can speak to your GP or practice nurse, or visit NHS choices website. Remember that when you stop smoking your senses of taste and smell improve dramatically so food will be much more appealing. Remember too that Nicotine is an appetite suppressant and so stopping smoking will increase your appetite. Add these things together and weight gain can follow so beware. I have not yet met anyone who regretted stopping smoking. I have met a few who just had one cigarette and ended up hooked again after a period of abstinence, so this is a life changing and lifelong decision, should you choose to take it! Good luck. “
The success stories abound. People who stop are so positive about it that they often become really annoying to those who haven’t yet stopped. It is hard, but not impossible. These people have succeeded where so far you have not. They have attained a goal that you have not. They are not much different to you though and they have no special powers. They have just used a ( more) successful method of stopping smoking. If you really want to give up this time (of trying), don’t stick to one thing to help you to stop. Try everything. Smoking is a habit. Change the habit. Stop smoking when you want to but instead smoke by the clock, having worked out how many cigarettes that you smoke and then divide those over your day. e.g. Smoke only on the hour and the half hour, and if you feel like a fag in between you will know that you don’t have long to wait. If you get to the time and don’t have the need then
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YOUR HOME
Decluttering Your Home Will Allow You to get on with the Spring Cleaning As the days lengthen and the daffodils start appearing, our thoughts turn to spring cleaning. A new cleaning service in the Lisburn and Mid Down area has the solution to your spring-cleaning requirements. Sisters, Kath Steyn and Sue Wallbanks have recently set up the home cleaning branch of Cleaning Doctor in the local area. This is in addition the wellestablished carpet and upholstery cleaning service that David Gamble of Cleaning Doctor has been operating in the area since 2007. Kath and Sue specialise in spring cleaning and weekly and fortnightly home cleaning. What about all the stuff? However, thinking about spring cleaning raises another problem that you might be concerned about – what about all the stuff in the house that’s in the way? Many of us wish we had less stuff, and studies show that a house full of junk can have a negative effect on the whole family’s mood – psychologists have found that people with cluttered homes have higher levels of the stress hormone associated with chronic fatigue, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a higher risk of mortality. If that’s not enough of a reason to have a clear out, how about having a bit more space? Clutter affects people’s ability to focus, process information, and be productive – so dumping the junk could be just the energy boost you need. What are you waiting for? Here are some tips. Start with small steps Start small. Set yourself small tasks – pick a room, a cupboard or even just a shelf and set a time limit so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Or aim to make a decision about one item from one room each day.
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Plan a time and involve the family. Try and make it fun. Sort your stuff Start by making three piles: a keep, a throwaway and a maybe. Box up your ‘maybe’ pile and one month later, take a look in the box and work out if you actually missed any of the contents – if you don’t, donate them to a charity shop. Perhaps, you might try selling your things on eBay, or your local buy and sell group or website? After a good clear out, you’ll feel much happier and free. Wardrobe overload Are your wardrobes overloaded and creaking at the seams? Most of us have many items of clothing that we haven’t worn for ages. Here’s a simple technique to figure out which items should face the cull – turn all your hangers so they’re facing the wrong way. Every time you wear something, turn the hanger the right way round. After a month, you’ll be able to see which items you haven’t worn; get rid of them. The bathroom cull We’re all guilty of having bathrooms full of half-used creams and shampoos that we plan on using up one day. We even bring those small bottles home from holiday hotels.
Who are we fooling? If you’ve already rejected a product, you’re unlikely to go back to it – and don’t forget that cosmetics have use-by dates, just like food. Pack everything from your bathroom into a box. Every time you use something, put it back in its usual spot in the bathroom. At the end of a month, check what’s left in the box, then get rid of it. Lost keys and missing socks Do you spend half your life hunting for lost keys, or missing socks? Cutting down on your junk is a positive way to make it easier to find what you’re looking for. Get a key box. Discard odd socks – you’ll never miss them. Don’t get carried away Once you’re on a decluttering roller-coaster, it’s easy to get carried away and discard things you may later wish you hadn’t. Don’t regret throwing away all your possession. Before making the final decision, ask yourself when was the last time I used it? If I were shopping now, would I buy this? Would I take it with me if I moved house? Answers to these questions should help you decide. Courtesy of Cleaning Doctor Lisburn Acknowledgement: some content sourced from Mirror.co.uk.
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YOUR HOME
Spring Bulbs Getting your garden in order early will help make spring a little less hectic, more manageable and of course, you will have healthier plants come the summer. Summer flowering bulbs are mostly planted in early spring to be in time for a colourful summer and they are my favourite as they are easy to grow and very affordable. Seed sowing can also start as early as mid-spring through to early summer (AprilJune) as long as the soil is warm and moist enough for seeds to germinate. Bulbs can be planted in containers or borders. Different species of bulbs require different growing conditions, however as a rule most of them will need a sunny spot and well-drained soil that has not been waterlogged over the winter season. The general depth for planting your bulb is approximately three times the size of your bulb and bulbs should be planted singularly.
If you are planting bulbs in a container make sure the size of the container is appropriate for the size of the bulb and that the drainage is good. To improve drainage in a container, use some good quality general compost mixed with some fine grit. There are plenty of summer bulbs to choose from, but if you need some inspiration take a look at my favourite picks of bulbs that flower in the summer. Oriental Lily They have a sensational fragrance that makes them instantly recognisable. I find the larger exotic blooms easier to grow. The only down side is that they stain surfaces, however don’t fret as there is always the Lily ‘China Girl’ which is pollen free. Lilies are best grown in containers/pots and once mature they look better moved to the centre of the container/pot. Begonia These are certainly my favourite summer plants and they make me look like a great gardener (to those who don’t know me)! They have beautiful summer colours (rich pink, red or white) flowering from June through to the autumn frost. They are the most dependably colourful of summer bedding plants, their beautiful, waxy, bronze or green leaves coupled with red, pink or white flowers just keep coming. They grow quickly, making bushy plants that branch repeatedly and produce showers of flowers with some lasting till winter if brought indoors. Hyanciths
Bulbs planted by Ballynure Community Assoc.
These beauties provide such stunning displays of fragrant blooms! They are a little delicate and therefore would do best in well-drained and fertile soil and in full sun. Once the blooms begin to brown, it is best to remove them but leave the leaves to die naturally. You can then lift the bulbs and store in a cool dry place to reuse next season. Hyanciths can be planted in the garden or in a pot. Iris Reticulate
“The bulbs should always be planted with the pointed growing tips facing upwards and if some do not have this then plant them on their side. Always remember to water the bulbs if it is not forecasted to rain in the following few days. It is always good practise to label your bulbs, otherwise you may accidently plant something else on top of them or even worse not recall the name of the bulb you planted!”
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These exquisitely flowered bulbs grow about six inches high but their striking coloured blooms certainly makeup for their small size. I never get round to buying pre-packed bulbs in the winter but thankfully I can get some already potted in early spring from my local garden centre. The Iris is best grown in a light, well-drained soil and can be ideal in a gravel garden. If growing them in a pot, plant around six bulbs in a five-inch pot and approximately one-inch-deep using a good quality compost. Hopefully the sun will shine and happy planting! Copyright Lisburn In-touch
FAMILY LIFE
Make Some Noise for Women Aloud NI 2016 By Rachel Barber
Never heard of Women Aloud NI? Don’t worry you’re not alone, as it is a brand new initiative, aiming to promote the women’s writing scene in Northern Ireland. The brainchild of local female writers, with a passion for recognising, celebrating unsung talent, Women Aloud NI hopes to explode the women’s writing scene into the spotlight of NI. The premise being a series of co-ordinated writing events (at least one in each of the 6 counties) hosted across NI on the same day. Despite, being in its inaugural year, the project has already gathered a massive following across literary circles and social media. Against the backdrop of International Women’s Day, (Tuesday 8 March 2016) women writers from all corners of the province will be making some noise in bookshops, libraries, museums and other venues for readings and discussions of their work. There are also planned mass readings and writing workshops and all women writers are welcome to participate. Members of the public are also welcome to come along and show support at the free events, although booking may be required. Women Aloud NI celebrates ALL kinds of writing- published or amateur. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an author, playwright, poet, journalist, self-published, member of a writers’ group, a creative writing programme participant, wannabe writer or supporter of the arts. Get involved and be a champion for the creativity of local women!
Rachel Barber
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Support for the Women Aloud Initiative: Although a very welcome and innovative concept, this is the first project of its kind in Northern Ireland and is currently does not receive any funding. Instead the initiative is reliant on the tireless work of countless women volunteers – mostly writers themselves who have agreed participate or coordinate events.
COMMUNITY
However, many organisations in the arts sector (and beyond) have lent their moral support, enthusiasm and encouragement to the project, including: • The National Collection of Northern Ireland Publications • Tramp Press • Blackstaff Press • Liberties Press • Big Telly Theatre Company
How Can I get involved? If you’re based in Newtownabbey or Lisburn, there are several local events to whet your appetite for this very worthy cause: Belfast: Come along and listen to local writers read (and talk about) their work! Where: Easons, Donegall Place When: 12-2.10pm, 8 March Entry: Free (NO booking required) Contact: Jo jozeb71@gmail.com
Participants: The range, age, experience and background of participants is vast- signifying an inclusive and united front. However, here is a preview of some of the female writing talent emerging in your area: Jane Talbot: A Co. Antrim based writer and arguably one of the key people behind Women Aloud NI. Jane is a massive fan of storytelling and reading aloud as she believes they are important means of human connection. Jane’s first book, The Faerie Thorn and Other Stories was published by Blackstaff Press in 2015.
Lisburn : Second Tuesdays Creative writing workshop Come celebrate the work of local women writers, whilst using their work to inspire your own! All welcome, but if you are not a regular member please contact the facilitator Shelley Tracey to book your place. Where: Lisburn City Library, Linenhall St When: 6.15pm-7.45pm , 8 March Entry : Free (Booking essential) Contact: shelleyztracey@gmail.com
Rachel Barber is a writer originally from Newtownabbey. Rachel began her writing career as a regular blogger with women’s lifestyle website “Handbag Fairy” and now writes for “In-Touch” magazine. Rachel lives in Newtownards with her husband Andy, where she helped to found The Square Circle writers group. Maureen Boyle completed a Masters in Creative Writing at QUB in 2005 and has since received numerous awards, bursaries and prizes. By day, she lectures on Creative Writing with the Open University and teaches English in St Dominic’s Girls’ School, Belfast.
Other events Women Aloud also have a range of events across North Down, Armagh, Londonderry, Fermanagh and Tyrone. So do spread the word to friends and family who live further afield. For more details of events please visit http://womenaloudni. com. Social Media Come join the lively banter, discussions and debates whilst showing your support! You can post on Facebook (Search for: WomenAloudNI) and Twitter (@WomenAloudNI) with the hashtags: #WomenAloudNI #ReadWomen #IWD2016
Erin Burnett: Erin Burnett is a 6th form student from Belfast, who wrote her first novel when she was thirteen! A member of Belfast Writers’ Group, her debut novel “Liza’s Avenger” was released in 2015 Laura Cameron is a Belfast poet and founder of “The Dead Shy Poets’ Society”. Her poems have been published in local anthologies, including Community Arts Partnership anthologies. Jan Carson is a writer and community arts development officer from Belfast. Her debut novel, “Malcolm Orange Disappears” was published in June 2014. Her short stories have appeared in journals such as Storm Cellar and The Honest Ulsterman. Her collection of short stories, “Children’s Children”, will be published by Liberties Press in March 2016. Helen Hastings is a Lisburn- based poet. She attends open mic events and is a member of the “Words For Castle Ward” writers group. She is currently working on a collection of poetry and short stories. Helen writes mainly for herself, but hopes that her readers connect and identify with her work.
Jane Talbot
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FAMILY LIFE
Teddy-the-First By Paula Matthews
Emma opened her eyes at the same time as she always did. She turned round to look at Teddy. Teddy wasn’t there. Emma sat up and looked for Teddy everywhere. He had fallen on the floor. “There you are, Teddy,” she said, “Good Morning.” “ Are you awake, Emma?’ said Mummy, standing at the bedroom door. “ Yes, poor Teddy fell on the floor.” “ Did you pick him up?” asked Mummy. “ Yes,” said Emma, picking Teddy up. “Did you give him a big, big hug?” asked Mummy. “Yes,’ said Emma, giving Teddy a big, big hug. Mummy opened the door and put out her hand, “ I have something to show you,” she said, “ Come into my room and see.” Emma got straight up and gave Mummy her hand. She took Teddy’s hand too, and they all went into Mummy’s room. Emma turned on the light, Mummy had a gold lampshade with little crystals hanging on it and she loved to see them all lit up. Emma put teddy on the bed and climbed up beside him. Mummy had big roses on her duvet cover and Emma liked pretending they were lying in a giant bunch of cotton flowers.
Emma took off her bed socks and stood on the rug. It was soft and fluffy, like a carpet of cotton wool. Emma liked closing her eyes and imagining it was candyfloss between her toes. Mummy once told Emma it was called sheepskin.
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Emma went to the dressing table and sprayed some perfume. It was in a small, glass bottle, a bit like a diamond. Emma liked to think it was a magic potion. She put on Mummy’s silver chain and spread some lipstick on her lips. Mummy had bright pink high heel shoes that made Emma nearly as tall as a grown up. Emma closed her eyes and thought about being a princess. She decided
that when she grew up, she would have a room like this and stay in it all the time. “ Here it is!” Mummy had been looking for something, “This was my bear when I was your age.” Emma looked at the small, soft bear. It was about the same size as her Teddy, but they had different faces. Mummy’s bear had two buttons for eyes and stitches for a mouth. “What happened to his eyes and mouth?” “ They fell off after years of cuddling,” said Mummy. Some of the bear’s fur had fallen out. “ He’s got bald spots,” said Emma. “That can happen when bears get old,” said Mummy. The bear was missing an arm, ‘Where’s his arm?” asked Emma. “ A dog got it, but it doesn’t bother me,” said Mummy. “Did you love him like I love my Teddy?” “O, yes! I think I still do.” “ And you had him long before I was born?” “That’s right, Emma. When I was a little girl.” “ So he is much older than my Teddy, then.” “Oh, yes.” “Then we should call him Teddy-the-First, “ said Emma. “ That’s a great name,” said Mummy, smoothing Emma’s hair out of her eyes and tucking it behind her ears, “ but there is just one thing…” “ What’s that?” Emma asked. “ Teddy-the-First is a girl.” “ Oh, ok.” Emma hugged the old bear. “ Mummy?” “Yes?” “ I think she likes your room.”
RECIPES
Creme Egg Chocolate Drizzle Cake by Karen Burns-Booth Ingredients: •
225g of butter, softened
•
225g of caster sugar
•
4 free-range eggs, mixed with 2 tablespoons full fat milk
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175g of self-raising flour
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40g of cocoa powder
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25g of milk chocolate buttons, or grated milk chocolate
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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300g of cream cheese, chocolate flavour
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4 Creme Eggs, cut in half
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white chocolate chips
•
milk chocolate chips
“This cake serves eight very greedy people, or twelve more refined and less greedy people. One word of warning; you have to be an avid chocoholic to eat this cake, as it is very rich with its cocoa and chocolate chip sponge, white chocolate drizzle, and the Creme Eggs of course!” (60 minutes plus cooling time)
Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4. Butter 2 x 20.5cm (8”) sandwich tins and line the base with some baking paper 2. Place all of the cake ingredients in a food mixer, or a bowl if using a hand mixer, and mix on low for 2–3 minutes before turning to high and beating for 1 minute. You will have a light and fluffy cake batter 3. Divide the cake batter between the prepared tins and smooth the tops with a spoon. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cakes are well risen and a toothpick or skewer inserted in the middle of the cakes comes out clean 4. Leave the cakes to cool for 2 minutes in the tin before carefully turning them out onto a wire rack. Allow to cool completely before decorating them 5. Place 1 cake half on a serving platter and spread half of the chocolate cream cheese over the cake; place the second cake on top and spread the remaining chocolate cream cheese over the top as frosting 6. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top and then arrange the Creme Egg halves around the cake in a circle before scattering the chocolate buttons over the top www.greatbritishchefs.com
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MOTORING
Teenager + Peugeot Telematics = New Car Motoring Just Add Fuel®, Peugeot’s innovative fixed-cost motoring finance package recently made available to teenage drivers who buy a new Peugeot 108 with a plug-in telematics device has been extended to a wider audience with the New 208* and 2008 model range. Drivers in Northern Ireland can also take advantage of the finance package for the very first time. Since its launch in July 2010, some 30,000 UK drivers have been attracted by the Just Add Fuel® finance package’s low single fixed monthly payment that covers all motoring costs for a three year period; •
No need to budget separately for insurance^, servicing, road fund licence~, and roadside assistance costs – as they are all included
•
No need to search for cheaper insurance each year – it stays the same over the three-year term
•
Fixed price motoring for three years means complete peace-of-mind
•
A completely transparent motoring package with no hidden costs, Representative 4.9% APR.
•
The opportunity to drive a new car every three years, with no MOT or other costs to worry about
Until recently it had only been available to drivers aged 21 or over, but Peugeot has again rewritten the retail rule book and, due to telematics technology which monitors a driver’s movements, younger motorists can benefit for the first time on a new 208* or 2008 vehicle as well as 108. Jeff McIlroy, Roadside Motors, Sales Director, commented: “Just Add Fuel® is recognized as the most significant innovation in vehicle retailing for many years, and this now extends to potential owners of 208* and 2008 vehicles, as well as the 108, further widening its appeal. We have experienced an increase in retail sales to adults over 18 years of age since the launch of our new telematics product.” The low monthly costs are made possible with a discreet telematics device; On 108 this plug in device is sent to customers immediately after taking delivery of their car and it attaches to the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) port under the steering wheel via a simple installation they can
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do themselves. On 208 and 2008, customers will receive an installer-fitted unit which an engineer will install. Via satellite tracking, the telematics device stores and sends data on the vehicle’s speed, acceleration, deceleration and lateral G-forces which is then used to assess the customer’s driving style and rate each journey made on a scale from 1–100. Customers can access their driving activity via an online portal. This is regularly monitored by the insurer and an aggregate score awarded. Feedback is provided to assist the customer in improving this if deemed necessary. If the score falls below an agreed threshold, the driver will receive a warning. Four warnings a year will result in the insurance policy being cancelled. Terms and conditions apply. Just Add Fuel® with telematics is also available to Peugeot 108, 208* and 2008 buyers aged between 21-75 who do not have two years’ No Claim Discount, or have held a full UK driver’s licence for less than two years. * 208 GTi and 208 GTi by Peugeot Sport models excluded To see how you can drive away a new car, call in and see us at Roadside Motors.
BUY SMART, BEWAYHAP JUST ADD FUEL - THE BEST TO BUY A NEW PEUGEOT BE HAP BUY SMART, WITH ROADSIDE BUY SMART, BE HAP WITH ROADSIDE MOTORS LISBURN WITH ROADSIDE BUY SMART, BE HAPPY UY SMART, BE HAPPY MOTORS LISBURN 108 WITH ROADSIDE MOTORS LISBURN WITH ROADSIDE Peugeot’s Just Add Fuel offer is probably the easiest way of buying a new car. One small monthly fee can provide all the running expenditure of your new vehicle except for one item: fuel. With the rising cost of insurance, many of our customers choose this fuss-free way of driving away a new Peugeot. See for yourself why the Just Add Fuel offer is popular
108 MOTORS LISBURN MOTORS LISBURN 108
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Roadside Motors Lisb oadside adside Motors Lisburn Roadside Lisb 22 Market Place, Lisburn TelMotors 9267 7412 Lisburn www.roadsidelisb Roadside Motors
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MOTORING
Motoring Scams and How to Avoid Them Keeping a car on the road is expensive enough without the added cost of falling victim to one of the current scams being used by criminals against unsuspecting motorists. Here are two scams currently being used with some helpful advice on what to do if you are caught out. The Car Park Scam Criminals are targeting motorists who have parked their cars in a public carpark. They leave a note on the windscreen claiming that the car has been involved in an accident and ask the owner to contact a number written on the note. What then happens is the unsuspecting motorist is asked for a lot of personal information which is then used for criminal purposes. An off spin of this scam is that the criminals provide a premium rate telephone number on the note and when the motorist rings they run up an enormous phone bill as they are kept holding on the line as long as possible. If you return to your car and find a note on the windscreen asking you to ring a number, don’t do it! Report it to the Police instead and keep the note as evidence. Flash for Cash This a variant of the Crash for Cash scam which has been catching unwary motorists out for years. What happens is that criminals drive around looking for opportunities to let unsuspecting motorists out of a junction, petrol station or side entry for example. They stop for the driver, flash their lights to signal they are letting them out and when the driver accepts their kind offer the criminals deliberately drive into them claiming they have caused an accident. The criminals then make a claim against the ‘offending’ drivers insurance for damage to their car and the supposed personal injuries they claim to have suffered. When you think about it, it is a clever scam because at the end of the day it will be the innocent drivers word against the criminal’s word and after all, it was the innocent driver that pulled out in front of an oncoming vehicle which caused the accident. The best way to avoid falling victim to this scam is to acknowledge the kind gesture of the motorist who is flashing, wave them on and only pull out when it is clear to do so.
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If you do fall victim to this scam, the best advice is to treat it in the same way as any other accident … Stop only where it is safe to do so Do not admit liability Exchange your contact and insurance details with the other driver Take a note of the make, colour and registration of the other vehicle If there were any independent witnesses, ask them for their contact details In-Car Video Cameras (Dash Cams) More and more motorists are installing a video camera inside their vehicles which records continuously as you are driving and provides independent third party evidence should you be involved in an accident. They are fully legal and are usually mounted on or near your rear view mirror with the power lead plugged into your cigarette lighter or internal power point. Dash Cams are easily setup and record your journey onto a high capacity SD card. Don’t worry that they run out of space quickly as they record in a loop over the oldest footage when the card becomes full. Dash Cams vary greatly in price and there are many available. Choose one that records continuously whilst driving and provides good quality video and sound footage. Cheaper, but adequate models start at around £30 with the more expensive models, complete with GPS and G-force sensors costing £300 upwards. If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident you simply remove the SD card from the camera for safekeeping and provide it as independent evidence to your insurance company. It is a good idea to have a second SD card in the car to provide continuous recording should you need to remove one for safekeeping. Wishing you safe and scam aware motoring! Copyright Lisburn In-touch
MOTORING
The ‘Wrong’ Side of the Road! Driving abroad is no different to driving at home..... Driving abroad should be no different to driving at home! For many, holiday time suggests the lure of France, the vast, open, sun-kissed campsites and caravan parks of the beautiful west coast, or the Côte Atlantique, if that gets you in the mood! Lots of folk from home will drive there after a long, overnight sailing into one of France’s northern ports. For others, it’s the forthcoming Euros, when Norn Ireland will take on some of the top European clubs this June. Do you drive down through England – an adventure in itself – and then continue along the busy A26 and even busier A1 towards the French capital?
By Luke North
best sorted well in advance and your own car insurance agent or company will competently serve your needs. But the AA and RAC have all those other less clear areas covered on their websites: possible extra fees for under 25s, whether you leave the car back with a full tank of fuel or not, likely procedure in the event of damage to the hire car. And with the modern technology of today’s mobile phone, take a photo of any scratches or dents you spot on the vehicle before you accept it as yours for a week or two. You don’t want to be charged and end up paying for damage caused by a previous hirer!
Or maybe, it’s simply hiring a car when in a baking hot Costa del Sol to get the kids away to a water park, or to let granny see the Caves of Drach on Majorca’s east coast. Or back to the Euros, some will consider a direct flight from Belfast and then hire a car on arrival.....
‘So how easy is it to hire a car and drive when abroad? Well, as my introductory sentence suggests – it shouldn’t really be any different – apart from the fact you’re on the ‘wrong’ side of the road!” It’s vitally important to remember this, especially when driving off again after having stopped. It’s all too easy to simply engage gear and nose the vehicle onto the left carriageway. Concentration is essential, even better, an alert front seat passenger who shares ‘navigator’ duties. I recall some years ago, when driving up through Bordeaux towards Orléans from northern Spain, my ‘navigator’, my wife, stirred from yet another snooze and asked what country we were in! Thankfully, today’s mobile phones with in-built Apps will provide a ready reference with their maps and GPS positioning. And there’s always the Sat Nav. But I would have to vote for common sense and point you towards one of our big motoring organisations, the AA or RAC. Their websites, www.theaa.com and www. rac.co.uk respectively will answer all your questions. Basic minimum is, of course, your driving licence if hiring abroad. Your own insurance will need to be augmented by additional continental insurance. That is something
And make sure to read any small print in the comfort of your own home before you go, rather than by a dashboard light on some poorly lit stretch of road with the youngsters yelling ‘are we there yet?’!! In the event of a breakdown, some countries insist you carry spare bulbs, or reflective jackets, or a warning triangle; in Spain, for example, it is recommended that a driver be able to produce a spare pair of glasses if he/she normally wears glasses to drive. It is also illegal to use full headlights in towns or built-up areas. It’s not a minefield, but it IS worth your while planning in advance. Take time to think through where you’re going. If hiring, book from here and familiarise yourself with the online info the rental company provides. In the words of the AA: The best advice is to plan ahead and book in advance, before you travel, if you can. And, of course, after all that – enjoy!
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MOTORING
Charles Hurst Nissan The Future of Car Retailing Charles Hurst Group, Northern Ireland’s biggest car retailer, has unveiled a new customer-led concept which it believes is the future of modern car retailing. The unique approach has been launched at the group’s newly refurbished Nissan dealership on Belfast’s Boucher Road and is the only car retailer in Northern Ireland to boast the new showroom design which replaces the traditional sales desk with a more customer-friendly, paperless environment that utilises modern technology to give the customer better control and a seamless purchasing experience. Alan Thompson, Franchise Manager at Charles Hurst Nissan, explains the thinking behind the changing face of car sales:
“Through the internet, customers are now better informed, connected, and empowered in their purchasing experience and knowledge. The majority of our customers are spending more time researching online, utilising social media and car comparison websites before they contact the showroom. This new approach allows the customer to retain their lead in
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Alan Thompson and Peter Molloy
the sales process and enables us to provide a more transparent and holistic service which is seamless from initial contact, through to sales and after-sales services.” “Customers are able to book appointments online and are then checked-in using iPad technology and greeted by a host before being shown to one of the comfortable consultation areas which have replaced the formal sales desks.” This new format enables the customer to take the lead with the use of iPads to select or design their choice of car and its unique specifications, replacing brochures and other unnecessary paperwork. The showroom interior is bright and modern with feature walls, Wi-Fi enhancement points, PlayStation to entertain children and plasma screens which showcase the latest car models.
Colin McNab, Operations Director, Charles Hurst, said the new showroom underlined the company’s commitment and continued investment in customer focused services which is up to date with changing trends. “We have worked closely with Nissan to ensure the new showroom delivers a first class customer interface. As the leading Nissan dealer in NI, it is important to us that we are at the forefront of the latest technology and customer offering, not just in terms of car models but also world-class service, and this new showroom and approach allows us to do that.” With more than 700 employees, Charles Hurst is committed to exceptional customer service, and its mission statement and policy of “Customers For Life”.
Your Life in Cars From the first day behind the wheel to being an experienced driver in your retirement, using a car is an important part of life. Recent research shows how cars change to meet the demands of each of life stages. Getting around as a graduate As a graduate, your next challenge will be working your way up the career ladder, first impressions count, so you’ll be looking for something sleek and professional to travel to and from work. It’s also likely you’ll be feeling very aware of any student debts you’ve acquired, so a practical car with low running costs would be ideal. Profile: Average age: 28 Average income: £34k Average number of cars owned: 1 Priorities: When looking to buy a car, 22% of graduates place design and aesthetics as one of their top priorities. 15% place fuel efficiency as their number one priority.
Newly married After splashing out on the big day, and possibly not long after mortgaging your first home together, you’ll want a sophisticated car within a reasonable budget. You’ll be looking for something practical to go to the office, but also pleasurable for longer drives on romantic weekends away. Profile: Average age: 32 Average income: £45k Average number of cars owned: 3 Usage: Over a quarter of newly married couples use their car 6 or 7 days a week. New parents on the road With a baby or young child, your main priority when choosing a car will be safety. The law outlines that all children must travel in a child seat until they’re 135cm tall or 12 years old (whichever they reach first). So the car must be able to securely fit a child seat, whilst also offering a spacious boot to easily transport your pushchair around. Profile: Average age: 32 Average income: £41k
MOTORING
Average number of cars owned: 3 Priorities: 43% of new parents consider safety as priority, 31% place comfort as a priority, and 26% prioritise having sufficient space, such as boot size. Travelling with a growing family Once your family starts to grow, safety will still be a key priority. Whether you’re ferrying children around to birthday parties, or taking a longer trip to visit family, you’ll be looking for a car with sufficient leg room and boot space. You’ll also need to ensure you have enough power for a fully packed car or a long distance drive. Profile: Average age: 38 Average income: £40k Average number of cars owned: 4 Priorities: 39% of parents with multiple children consider safety as a priority when looking to buy a car, followed by 27% wanting to ensure there is enough space and legroom. Taxi for teens As a parent, safety will probably remain high on the priority list, and you’ll also need to think about accommodating gangly teenagers with added head space and leg room. It’s likely you’ll be the designated taxi driver for picking up children and their friends from parties, so flexible seating is a must. You may also need a car to transport equipment for hobbies and sports – as well as boot space for family activities, camping trips or holidays abroad. Profile: Average age: 45 Average income: £39k Average number of cars owned: 6 Priorities: 38% of parents with teenagers place safety as one of their key priorities. Car space and power are both equally important, with 20% of parents prioritising each of these. Driving as empty nesters When your family have flown the nest for good, you’ll have the freedom of being able to choose a car for pleasure over practicality. With your children no longer financially dependent on you, you may also have the luxury of spending a little extra. Profile: Average age: 59 Average income: £31k Average number of cars owned: 7 Priorities: 43% of empty nesters consider the model of the car to be a priority. 20% focus on the car’s looks and design and 19% place high importance on the brand. Courtesy of www.aviva.co.uk/car/motor-advice
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FAMILY LIFE
Useful Numbers Medical Centres
Dr Cairns and Partners Switchboard Dr Ruddell and Partners Drs Hutchinson, Ryan & McGuinness Dr Wales and Partners Dr Forde & Dr Quinn Dr McFarland & Partners Dr Pattersons Lisburn Travel Clinic
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
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028 9260 3203 028 9266 5181 028 9260 3090 028 9260 3111 028 9266 6266 028 9260 3133 028 9260 3088 028 9260 3177 028 9250 1281 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
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