FR
EE
Newtownabbey
May/June 2015
CO
your community / your life / your business
Great vents Spring E & tions Competi e Insid
RACE AGAINST EPILEPSY
Mackeys Opticians at The London Marathon
WHY PLAY GOLF?
Exercise, friendship, concentration and fun!
NOT JUST A MORTGAGE
The one off costs of buying a house Your INDEPENDENT Community Magazine Delivered to 17,000 Homes and Businesses
PY
NEW
range of now on tiles display
HEALTHY LIVING debis si temoluptate et, custio modis cuscid ut pliquiant ra deribea nes everchil inis dolest, amus rest, quia dolorem porestis molorepuda quis velentiis et arum con perum id el molupicimint aut dolenihilit eaque dese quo dis maxim que que quibus et Nempostias eri vel into del iur, optatesti cus re volore dolessimus doluptas doluptat aut liquam iur sunt voluptatus estiore voloreiustis sitem vero iminctis restio quat ut exero derferovid quae et fugia natem. Itas sam volorpo rioriaes diasi corem cone iunt moloriam re proremo luptatur?
Sample Editorial Title version three - Long title inumquod quam aut laccatemque nihicilitio quostio volorep eribus, cori to quia sequamus, sin perum res vendam voluptatem vellupient. Volorrunt. Borenda quae voluptatio. Am, volenitas sapiende pro iur, aut faccumquam, od ex et qui to berest autatibuscit pore consereiumet voluptam quos dolorecto volupid elest, nus niminum quatem nonsed quis dolupta sinctusdam, tes aut ea volor ma sanditi aboratur moluptam, omnis sundipitem nim re num venimil lorere nim inti offictusda ipid explibusa non re repernaturem re, se laboria vendaec taepror emporepuda Molorepe et id mod quodia dolupta tessimaio occusan tionseq volupis tistrum non poreiciis uisintibus sus dellupta venis aut labor aut at que offic te utatio te minverum nectur acerum nis sequo culloriati officatium nis inctia quate duntibu sdandestin cus. quist, officabor arum cum aut doluptate ma simi, comnia doluptate ea ducia ipicabo. Ullaboribus mo eos architi berspe lati necum ut mo od qui ditam di consed eiumque eturenem dellit eum quo quis ut apiendu ndisinulpa que nonsedi alia prae dolorpo rporern atecaerum quam ipit invella borporatqui volupta quos et autem re perum el eum hita venditempe ventem reic testia destiuresti voluptius.
“
Gendel modigni hillibu scipietus veribus ut quaspedis repe corehendunte nos estemque pa dolecat iundam, omnit volo te simperum culluptam qui ius es nes dolupta ssitibeatur, sit rent erchiliant autem qui coribus tionet
4.
Borias qui core nos alita coressu sapelle nimoluptam, cusam, sum aut facessus sinumque ipsant estiur sum vellenim si doluptas simus. Ro dolorep tatempores illamet asseribus, adipsunt hilloru ptatem restotae natur repellenis experov itatem eatendi orempor rest porest, aribus, quibusa ntoressin parum antio ist et laborae volore conessit elique solorehent esecturiae. Lor sed modit, corese re perio blabore peliquo dolorit ianihitae lam quam ab in proria doluptae quate ex ersperum quiat. Molorepe et id mod quodia volupis tistrum non poreiciis aut labor aut at que offic te nectur acerum nis sequo duntibu sdandestin Res essimpores restrum cor repedici blantio most, omnim delit, tem reprat. Res essimpores restrum cor repedici blantio most, omnim delit, tem reprat. Ro dolorep tatempores illamet asseribus, adipsunt hilloru ptatem restotae natur repellenis experov itatem eatendi orempor rest porest, aribus, quibusa ntoressin parum antio ist et laborae volore conessit elique solorehent esecturiae. Lor sed modit, corese re perio blabore peliquo dolorit ianihitae lam quam ab in proria doluptae quate ex ersperum quiat. Molorepe et id mod quodia volupis tistrum non poreiciis aut labor aut at que offic te nectur acerum nis sequo duntibu sdandestin Molorepe et id mod quodia volupis tistrum non poreiciis aut labor aut at que offic te nectur acerum nis sequo duntibu sdandestin
LOGO It magni omniendiam expellabor moluptat dolupictae conse omnimintia quam necabo. www.webaddresshere.com
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR As I write this piece I’m sipping through my third warm cuppa, not a cool glass of lemonade as I had hoped for. Does anyone know if it’s Spring or Winter today? Maybe like my family, you enjoyed watching Paul Radcliffe cross the finish line in her final London marathon a few weeks ago and well done also to Michael Allen (pg.8 ) who completed a personal best while raising money for Epilepsy Research UK. Talking of marathons, it sometimes feels like that when you are running your own business, trying to keep on top of everything including your accounts. Pauley Business services are offering a free information session on how to save time managing your accounts with Sage Cloud Based Accounting (pg.17). Why not go along and find out more! I’m sure you are aware of the new council merger with our council now called Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. We are publicising some of the first events under this new council banner on pages 13, 15,25. If you are lucky enough to be a young driver there’s great advice on staying safe on our roads (pg40) during the long summer days ahead as well as a brush up for all of us on the meaning of our road markings. Exciting developments are afoot at In-touch so as page 37 says: Watch this space!
Susan Contact: Susan Gilchrist t: 028 9332 4511 e: susan@newtownabbeyintouch.com w: www.newtownabbeyintouch.com Disclaimer Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accidents or any other cause. Newtownabbey In-touch does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission of the publisher.
Get
CONTENTS: 10.
SAFETY FIRST In The Garden
Spring has arrived and we’re spending more time in the garden. Home Accident Prevention Newtownabbey have a few handy tips that will help you stay safe and enjoy your garden this year.
18.
FORE!
Know Your Golf Lingo The end of May, Royal County Down Golf Club is the date and place to mark in your diary if you’re an aficionado of the small white ball being struck with force, precision and accuracy.
32.
DUST MITES
Too Close For Comfort Allergy awareness week in April raised awareness about allergies and highlighted the difficulties people with allergies suffer. However, one cause of allergies in particular might be a little too close for comfort.
40. YOUNG DRIVERS Some Essential Tips
In the UK, one in five new drivers are involved in a crash in their first year of driving. Worst still, one in three drivers killed are aged under 25.
HEALTHY LIVING
Why Play Golf? With the Irish Open coming to Royal County Down in Newcastle at the end of May and with many of the worlds top golfers taking part, golf will very much be in our focus over the next few weeks.
“
But once the event is over will we witness many new golfers taking up the sport? Even without the persuasion of the Irish Open there should be as there are many benefits to playing golf. Not only is it good exercise, it is a great way to build relationships, practice concentration and have fun!
1. Exercise Even though golf is a sport, the benefits of playing golf go beyond exercise. According to some recent studies by the Rose Center for Health and Sports Sciences, as well as the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, golfers live about five years longer than non-golfers. These Golf is a sport helps people studies have also shown that a golfer that plays improve their concentration. nine holes will burn off as much as 721 calories You have to study each shot, if they carry their bag and read the greens and make a at least 411 calories, even decision on how to hit the ball if they use a golf cart.
from almost every possible location.
6.
This means that a person playing 18 holes of golf can expect to burn anywhere from 822 calories to 1,442 calories in just one day. According to these studies, people who burn at least 2,500 calories a week will cut their risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. If you choose to walk the course and carry your bag, that is only two rounds of golf. It is almost hard to believe, but one study even showed that golfers that pull their bag on a trolley and walk the course score better than golfers carrying their bag or riding in a golf cart. 2. Building Relationships The greatest thing about golf is that anyone can play. You do not have to be a great golfer
to enjoy playing this sport. It does not matter how old you are, whether you are in shape or not, what race or gender you are, or how tall or short you are. The game is meant for everyone. And if you practice enough and establish solid fundamentals, well , who knows how far you can go or what you may achieve Not only do these benefits exist when playing golf, getting out of the house and out into the fresh air is beneficial. Instead of sitting around and watching television, you can make it a family sport and involve and introduce your loved ones to the game. One of the better benefits of playing golf is the friendships that you will make. Many golfers have a group of friends that always get together to play golf, because they enjoy each other’s company. Camaraderie is beneficial to everyone. A lot of close friendship have developed from playing golf together. 3 Improved Concentration Another thing people do not understand about golf is that the sport helps people improve their concentration. This is particularly important to children. You have to study each shot, read the greens and make a decision on how to hit the ball from almost every possible location. It also helps you visualize situations and improving your concentration can translate over to your personal life, as well as a child’s school work. 4 Fun The most important thing to remember is that golf should be enjoyed, its a game and games are supposed to be fun. The enjoyment in playing golf can last a lifetime, try it you may even like it. For any enquiries about trying golf or advice, please call, we would be delighted to hear from you. Ricky Duckett PGA Golf Professional Fortwilliam Golf Club 028 9077 0980
HEALTHY LIVING decided I would run the full Belfast Marathon on my own. It’s fair to say that since then I have been something of a running addict and London was my 8th Marathon. A marathon is 26.2miles....surely that can’t be fun? Haha! It’s not easy running a marathon. The training is tough and sometimes I could see it far enough on a cold winter night. I am very lucky to be a member of a great running Club in Ballyclare called East Antrim Harriers. They have me well coached and trained so that I am race fit for the big day and I really enjoy the friendship and camaraderie the club offers.
Mackeys Opticians Race Against Epilepsy
“
On Sunday 26th of April Michael Allen from Mackey Opticians Carnmoney took part in the Virgin London Marathon and in the process raised over £2000 for the Jill Sloan Epilepsy Research Uk Memorial Fund. During this article The feeling of euphoria when we will talk to Michael about his experience of running up ‘the mall’ to the running in the worlds finish needs to be experienced greatest marathon and the motivation behind his to be believed. fundraising.
8.
Why Epilepsy Research Uk? Epilepsy Research Uk is a charity very close to my heart. My sister in law Jill passed away suddenly aged just 30 in January 2002 from a condition called SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy) The family circle has missed Jill greatly and since has channelled their efforts into raising money to fund research into the causes, treatment and prevention of epilepsy. My wife Caroline and Jill’s parents Robin and Edith set up the Jill Sloan Epilepsy Research Uk Memorial fund shortly after her death and have raised over £35000. Our 1st fundraising event was a sky dive and although Caroline loved it I was happier with my feet on the ground. I was relieved when the following year Caroline suggested we enter a sponsored Relay team in the Belfast Marathon. This continued for several years until 2012 when I
I’ve ran marathons before in Belfast, Rottedam and Dublin and they all gave me a real buzz. This was nothing compared to the feeling of running in London. The support of the crowd and the enormity of the event meant the hairs where standing up on the back of my neck for the majority of the race. The feeling of euphoria when running up ‘the mall’ to the finish needs to be experienced to be believed. I would recommend running a marathon to anyone. Well done on your fundraising! How did you go about it? My customers at Mackey Opticians take a keen interest in my running and have showed unbelievable generosity in their donations. Hundreds of pounds have been raised in our practice through collection boxes. At the end of March my wife Caroline organised a kids fun day and coffee afternoon at Mossley Parish Church. We were thankful to Mr Hullabaloo and our face painters who kept the kids entertained and also to friends who baked cup cakes. We also had a raffle with prizes donated by our suppliers and local businesses. In total we raised £900 on the day. Jill’s parents Robin and Edith attend a car boot sale every Saturday morning at Glenvarna Christian Centre. They have been doing this for several years and all money raised goes towards Epilepsy Research Uk. Any unwanted items are always gratefully received and feel free to contact our practice to arrange collection. What next Michael? I’m looking forward to resting my legs for a few weeks but I’ll keep running and fundraising as long as my legs will let me. Running keeps me fit but it also helps keep my head clear which is important when you own a busy Opticians practice and have a young family. On my twitter profile it states Family man, Optician man, Running Man. I think that sums me up well. 345 Carnmoney Road | Carnmoney |
028 9084 8973
email carnmoney@mackeyopticians.com
COMMUNITY of obstructions all the way round and should also be anchored down so they don’t tip over. When using the trampoline:
Stay Safe in the Garden
“
Now Spring has arrived many of us will be venturing out into the garden. Home Accident Prevention Newtownabbey has a few handy tips and free safety devices to give away that should help you to stay safe and enjoy being in the garden this year.
1.
Lock away chemicals such as weed killers and insecticides. Just because they have the words ‘organic’ or ‘bio’ on them does not make them safe for children When using mains powered to touch.
electrical equipment such as lawnmowers or hedge trimmers, always use an RCD.
2.
Ensure that items such as tools, cables or hoses are not left lying around in the garden and keep paths clear of obstructions. Check all paths and steps are secure and even.
3.
When using ladders make sure they are safely situated on a level surface, do not try to reach too far and if possible get someone to help you by holding the ladder.
4.
Lock sharp tools away from children and empty paddling pools after children have finished playing in them.
5.
Learn which plants are poisonous and ensure children and pets stay away from them.
6.
Trampolines can be fun and a good way to get exercise but they need to be used with care. They should be located on an even surface that isn’t too hard with at least 2 metres (6 and a half feet) of clear space free
• Make sure a safety net is fitted and used correctly to prevent a fall off the trampoline • Always use cushioned pads to cover the springs and frame • Make sure that only one person goes on at a time so that collision injuries are avoided • Bounce in the middle of the trampoline • Domestic/recreational trampolines are not suitable for attempting somersaults, flips and stunts • Supervise children at all times and make sure they have a rest every so often so they don’t become too tired or dizzy
7. When using a BBQ always set it up on a firm level surface so it cannot tip over and never leave it unattended, keeping children well away. Make sure the flames are extinguished when finished. Carbon Monoxide gas can be given off by a BBQ so it is important that it is only used outdoors. Give yourself plenty of workspace to safely place tools and heatproof areas to set down the cooked food. 8.
Lawn mowers are one of the biggest causes of accidents in the garden and present an obvious risk with sharp rotating blades. When using a mower always • Make sure you wear shoes that are robust with non- slip soles and closed in toes • Switch off the mower before removing the grass box to empty it
9.
When using mains powered electrical equipment such as lawnmowers or hedge trimmers, use an RCD (Residual Current Device) adaptor, sometimes known as a power breaker. It cuts the flow of electricity in fractions of a second if the power cable is accidentally cut, preventing the user getting electrocuted. Home Accident Prevention Newtownabbey is running a competition for readers to win one of 10 RCD’s. To enter, simply send your name, address and contact telephone number on a postcard or sealed down envelope to: HAP Newtownabbey RCD competition, c/o Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey, BT36 5QA or email your name, address and contact telephone number to Rachel.Ferguson@ antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk The closing date for entries is 5pm, Friday 29th May 2015.
For more information on Home Accident Prevention contact: 028 9034 0160
COMMUNITY
Museum at The Mill & Flax Gallery Exhibitions Above: Jordanstown Art Club Annual Exhibition
Jordanstown Art Club Annual exhibition Thursday 30 April to Saturday 23 May A mix of traditional landscapes, seascapes and still life along with more modern acrylics, oils, pastels, watercolour and mixed media paintings.
Disparate Elements - Greyabbey Painters Thursday 28 May to Saturday 20 June A selection of oils and acrylics including landscapes, seascapes and portraiture.
New workshops for Adults 10am – 4pm (booking in advance is essential)
Above: ‘Style Your Home’ Interior Design Workshop
Summer Flower Arranging Saturday 6 June Saturday 20 June
Handmade Pamper Workshop with Serendipity
Flower Power
Saturday 9 May Cost £25 Experience the fragrant and colourful world of handmade cosmetics.
Saturday 20 June Discover the meaning of flowers and their colours with Rainbow Therapies.
An Introduction to Green Woodwork Saturday 16 May Cost £42 This workshop will guide you through the all the processes of creating green woodwork.
Kids’ Stuff
‘Style Your Home’ Interior Design Workshop
Saturday 13 June from 12noon-3pm A range of indoor and outdoor activities exploring the Mossley Mill site including pond dipping, mini-beast hunts, a woodland treasure hunt and Ulster Wildlife’s Ocean Giants!
Saturday 23 May Cost £25 During the day you will learn how to use fabric, texture and colour to enhance any interior. And more …
Mossley Mill Family Fun Day
Free of charge. This is a drop-in event. Museum at The Mill | Flax Gallery Mossley Mill, Carnmoney Road North, BT36 5QA
028 9034 0129
ssmith@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
12.
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
RNIB NI supports people with sight loss to claim over £950K Above: RNIB NI’s Welfare Rights Team: (L-R) Martin O’Kane (Employment and Welfare Rights Manager), Kay Lundy (volunteer), and Welfare Rights Advisors Hugh Graham and Laura Irwin.”
“
During April 2014 to March 2015 the Royal National Institute of Blind People in Northern Ireland’s (RNIB NI) Welfare Rights team secured a life changing £956,896 in previously unclaimed benefits for people who are blind or partially sighted across Northern Ireland. This extra income can mean the difference between isolation and undue stress over tight financial circumstances, to being able to get out and about independently to necessary appointments, places of work or leisure and make the most of their lives.
The benefits system can seem very confusing. It’s not always easy to know what you qualify for or what to write on the form. We offer a confidential benefits check and advisory service free of charge for people who are blind or partially sighted. Our qualified advisers can provide information on the full The benefits system can range of social security benefits, tax credits and seem very confusing. It’s not other allowances or always easy to know what concessions available to people with sight loss.
you qualify for.
14.
Kay Lundy from Newtownabbey who has sight loss herself, is a dedicated member of this team, volunteering her time each week to provide vital admin support. One notable success of the team this past year was for Ben*. At the time of his sight loss Ben lived in Belfast and had just finished his education. He enjoyed an active life riding his motorbike and had not long started a part time job. At the age of 19 his vision deteriorated rapidly overnight. He attended his local Optician who urged Ben to attend the Emergency Eye Clinic at the Royal Victoria
Hospital, Belfast. Whilst in hospital and nervously waiting for a diagnosis, Ben and his family were offered practical and emotional support by one of our Eye Care Liaison Officers (ECLOs). Ben was informed that his sight was not going to improve and he was registered as severely sight impaired by his consultant. As a result, he was not able to return to his job, was struggling to get around independently and found doing everyday tasks much more difficult. Ben was referred to one of our Welfare Rights Advisers who helped him claim Employment Support Allowance (ESA), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and a family member was able to claim Carer’s Allowance as Ben’s carer. In total we were able to successfully secure £11,000 in benefits for Ben and his family. The Welfare Rights team were also able to secure other benefits like the Blue Badge, 50% off his TV licence fee and a free travel pass from Translink, the public transport provider in Northern Ireland. Ben remains in contact with a range of other services within RNIB including our Employment Service and Youth Service. We want to make every day better for everyone affected by sight loss, by being there when people need us and supporting independent living. If you, or a member of your family, is affected by sight loss and wish to talk to us about Social Security benefits or other concessions that might be available, please contact us. 028 9032 9373 Email benefitsni@rnib.org.uk
FINANCE 2. Withdraw all of your Pension pot – it is true you can withdraw your whole Pension as a cash lump sum but you need to be careful as there are tax implications which you need to understand. 3. You can take some of the money as and when you need it. This option is known as Drawdown and allows you to take part of your Pension pot and leave the remainder invested until needed. 4. Leave the Pension pot where it is so it still has the potential to grow. What are the tax implications? Whichever option you decide on you must be aware of how you will be taxed and it is vital you seek Independent financial advice before making any decisions.
New Pension Rules Since the 6th April 2015 the rules governing how you can withdraw your Pension pot have changed. From the age of 55 the options available are; 1. Buy an Annuity (an income for life). This is the way the majority of Pension pots have historically been turned into a retirement income.
Put simply the first 25% of your fund will be tax free and the remainder will be taxed at your marginal rate. Your marginal rate of tax is the highest rate of income tax you pay; • Basic rate tax payer 20% • Higher rate tax payer 40% Due to the ever changing income tax rules and levels again Independent financial advice is a must. Financial Foresight has truly Independent financial advisers who will be happy to discuss these options in more detail and offer advice based on a tailored solution for your individual needs.
T: 028 9332 2822 Financial Foresight (NI) Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (434724).
FINANCE
FAMILY LIFE And there you have it; it’s good for the sport, good for the country, good for the fans, good for the players. And what he hasn’t touched on - it has to be brilliant for the Northern Ireland economy in general, and the local economy in particular. If you’re into your golf, all is good. If, like me, you’re not that golf-savvy, here’s an In-touch (light-hearted!) guide to what Mark Twain, (or Oscar Wilde, or Winston Churchill) is reputed to have referred to as “a good walk spoiled”!! To take up the game, or chat knowledgeably at the 19th (the bar!) about the game, take note of and attempt to learn the following.......... First off you will require a bag containing irons – no, not that sort of iron madam; you also need a putter, wedges – the non-edible type, and a driver – no, not that sort of driver, sir.
FORE!
“
The end of May, Co Down, Royal County Down Golf Club is the date and place to mark in your diary if you’re an aficionado of the small white ball being struck with force, precision and accuracy. Yes, for the first time in nearly 80 years, the Irish Open returns to Newcastle. Stand by to welcome names like Rickie Fowler, Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer and of course, Northern Ireland’s very own homegrown trio, Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke.
Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening. wee country’.
Now, I’m not a golfer, I couldn’t exactly tell you the difference between a golf club and a tennis racquet, let alone a wood and an iron – but I do know that this promises to be yet another classic, not just for the sport, but for what so many lovingly refer to as ‘our
Rory McIlroy makes no bones about it: “I am delighted that the Irish Open is being hosted at Royal County Down in 2015. It is hugely exciting to be joining some of the world’s greatest golf talents on my home turf. Northern Ireland has established itself as one of the world’s greatest golfing destinations and Royal County Down is one of the world’s finest links courses.”
Be prepared to dip in and out of conversations by flourishing such terms as par, birdie, eagle, bogey – sounds a bit revolting, I know – double bogey, (both nostrils??), triple or quadruple bogey – horrendous!, and for a hole in one, ace. I like the last one. Nice, simple term. When analysing the finer points of your game, drop in some of the following: lip-out, gimmie, shank, air shot, dogleg – honestly – dogleg! Throw in occasional references – with appropriate head-shaking – like a ‘break in the green’, those awful ‘divots’, the nightmare ‘hook’, ‘pin high’, and ‘getting up and down’ – the mind boggles!! So, there you have it. Your local, community magazine supplying a helpful, last minute ‘this will allow me to pass myself at the 19th’ guide! Confused? Yeah, well, as American journalist Paul Harvey remarked when talking about the game, “Golf is a game in which you yell ‘fore’, shoot six, and write down five”. So it’s not just me! We’ll finish on a more serious note, one which you may prefer to be left considering. It’s from retired American professional golfer, Arnold Palmer, a man generally thought to be one of the greatest players in golf history. “Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening - and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented.” Enjoy your game, and enjoy the Irish Open! By Luke North
18.
FAMILY LIFE
Money Makes The World Go Round By Luke North
“
An article about pension pots, the Editor said. What you’d do, if you cashed yours in and came into loads of money. What advice you’d give readers if they were to get rich quick. Hmm. Well, to start with, thank goodness for the internet and email! Cos this article would be winging its way to Norn Ireland from some far-flung hotspot on the other side of the world! Seriously though, what would you do? What would I do?
I suppose it’s all about what makes you happy, or as folk like to say, what floats your boat. And there’s a good starting point. Unlimited cash, let’s take a cruise, I can hear my wife say. I know my brother A small fortune means a has been on a cruise new house, not a small one, a somewhere on the Med; mansion. Walk-in wardrobes. I know of a friend who’s been and absolutely Designer bedrooms. Wet raved about it – the food, the locations, the rooms, swimming pool area, entertainment. I also know my youngest stables ..... daughter and her hubby went off on a cruise for their honeymoon. And they had a great time on honeymoon, she said. The boat – sorry – ship – was fantastic, she said. But you know I haven’t heard her discuss repeating the experience.....
20.
Okay, so boats and ships may be out. Round the world by aircraft? Ever since I was told off by a lady for grabbing the back of her seat as we came in to land at Belfast International a few years back, no. It was a rocky landing, I must say. The pilot was showing off some of his fancy sideways manoeuvres. I wasn’t impressed. Nor, as I say, was the lady in front.
Okay, some sensible ideas. The old mid-life crisis might kick in. A nice, gleaming new convertible car. And as I write this, the sun is splitting the stones, though as you and I know, that’s NOT necessarily the case through till the end of August. But you could at least buy a Ferrari. A dashing, prancing, elegant horse of beautiful Italian engineering. Or a bright yellow one, I dare you! So that’s the weekly shopping transport taken care of. Next – or probably first – a new wardrobe. Certainly for my wife. I’d go for an extra few pairs of jeans and some shirts, but not go overboard, I’ve nowhere to put them. Oh, wait, of course, a small fortune means a new house, not a small one, a mansion. Walk-in wardrobes. Designer bedrooms. Wet rooms, swimming pool area, stables..... And it would have a sprawling conservatory, long views of lush meadows, a stream trickling somewhere in the distance, the Ferrari sitting idly near the front turning circle. The sports fans will be off to the world cup in whichever sport they follow, film fans will maybe even buy up their own private movie house, sun lovers will find a perfect beachside pad where they can come and go as they please in their very own private jet! So whether your idea is covered up above, maybe you’ve something entirely different in mind, maybe it’s the wind breezing through your hair – depending on how much you’ve got left – as you hightail it through France’s sleepy highways and byways on the back of a Harley Davidson; maybe it’s a few nights every month in London, Paris, Rome, New York – for goodness sake don’t go to the casinos in Las Vegas and blow the whole blooming lot in one night of madness! Sweet dreams!
FAMILY LIFE
Compufix New Adv:Layout 1 25/02/2015 12:37 Page 1
115 Ballynure Road, Ballyclare, Co.Antrim BT39 9AQ T: 028 9334 9032 www.compufixni.com
Suppliers Of Branded New & Refurbished Laptops And Desktop Computers from from Gaming PC Towers £499 - Laptops £140 all covered with our no quibble Warranties
P U E D A R T N I E T RAD Microsoft REGISTERED
Refubisher
Laptop And Desktop Repair - No Fix No Fee from Old Laptops Bought For Cash - Epson Inks £12 per set www.compufixni.com Compufix is a trading name of Laptop & media Services Ltd. Company No. NI 617808
FAMILY LIFE Busy pockets Bulging, big pockets and luggage always suggest you have alot to share. The best way to prepare is to make a list of all you think you will need for the period you are away and weigh every item before you pack it into your bag. Many items can be used for multiple purposes for example dental floss, which can also be used as sewing thread or for tieing something. A cooking pot can also be used as a bowl or a cup for hot drinks! Pack clothes that dry quickly to avoid carrying your whole wardrobe. If travelling with others, have a chat to see if there are things that you can share to avoid carrying multiple numbers of the same item.
A Little Common Sense Perhaps © Newtownabbey In-touch
“
Backpacking is any adventurous young persons dream! But the dream can easily become a nightmare when all you possess suddenly vanishes. So how well prepared are you before setting out on your adventure? Here are some things to consider.
Don’t be an easy target Taking your camera for future memories is an obvious essential. Choosing a camera to take depends purely on where you plan to go, what you want to photograph, what you want to do with the images and how you want to store them. Whatever camera you choose, try and avoid a carrier bag that publicises what is I know it’s not alot of fun, inside. Any would-be thief that sees names but try and think of some of like Sigma, Nixon, the worst things that could Pentax and the like knows that something happen to you when you’re expensive is inside. This also goes for other travelling and then think of electronics such as what you would do if that mobile phones, ipads and laptops. Some good situation arose. advice might be …if you’re not prepared to loose it, then don’t take it. If you still insist then at least keep it out of sight in public places.
22.
Tie yourself to your bag Ok, I know this sounds a bit crazy but imagine you are in a bus station or railway station in a foreign country. You have more than 4 hours to wait for the next train or bus and you quite simply can’t stop yourself nodding off …who will be looking after your luggage? An easy solution is to use a piece of cord to tie your bag to your wrist while it is sitting next to you so you can enjoy your nap with a little peace of mind!
I’m a rich backpacker What you wear will draw attention to yourself and is one of the most common mistakes made. Watches, jewellery, clothes, shoes and trainers tell thieves how wealthy you are and how much more there is in your bag that’s worth stealing. Dress modestly on your travels to detract any unwanted interest in your possessions. And the country is… You already know the countries you are planning to visit but do you really? Let’s face it, we are Northern Irish, we only tend to think of what’s necessary to take use through to the next day. Don’t be like Jeremy Clarkson and risk being thrown out of the country you are visiting! Consider your home country’s political and historical relations with this country before sewing your flag on your bag. It might not be the best time to be so proud of where you come from. There may be other cultural issues you should be aware of for example, head coverings might be needed in some countries whilst shorts may not be advisable in others. Therefore research, research, research… ‘Astalavista baby’ Sometimes when we think of backpacking we want to use Arnie’s words quite literally ‘see you later, I’m out of here, never to be seen again’. Remember however, you are still part of your family and local community and it’s a good idea to keep in regular contact with them and keep them updated on how you’re getting on. Make contact with your home consulate before you leave and send them a copy of your travel itinerary. Carry the numbers of the British or Irish consulate for the countries you are visiting and contact them when you arrive in country and again before you leave, just in case of an emergency. I know it’s not alot of fun, but try and think of some of the worst things that could happen to you when you’re travelling and then think of what you would do if that situation arose. Then hopefully, you will be prepared for most eventualities. Happy backpacking!
ENTERTAINMENT
Ingredients • 460 g chicken breast fillet portions, cut into chunks • 1 tbsp hot curry powder • 2 tbsp apricot jam • Zest and juice of 1 lime • 15 g fresh coriander, finely chopped • 335 g cherry tomatoes • 1 orange pepper and 1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into chunks • 1 tbsp olive oil • 4 pitta bread or any flat bread • 120 g bag bistro salad, to serve Method
1. In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces
with the curry powder, apricot jam, lime zest and juice, and coriander.
Curried Chicken Kebabs 24.
These grilled kebabs are fun to eat and so simple to make. You can also cook them on the barbecue!
2. Thread the chicken onto the skewers,
alternating with the cherry tomatoes and chunks of pepper.
3. Brush a griddle pan with the oil and
place over a medium heat. When hot, add the skewers and cook for 10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until cooked through. Set aside and keep warm.
4. Add the pitta breads to the griddle pan
and toast for 2 minutes on each side. Serve with the kebabs and bistro salad.
May Fair Festival
19 - 23 May
KEY EVENTS INCLUDE: Ulster Scots Music & Dance Another Wee Gatherin’ Horse Fair, Amusements, Parade, Fun days Hugo Duncan Roadshow Garth Brooks Tribute Concert
www.yourballyclare.com
HOME
See our amazing range of decorative gravels, garden bark, topsoil and paving at our depots at BALLYCLARE & Ballymoney View our website www.kellystone.co.uk and use our free calculator to work out quantities you need for your landscape project WE STOCK: Cement, Building, Paving & Quality Plastering Sands Our Goods are available Loose or in Jumble Sacks WE CAN DELIVER!
53 The Longshot Ballyclare
Call Now on 028 2954 0621
HOME
We love it when a plan comes together
1 Jordanstown Road, Newtownabbey BT37 0QD
028 9036 4615 email: info@hrjess.co.uk
www.hrjess.co.uk
ARCHITECTURE PLANNING SURVEYING
new dwellings | extensions | commercial
HOME
Not Just a Mortgage © Newtownabbey In-touch
“
Buying a house will be one of the biggest purchases of your life and if not well thought through could turn out to be one of the most costly. When we are thinking of buying a house we tend to only take into account the mortgage fee, but unfortunately there are a number of other fees that need to be paid.
Building Survey Fees Not everyone wants to pay a building survey fee but if you have any doubts about the property you are buying it is worth it for your own peace of mind and it could save you a lot of money in the future. There are Buying a house will be one of a number of different surveys that should be the biggest purchases of your carried out depending on the type of property you life and if not well thought are buying. They include through could turn out to be a new build snagging survey, structural survey, one of the most costly. homebuyer report survey and condition survey. These surveys could cost from £250 to £1500 depending on the size of the property.
30.
It is important for you to be there when the survey is being carried out so you can ask questions about any matters that concern you. The surveyor will be able to give you an idea of repair costs for any issues they have found although it is advisable to get further estimates from more than one builder. These estimates will give you an idea on how best to renegotiate the price of the property. Legal Fees A licensed conveyancer or a solicitor will be required at this stage. Most lenders will contribute to your legal fees however you will be required to use their assigned solicitor. Legal fees can be anything from £400 - £1000 including VAT for a standard purchase although some solicitors will charge a percentage of the property’s value. You can source your own solicitor but obvipusly check their creditentials and qualifications.
Stamp Duty Also known as stamp duty land tax (SDLT) is a fee charged if you buy a property in the UK depending on its purchase price. From the 4 December 2014 bands are as follows: 0% up to £125,000; 2% to £250,000; 5% to £925,000; 10% to £1.5million and 12% above that. This fee is payable upon completion of the purchase of your property where the solicitor will request you to complete and sign a form. Valuation Survey Fees A mortgage lender will charge you a valuation fee in order to establish how much they are willing to lend you. The cost of the valuation depends on the value of the property - for example, allow about £125 for a property worth £50,000, £165 for a £100,000 house and so on. Some lenders do not charge this fee, as an incentive for you to take out a mortgage with them but it is a good idea to build it into your budget anyway. Mortgage Arrangement Fees This is an arrangement fee that you pay to your mortgage lender/broker to set up your mortgage. It can have other names and can include or not include other fees that are applicable so check what’s included carefully. This fee may vary but the average payment is around £1000. Be aware that this can be non-refundable even if the purchase of your property falls through. This fee can be paid upfront or can be added to your mortgage although the disadvantage of adding it to your mortgage is you will pay interest on it. Removal Costs If your belongings will not fit into the boot of your car you will need to consider a removal company or the cost of hiring a van. If you are hiring a van don’t forget to add in the cost of a refundable deposit, petrol and insurance. Then there is the cost of cardboard boxes to pack up your belongings, light bulbs, locks and hocks, repairing leaking sinks, the list is endless…
Beautiful new steading showhome open sundayS 2-4PM
Superbly designed and uniquely styled 2, 3 & 4 Bedroom homes
Prices from £139,950 BUY HERE FROM £395.56 per month through Co-Ownership* *Terms and conditions apply
GLENGORMLEY
LISBURN ROAD BELFAST
www.reedsrains.co.uk
www.simonbrien.com
Tel: 028 For Sale
028 9084 3427
9084 3427
Tel: 028
9066 8888
HOME
Dust Mites: Too Close For Comfort © Newtownabbey In-touch
“
Allergy awareness week from 20th – 26th April raised awareness about allergies and highlighted the difficulties people with allergies suffer. However, one cause of allergies in particular might be a little too close for comfort.
Overall, 29% of us suffer from dust mite allergies, with allergies more common among women than men.
New research has shown that poor bedroom hygiene is putting allergy suffers at high risk of attacks triggered by dust mite infestations in their homes.
• Use allergen-proof barrier covers on all mattresses, duvets and pillows. These should be breathable and should completely enclose the item to prevent the escape of dust mite allergen • Wash sheets, blankets and pillow cases every week. Washing at 60 degrees centigrade or above will kill mites. • If possible remove all carpeting in the bedroom. Vacuum hard floors regularly with a high-filtration vacuum cleaner • Remove all carpeting from concrete floors. Such floors trap moisture allowing dust mites and mould spores to thrive. Seal the floor with a vapour barrier, and then cover it with a washable surface such as vinyl • Where carpets cannot be removed, vacuum regularly with a high-filtration vacuum cleaner. Use a high-temperature steamcleaner to kill mites effectively. • Use a high-filtration vacuum cleaner with filters capable of retaining a high proportion of the smallest particles (HEPA filter, S-class filter or similar). • Damp-wipe all surfaces such as pelmet tops, window sills, tops of cupboards each week • Use light washable cotton curtains, and wash them frequently. Reduce unnecessary soft furnishings • Vacuum all surfaces of upholstered furniture at least twice a week • Washable stuffed toys should be washed as frequently and at the same temperature as bedding. • Reduce humidity by increasing ventilation. Use trickle-vents in double-glazing, or open windows. Use extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens • If necessary use a dehumidifier to keep indoor humidity under 50% (but over 30%).
House dust mites are tiny creatures, about a quarter of a millimetre long. They live off human skin scales and thrive in humid environments. Mites are found in bedding, carpets, soft furnishings and clothing. It is often not the mite itself but proteins in their droppings which cause the allergy. Each mite 59% of us fail to wash produces about 20 of these waste droppings our bedding once a week, every day and the which is what is advised to droppings continue to cause allergic reduce dust mites. symptoms even after the mite has died. House dust mite allergy is very common and is associated with asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis. A significant amount of exposure to house dust mite allergen happens in the bed, so taking precautions in the bedroom is advisable. The new research conducted by online bed retailer Time4Sleep found that a huge 57% of us were failing to take precautions against dust mites in their homes, despite their potential to cause allergic reactions. Overall, 59% fail to wash their bedding once a week, which is what is advised to reduce dust mites. Surprisingly two-thirds of those asked (77%) wash bedding at below the recommended 60
32.
When it comes to taking care of mattresses, where dust mites like to reside, one in four (25%) respondents admitted to never vacuuming their mattress. A further 12% stated they had never turned their mattress over.
Allergy UK, the leading national charity dedicated to supporting the estimated 21 million allergy suffers in the UK advise:
For more information on Allergies visit www.allergyuk.org
R E M SUM E
LE MN SA ee r AUTU F h n wit Ex te n s ive S h ow ro o m Now O er included ash er h Dishw(T&C’s apply) s a w
SAL
|
E xp er t Ki tc h en P l a n n i n g
|
G rea t Pr i ces
sh ee di d r f h t e wi includ ply) ’s ap (T&C
Extensive Showroom 172 Larne Road, Ballymena, BT42 3HA T: 028 2565 8111 F: 028 2565 8112 E: info@kitchen-concepts.co.uk www.kitchen-concepts.co.uk
|
Expert Kitchen Planning
|
Great Prices
open 24hrs y la sp di ng vi pa e iv ns te ex r ou t si Vi
From
£8e.r4sq8m) (p
Suppliers of Acheson & Glover and Tobermore
Huge stove and flue range... ct Conta a Pamel e r for mo ion at inform
We specialise in the following services: Full locksmith service / Jungle Gyms / Soffits & Fascias / Paint Mixing / Fencing & Decking / Self Build Projects / Bottled Gas / Keycutting / Building and DIY products Plumbing supplies / Radiators / Timber supplies / Power Tools / Bricks / Insulation / Guttering / Laminate Flooring Solid Wood Flooring / Doors / Velux & Keylite Roof Windows / Blinds
Whatever you need...we’ve got it 397 Antrim Road, Newtownabbey T: 028 9083 2312 We’re open: Mon-Thurs 8am - 5pm Fri 8am - 4pm / Sat 8.30am - 1pm
HOME
COMPETITIONS
WIN Great Competitions Win Four Tickets to Gulliver at The Mac 29 September to 17 October A Big Telly Theatre Company and MAC co-production that is perfect for families with teenagers. When Gulliver returns from another amazing experience at sea, his family are more than a little perplexed. They had just about coped with the giants, the tiny people, the floating islands and outlandish inventions. But a world ruled by horses? That’s a different kettle of fish. Only one thing is certain; family life will never be the same again. For your chance to win simply check out their website at www.themaclive.com and tell us which award The Mac has been shortlisted for. Send your answer along with your name, address and contact number by post or via the competitions page on our website.
Win a 1 hour Golf Lesson With PGA Professional Eamonn Logue at the Hilton Templepatrick Championship Course This prize is for male, female, experienced golfer or novice alike and is tailored to help you master your long game, medium irons and putting. For your chance to win simply go to www.hiltontemplepatrick.com/golf and tell us how many bays there are in their driving range. Send in your name, address and contact number by post or via the competitions page on our website. CLOSING DATE FOR COMPETITIONS: Friday 5th June 2015
Also: See Page 10 to Win a Power Breaker for your Electrical Garden Equipment 36.
To enter please visit www.newtownabbeyintouch.com and click on the competition link. You can also enter by post sending your answer along with your name and contact number to Newtownabbey In-touch, C/O Mallusk Enterprise Park, Mallusk Drive, Newtownabbey, BT36 4GN
HOME
Newtownabbey
Much more than just a Magazine
Watch this space!
MOTORING Areas with white diagonal stripes or chevrons are to keep traffic lanes apart or to protect any traffic that is turning right. If the area has a border of a broken white line, you shouldn’t go into the area unless it is necessary and you can see clearly that it is safe for you carry out the manoeuvre. N.B: If the area has diagonal stripes and is bordered with solid white lines you should not go into it. If the area is marked by chevrons, you must not enter it (unless in an emergency).
Know Your Road Markings Road markings are as important as road signs and give us information about the roads we are travelling on and the actions we should or should not be taking. Read on to find out what these markings mean.
“
White Lines White lines are usually on the road surface and tell you something about the road that you are travelling on. Lines that travel along the road (longitudinal) inform and warn drivers of approaching situations that will need them to do something - like turn right, or do not cross. Lines that cross the road (transverse) give instructions to road users like ‘give way’ or ‘stop’.
A broken white line marks the middle of the road. When this line becomes longer, and Road markings are as the gaps get smaller, this means that there important as road signs and is a hazard close ahead. You should give us information about the not cross this line roads we are travelling on unless you can see that the road ahead is clear and you wish to overtake another vehicle or turn off the road.
38.
Double white lines where the line nearest to you is broken is an indication that you may cross the line to overtake, providing that it is safe and that you can complete the manoeuvre before it becomes a solid white line on your side. White arrows on the road will indicate when you need to get back on your side of the road. Double white lines where the line nearest to you is solid means that you must not cross or straddle the line until it is safe and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road. You may cross the line if you need to pass a car parked at the side of the road, overtake a push bike, horse or roadwork vehicle, if they are travelling at 10mph or below.
Short white broken lines are lane dividers and are used on wide carriageways to determine where the lanes are. They should not be crossed unless you are changing lanes and it is safe to do so. Reflective Studs with White Lines • White studs mark the middle of the road or the lanes on a wider carriageway. • Red studs mark the left edge of the road. • Amber studs determine the central reservation of a motorway or a dual carriageway. • Green studs mark the edge of the main carriageway when you are passing a lay-by, side road or slip road. White lines that cross the end of the road you are travelling on all have different meanings and often depend on the road. Parking It is illegal to park on a single lane carriageway with a solid white line. Yellow Lines There are various types of yellow lines marked on the road or on the edge of the pavement or kerb that indicate waiting restrictions. They are usually used when there is a need to restrict parking to help keep traffic flowing and consistent, and to prevent people being obstructed by other vehicles on public highways. Double yellow lines tell us that there is no waiting at any time. However, there are usually exceptions and if there are, they will be indicated by plates attached to lamp posts nearby to tell motorists what the actual restrictions are. They can vary from council to council. Single yellow lines tend to be less restrictive. Plates attached to lamp posts will tell you the exact restrictions and you may find that you are able to park there as long as you are not doing so at a restricted time. Loading restrictions are also indicated by yellow markings on the kerbs and again by plates on the lamp posts. Red Lines Seen less than the other colours, red lines ban all stopping, parking and loading. Double red lines apply at all times and single red lines apply usually during the working day. There are exceptions and they are indicated where they apply. By Tracy Wilkinson www.safermotoring.co.uk
For everything motoring online - www.ballyrobert.co.uk
CHOOSE
FOR MOTABILITY New 2015 Corsa SE 3dr & 5dr (Auto & Manual)
from
NIL
• IntelliLink System with Bluetooth • Heated seats & steering wheel • Automatic lights and window wipers
New Zafira Tourer Exclusiv 5dr
NIL
Advance Payment
Advance Payment
includes parking sensors
includes parking sensors
from
from
NIL
• USB Connection • Electric windows • Tyre pressure monitoring system • Two individual fold flat 3rd row seats
from
£49
Advance Payment
Advance Payment
includes parking sensors
includes parking sensors
New Meriva Tech Line 5dr • Bluetooth • Heated seats & steering wheel • Front & rear electric windows
New Mokka SE 5dr
Meet our Team
• Bluetooth • Heated front seats & steering wheel • 18“ alloy wheels • Leather seats
Contact Simon Trotter at Bangor
New Astra Elite Sports Tourer 5dr (Estate & Hatchback) • Heated leather seats & steering wheel • Driver’s seat lumbar adjustment • Front & rear electric windows
New Insignia Tech Line 2.0 [140] ecoFLEX 5dr (Estate & Hatchback) • Bluetooth • IntelliLink Sat Nav • Electric windows • 17” alloy wheels
from
from
New Adam Jam, Glam & Slam
Payment
Advance Payment
• Bluetooth • Alloy wheels • Leather steering wheel
includes parking sensors
includes parking sensors
from
from
NIL Advance
£149 Advance
NIL
£49
Payment
Advance Payment
includes parking sensors
includes parking sensors
Contact Wilnor Mills at Bangor
Contact Laura Contact Philip o’Reilly McDowell at Mallusk at Mallusk
New Insignia Design 2.0 [140] ecoFLEX 5dr (Estate & Hatchback) • Bluetooth • Automatic lights • 16” alloy wheels • Adjustable driver’s seat & steering wheel
Ask about the scheme that includes • Brand new car every 3 years • Insurance & road tax • Servicing, maintenance & repairs • Breakdown cover
1 Mallusk Road NEWTOWNABBEY BT36 4XS
www.ballyrobert.co.uk
Tel: 0845 362 5213
402 Belfast Road BANGOR BT19 1UE
Tel: 0845 362 5212
N O R T H E R N I R E L A N D ’ S FAV O U R I T E FA M I LY VAU X H A L L D E A L E R Ballyrobert Service Station Limited (Bangor)/Ballyrobert Limited (Mallusk) is a credit broker for Motability Operations and not a lender. Cars shown for illustration purposes only. Prices correct at time of publishing, and are subject to change without notice. Calls may be recorded for monitoring and training purposes. Offers available until 30th June 2015.
MOTORING Check your blind spot every time. Your mirrors do a good job of showing you what’s behind you, but they can’t show you what’s just outside of your peripheral vision. Your blind spot, as it’s known, is a pretty large area – big enough for bikes and cars to lurk undetected. Check your blind spot every time you change lane or turn right.
Essential Tips for Young Drivers In the UK, one in five new drivers is involved in a crash in their first year of driving. Worst still, one in three drivers killed is aged under 25, and this is despite only one in eight motorists being aged 25 or under.
“
Clearly then, a large number of new drivers need a little extra help. With this in mind, we’ve pulled together some of the most useful tips we think could be of use to a newbie wheelboy or wheelgirl.
You’ve passed! Now get more training. Only after you pull away alone for the first time do you really start learning to drive. We recommend you follow up your basic training with some further driving education in the form of the Pass Plus scheme. They’ll teach you how to drive in busy towns, in all sorts of weather, on motorways, at night and generally in environments that most learners Young drivers in particular feel would find stressful. under pressure to drive in a It’ll make you a driver and way that impresses their mates better you’ll probably get a cheaper insurance taking unnecessary risks. premium as a result.
40.
Get to know your car. So you’ve got a shiny new car. Don’t just get in and drive it. Sit in it. Turn it on. Look at the buttons. Learn what they do. Find the switches for the front and rear fog lights and learn to spot the corresponding warning lights on the instrument binnacle. Where’s the hazard light button? These are all little things, but failure to instinctively know how to activate or deactivate one of these features in a hurry could cause you to become distracted and lead to an accident. Go on a track day. Driving fast on the public road is just asking for trouble, so it’s a good idea to satisfy your lust for speed in a safe environment. Track days teach you valuable lessons on how cars handle on the limit in a place where it’s safe.
Don’t drive in someone else’s blind spot. The number of people who change lanes without looking properly is quite staggering, so put the onus on yourself to stay out of trouble. If you notice you’re cruising along to the right of and slightly behind another car, there’s a good chance they can’t see you. Either accelerate to pull alongside or in front of them, or drop back until you’re sure you can be seen in their mirrors. Use the left lane on the motorway. The left lane on the motorway is for normal driving. All others are for overtaking. Highway code rule 238 states: “You should drive in the left-hand lane if the road ahead is clear. Return to the left-hand lane once you have overtaken all the vehicles or if you are delaying traffic behind you.” Drive in bad weather. Now. Sure, going out in rain, sleet, snow or icy conditions can be terrifying, but the best way to learn how to deal with those situations is to go out there and get your hands dirty. Try to feel how the inclement conditions affect the car, how braking distances are increased, how grip is reduced and try to appreciate the fact you’ll have to alter your driving style to deal with those conditions. Doing so on your own terms and at a time of your choosing means you’ll feel more comfortable and more confident when conditions take an unexpected turn for the worse. Put the phone down. Using a handheld phone is illegal, so don’t even think about it. And no, putting your handset on speakerphone and holding it just in front of your mouth as you drive isn’t fooling anyone. Even hands-free car kits aren’t as safe as you think. The mental workload required to have a conversation and process additional thoughts can slow your reaction times, causing you to miss things in front of you – like a child crossing the road. Kick your mates out. Young drivers in particular generally feel under pressure to drive in a way that impresses their mates, which often means going too fast and taking unnecessary risks. If you ever notice your driving change when you’re ferrying your friends around then do something about it. Stop offering them lifts or, better still, make sure your driving isn’t negatively affected by their presence. Speeding, spinning your wheels up and showing off isn’t big or clever. Courtesy of www.recombu.com/cars
PASSION FOR LIFE
CLIO 0.9 TCE DYNAMIQUE NAV
MEGANE HATCH DYNAMIQUE NAV 1.6 16V 110
MRRP £15,170 CHARLES HURST PRICE £11,995* OFFER VALUE £3,175
MRRP £17,750 CHARLES HURST PRICE £11,995* OFFER VALUE £5,755
CAPTUR 0.9 TCE DYNAMIQUE MEDIA NAV
MEGANE HATCH DYNAMIQUE NAV dCi 110
MRRP £15,890 CHARLES HURST PRICE £12,995* OFFER VALUE £2,895
MRRP £19,245 CHARLES HURST PRICE £12,995* OFFER VALUE £6,250
SCENIC DYNAMIQUE NAV dCi 110
GRAND SCENIC DYNAMIQUE NAV dCi 110
MRRP £21,395 CHARLES HURST PRICE £14,495* OFFER VALUE £6,900
MRRP £22,615 CHARLES HURST PRICE £15,495* OFFER VALUE £7,120
The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the cars shown are: urban 30.1 (9.4)–72.4 (3.9); extra-urban 51.4 (5.5)–88.3 (3.2); combined 40.9 (6.9)–80.7 (3.5). The official CO2 emissions are 159–90g/km. EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment figures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary with driving styles, road conditions and other EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment figures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary with driving styles, road conditions and other factors. The 2015 4+package applies to new vehicles when ordered from a UK Renault-approved dealer from 1 January 2015. All vehicles provided with 4 years’ warranty and Renault Assistance as standard. Warranty up to 4 years’/100,000 miles (whichever comes first). For full warranty terms and conditions visit www.renault.co.uk/warranty. For Renault Assistance terms and conditions visit www.renault.co.uk/assistance. *Prices shown include delivery to dealer, number plates, 20% VAT, 12-month Government road fund licence and £55 first registration fee. Prices shown are valid when ordered and registered by 30 April 2015. Cars shown with optional metallic paint, available at an additional £525. Offer subject to availability, while stocks last. FOUR YEARS WARRANTY & RENAULT ASSISTANCE
FOUR YEARS WARRANTY & RENAULT ASSISTANCE
CHARLES HURST NEWTOWNABBEY 547 ANTRIM ROAD, MALLUSK NEWTOWNABBEY BT36 4RF TEL 028 9084 3816
WWW.CHARLESHURSTGROUP.CO.UK/RENAULT
MADE IN SWEDEN. TUNED FOR YOU. THE VOLVO V40 R-DESIGN.
/
£269 £269 deposit a month With suspension, steering and brakes all tested and tuned to handle the roads over here it’s a car designed to give you total control, and what’s more, we’ve even tuned the price.
BOOK A TEST DRIVE TODAY AT SMW BELFAST
S M W Belfast
Volvo Business Centre
028 9068 6000 www.volvocarsbelfast.co.uk
Official fuel consumption for the Model Year 16 Volvo V40 T2 R-Design (manual) in MPG (l/100km): Urban 38.7 (7.3), Extra Urban 62.8 (4.5), Combined 51.4 (5.5). CO 2 Emissions 127g/km. MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results. 18’s and over,
finance subject to status. Retail sales only. V40 T2 R-Design £269 a month on Personal Contract Hire with Volvo Car Leasing. Initial rental £269, 36 month contract, 8000 miles per annum, excess mileage charges 11.16p per mile. Vehicle must be returned in good condition to avoid further charges. Subject to availability at participating dealers for vehicles registered 01/04/15 to 30/06/15. Not available with other promotions. Provided by Lex Autolease Ltd trading as Volvo Car Leasing, SK3 0RB. See volvocars.co.uk for full terms and conditions.
MOTORING
The All New Skoda Fabia Reviewed The new ŠKODA Fabia was the winner of the prestigious What Car? Car of the Year 2015 award.
“
Speaking at the awards ceremony, What Car? editor Jim Holder said: ‘The Fabia wins not only because it’s a superb small car that’s practical, well equipped and cheap to run, but also because of the rivals it managed to dispose of in the process. ‘When you consider the strength of the competition the new Fabia had to beat, it simply has to win.’
Available as a five-door hatch, with an estate version released in March, the new ŠKODA Fabia has also been awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating, In the Skoda Fabia you’ll be making it the safest car buying one of the finest small in its class.
cars on sale today. In this guise, it has the makings of a five-star car.
Mervyn Stewart’s principal, Stephen Stewart said, ‘it’s fantastic to be able to offer our customers the new Fabia. It not only introduces innovative safety features, but it’s stylish on the outside, with a lower-slung, more sporty feel, while the inside has been completely redesigned for maximum comfort. ‘What’s particularly impressive about it is that it doesn’t do this at the expense of features.’ It has a superb infotainment system and the dash is logically laid out, with a five-inch central screen on the entry-level S editions and a larger 6.5-inch screen on the SE and SE-L cars.
44.
All Fabias come with Bluetooth, DAB radio, electric front windows and a tyre pressure monitor. SE trim adds alloy wheels, the larger
touch-screen system, a leather steering wheel and gear lever and air-con. Range-topping SE L models then add on luxuries such as larger alloys, cruise- and climate control and a keyless entry system. ‘The What Car? awards recognise that ŠKODA hasn’t compromised on any aspect of the car.’ The new Fabia is also more spacious and 17% more fuel-efficient than its predecessor, thanks to significant weight savings and the introduction of cleaner EU6-compliant engines. Director of ŠKODA UK, Alasdair Stewart, said: ‘We are delighted to receive these accolades from What Car?. UK customers trust What Car? when they are buying a new vehicle, and winning the Car of the Year award is the perfect introduction to the UK for the new Fabia. The new Fabia is the third generation of ŠKODA’s popular small car. Since the firstgeneration Fabia went on sale in 2000, some 250,000 have been bought in the UK, with 3.5 million sold worldwide. The Fabia is one of the most spacious cars in its class, comes well equipped and undercuts both its main rivals - the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo - on list price, with competitive CO2 emissions. In fact, go for the sweet-spot of the range (the 89bhp 1.2 TSI in SE trim) and you’ll be buying one of the finest small cars on sale today. In this guise, it has the makings of a five-star car. ŠKODA has demonstrated five years of record growth, culminating in sales of 76,027 cars in the UK last year (10,000 more than in 2013), and over one million cars worldwide in the same period.
THE NEW ATTENTION STEALING ŠKODA FABIA WhatCar? Car of the Year 2015 From £129 per month* 4.9% APR representative with £500 deposit contribution^ plus up to 3 years’ servicing for £99‡ Solutions Personal Contract Plan# representative example for the ŠKODA Fabia Hatch S 1.0 MPI 60PS model based on 3-year, 30,000-mile agreement. Terms of the agreement
36 months
Optional final payment
£4,103.95
Retail cash price
£11,135.00
Option to purchase fee
£60
Optional extra - metallic paint
£535
Total amount payable
£11,989.69
35 monthly payments of
£129
Total amount of credit
£7,824.26
Deposit contribution^
£500
Representative APR
4.9%
Customer deposit
£2,810.74
Interest rate
3.76% Fixed
Acceptance fee
£125
Excess mileage (inc VAT)+
4.4ppm
Mervyn Stewart 11 Boucher Crescent, Belfast BT12 6HU 08433 201433 www.mervynstewart.com #At the end of the agreement there are three options: i) retain the vehicle: pay the optional final payment to own the vehicle; ii) return the vehicle; or iii) replace: part-exchange the vehicle, subject to status. *Available when purchased on Solutions Personal Contract Plan. ^Deposit contribution is available when purchased on Solutions Personal Contract Plan. +Subject to agreed annual mileage. Retail sales only. ‡Up to 3 years/30,000 miles (whichever comes first) when purchased on Solutions Personal Contract Plan. Offer available on vehicles ordered between 1 April 2015 and 30 June 2015 from participating retailers. Further charges may be payable if vehicle is returned. Offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Available to 18s and over. Subject to availability. Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. Accurate at time of print. Freepost ŠKODA Finance. We can introduce you to a limited number of lenders to assist with your purchase, who may pay us for introducing you to them.
Official fuel consumption for the Fabia range in mpg (litres/100km): Urban 46.3 (6.1) to 72.4 (3.9); Extra Urban 67.3 (4.2) to 91.1 (3.1); Combined 58.8 (4.8) to 83.1 (3.4). CO2 emissions for the Fabia range are 110 to 88 g/km. Standard EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.
TRADES & SERVICES MOTORING
HB ROOFING SOLUTIONS & BUILDING CONTRACTORS
Velux Window Glass Repairs
• • • • • •
24hr Emergency Work Storm Damage Callout Torch on Felts Velux Windows Ridge Tiles Pointed Lead & Chimney Work
• New Roofs & Flat Roofs • Slating & Tile Repairs • Gutters & Facia Cleaned and Replaced • Fencing and Decking • Power Washing
Mobile: 07766 936 340 | 07517 600022 Email: hbroofingsolutions@hotmail.co.uk
6 Greenacres Mews, BT36 6GZ
www.pvclocksmiths.co.uk
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