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Newtownabbey
March/April 2015
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your community / your life / your business
Great tions Competi and Events Inside
SPRING GARDENING TIPS For a garden to be proud of
GYM TRAINING FOR RUNNERS
Be stronger, faster, and more efficient
Sorry Mate I Didn’t See You Take a second look for Motorcycles
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NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Hello Spring! I hope you are as enthusiastic as I am! It is my hope that you are also looking forward to getting out and about a little more. If you have not given up on your New Year’s fitness regime, keep up the good work! If you are preparing to take part in any marathons or charity runs this year, this is your chance to start training and not only increase your speed but also your strength (see page 22). However if immediate physical pain is not your cuppa, why not get out and enjoy God’s creation by tending to your garden or your potted plants. Check out our gardening tips for spring (pg.6) and the advice given by our local experts who know all about it (pg 8, 9, 14). Don’t forget to continue supporting our local traders and if you have any FREE local community news or events why not share them with us for the next issue. As we think of spring as ‘nature’s way of saying lets party’, it may not be the same for some families who have lost loved ones and especially as we have heard in the past few months, more locally of young children dying. Take time to read about The Compassionate Friends, an organisation run by volunteers who have experienced the loss of their own young children (pg.30). Whatever you plan to do in the next few months, have a great spring!
Susan Contact: Susan Gilchrist t: 028 9332 4511 e: susan@newtownabbeyintouch.com w: www.newtownabbeyintouch.com Disclaimer Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accidents or any other cause. Newtownabbey In-touch does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission of the publisher.
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CONTENTS: 6. SPRING TIPS
A Garden to be Proud of Many of you will be getting into the garden for the first time so we thought it would be good to share a few tips to help you make the most of the longer days and look forward to a garden to be proud of.
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GYM TRAINING For Runners
Supplementing running with strengthening exercises will not only aid in injury prevention but will make you a stronger, faster, and more efficient runner.
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NATURES WAY
Of Saying, Let’s Party! Be gone you endless nights of shivering round a fire, a metal radiator or simply giving in and going to bed with half your clothes on. Spring is natures way of saying let’s party.
44. SORRY MATE I Didn’t See You
A catchphrase used by drivers up and down the country. Is this a driver being careless and dangerous or did the driver genuinely not see the approaching motorcyle?
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Spring Gardening Tips © Newtownabbey In-touch
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Spring is almost here and I can’t wait to hear the birds’ singing, see the little lambs hopping about the fields and plants coming to life again! Many of you will be getting into the garden for the first time this year so we thought it would be good to share a few tips to help you make the most of the longer days and look forward to a garden to be proud of. Start working on the weeds while they are small and easily controlled by either pulling them by hand or spot spraying them with a herbicide. Visit your local garden centre to obtain a more specific weed killer as some cannot be used on areas you expect to plant seeds in.
For planting it is Did you know that St. important to use soil that is well drained, Patrick’s Day is the therefore wait until traditional time to plant the ground dries a little before starting peas and Irish potatoes? to work on your beds. If the soil sticks to your fingers it may still be too wet to use. Remember raise beds provide better drainage for wet heavy soils and adding compost also promotes nutritious growth. A good quality soil is the foundation for good plant growth therefore testing the soil before planting, especially in a new area is essential. Purchase a soil test kit to check the acidity, soluble salts and other nutritional values in the soil. Do you know that St. Patrick’s Day is the traditional time to start planting peas and Irish potatoes? It is also the right time to plant rhubarb, asparagus, radishes, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower and onions.
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March is also the month for pruning fruit trees such as apples, cherries and raspberries. In order to protect fruit trees from mites and borers it is necessary to spray the trees before they begin to bud out.
Some of the organic insecticides that are recommended by horticultural experts include Rotenone, Pyrethrum, Neem, Entrust (spinosad), Surround (kaolin clay), insecticidal soaps and oils. Always remember to prune off and dispose of all dead, diseased, and broken parts of the trees. Houseplants will also enjoy the longer days and you will start to see new growth in them. Start watering them a little more and also feed them with a good quality plant food such as organic liquid seaweed or soil extract fertilizer. Do not forget to repot your houseplants to improve their health. In April we begin to see the beautiful picture of spring colours in our gardens. It is the month for flowers such as redbuds, magnolias, daphnes, pussywillow and spirea to begin to bloom! Although pansies, for example, look fragile they can withstand the freezing temperatures and can therefore be planted outdoors in containers or in the garden at this time. However if they have been in a greenhouse they should be kept outdoors for a while prior to planting in the garden. April is also the time to prune and feed most evergreen plants before their growth in midspring, however those that are about to flower can be left until flowering has finished, eg. Camellia, Rhododendron, Daphne and Buxus. After pruning it is worth applying a general purpose fertiliser that will provide the plants with good nutrients for growth and yields. Mulching is also recommended to improve the soil around plants whilst giving your garden a neat and tidy appearance. Use biodegradable mulches such as garden compost, leaves, wood chippings and manure or non-biodegradable such as sea shells, tumbled glass, or even crushed CDs. Setting up an outdoor thermometer will help you keep a journal of the weather and tell you when plants are due to bloom.
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HOME Council will typically require a short report from a certified tree Surgeon outlining why the tree requires remedial work before giving the appropriate consents. What if … My or a neighbours hedge is out of control Both hedges and people can be incredibly volatile! The right hedge may create a pleasant aesthetic but many disputes have arisen from unclear boundaries. Both leylandii and cypress became fashionable as instant hedges but they can become overgrown very quickly without the correct care and attention. Consequently, the issue of hedges blocking out light or straying across garden boundaries has become commonplace.
Let’s Talk Trees and Hedges by Matthew McCartney Pinehill Tree Services www.pinehilltrees.com
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As we come into early spring it is a great time to address some of the most common questions you have about your trees and hedges.
What if … my trees look dangerous? All tree owners are responsible for ensuring that their trees are in a safe and healthy condition and are not a liability to persons in their own property or in the vicinity. If there appears to be large unstable limbs hanging over Poor pruning and poor pruning a neighbours or your own property then cuts will cause damage that will you will require the services of a last for the life of the tree and competent and well can often reduce its lifespan. trained tree surgeon.
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What if … I like my tree but it needs pruned and brought under control. To do the job properly will require a fully qualified Arborist who can safely remove dead/dying or rubbing branches and do no damage to fences and greenhouses and can protect the future health of your trees by pruning and understanding the tree biology and how the tree responds to each cut. Poor pruning and poor pruning cuts will cause damage that will last for the life of the tree and can often reduce its lifespan or ruin the aesthetics and balance of the crown. What if … my tree has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) If your trees are protected by a TPO, permission from the Council is required before carrying out any tree surgery work whatsoever. This permission can be obtained either by yourself or the contractor as your agent. Failure to gain consent could lead to prosecution of both parties.
Acts have been implemented to give home owners the ability to apply for a high hedge notice from their local authority. Due to the circumstance specific nature of the matter the Acts are multifarious and potentially confusing but protection does exist if you can prove trees or hedges are detrimental to the reasonable enjoyment of the property and/or is blocking out light. What if … there is fungus around the bottom of my tree Fungus can take various shapes and forms when it comes to trees. With some, you may notice large brackets protruding from the trunk (typically around the base / chest height of the tree and present all year round). Other fruiting bodies will typically only arise in autumn and will be likely found in the soil near the vicinity of the tree. Honey fungus is probably the most commonplace in gardens. While fruiting bodies only appear in autumn, if you feel your tree may be affected look closely at the soil for rhizomorphs or bootlaces (due to their shoelace resemblance) that can be found all year round. Fungi will affect trees in various ways. The aforementioned honey fungus and common ganoderma attacks the root systems, while velvet fungus and porcelain fungus attack more localised areas and colonisation is often in the upper regions of the trunks potentially causing major limb failure. Any tree that shows signs of fungus, especially those in maturity and close to buildings and roads should be inspected immediately by a reputable tree surgeon with the appropriate certification. What if … there are nesting birds/bats in my trees? The law is extremely clear on this issue. Any tree with nesting birds or bats cannot have any remedial work carried out unless it can be proven that the tree is a danger to the public. There are potentially hefty fines for working outside these guidelines including £5000 per bat and £2000 per bird. What if … I want free expert advice? Contact a recognised Tree Surgeon with the appropriate qualifications and Public Liability Insurance.
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The Law Society have set up a scheme known as “The Home Charter Scheme” you should check that the firm you instruct is a Member of that Scheme.
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Whether you are selling your home or purchasing a new home it is important to check that the Solicitor you appoint to act on your behalf is on the Panel of approved Solicitors for your Mortgage Lender or the new Mortgage Lender that you are intending to use.
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Making The Right Move Having made the decision to move home or purchase your first home it is important to be as organised as possible. One of the first steps that you need to take is to appoint a Solicitor to act on your behalf.
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Appointing the right Solicitor is crucial. You should obtain a verbal quotation but also a clear written quotation which includes not just the Professional Fee that the firm will charge but also the V.A.T. and other Outlays and expenses that you will incur. Ideally you should meet with the Solicitor that you are intending to appoint face to face. Do not pick them by merely a phonecall to ensure that Moving house is one of the you are confident that they will carry out the most stressful things you can work on your behalf to do in your life, but it needn’t be the necessary standard.
with the right legal team on your side.
Appointing a Solicitor local to where you live will make it easier for you to attend appointments. Remember quality of service is imperative to ensuring that your transaction is dealt with efficiently and to make the whole process as stress free as possible.
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If you are selling your home there are several matters that you can attend to prior to agreeing your sale to ensure that you are as organised as possible. Such as if you have carried out any work to your property for example; removal of internal load bearing walls, extensions, roof space conversions, installation of solar panels, installation of Wood Burning Stoves etc, that may require either planning permission or building control approval you should ensure that you have the relevant certificates to hand. Also if you have gas services to your property you should ensure that you have your current gas safety certificate. Also anything that may be under warranty in the property that you are intending to leave you should have guarantees available. In addition you will be asked to produce an Energy Performing Certificate this can be arranged independently by you or through your Estate Agent or Solicitor. Once your sale is agreed contact your Solicitor to advise them of the details so that they can get matters moving as quickly as possible on your behalf.
If you are purchasing a new home get in touch with your appointed solicitor at an early stage. Talk to them about your preferred completion date so that they can advise you whether or not this is realistic. Also once you have had confirmation that your Survey Report has been carried out provide your Solicitor with a copy of same so that they can discuss any issues that have arisen and deal with these quickly on your behalf.
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The Secret to a Beautiful Lawn
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GreenThumb specialise in lawn care treatments and are the original lawn treatment provider with over 25 years experience. As the UK’s leading lawn treatment company we look after the lawns of over 450,000 customers through our network of 220 branches nationwide.
During the winter months we can continue to take care of your lawn by scarifying to remove thatch build up and aerating to relieve compaction. This will enable the lawn to absorb water, oxygen and nutrients needed to encourage deep root growth and sustain a healthy lawn.
The unique GreenThumb 4-stage treatment programme is finely balanced to ensure your lawn receives what it needs at the right time throughout the year and is tailored to your own lawn’s exact requirements to ensure the maximum benefit from each treatment.
Being a national company with branches throughout the UK you are assured of both a personalised and professional service from our fully trained, licensed and uniformed staff.
Lawn care can start at any time of the year, and with no contract to sign you can simply ‘pay as you go’.
To complement our The treatments provided standard service, GreenThumb have target weeds, feed the lawn also introduced three and control moss, ensuring tailored lawn care programmes to suit a lush, weed free lawn any lawn and budget. throughout the year. The most popular of these, the Enhanced Programme, offers aeration and scarification to tackle moss problems.
Our Enhanced Programme comes with an 18% discount on the cost of the standard Pay-As-You-Go service. With our Direct Debit option, the Enhanced Programme costs as little as £11.25 per month. For a beautiful lawn to enjoy this summer speak to us, YOUR local lawn experts. We look forward to being of service to you.
GreenThumb uses products not generally available from DIY outlets and garden centres and many of our products have been developed especially for GreenThumb to ensure the best possible results. The treatments provided target weeds, feed the lawn and control moss, ensuring a lush, weed free lawn throughout the year. With treatments starting from as little as £15, you will find that it not only costs less, but is far more effective than doing it yourself.
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We will be happy to provide you with advice on your current lawn care regime and a no obligation quotation with comprehensive written lawn analysis report.
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HOME What will the information be used for? The information you provide will be used for the following purposes: • To issue your Certificate of Registration which is valid for three years from the date of registration and contains your unique registration number. • To tell you four weeks before the expiry of your current registration. • To reveal to anyone searching the register whether a landlord is registered. • To process payments. • To allow district councils, the Department of Finance and Personnel and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to carry out their legal duties.
The Landlord Registration Scheme The Landlord Registration Scheme collects and maintains up-to-date and accurate information on landlords and their properties. Under the law, all private landlords must register by 25 February 2015.
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Why has private landlord registration been introduced? Until the introduction of this scheme each council collected information about landlords in their council area, but many private landlords have properties in a number of different council areas and the information was not easily accessible.
A centrally held register of private landlords: The scheme improves tenants’ 1. Allows tenants, neighbours and local confidence in their landlords councils to identify if landlords are registered. and increase landlords’ 2. provides information accountability. on the number of landlords in Northern Ireland and allows landlords to receive regular updates on the duties and responsibilities of landlords and tenants. 3. Provides education and support to landlords.
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It improves tenants’ confidence in their landlords and increase landlords’ accountability by: promoting good practice and ensuring the right advice and help is available. What information is available through the registration website? You can search the register to see if a landlord is registered by entering the landlord’s name or the details of the property.
How much does it cost and how do I register? You only pay one fee regardless of the number of properties you own and the online registration fee is £70.00. The paper/non electronic based registration fee is £80.00 Who is exempt from the registration fee? As a landlord you are exempt from the registration fee if you have paid to register a house in multiple occupation which is registered under a Houses in Multiple Occupation Registration Scheme. Tenancy Deposit Scheme - Introduction for Tenants When you start to rent a home from a private landlord you usually pay a deposit. The Tenancy Deposit Scheme was introduced to make sure you get your deposit back when you move out, as long as you have looked after the property and paid your rent. A tenancy deposit is money which your landlord may ask you to pay when you start to rent a house, as protection against damages to the property or for unpaid rent. This must be protected in a Tenancy Deposit Scheme. Paying rent up front does not count as a deposit. However, a rent deposit which your landlord holds as security against your failure to pay the rent has to be treated as a tenancy deposit and must be protected. Tenants do not need to pay anything to have their deposit protected regardless of which scheme their landlord chooses to use. What your landlord must do Your landlord must protect your deposit in a Tenancy Deposit Scheme within 14 days of receipt and make sure it remains protected in an approved scheme for the length of your tenancy. Your landlord must also provide you with a written tenancy statement and with specific written information about your tenancy which will set out any reasons why your deposit may not be fully repaid at the end of your tenancy. This written information must be given to you within 28 days of you paying your deposit. For more information on the Landlord registration scheme and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme go to: www.nidirect.gov.uk
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From painting their faces to donning the Specsavers funny specs, millions of people up and down the country will be making their faces funny and raising life changing cash. The money raised through Red Nose Day helps poor and vulnerable people living incredibly tough lives both here in the UK and across Africa.
Specsavers Eyes On Charity This March Above: Darren Crozier, NI Hospice, Eileen Stewart, NI Cross Country Champion, Lofty the rabbit, Tony McGinn, Specsavers Director and Former Boxing Champion Brian Magee
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On Sunday 29th March you can join the NI Children’s Hospice for its inaugural 5K Rabbit Run and 1 mile Children’s race around the picturesque Hazelbank Park, (located in the heart of Newtownabbey along the beautiful coast of Belfast Lough.) The event offers a unique timed 5k run which comes complete with a specially designed finisher’s medal for every runner. This year’s event is sponsored by Specsavers Abbey Centre which allows £10 of the £12 registration to go directly to NI Children’s Hospice.
Specsavers is the optician at the heart of the community that endeavours to give back to local charities. Since 2002, Specsavers Abbey Centre has raised over £10,000 for local charities including the NI Hospice, Guide Dogs, Action MS, Friends of the Cancer Centre, the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul.
Tony McGinn, Store director of Specsavers Abbey Centre says: ‘March is a busy month for us. ‘We’re all set to make our faces funny for money in support of the great work that Comic Relief does. We want to encourage everyone, young and old, to join in the fun and buy their Red Nose Day glasses!’
March sees Specsavers Abbey Centre continuing to support two very worthy charities, the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice, which they have been involved with for over 12 years, and for the first time this year Specsavers is teaming up with national charity Comic Relief.
‘We are also delighted to be sponsoring the inaugural 5k rabbit run and 1 mile bunny hop in aid of the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice. Specsavers Abbey Centre has been a proud supporter of the Children’s Hospice over the past 12 years and we couldn’t do this without the generosity and backing of the people of Newtownabbey and the wider community. I encourage everyone to sign up and join in at the races on Sunday 29th March – it promises to be a fun and extremely worthwhile event.’
13th March is Red Nose Day which is set to offer more than just Red Noses this year. Bright red comedy glasses with hair raising eyebrows, as modelled by the fabulous Gok Wan are also coming to Newtownabbey. Visitors to Specsavers can follow We are delighted to be in the footsteps of Gok sponsoring the inaugural 5k Wan and make their faces funny for money with rabbit run and 1 mile bunny our official Red Nose Day hop in aid of the Northern glasses in small or large sizes, for just £3 with £1 Ireland Children’s Hospice. donated to Comic Relief. Specsavers in the Abbey Centre has joined Specsavers stores nationwide to support Comic Relief to help poor and vulnerable people living tough lives both here in the UK and across Africa. Whether it’s at home, work or school, the public are being encouraged to make their faces funny for money this Red Nose Day.
The route is suitable for runners, joggers and walkers and the even boasts a virtual entry for those who cannot attend on the day. There will be a 1mile children’s race (with small token prize for all finishers) that will start at 10am ahead of the adults’ race at 11am so parents can enjoy both sections of the event. Please join us by registering at www.therabbitrun.org. Upon registering you will also receive sponsorship forms directly from NI Hospice events team. All runners are encouraged to raise as much as possible. Specsavers Abbeycentre Opening Times 9am to 5.30pm on Monday and Saturday, 9am – 9pm Tuesday to Friday 1pm to 6pm on Sunday.
112mm wide by 25mm high 20.
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directions, rotating your hips up and to the right, and try to touch your right foot to the back of your left shoulder (you won’t be able to do it). That’s one repetition. Continue for 30 seconds with your right leg, then switch legs. Repetitions: As many as you can in 30 seconds Muscles worked: shoulders, core
Gym Training For Runners
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Whenever the topic of strength training and running comes up, most runners tend to respond with, “Wait, I’m supposed to do something other than running?” Supplementing running with strengthening exercises will not only aid in injury prevention but will make you a stronger, faster, and more efficient runner. But runners need a different strength-training program than your standard gym workout. Here are some essential strength exercises for runners which only take 30 minutes to complete and can be done twice a week.
Instead of pushing weight away from the body with bicep curls and leg extensions, runners should focus on targeting the key muscles that will keep them balanced.
PLANKS Prop yourself up on your elbows with your feet slightly apart. Make sure your body is aligned, your abdominal muscles are tight, and shoulders are directly above the elbows and down and back, not hunched up. Hold this position for 45 seconds to one minute. Gradually add time as your core gets stronger. Repetitions: 3 to 5 Muscles worked: core, lower back, shoulders LOWER-BODY RUSSIAN TWIST Lie on your back with your upper legs perpendicular to the floor and your knees bent 90-degrees. Without changing the bend in your hips or knees, lower your legs to the left side of your body while keeping your shoulders in contact with the floor. Lift them back to the starting position, and repeat to the right side of your body. That’s one repetition. Repetitions: 10 to 12 Muscles worked: core SCORPION Get into pushup position but with your feet on a bench. Raise your right knee toward your left shoulder as you rotate your hips up and to the left as far as you can. Then reverse
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KETTLEBELL SQUATS Hold the kettlebell with both hands in front of your chest. Stand with your feet hipwidth apart. Push your hips back, and lower your body into a squat until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Press the kettlebell above your head, and as you stand back up, return the kettlebell to the original position. Repetitions: 10 to 12 Muscles worked: glutes, quads, hamstrings, lower back, upper back, shoulders STABILITY BALL JACKKNIFE Get into pushup position but instead of placing your feet on the floor, rest your shins on a stability ball. Pull the stability ball toward your chest by raising your hips and rounding your back as you roll the ball forward with your feet. Repetitions: 10 to 12 Muscles worked: shoulders, core STABILITY BALL HIP EXTENSION Lie on your back on the floor, and place your calves on a stability ball. Extend your arms to your sides to help support and balance your body. Push your hips up so that your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees. Without allowing your hips to sag, roll the ball as close as you can to your hips by bending your knees and pullingWW your heels toward you. Repetitions: 6 to 8 Muscles worked: hamstrings, glutes, core ROTATIONAL SHOULDER PRESS Stand holding a pair of dumbbells just outside your shoulders, your palms facing each other. Press the dumbbells overhead as you rotate to your left. Lower the dumbbells as you rotate back to the center, then rotate to the right as you press the weights upward again. That’s one repetition. Repetitions: 6 to 8 Muscles worked: shoulders, triceps, core ALTERNATING DUMBBELL ROW Hold a pair of dumbbells at arm’s length in front of you, palms facing your thighs. Keeping your back naturally arched, bend at the hips and lower your torso until it’s nearly parallel to the floor. Keep your arms straight as you bend your hips so that the dumbbells hang straight down [1]. Pull the dumbbell in your left hand by bending your elbow and raising your upper arm toward the middle of your back [2]. Lower and repeat with your right arm. That’s one repetition. Repetitions: 10 to 12 Muscles worked: middle back, biceps, core for more information visit www.runnersworld.com/workouts
HEALTHY LIVING
Computer Screens - A Sight For Sore Eyes By Michael Allen Mackeys Opticians, Carnmoney
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If you work in an office there’s a good chance you’re staring at a computer screen 6-8 hours per day, 5 days a week. Additional to this may be hours spent on smart phones and tablets using social media and browsing the web. This ‘VDU use’ is traditionally blamed for failing eyesight. Michael Allen from Mackey Opticians, Carnmoney will discuss some of the facts regarding VDU use.
In my experience computer screens are often blamed for changes in eyesight. This may be due to the high amount of computer users who report eye problems. Research has shown between 70% and 90% of people who use a Mackey Opticians provide computer more than competitive VDU Eyecare 6 hrs a day will suffer from eye problems of packages for businesses, some description.
delivered on site.
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The good news is that no connection has ever been discovered between excessive computer use and long term eye damage. Most of the eye problems experienced are related to eye strain and not eye damage. Many of us will be familiar with the term eyestrain. It can give rise to a wide range of symptoms including eye fatigue, blurring of vision, stinging eyes, watering eyes and headaches. These symptoms tend to reduce or disappear when we move away from the cause of the eyestrain. Take A Break: The longer we work at a computer the more likely we are to get eyestrain. Therefore it is important that we take regular breaks from the screen. This should be done every 30 minutes and should involve looking away from the screen for a few minutes.
Adjust your screen to levels of brightness and contrast that you feel comfortable with. Keep your screen clean and free of fingerprints which can cause glare and reduced visibilty. Position your screen to avoid bright sunlight. Again this can reduce screen visibility and cause glare. If this is not possible, anti glare filters can be fitted to your monitor. Keep the screen at a distance from your eyes that you feel comfortable with. This may vary depending on the individual although on average this is about 60-70 cm. Try and keep your keyboard and documents at a similar distance away to avoid continual refocusing. Position the centre of the screen 10-15cm below your natural eye level. This is particularly important for Varifocal and Bifocal wearers as this will allow them to use the portion of the lens which is most suitable for computer use. Blink frequently: Offices tend to be dry environments with blow heaters or air conditioning which can promote tear evaporation. Blinking occurs less frequently when we use a computer screen, so therefore our tear film is reformed less often. This can lead to dry eyes which often gives symptoms of grittiness, burning or watering. Blinking more often can help alleviate these symptoms but sometimes eye drops are recommended to moisten dry eyes. Have regular eye tests: Due to the high incidences of eyestrain in computer users it is particularly important to have regular eye exams. Generally I will suggest this is done every 2 years but in some cases it may be more frequently. During an eye exam we can discuss any computer related eye problems and give advice to rectify the problem. If glasses are required we can advise on the most suitable type of spectacle lens to meet your visual requirements. Many recent advancements in lens coatings and lens designs can optimise visual comfort at computer screens. Office lenses and antifatigue lenses are a rapidly growing area of Optics that can give more comfortable vision at computer screens than conventional lenses thus reducing eyestrain. Tablets, Smartphones and Ipads have been shown to emit blue light from their screens. Tablet use late in the evening can cause this blue light to trick the brain into thinking it’s daytime and makes it produce chemicals to keep us awake. As a result tablet usage before bedtime can interrupt our sleep patterns. New blue control spectacle lens coatings can block this blue light so you can have a good nights sleep. If you feel your are suffering from computer related eye strain or any other eye problem contact Michael for an eye exam. For further Information contact us at: 028 9084 8973 email carnmoney@mackeyopticians.com
COMMUNITY
Museum at The Mill & Flax Gallery Exhibitions Above: Introduction to Green Woodwork
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Faces and Traces: Sense of People, Sense of Place
New Workshops For Adults
26 March – 25 April Laura Butler and Stephen Jamison
Saturday 25 April Introduction to Shibori Dyeing
‘I have always been drawn to places where the presence of people and the mark they make on the landscape over time can be felt, and I aim to depict this in my paintings’, Laura Butler.
Try something really different! Shibori is the ancient Japanese craft of binding, folding and stitching fabric before dying to create a unique pattern.
10am – 4pm
£25
‘I was a portrait artist and didn’t know it! I search for beauty, finding inner beauty or beauty of spirit within a subject ‘I was a portrait artist and remains my challenge’, Stephen didn’t know it! I search Jamison.
for beauty, finding inner beauty or beauty of spirit within a subject remains my challenge.
Whilst Stephen centres on the individual characters as depicted in portraits, Laura is fascinated by marks and traces people make on the environment as contained in buildings, often ruined homes within the landscape. Coming next …. Jordanstown Art Club Annual Exhibition 30 April – 23 May
Saturday 9 May Handmade Pamper Workshop Experience the fragrant and colourful world of handmade cosmetics. Make a tootsie bar, bubble bar, bath bomb and crème cone to take home in your own presentation box. And more …. Saturday 16 May Introduction to Green Woodwork Saturday 23 May ‘Style Your Home’ Interior Design Workshop
NB: Booking for all workshops in advance is essential
Saturday 30 May Get Hooked on Crochet Museum at The Mill | Flax Gallery Mossley Mill, Carnmoney Road North, BT36 5QA
028 9034 0129
museumatthemill@newtownabbey.gov.uk www.newtownabbey.gov.uk/museumatthemill
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Museum and Flax Gallery Opening Hours Monday to Wednesday 10am – 5pm | Thursday 10am – 9pm | Friday 10am – 4pm Saturday 11am – 4pm | Closed Sunday General admission is free.
COMMUNITY a small charge for this service, Adult £2.00, Child £1.50 from ecos and Adult £1.50, Child £1.00 from Buckna. Parking is only available at Ecos and Buckna. Children under 16 years have free travel. Limited spaces are available for disabled badge holders at Slemish car park. No parking permitted along the Carnstroan Road /Carnstroan Lane approach to the Mountain. A programme of activities is available at the ecos centre 12.30pm – 3.30pm. Visitors will be able to enjoy traditional Irish fayre at the ecos café.
This year on St Patrick’s Day visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the festivities at Slemish and ecos on Tuesday 17 March where coaches will again depart from ecos and Buckna to go to Slemish. Ballymena Borough Council is providing alternative parking arrangements. A Park and Ride service is available between Slemish Mountain and the car parks at Buckna Presbyterian Church, Buckna Gospel Hall and the Ecos Centre on the outskirts of Ballymena and will run continually from Ecos between 9.00am and 2.00pm and the Buckna car park between 9am and 3pm with all coaches departing from Slemish at 4.00pm. There is
This event has received financial support from OFMDFM and Ballymena Borough Council’s Good Relations Unit, PSNI, North West Mountain Rescue Team and Buckna Presbyterian Church and Buckna Gospel Hall. Please note: • All traffic must adhere to parking procedures. • No dogs or alcohol permitted on all coaches or at the car parks at ecos, Slemish and Buckna. • IMPORTANT: Suitable clothing and footwear (for ankle protection) to be worn. Trainers not recommended • Under 18’s must be supervised at all times • Security personnel on duty For further information please telephone (028) 2563 5900
Easter Fun in Ballyclare Saturday 28th March Ballyclare Town Hall 1pm - 4.30pm • Enjoy a Family Day out in Ballyclare • Check out the Easter Fun Workshop with Doodlebugs • Facepainting • Balloon Modelling • And complete our Easter Trail to win an Easter Egg
Lots of FREE fun and goodies for all!
www.yourballyclare.com
COMMUNITY This is what some bereaved families have said after using our services and support groups:“I have used The Compassionate Friends Helpline a few times when I’ve been in the dark valley we all know so well. To have someone on the other end of the phone through my tears, could understand my thoughts and fears and was willing to listen helped me so much each time.” (Dorothy) “The helpline volunteer put me in touch with my local contact who came to see me and saved my life at that point. She not only listened, she cared.” (Heather) “I don’t know what I’d do without The Compassionate Friends forum. For the first year I couldn’t face contact with anyone and the only way I could express how I felt was through this lifeline. I’m sure that my ability to re-enter the world, in very small steps recently, is due to the support I’ve found on this forum.” (Karyn)
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Every parent’s worst nightmare is to lose a child’. This phrase maybe a cliché but each year for thousands of parents and siblings, the nightmare becomes a reality. In our society children are not expected to die before their parents but, as we all know, sadly they do.
The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is a national organisation providing support and friendship for parents and families following the death of a child at any age and from any cause. This support and The Helpline volunteer put me friendship is given by who have in touch with my local contact volunteers themselves experienced this dreadful tragedy. who came to see me and Founded in 1969, TCF saved my life at that point. began when two families who had just lost sons were introduced to each other by a hospital chaplain in 1968. In the immensity and the rawness of their grief they discovered that they could help and support each other in ways families and friends could not. The charity has no religious affiliation and all bereaved family members are welcome. In TCF we offer support both directly to bereaved families, and indirectly by fostering understanding and good practice amongst professionals concerned with child death and by increasing public awareness. We are the only national organization in the UK solely dedicated to the provision of peer support of bereaved parents and their families.
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We provide a telephone helpline which is manned every day of the year. Our website also has information and a forum to share experiences, together with email contacts, services and support and programmes that are run regionally and nationally.
“In the early days after Mark died I was desperate to know that others had survived this, and I contacted the TCF library. They were incredibly helpful and asked what had happened to Mark. They then tailored the books they sent to our situation and Mark’s age, which was so helpful. The service felt personal and at the time was just what I needed.” (Viv) If you know of any bereaved parent or family who would benefit from knowing about TCF, please invite them to ring our local contact or our helpline number which is manned 365 days per year and open from 10am to 4pm and 7pm to 9.30pm. Northern Ireland Helpline: 028 8778 8016 National Helpline: 08451 232304 Email: helpline@tcf.org.uk Website: www.tcf.org.uk Our support groups include:Antrim Oasis Antrim, 10D High Street, BT41 4AN 2nd Tuesday each month, 8pm – 10pm Belfast St. Peters Parish Church Hall, Antrim Road, Belfast, BT15 4EF 3rd Tuesday of the month, 8pm – 10pm Carrickfergus Sunny Community Centre, 22 Bridewell Drive, Carrickfergus, BT38 8JW 1st Tuesday of the month, 8pm – 10pm A drop-in coffee morning is held on the 3rd Wednesday from 10am - 11.45am Cookstown Cookstown Leisure Centre, Fountain Road, BT80 8QF 4th Tuesday of the month, 7.30pm - 9.45pm Lisburn The Downtown Centre, Market Square, Lisburn, BT28 1AD 2nd Wednesday of the month, 8pm – 10pm
FAMILY LIFE
Spring Is Natures Way of Saying Lets Party! By Luke North
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From Wordsworth to Burns, from Lawrence to Shakespeare, they’ve all had a crack at it. Tell a poet that spring is sprung and they’re reaching for their pens, pencils and quills quicker than you can say rhyme scheme. Writing 100 years ago, American Robert Frost commented, “And make us happy in the darting bird That suddenly above the bees is heard,” And that sort of sums up our thinking at this time of year, whether inspired by a poet, an American, or the darting birds and buzzing bees.
Spring is really here – or pretty much so. Say goodbye to snows lingering in the hedgerows, farewell to howling, heaven-knows-what Say goodbye to snows strength gale force winds. Be gone you lingering in the hedgerows, endless nights of farewell to howling, heavenshivering round a fire, a metal radiator or simply knows-what strength gale giving in and going to bed with half your force winds. clothes on and topped off most unromantically with part-PJs, partdressing gown! A simple trip to the shop becomes a marathon to be regretted. You can’t get the car parked near the door; you scorch over to the building under hissing rain to discover you left the shopping note/your purse/your wallet/the recyclable bags/granny in the car! You take a brolly and a hat for that extended visit one Saturday afternoon to an out-oftown shop. The snapping North-easterly refuses to allow the umbrella to stay up. Oh no, wait a minute, there it’s up now, easy. Oh heck, that blinking wind has now flipped it
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inside out and is determined to lift me off the ground like some kind of rocket man. Common sense, good, yes, it’s just a brolly, leave it in the bin, beside the other two already there. Nothing wrong with this woolly hat; it’s warm, it’s practical, it keeps the old ears warm, pretty good how your cheeks feel flushed too. Who’s that waving? Oh crikey, it’s only those jumped-up next door neighbours. And look at her, not a hair out of place, like something just let out of a beauty salon. Remember your manners now, smile, broader smile, nod, shake hands, remove that hat for goodness sake. Better, good, at least you acknowledged them. What’s yer man over there staring at, see these folk up the country, honestly. Until you see yourself in the shop mirror. Now you know what ‘yer man’ was staring at. EEEK! Help, OMG! Have I been walking around like this. That excellent and handy woollen hat has ironed your hair to the top of your head in a way that two litres of olive oil wouldn’t have managed to do! You look like something out of a through-the-hedge forwards experiment. And those snooty neighbours. No wonder they couldn’t stop smiling, they weren’t, they were laughing..... Spring. Come out from under the covers. Get out into the warming, freshening air. See the birds twitter and tweet their way from early morn to lengthening evening. Put the woolly hat in a drawer, dare to look out a pair of shorts and a couple of short-sleeved shirts. Walk the beach, the country paths, the town squares. Smell the countryside, feel the mood in the parks, touch leafy boughs. Above all, take inspiration from and be happy in, the darting bird and the buzzing bees!
FAMILY LIFE
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FAMILY LIFE
You choose your attitude, no one chooses for you. Jim and Karen
‘When my children were born, I wrote these words…’
Whether you are best pals with your mother or you have a tricky relationship with her, there’s no denying the fact that what most mothers want are things that money cannot buy. And although love and time need no occasion, Mother’s Day is a great time to gift your mother what she truly hopes for and desires. It is a day to say thank you to someone who has nurtured you to the best of her ability whether it’s a mother, grandmother, mother in law or any mother figure.
Beauty beyond the horizon Surreal an angel with child Loves unspoken volume Captured by the grace of her smile See of serenity nourished cacooned on a pillow of love An unfinished symphony The creation of life from true love. Being called and still having one. MBJA My gran always told me, ‘Everybody is different and that’s a good thing. Imagine how boring life would be if we were all the same.’ Julie
We asked on our Facebook page for some inspiring quotes that mums have said and this is what our readers told us…
Much as it wasn’t in the most polite of ways my mother used to tell us, ‘You’ll one day be grateful that mum made sure you woke up on time’. Now I do understand it! Thanks mum. Charles
Our mum is very special to us. She is always there in times of need and will always see the best in people. I wish we could say as often to her how much we love her. Kathy
Mum looked after us, three girls, after dad died and I remember one thing she always said to us and that is ‘Be the best you can be and leave the rest to God’. Helen Have you heard of the Irish proverb ‘A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest.’ This is what I’d say to my mother if she was still alive. Ronan
All I am I owe it to my mum, thank you mum for just being you. Lisa
It’s very nice to be important but it’s more important to be nice. Susan My Mum was the most loving, caring, trusting and unselfish woman. She was much loved. Dorothy Mum taught us to be well mannered and treat others as you would like to be treated. Gil
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FAMILY LIFE
FAMILY LIFE But who was this man? Well, he was born in Roman Britain around 387. At sixteen, he was captured and brought to Ireland where, for six years, he tended sheep and pigs on Slemish mountain near Ballymena. After six years, he escaped and sailed on a boat back to his family in Britain. Freedom reinforced his Christian faith and at God’s calling, Patrick went to France where he studied for the priesthood. He was ordained a priest and within a few years, became a bishop.
A Day When (Almost) Everyone .... Is Irish
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As you read this, many of our political leaders at Stormont will be looking out overnight bags as they put the finishing touches to arrangements for their forthcoming Stateside visits. I’m sure many of them can scarcely believe their luck as they peer out the large corridor windows at Belfast International and smile when they see their plane nosed alongside.
Isn’t it slightly surreal – to use one of today’s much over-worked words – isn’t it surreal how a country that can’t agree on how to St Patrick’s Day, the day celebrate an occasion, or indeed, if it even wants when winter is over and we to celebrate an occasion, can begin to re-sow, think can stand by and watch its leaders travel more about future growth. than three thousand miles to celebrate that very occasion about which there is so much confusion and uncertainty at home!
He drove the snakes out of Ireland; he once crossed the River Loire in France using his cape as a raft; and on the day Patrick died, it is said night-time didn’t fall, nor did it for a further 12 days. These days St Patrick’s Day celebrations occur across the world: not only do we have significant parades in parts of Ireland, but also Manchester, Birmingham, New Orleans, Miami, Chicago and New York. St Patrick’s Day, the day when winter is over and we can begin to re-sow, think about future growth. How about this year we see that in a broader sense? How about our politicians see things in a broader sense? How about those preparing to set off to one of all those places listed in the last paragraph make a conscious effort and conscious decision NOT to go, until they have sorted out something for all those of us not invited to The White House, or wherever. If St Patrick’s Day is fine by the politicians for a holiday, a day off work, then let’s have the same for the electorate. I await with interest the news bulletins in the days leading up to 17 March. Whether you’re off work or at work, try to have a celebratory drink or taste of something green! And tell your representatives that you, like them, don’t mind a day off!
Are you at work that day? Is your child’s school on? Do you venture out for a celebratory drink that evening? Do you wear an emblem or will that fall foul of the office/ workplace/ thought police?? I am, of course, talking about St Patrick’s Day. The big event falls on 17 March, a Tuesday this year. So, I suppose, it’s unlikely to mean a lengthy weekend of celebrations, probably just that day – and maybe the previous evening – and maybe a wee bit of a stretch into Wednesday. If you fancy it!
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Some years later, he would return to Ireland as a fearless, even provocative missionary. In 445, Patrick established the Seat of Armagh as the centre of Christian learning in Ireland. A monastery church and an archbishop’s house were built there. Saint Patrick died in 493. His remains are believed to be buried in Downpatrick. A granite stone was laid to mark the grave in 1900.
By Luke North
RECIPE
Kiwi Pavlova This is certainly pavlova made easy… You could try it with other seasonal fruits too! Ingredients (Serves: 8) • 4 egg whites • 250g caster sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 teaspoon lemon juice • 2 teaspoons cornflour • 475ml whipping cream, whipped • 6 kiwi fruits, peeled and sliced (Suggestion: You can use 200g caster sugar instead of 250g)*
Tip: To keep your meringue from being flat and grainy, try beating egg whites until stiff but not dry. Also, when beating in sugar, beat in about 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well between each addition. Then beat until meringue is thick, white and glossy. Be absolutely sure not a particle of grease or egg yolk gets into the whites.
Method
1. Pre-heat oven to 150 C / Gas mark 2. Line
a baking tray with baking parchment. Draw a 23cm (9 in) circle on the parchment.
2. In a large bowl, beat egg whites until
stiff but not dry. Gradually add in the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat until thick and glossy. Overbeaten egg whites lose volume and deflate when folded into other ingredients. Be absolutely sure not a particle of grease or egg yolk gets into the whites. Gently fold in vanilla extract, lemon juice and cornflour.
3. Spoon mixture inside the circle drawn
on the parchment. Working from the centre, spread mixture towards the outside edge, building edge slightly. This should leave a slight depression in the centre. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a wire rack.
4. Remove the parchment, and place
meringue on a flat serving plate. Fill the centre of the meringue with whipped cream, sweetened if desired. Top whipped cream with kiwi fruit slices.
Courtesy of www.allrecipes.co.uk
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COMPETITIONS
WIN Great Competitions A Meal For Two* with a Bottle of Wine at Hadskis, Belfast Nestled between Hill Street and Donegall Street in the Cathedral Quarter, Belfast you can find an eclectic little dining room with a great kitchen counter where you can taste an ever changing menu of daily specials alongside some classic European dishes. * Exclusions apply For your chance to win simply check their website at www.hadskis.co.uk and tell us your favourite dish on the menu. Send your answer along with your name, address and contact number by post or via the competitions page on our website.
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MOTORING
The Future of Motoring has arrived! Electric cars are here to stay and becoming a more common sight on our roads today. The Nissan Leaf was the world’s first 100-percent electric, zero-emission car designed for the mass market. Lets have a closer look at this market leading model.
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Performance: The Leaf is 100% Electric. Meaning that you get 100% Power and 100% Torque as soon as you push the pedal with a top speed of 90 MPH. Pick-up is just as strong on the move, and that makes it punchy and easy to drive. Eco and Breaking mode is available also to restrict the power and regenerate power to increase the cars range.
Silent Drive: Refinement is another advantage of electric power – aside from a faint whirr when you pull away, you won’t hear a peep from the motor. There’s some wind and road noise as speeds rise, but you notice it only because there’s nothing The car will run at only 2p per else invading your mile meaning a charge of 100 eardrums. At all speeds, the Leaf is a quiet and miles will cost as little as £2.00 relaxing place to be.
with zero emissions and road tax.
Costs: Firstly you will get a £5000 government grant to help with the cost of the vehicle. And a further £1500 to install your own charge station at home (T&C’s Apply). The car will run at only 2 pence per mile meaning a charge of 100 miles will cost as little as £2.00. There is no tail pipe which means zero emissions and road tax. Quality & Reliability: You can be comforted by Nissan’s superb reliability record and the fact that the electric drivetrain components are simple. Build quality is solid and reliable. The leaf comes with a 5 year warranty on all battery components.
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Safety & Security: The Leaf comes with stability control to help you avoid trouble, and it also has six airbags. It scored the full five stars in crash tests conducted by Euro NCAP;
its performance being helped by the ultrarigid structure. There’s an audible exterior sound to warn pedestrians of your presence as the car is completely silent. It comes with a factory fitted alarm and engine immobiliser. Space & Practicality: The Leaf is great for passengers. There’s lots of head- and legroom, with 5 seats. There’s also a decent 370-litre boot, so you can take plenty of luggage with you. The Leaf is class leading in terms of size. Specifications and Equipment: There are 4 levels of Specification each come standard with Bluetooth, USB, Electric Windows, Eco Drive Mode, Hill Assist and Daytime running lights. Sat Nav, Cruise Control, Privacy Glass all come with the second model. The third model boasts 7” colour screen with Sat Nav, Reverse Camera, Charge Point Locations, Traffic Information and an In-Car Phone book. You will also get Energy Efficient Air Con system, Auto Lights and Wipers, B Mode and 6 Speakers. And top of the range you will get a luxury feel with Leather Heated Seats, Bose Speakers, 360 Degree Camera, Heated Steering Wheel, Wing Mirrors and LED Lights. Charging and Range: As well as a free home charge unit there are currently 334 charge points in Northern Ireland and counting. Some of which will charge the car 0-80% in only 30 minutes. Street charge units are currently free of charge and will cost nothing meaning you can fill your car absolutely free. The Nissan Leaf has a range of up to 124 miles which is helped by being able to preheat or cool the car with your smart phone from your home. At Charles Hurst Nissan Belfast we have the only fully Nissan Accredited Electric Vehicle Specialist in all of Ireland. Any questions you may have Charles Hurst Nissan Belfast will be able to answer in as much detail needed. We also have a Mechanic dedicated and trained in electric vehicles meaning all services of the vehicle will be carried out to a high standard whilst delivering a great service.
Innovation that excites
THE NEW ATTENTION STEALING ŠKODA FABIA From £129 per month* 4.9% APR representative with ++ £500 deposit contribution plus up to 3 years’ servicing for £99
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Solutions Personal Contract Plan# representative example for the ŠKODA Fabia * Hatch S 1.0 MPI 60PS model based on £129 month , 30,000 mile agreement. Recommended on the road price
£11,135.00
Option to purchase fee^^
£60
35 monthly payments of
£129
Total amount payable
£11,992.93
Deposit contribution++
£500
Total amount of credit
£7,821.02
Customer deposit
£2,813.98
Representative APR
4.9%
Acceptance fee^
£125
Interest rate
3.77%
Optional final payment
£4,103.95
Excess mileage (inc VAT)+
4.4ppm
Mervyn Stewart 11 Boucher Crescent, Belfast BT12 6HU 08433 201433 www.mervynstewart.com #At the end of a Solutions Personal Contract Plan (PCP) agreement there are three options: i) retain the vehicle - pay the optional final payment to own the vehicle; ii) return the vehicle (you may be charged for excess wear and tear); or iii) replace: part-exchange the vehicle, subject to status. *Available when purchased on Solutions Personal Contract Plan. ^Payable as first payment ^^Payable with optional final payment. +Depending on agreed annual mileage. ++£500 deposit contribution is available when purchased on Solutions Personal Contract Plan. Further charges may be payable if the vehicle is returned. Retail sales only. ‡Up to 3 years/10,000 miles per annum (whichever comes first) when purchased with Solutions Personal Contract Plan. Available to 18s and over. Offer available for vehicles ordered by 31st March 2015 and delivered by 30th June 2015 at participating retailers. Offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. Finance subject to status. Freepost ŠKODA Finance. Model shown is ŠKODA Fabia Hatch SE 1.0 MPI 75PS £12,760 with race blue metallic pearlescent paint £535, panoramic sunroof package £600, sunset glass from B-pillar back £180, front LED running lights £190, front fog lights £170 and Savio alloys (aftersales accessories) £800. Total cost £15,235.
Official fuel consumption for the Fabia range in mpg (litres/100km): Urban 46.3 (6.1) to 72.4 (3.9); Extra Urban 67.3 (4.2) to 91.1 (3.1); Combined 58.8 (4.8) to 83.1 (3.4). CO2 emissions for the Fabia range are 110 to 88 g/km. Standard EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.
MOTORING They may fail to even look. Some drivers may be so preoccupied with reaching their destination on time, they may rely on their peripheral vision to identify oncoming vehicles when approaching a junction. In the worst cases, drivers may not pay any attention to the main carriageway when exiting from a side road.
Sorry Mate I Didn’t See You “Sorry mate, I didn’t see you”. Is a catchphrase used by drivers up and down the country. Is this a driver being careless and dangerous or did the driver genuinely not see the approaching motorcyle?
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David Crundall, a Professor of Psychology, specialising in Traffic and Transport Psychology explains why SMIDSY’s between car drivers and motorcyclists occur so commonly.
What are the most common types of accidents motorcyclists are involved in? The number one collision occurs between a car and a motorcycle, where the car fails to give way to a motorcycle at junctions. Typically this happens when car drivers pull out of side roads into the path Drivers sometimes are content of an on-coming motorcycle. Drivers to use their greater size to involved in these force themselves into the road collisions will usually say they looked at the expense of other road down the street but failed to see the users? oncoming motorbike. Investigators usually find it’s the driver at fault, which often contradicts the stereotyped view held by the general public that all motorcyclists are thrillseeking individuals who place themselves in danger. However, motorcyclists are also commonly involved in loss of control accidents on bends. These are typically single vehicle accidents, often due to incorrect speed for the conditions.
44.
You’ve done a lot of research into SMIDSYs – what are your key findings? There are three basic reasons that a driver may pull out in front of an approaching motorcyclist:
Drivers may look down the main carriageway and actually spot the approaching motorcycle, but for whatever reason they decide to pull out anyway. Perhaps they think the motorcycle is very far away? Perhaps they misjudge the rider’s approach speed? Or perhaps they are content to use their greater size to force themselves into the road regardless of other road users? Finally some drivers may look, but never perceive the oncoming motorcycle and therefore make a decision to pull out on the basis of what seems to be an empty road. The driver performed all the correct actions but, for some reason, (i.e. not the driver’s fault) the perceptual process failed. Does this really happen? Studies have demonstrated it does. We assume that whatever the eye is looking at reflects what is being thought about, but this has repeatedly been shown to be false. Just think about a time when you’ve been trying to read a book but something else is on your mind. Your eyes move along the line but you may have to read the sentence several times in order to process what it means. In essence this is a ‘Look But Fail To See’ error when reading a book. How can motorcyclists improve their chances of being correctly identified and appraised by drivers? Some have suggested that lateral weaving on approach to a junction can create additional motion cues, and draw a car driver’s attention to the rider. This is only a sensible approach if the lateral weave does not create handling problems. Alternatively a rider could slow down to allow the driver more opportunity to perceive him, and to reduce impact speed should a collision occur. Why do SMIDSY’s occur so commonly with motorcycles? There are many reasons. The theory I like best suggests that driver expectations are at fault, combined with in-built errors in our visual system (our eyes and brain). Imagine you drive your car up to the same junction every day for the last 10 years. Every day you look left and right: sometimes there are cars approaching, sometimes the road is clear. Your past experience leads you to expect either an empty road, or one containing an approaching car, bus or lorry. But, because motorcycles make up such a small number of vehicles on the road (around 1%), the driver may have never seen a motorcycle at that junction, and therefore isn’t expecting to see one.
CORSA MEET THE NEW
NEW CORSA 1.2 LIMITED EDITION 3 DOOR
NEW CORSA STING 3 DOOR
Heated windscreen, IntelliLink audio system with digital radio, body styling kit, 17-inch black alloy wheels.
Heated windscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, 16-inch white alloy wheels, twin white strips on bonnet, roof and tailgate.
£169 PER MONTH OVER 35 MONTHS WITH £485 ADVANCE RENTAL*
FROM ONLY £8,995
“BRILLIANT NEW CORSA. SUPER-ADVANCED SUPERMINI” Auto Express Contact your local Vauxhall Retailer to book your test drive today.
Newtownabbey 1 Mallusk Road BT36 4XS Tel: 0845 362 5202
www.ballyrobert.co.uk Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). Vauxhall New Corsa range: Urban: 36.2 (7.8) - 76.3 (3.7), Extra-urban: 57.6 (4.9) - 94.2 (3.0), Combined: 47.1 (6.0) - 88.3 (3.2). CO2 emissions: 140-85g/km.# *Personal contract hire offer on New Corsa Limited Edition 1.2 3dr on orders received between 1 January 2015 and 1 April 2015, subject to availability and status. Age 18+ only. Figures for New Corsa Limited Edition based on a non-maintenance contract hire package with advance rental of £485, then 35 monthly rentals of £169. Excess annual miles over 5,000 charged at 4.57ppm. Excess charges also apply if you breach manufacturer servicing or maintenance guidelines or if the car exceeds BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear guidelines for its age/mileage when it is returned to Vauxhall Leasing. Package includes Road Fund Licence and Vauxhall Assistance. Guarantee/indemnity may be required. Prices and details are subject to change without notice. If you choose personal contract hire, you will not own the car at the end of the agreement. For full specification and Ts&Cs contact your local Retailer. Ballyrobert Limited is a credit broker and not a lender. Finance provided by ALD Automotive Ltd., trading as Vauxhall Leasing, BS16 3JA. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. #MPG figures are official test data and may not reflect real driving results.
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