Newtownabbey
September/October 2017
your community / your life / your business
Fun at the MAC
Autumn family fun activities
Specsavers Unsung Hero Award Nominations now open
Inheritance Tax Rule Changes Be in control of your estate
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CONTENTS: 10.
8. LOCAL HERO 8.
To celebrate 15 years looking after the eye health and hearing of local people in the Newtownabbey area, Specsavers is launching a new Spirit of Newtownabbey award.
10. SHOP SMART Pregnancy is an emotional time when money worries may take second place and costs can spiral out of control! With careful planning and smart shopping, this can be avoided
24. STOVES There is something about having a real fire in the house that links us to the earth, the planet. That might sound a little mad but maybe if you have a stove or open fire you’ll understand.
24.
44. DRIVERLESS 44.
Cars that drive themselves – once the preserve of science fiction films and comics – will soon hit our roads for real. But what will this new era really look like?
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Well, you don’t need me to remind you that summer is over. Whether it’s the mad rush out to school in the morning, or the infuriating crawl in rush hour traffic or perhaps the quietness of children free parks and shops during the day, they are all reminders that we are heading into autumn and back to routine. Mind you, routine is not a bad thing for many of us and it’s good to get back to the things we have missed. Perhaps you are planning some home improvements prior to Christmas and if so this issue is definitely for you. Whether your project is Bathroom (pg 2), Kitchen (pg.’s 27 & 31), Bedroom (pg. 16), making your home warmer for winter (pg. 26), a new carpet (pg. Disclaimer
47), a wood burning stove (pg. 15 & 25) or maybe even a totally new house (pg’s. 3 & 28), we can put you ‘in-touch’ with local companies that will help you achieve your goal. Maybe you are or are about to become a new Mum and are worried about the cost of everything you need. If so there is great advice (pg. 10) from Samuel Johnston on how you can Shop Smart. If you’re not tied to the school holidays, there is a great mid-week offer at the Lough Erne Resort (pg. 14). I have never been there, but it looks fantastic! As always we encourage you to support your local shops and
businesses as they have so much to offer and appreciate your support. You may have noticed our magazine is compliment with our In-touch AR App. You can use it to scan a page and bring it to life with video and additional content. See pg. 23 for details. In the meantime I hope you enjoy this autumn issue.
Contact: Susan Gilchrist t: 028 9332 4511 e: susan@newtownabbeyintouch.com w: www.newtownabbeyintouch.com
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.
HEALTHY LIVING
before
members achieve their weight loss dreams. In group, they learn that slimming doesn’t mean giving up their favourite foods and they can enjoy healthy, hearty, delicious meals by making simple changes to how they are cooked and prepared. Many also find they have much more energy and become more active by starting small and finding something fun – from walking the kids to school, dance classes or washing the car – it all absolutely counts!” Slimming World member Nicola Rodgers from Newtownabbey has lost an incredible 3st 6lb since joining the Glengormley Integrated PS group 6 months ago. She says:
Shoot For The Moon Local Slimming World Consultants are urging people wanting to lose weight to aim for their dream weight, after a study found that people who set ambitious targets lose almost twice as much weight in 12 months.
“When I walked through the doors at Slimming World, I really didn’t think that my weight loss dreams could come true. When Louisa asked me what I’d love to lose, I never imagined it would be possible. Then, after learning that I can lose weight enjoying unlimited amounts of everyday foods like fruit and vegetables, pasta, rice, potatoes, fish and lean meat and without having to give up my favourite meal - a roast dinner – I didn’t look back!”
Latest research conducted by Slimming World shows that people shouldn’t feel limited by past weight loss attempts and should instead aim high for their dream weight. The national study of 24,457 people with a BMI (body mass index) in the obese category found that the more ambitious the target, the more weight people lose – regardless of their starting weight. In Newtownabbey, 2 out of 3 adults are overweight, putting their health at risk. Your local Slimming World group is the best place to get motivational support along with care and camaraderie to make simple, healthy changes to lose weight and keep it off. No dream is out of reach – whether it’s to lose ten pounds or ten stone, fit into a smaller dress or suit size, run around with the kids or run a 10k race – Slimming World can help to get you there!
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Nicola today: After losing 3st 6lbs with Slimming World
Consultant Natalie Parker says, “We never tell members what they should weigh - all new members choose their own target weight when they join. It is much more motivating when you’re aiming for a weight you dream to be rather than what you’re told you should be or think is achievable. All Slimming World consultants know what it’s like to struggle with weight and we also understand that offering support is key to achieving your weight loss goals.”
“If anyone is thinking of joining Slimming World, I’d say ‘go for it’. Whatever you dream to lose, with Slimming World you can absolutely do it. I was nervous walking through those doors; however the warm welcome I got from the Consultant and the group and the belief they showed in me was amazing. Now, 6 months on, I still love going to group each week for top tips, motivation and support – I’ve changed my habits for life and know that I’ll never go back to being the same unhappy size I was.”
“We love seeing members achieve their target! In our groups, members share recipes, challenges and solutions and celebrate success together. It’s all about support, care, encouragement and fun and that’s why we regularly see
Slimming World groups are held throughout the week in Newtownabbey - to find one near you, please see the list of local groups on the next page or visit our website: www.slimmingworld.co.uk
Join aa warm warm and and friendly group Join group near near you youtoday... today... MONDAY MONDAY KnagsBar Bar&& Grill, Grill, Function Function Suite Suite Knags *NEW VENUE* *NEW VENUE* 5.30pmand and 7.30pm 7.30pm 5.30pm Call Jemma on 07823 332411 Call Jemma on 07823 332411 Glengormley High School Glengormley High School 5.30pm and 7.30pm 5.30pm and 7.30pm Call Joyce on 07881 581218 Call Joyce on 07881 581218 Hazelwood Integrated Hazelwood Integrated Primary School Primary School 5.30pm and 7.30pm 5.30pm and 7.30pm Call Lorraine on 07824 702774 Call Lorraine on 07824 702774 Ballyclare, Foundry House Ballyclare, 5.30pm andFoundry 7.30pm House 5.30pm and 7.30pm Call Julie on 07779 176338 Call Julie on 07779 176338 TUESDAY TUESDAY Mossley Hockey Club Mossley 9.30am, Hockey 11.30am,Club 5.30pm and 7.30pm 9.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm and 7.30pm Call Aileen on 07779 728769 Call Aileen on 07779 728769 Merville House 5.30pm House and 7.30pm Merville Call Natalie 07894 711791 5.30pm and on 7.30pm Call Natalie on 07894 Mayfield Village Hall 711791 5.30pm and 7.30pm Mayfield Village Hall Call Jemma on 07823 332411 5.30pm and 7.30pm Call Jemma on 07823 332411 Church of the Good Shepherd Monkstown Church of the Good Shepherd 5.30pm and 7.30pm Monkstown Call Joanne on 07742 296084 5.30pm and 7.30pm Call Joanne on 07742 296084 WEDNESDAY
Glengormley Integrated Primary WEDNESDAY School Glengormley Integrated Primary 5.30pm and 7.30pm School Call Louisa on 07843 209859 5.30pm and 7.30pm Call Louisa on 07843 209859
Rathfern RathfernCommunity CommunityCentre Centre5.30pm 5.30pm and 7.30pm and 7.30pm Call CallMichelle Michelleon on07742 07742875635 875635 THURSDAY THURSDAY The Parish Centre The Parish Centre St Bernard’s Church St Bernard’s Church 5.30pm and 7.30pm 5.30pm and 7.30pm Call Martine on 07776 497093 Call Martine on 07776 497093 The Valley Leisure Centre The Valley Leisure Centre *NEW CONSULTANT* *NEW CONSULTANT* 5.30pm and 7.30pm 5.30pm and Call Natalie on7.30pm 07894 711791 Call Natalie on 07894 711791 Nortel Social Club (The Standard) Nortel Social Club (The Standard) 9.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm and 7.30pm 9.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm and 7.30pm Call Joanne on 07742 296084 Call Joanne on 07742 296084 Ballyclare, Foundry House Ballyclare, 5.30pm and Foundry 7.30pm House 5.30pm and Call Doreen on7.30pm 07521 976632 Call Doreen on 07521 976632 FRIDAY FRIDAY The Parish Centre The Parish Centre St Bernard’s Church *NEW GROUP* 9.30am St Bernard’s Church *NEW GROUP* Call Martine on 07776 497093 9.30am Call MartineFoundry on 07776 497093 Ballyclare, House 9.30am Ballyclare, Foundry House Call Doreen on 07521 976632 9.30am Call Doreen on 07521 976632 SATURDAY Whitehouse SATURDAYPresbyterian Church 9.30am and 11.30am Whitehouse Presbyterian Church Call Martine 07776 497093 9.30am andon 11.30am
live happy! with live Slimming happy! World with
Call Martine on 07776 497093
eing you there! x We look forwad to se eing you there! x se to ad rw fo ok lo e W
Slimming World
HEALTHY LIVING
Specsavers Newtownabbey Launches New Unsung Hero Award Spirit of Newtownabbey prize to reward a special local person. To celebrate 15 years looking after the eye health and hearing of local people in the Newtownabbey area, Specsavers in Abbeycentre is launching a new Spirit of Newtownabbey award. Tony McGinn, store director and optometrist at Specsavers Newtownabbey explains the background to the new local competition: ‘Myself and the team at Specsavers, Abbeycentre have had the privilege of looking after the eyes and ears of our local community in Newtownabbey for 15 years and to mark this very special anniversary we want to shine a light on fantastic local champions right here on our doorstep.’ Spotlighting local people who make a difference ‘During our eight year sponsorship of the Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards I’ve been inspired and amazed by those people who have shared their stories. We want to spotlight our brilliant local people who are contributing so much to the Newtownabbey community.’
Specsavers is looking for someone who could be a charity champion, a special carer, a dedicated community worker, an amazing grandparent, a sports coach; all of whom bring happiness into the lives of those people they are in touch with. ‘During my 15 years in the community people have shared so many heartwarming stories so let’s shine a light on our local unsung champions.’
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Tony McGinn, store director at Specsavers says, ‘We want to spotlight our brilliant local people who are contributing so much to Newtownabbey.’
Nominations in by 19 October If you know someone who deserves this recognition, simply detail their name, address and write or type up a short description as to why they stand out. Label it ‘Specsavers Spirit of Newtownabbey Awards’ and bring it to the Specsavers store in Newtownabbey by 8pm, Thursday 19 October 2017. Please include contact details of the nominee and your own contact details. Win a special trophy and designer specs The winner will be presented with a special crystal trophy and a pair of designer glasses while the person who nominated them will also collect their choice of designer specs. Tony said, ‘Specsavers in Abbeycentre has built up a reputation for outstanding eyecare and now hearcare and the team are also passionate about playing their part in the local community. ‘We sponsor the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice, Run Rabbit Run and to follow on from that we want to celebrate what is great in Newtownabbey.’ ‘What a fitting way to celebrate Specsavers’ 15 years at Abbeycentre.’ Make an appointment The professional team of 6 optometrists and 1 audiologist is led by Tony McGinn with over 27 years’ experience. To make an appointment, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/newtownabbey or call 028 9036 9569 and bring this voucher to the store for a free eye test.
GREENACRES GOLF CENTRE
THIS AUTUMN WHY NOT GIVE GREENACRES A VISIT? A beautiful 18 hole par 70 course built into the County Antrim rolling landscape with lakes at 5 holes. We have easy membership terms, simply pay £150 deposit and begin to play (t&c’s apply). Details on our web site: greenacresgolfcentre.co.uk
LESSONS AVAILABLE From one of our three professionals at Johnny Foster Golf Academy: Johnny: 07749 446632 Chris Gallagher: 07478 716958 Jordan Passmore: 07598 552742
ALSO AT GREENACRES Custom Club fitting for everyone at ‘Clubhouse’. Contact Robin 07732488642 www.clubhouseni.com Mini golf 18 hole purpose built course Family ticket only £10 Mon - Fri 7am -10pm | Sat and Sun 7am - 9pm T: 028 9335 4111 | E: info@greenacresgolfcentre.com www.greenacresgolfcentre.co.uk
SPECIAL AUTUMN OFFER 2 ball £34 3 ball £48 4 ball £60 Available Mon-Fri and after 2pm Sat & Sun 9 holes available for £10 everyday after 3pm
Fully floodlight driving range with new pop-ups in some bays. Ideal for beginners and the more advanced golfer.
How To Shop Smart For Your Baby Pregnancy is an emotional time when money worries may take second place to health and welfare issues. Costs can spiral out of control! But with a bit of careful planning and smart shopping, parents-to-be can make sensible, innovative choices that can literally transform family life. The American custom of holding ‘baby showers’ is growing ever more popular. This is a great opportunity for parentsto-be to ‘gently’ suggest what items are needed. It is also a time when grandparents might step in to help with costs. But, like any big life event, there will be the items you simply can’t do without…and items that make things a bit more special! Travel systems Your most important purchase will be your travel system. (This is the pram and the detachable car seat). Speak to in-house shop professionals about your life style and your needs. For example, many rural families love the JANE
TRIDER pram which is super on rough terrains and steep hills. If you are a city dweller, your needs will be different. The best way to approach this purchase is to set a budget (remember a travel system is not cheap and if you buy a quality model it could last you for many years). Try out the models you like. How easy are they to fold? How compact are they? How light are they?….Do you travel for more than an hour? If so, you should consider a model such as the JANE MATRIX as its car seat doubles as a lie-flat carrycot, keeping your baby’s airways open in the ultrasafe lie-flat position.
Added to this is new car-seat i-Size regulations. i-Size is a new European-wide car seat regulation (the first phase of a safety standard called R129), which aims to make car seats safer. It’s designed to keep children rear-facing for longer, provide better side impact protection and make car seats easier to fit correctly. Instead of basing car seats and how they are used around the age of a child, the legislation determines this based around the child’s weight. We all like a travel system that looks good, but it needs to be a functional product which will keep your baby as safe as possible.. and make your life easy. Heritage Ride on toys, rockers and heritage toys are also worth investing in. There is something nice about keeping a few toys, such as SILVERCROSS Heritage doll’s prams, which you can pass down through the generations. But it is important to consider how innovative or functional a product is. For example, if you invest in a
good quality high chair such as a JANE ACTIVA EVO, it can be transformed into a table and chair set for a toddler, when a high chair is no longer needed. The best advice is to do your research and consider products that will keep your baby safe. You can call in at Samuel Johnston Mallusk, Northern Ireland’s longest established nursery and car seat specialist, and ‘try before you buy’ to ensure you get the best products to suit your family’s lifestyle.
‘The longevity of a product is key. Go for quality….you need to get your money’s worth.’ It can all seem like a bit of a minefield! It’s best to take advice from the experts!
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FAMILY LIFE
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FAMILY LIFE
Moving Tomorrow… Sorry? For Mya, there was a real fear about the house they were moving to. It was going to be a new neighbourhood, a new language, new friends, new school, new everything. While Ryan and I were so excited at the prospect of new everything, our only daughter had barely said an excited word since we started packing up. I was going to start a new job in a Norwegian school; I mean goodbye English curriculum, hello hope! Ryan was going to start his dream job and couldn’t wait to start his ski lessons. But as for our 9 year old daughter, it was going to be new accents, new curriculum and no school uniform. Although home was not the only place she’d lived in, it was the only place she remembered. Well apart from Mrs Grills, our childminder, who has always been my competitor. Bless her! “Why can’t I stay with Mrs Grills, after all, she knows exactly what I need. Like I go there every morning and 3 afternoons remember? So she qualifies to be my Goddess mother or whatever you call them.” said Mya desperately. Today, Mya’s quietness has occupied my mind and I wonder if moving home is up there with death and divorce for children. Is it this tough for them even if parents are going with them? Perhaps as parents we are not as emotionally occupied as kids because we are busy trying to figure out what needs packed or what bills need paid. Maybe kids leaving the only thing they have ever known could be as daunting a thing as loosing someone they love? Does it open up a flood of emotions from apprehensiveness to resentment? I had to stop all else and focus on Mya’s mood. I probably need to reassure her about what the change will mean for her. How times have changed though! I remember when dad and I had to leave home. I never knew much where we were going or why we had to leave our friends behind until we were packed and ready to go to the airport. Then Dad explained it all. All a distant memory, however, I still remember sobbing on the plane as I saw the beautiful clouds of Africa begin to fade away. “Mya, do you fancy meeting me for a mum daughter date after school today? You can choose your fast food joint and I promise to skip my diet for today.” I suggest as I tried my hardest to be enthusiastic about pizza galore. As we drove silently to pizza express, both lost in our thoughts, I wondered how it’ would be if Nathan was still alive. Would it be a different move if she had Nathan as a big brother to share her worries with him? “Will I still see Nana?” Mya asked interrupting my thoughts. “Of course, honey you will and she will be able to visit us too!”
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“Can I skype my friends as soon as we arrive?” “Yes, most definitely you can, as soon as we set up the network we’ll be good to go” I answered hurriedly so as to keep the conversation as positive as possible. Not knowing how our dinner conversation was going to turn out, I quickly recapped silently what my friend Lona, a child psychologist advised me. “Give her lots of information about the place you are going to. Show her photographs of her new classmates, Ryans office and your place of work. Show her where her favourite things might go and ask for her opinion on it” assured Lona. I was glad for the week off that my generous boss had offered me. I was able to make a pretty album for Mya titled ‘Moving on to Greater Adventures’. I was now determined to make it her best move ever. “Try and set up her bedroom first to give her time to settle in” suggested Lona. “Explain that it’s normal to feel upset and anxious about the move. It might be worthwhile sharing your personal experiences on how you felt when you moved from Africa. Most importantly, try and emphasise that her hobbies such as hockey and her love for being part of a team will remain the same including her fishing she shares with her Dad. This will reassure her that she won’t get bored in the new place” Lona added. I now realise children need a lot of reassurance and encouragement from their parents regardless of their age. Talk to them about your move and do it early to give them as much time as possible to adjust to the idea. Tell them all about their new home and give them lots of appropriate facts and information for their age and level of understanding.
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FAMILY LIFE
Fall For Great Offers at Lough Erne Resort Lough Erne Resort have just the thing to warm you up this Autumn, with a host of seasonal offers that will have you ready to cosy up, snuggle in and enjoy the beautiful backdrop of the five-star resort. Cruise into September with a two-night midweek stay in a Lodge Guest Room and enjoy a complimentary 1-hour cruise on Lough Erne with Erne Water Taxi. With an indulgent breakfast created by Noel McMeel each morning and access to the Infinity Pool, Jacuzzi and Sauna, this get away will leave you feeling revived and refreshed, from just £160pps. Or for the discerning gourmet guest, let Lough Erne tempt you with a complimentary 10th Anniversary G&C cocktail alongside hand made marshmallows, infused with boatyard gin and made to Noel’s exacting recipe! Available from September, enjoy a leisurely swim in The Infinity Pool and take a stroll along the Collop walk as part of this two night break, from just £150pps. Got the Sunday Blues? Lough Erne knows just the thing to sort those out! Arrive on a Sunday and banish the blues with a complimentary hot chocolate and cookies on arrival. Enjoy an overnight stay in a luxurious guest room, a delicious breakfast in The Catalina Restaurant and a soak in the Jacuzzi in the Thai Spa, from just £75pps.
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Cozy
And finally – Thank Lough Erne It’s Friday! Let the weekend start in luxury, with an overnight stay for two guests, dinner for two in the Loughside Bar & Grill and of course, access to the Infinity Pool, Jacuzzi, Sauna and Steam room at The Thai Spa and a mouthwatering breakfast in the Catalina Restaurant. With access to the Collop Walk and to Ernie’s Den for games and activities for the little ones. Priced at only £112pps, this offer will put a smile on everyone’s face! To find out more about the best offers for Lough Erne Resort, check out www.lougherneresort.com or stay up to date by following @lougherneresort on Instagram and liking facebook.com/lougherneresort
Lough Erne Resort Belleek Road | Enniskillen BT93 7ED
028 6632 3230
Solid Fuel Stoves
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temptations
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Let us tempt you to a two night stay at Lough Erne Resort this Autumn. Savour a complimentary 10th Anniversary Cocktail and Signature Marshmallows on arrival and awake to an indulgent breakfast. Take a stroll along The Collop Walk with views across the Fermanagh Lakelands and enjoy a swim in The Infinity Pool at The Thai Spa. Offer is subject to availability. T: +44 (0)28 6632 3230 or visit lougherneresort.com Belleek Road, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, BT93 7ED
CozyWarmup Winter Warmu Cozy Winter y Winter Warmup
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FAMILY LIFE
And Relax.......... ZZZZZZZZZ By Luke North
My wife laughed. I grimaced. In Touch magazine was asking me about my sleep pattern: how well do I sleep, how do I get to sleep, how do I stay sleeping....... And the answers, in order: I don’t, not sure and, I rarely do. So that’s my ‘pedigree’, what’s yours? A Daily Mirror article a few years back, estimated that we spend, in our lifetime, around 5 months complaining, 11 years in front of the TV, and, wait for it, up to 26 years sleeping!! Now the complaining bit, yes, I do find things to complain about (occasionally!), the TV, hmmm, yes, quite a bit in the evening, especially those 9pm dramas that are now back with us for the autumn/winter schedule, but 26 years tucked up in bed?? TWENTY SIX YEARS?? An American website has suggestions for how to sleep better – or in my case and I suspect for quite a few readers – just ‘how to sleep’ would be good! The usual ‘can’t sleep on a Sunday night’ affected me for many years. As a teacher, I found there was just so much going on in my head and as the clock inched its way past 3am I used to despair, dreading a one hour first lesson with a raucous and giddy Year 11 class. And you still had that Year 10 to battle with before you’d even reached for a coffee at morning break.
Another ‘biggie’ for me is noise in the street; or to be more precise - noise of any kind. The curtains flapping, a door creaking, a passing aeroplane on its way to goodness knows where at that time of night. The list goes on: pillow too flat, pillow too hard, pillow damp with sweat, cold feet, a wrinkled sheet under me..... Honestly, I used to be, possibly, the worst sleeper. Until I retired. Not much consolation for you if you still have another 20 years to go! I’ve dabbled with various bits and pieces of work since retiring, but none has caused the sort of anxiety or stress that I so readily equate to teaching. I now have time to read in bed. Crime fiction, stories of political intrigue, I even read three summer romance novels my wife hadn’t got round to starting back in June!
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I enjoy an evening glass of wine, and this may well help, though obviously in moderation. Exercise is the other one, certainly a key element. A recent visit to see how our son was getting on at his new place of work ended up in a four hour trek, five yards behind him across Dublin! He marched us from the Docklands to Trinity College, from O’Connell Street Upper to Grafton Street, only stopping to catch our breath alongside the statue of sweet Molly Malone. My wife and I slept that night like two folk who hadn’t seen their bed in about a month. So apart from taking retirement, what’s my advice to you? • Try to go to bed at around the same time each night. • Take at least one walk through the day. • Head to your local library and select two or three books, but remember to allow enough time to actually ‘get into’ the book, not five minutes; I plan to read each evening for around 30 to 50 minutes. • NO COFFEE after, say 3pm – seriously! • Make sure your room is not too warm, not too cold, make sure it’s dark – a blackout roller blind is a wise investment. • And last, but by no means least, get a good bed, a comfortable mattress, a quilt that’s the right tog for the time of year, and a pillow you look forward to easing your head onto.......and then.......relax!
Offer available until 31 December 2017.
FAMILY LIFE
You Busy This Friday Evening? The end of another long week, lunch boxes shoved into the cupboard, work shoes lying in a heap in a corner and your tie/blouse/overalls thankfully put away until Monday morning. And how do you relax? How do you get away from it all? Slouched in an armchair for two days? Long walks in the park? Follow your favourite sport? Entertain the kiddies? Entertain at home? The art of ‘home entertainment’ has taken on something of a fresh twist. Mention those two words and the younger generation will visualise flat screen televisions, iPods and their docks, or a neat Soundbar complete with midwoofers and high range tweeters nestling along the front of your aforementioned flat screen telly! (I had to google that last description!!) They’ll happily enthuse about the advantage of Netflix, Amazon Prime or even some other illegal method of bringing life and sound to that (again aforementioned) flat screen mini cinema screen taking up half the living room! Have the days of ‘home entertainment’ gone? Your parents and grandparents would most certainly remember being invited on a Friday or Saturday evening to a neighbour or relative’s home. In parts of Northern Ireland, people still talk of a ceili, or going ceili-ing. That’s a traditional gathering for fun, fellowship, and laughs or craic, if you prefer. How many of us do that sort of thing, nowadays?
but someone forced a microphone into your reluctant grasp. Cue shouts of ‘oh, ye will’ etc.... Take That played loud can be bad enough, but Take That played loud and sung atrociously is one sure way of realising that you need to nip home to feed the cat. And I’ll never forget the neighbour who loved showing us her holiday snaps. My wife had been subjected to them one afternoon for nearly two hours. I’d seen about 60 when I called for our son who was playing with her kids. We’d nodded, smiled and genuinely admired the views/ portraits/fuzzy faces. But imagine our horror, having a drink there one evening, when she suddenly sprang to her feet, switched off the lights, and, removing a picture from a wall, pointed some kind of projector at it. Talk about trapped. The only thing she didn’t do was lock the door. Nearly 1,000 photos later, we admitted defeat and crawled home. On a much lighter side, one of my daughters invites friends of a similar age around, and once the children and their school have been discussed, plus the latest goings-on at work, they all happily get stuck into Trivial Pursuit. And amid much laughter, banter and teasing, that’s how they pass a couple of very social hours in very good company.
Going to someone’s house now, is often for a much different – though still very social – reason.
So this Halloween, this Christmas, this New Year’s Eve, why not consider something a little different? No more PlayStations, forget thousands of holiday pics, and most definitely NO karaoke, at least not until you’ve had a very large glass of something.......
I know of men in their 30s who still have Xbox and PlayStation nights. Well, before I raise my eyebrows, I suppose it’s less dangerous than getting roped into a poker playing session.
How about a friendly quiz? Questions based on The Chase – now available in all good shops, as they say, or Trivial Pursuit – though I have to warn you, many of the latter questions are anything but trivial!
And then there’s karaoke. Yes, seriously, it’s not that long ago that a relative used to invite us over for an evening, and no sooner had you placed your rear end on a chair,
And just to get you in the mood: Under which name does popular children’s author J K Rowling write adult crime fiction? By Luke North
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FAMILY LIFE
Family at the Centre of Our Business to help by delivering the very best possible service and assistance to families who are bereaved, underpins every decision we make. As a completely independent firm we can ensure that our prices remain at an affordable level, so that the highest standard of service continues to be readily available to everyone.
L to R: William Morgan, Rosemary-Anne Berryman, Nick Berryman, Raymond Morgan and David Dunlop.
Melville Morgan was established in 1858 as ‘Melville & Company Limited,’ operating out of premises in Townsend Street, North Belfast. It was passed down through generations of the family, before being sold in the 1960’s to another local family, the Johnsons. They continued the tradition on, as a family business providing professional funeral services to the people of Greater Belfast and beyond. In the 1980’s the Morgan family (perhaps better known in those days for the old established business John Morgan & Sons Ltd or Morgan Removals) acquired Melvilles from the Johnson family. An entirely different business, but still in the service sector, Morgans brought their own experience and professionalism to the funeral industry in NI. By keeping the business family base and so maintaining the personal service, Melvilles has continued to serve the people of Ulster to the highest possible standard. Raymond Morgan, Chairman of the John Morgan Group, has overseen Melvilles since its acquisition. His son in law Nick Berryman now runs the business, assisted by son William, daughter Rosemary-Anne and nephew David Dunlop on the Board of Directors. With a close family unit at the helm, the business rebranded in 2017 as ‘Melville Morgan.’ The family remain keen to keep the public aware that whilst we have a number of branches, ours is still a family firm, with our family values at the core of all that we do. In this regard we are unique in our service offering, as we are the largest independent funeral directors in the greater Belfast area. A funeral business is like no other business. Attention to detail, coupled with understanding and a genuine desire
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Funeral costs are something many people don’t think about in advance of a death occurring. It can be a distressing time. When funeral costs are unanticipated, the financial burden can unnecessarily add to the pressure and anxiety a family may experience. This can be avoided. Pre-arranging a funeral plan is a helpful financial tool which provides peace of mind and can help save money. It enables you to fix the cost of funeral services at today’s prices, saving on average some 7% per annum (according to a number of funeral pricing surveys). As well as providing a financial benefit, a funeral plan offers independence and peace of mind, as your exact wishes will be recorded in the plan, removing the burden from your family when death occurs. Melville Morgan offer the The Perfect Choice Funeral Plan. It is the plan recommended by the National Association of Funeral Directors, the trade association whose membership represents 85% of all UK Funeral Directors. Ecclesiastical Insurance, one of the largest insurers in the UK manages the Fund. Should you wish to receive information about the Perfect Choice Funeral Plan, please contact us by phone, or call in to one of our branches.
195 York Road | Belfast
028 9077 9252
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FAMILY LIFE
Family Fun and Fright at the MAC this Halloween This Halloween, your little monsters are in for a fright at the MAC. Enjoy freaky Family Fun for all ages with wicked workshops, spooky storytime sessions, and not to mention a thrilling theatre experience for your 7+ skeletons, as Theatre Lovett presents They Called her Vivald.
Baby Boo
28 – 31 Oct, 10am – 11am There’s nothing your baby loves more than to copy your facial expressions and listen to the sound of your voice. Peak-a-BOO with baby in this multi-sensory workshop, where little one’s age 0-6 months will explore a range of textures, sights and sounds that will stimulate wonder and curiosity. Tickets are £7 and accompanying adult goes free.
Monster Mash-Up
28 – 31 Oct, 2pm – 3pm Fun is freaky in the Monster Mash-Up. Create monster dolls, get messy with eerie eyeballs and monsters brains, as well as learning how to create Zombie bites with a professional makeup and FX artist. Perfect for kids age 4 – 11 years. Tickets are £7 and are available from themaclive. com.
Spinetingling Stories
The Whisper Room
23 October – 1 November Free to visit and open daily from 10am – 7pm, tiptoe into the deepest, darkest room in the MAC this Halloween. Hidden in the creaks and cracks are voices that tell spooky stories, share scary secrets, and if you’re lucky, teach you some silly songs.
A Feast of Bones 30 – 31 October
Child £7 / Adult £12.50 - £18 Family favourites Theatre Lovett return to the MAC, promising to delight young audiences in this upbeat comedy-adventure, They Called her Vivaldi. A sensitive musical-prodigy makes a quiet name for herself in a cacophonous world. As our young heroine journeys over cobblestones and canals, we learn about love, loss, the place of salt in our diet and the courage to lose our footing without losing our way. Catch it at the MAC from 30 - 31 October, just in time for Halloween. Performances at 11am, 5pm and 5pm, which last 1 hour. MAC suggests: 7 years +. Tickets available at themaclive.com or call our Box Office on 028 9023 5053.
28-31 Oct, 3:15pm – 4pm
Listen open-mouthed as the old bard tells spooky tales from Ireland and the dark forests of Germany. Ghosts, pookas, witches and things that go bump in the night will leave no spine untingled. Only for children who are old enough, brave enough and prepare to be scared!
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They Called
They Called Her Vivaldi 30 – 31 Oct, 11am, 5pm & 6pm Child £7 / Adult £18 - £12.50 A captivating comedy adventure, full of imagination, music and thrills for the whole family this Halloween at the MAC.
Book now at themaclive.com
Per f 7+ yect for ear s
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YOUR HOME
Why You Should Install a Wood Burning Stove Wood Burning Stoves may seem like an expensive luxury for your home and by the time you include materials and fitting you will be looking at a bill of at least £1000 depending on the Stove you have chosen. But once up and running, there are many rewards and you can save on heating costs to. Gets the Family Together Everyone can settle down for the evening in one room, the room with the stove, and switch off the central heating. In so many households the family sit in one room all evening watching TV – whilst heating a whole house full of radiators. Okay, if you’ve children this may not be so practical, however, there are always woolly jumpers. It has been said that central heating killed the family as prior to the invasion of the rads, families grouped together in one room, the room with the fire. Today, families are often scattered around the house, Facebooking, Texting, Xboxing and such stuff.
evenings in a 5kw stove and many are made from untreated wood. Purchase a small handheld electric cutter and a pallet is a pile of firewood in less than ten minutes. You can also collect wood from along the coast after a storm. If you need to buy wood for when the scavenging fails, buy compressed Heat Logs by the pallet load and they work out quite reasonable. Increase the value of your property Google “wood stove increases value home” and see how many articles discuss this. “This Is Money” state that a woodburner can increase your property’s value by up to 5%! Wow! Estate Agents say;
“rental properties fitted with wood burners are highly sought after as tenants aim to ensure they can stay in control of their heating bills”. Good for the environment: wood is carbon neutral Growing trees is good for the planet and whether wood is burned or left to rot in the ground it emits the same amount of carbon monoxide. Wood is also a “renewable” meaning that when trees are growing they absorb carbon dioxide and when they are burned (or left to rot) they release the same amount of carbon dioxide. When the Power Fails, You Stay Warm It rarely happens we know, but if there is a power cut your boiler switches off. Your electric heaters also switch off. With a few candles and your feet up, you’re sitting stress free, enjoying the warmth and romance of your stove. More Efficient Than an Open Fire Open fires are about 25% efficient. This means that, for every log burnt, 75% of the heat is lost up the chimney. But a modern log burner is about 80% efficient so only 20% goes up the chimney. A HUGE difference which ensures every log provides far more heat to the room. Enhances life There is something about having a real fire in the house that links us to the earth, the planet. That might sound a little mad but maybe if you have a stove or open fire you’ll understand.
There’s free wood all over the place The more you get used to looking the more you will find. Scavenging is fun. A friend chopping down a tree? Talk to them. Local shops that might throw away wooden pallets? Talk to them. Know any builders? Talk to them and grab the untreated stuff. Check those skips (ask before taking). One pallet will last about three winter
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Wood fires are simple – the same technology used by man since man first lived in a cave, the antidote to busy lives, stressful jobs, emails and technology. Chopping and storing wood is hard work at times but rewarding and relaxing at the same time. Stoves are fun, romantic, simple and warming. In terms of advice, there is much available online. One such example is: www. stovefittersmanual.co.uk
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YOUR HOME
Saving Money on Your Heating Bill As we are now officially into Autumn and the temperature starts to fall, we will be tempted to turn our heating systems back on. Perhaps in the morning, definately in the evening. For many this will bring the worry about the cost of heating their homes. The good news is that it is possible to cut heating costs whilst still having a warm home. So here are some simple ideas to keep your home warm whilst using less energy, thus saving money. Some might seem a bit obvious but we tend to forget the basics sometimes. Utilise the low winter positioning of the sun to warm your home by opening curtains on the East and West facing windows during the day. Home heating boilers need to be serviced each year in order for them to perform effeciently throughout the winter season. Efficiency is lost with poorly maintained heating systems and if your boiler is more than 10 years old, it could be worth replacing it with a new model. A high-efficiency condensing boiler could cut your fuel bills by up to £200 per year. Challenge yourself to reduce your heating thermostat this winter. According to The Energy Saving Trust, reducing your room temperature by 1C (1.8F) could cut your heating bills by up to 10 per cent. Thermostats should be set to the lowest comfortable setting, typically between 18C – 21C. Your thermostat controll for your hot water should be set at 60C (140F) – any higher is too hot for everyday needs. if you wear a t-shirt and shorts indoors over winter, this is a sure sign that your thermostat is set too high. Invest in some warm woolly clothes and turn that thermostat down. If you are buying new appliances this winter, make sure you invest in energy-efficient models that carry the Energy Saving Recommended (ESR) logo. A-rated appliances are the most energy efficient and purchasing the most energy-efficient model you can afford will save you money in the long term. When using your washing machine, 85 to 90% of energy is used just to heat up the water. By reducung the water temperature of your wash you will reduce the amount of energy you use and save money. Also, try not to use the washing machine until you have a full load. Running a bathroom or kitchen fan for an hour can deplete your home of its warm air. It is therefore essential
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to turn them off as soon as possible after cooking or having a shower. When you have finished cooking with your oven, leave the oven door open until it cools to warm the kitchen further. A wood burning fireplace gives more heat than a gas fireplace. Most wood burning fireplaces or stoves can burn scrap wood, fallen trees or branches or wood pellets, which are made from sawdust and are one of the most cost-effective forms of home heating. Consider a portable heater for heating a smaller room rather than turning on the central heating, this will be more efficient. A heater with an effective thermostatic control will also save you money. Halogen heaters and oil-filled radiators are noted by energy efficient experts as a more cost effective way of heating a single room. Heavy curtains over your windows will add an interior barrier to the cold, especially if you don’t have doubleglazed windows. Placing a warm rug over tiles, on concrete or a wooden floor will provide some extra insulation. However on a slippery floor it is important to lay a rug with a slip resistant back to avoid any accidents. Allow your body to acclimatise naturally to the change in weather. Try to avoid using too much heat whilst driving and keep your home slightly cooler so that your body can adjust to the idea that it’s winter. Keep warm!
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YOUR HOME
Autumn Craft Ideas for your Home If you are excited about the start of autumn and want your home to reflect this seasonal vibe, we highly recommend making a few seasonal updates to your living space. Without spending lots of time and money, there are several simple interior decorating tricks you can try so your home feels fresh for autumn this year. Experiment with Faux Fur This is one of the most popular choices of dĂŠcor with professional designers this year. Adding a simple fake fur throw blanket on the back of your sofa couch or faux fur cushions in your living room is a quick, inexpensive way to add a cosy touch to your space as the weather cools down.
Table autumn decoration centrepiece There are so many autumn decorations that can be made at home. Why not recycle your jam jars and put in some healthy raw veggies to make snack times healthier. Crafting faux leaves to make pretty lightweight bowls can also be a fun thing to do with the whole family. Blow up a balloon (the larger the balloon, the larger your bowl will be) and rest it in a bowl. Cover the top of the balloon and the top sides of leaves with decopatch glue. Gently layer the leaves face down on the balloon, forming a bowl shape. Brush more decoupage medium on the backs of the leaves. Once dried, poke a hole in the balloon and discard balloon. image courtesy of Pinterest Redecorate your Mantelpiece Re-decorating a mantel each season is a non-expensive design must. When getting ready for autumn, think earthy, cosy and rustic. You can decorate with birch logs in the fireplace, stacks of books and candlesticks up top can create the vibe of a warm, upscale library space. Pick New Plants Why not try to use some seasonal plants such as dahlia, goldenrod or the elegant rosebud cherry. Or even replicate a chandelier with leaves instead of lights. Drill a 1â „4-inch hole in each jam lid. Pull a separate piece of rope through each hole and tie a knot under each lid. Place single leaves in jars, and tightly secure lids. Tie rope pieces together and hang from a heavy-duty ceiling hook.
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Inheritance Tax Rule Changes Effective Estate Planning can safeguard your wealth for future generations. If you want to have control over what happens to your assets after your death, effective estate planning is essential. You want to make sure you protect as much of your wealth as possible and pass it on to the right people. If you do not plan for what happens to your assets when you die, your estate could be subject to Inheritance Tax. The rules around Inheritance Tax changed from 6 April 2017. The introduction of an additional nil-rate band is good news for married couples looking to pass the family home down to their children or grandchildren, but not every estate can claim it. Bereaved families It pays to think about Inheritance Tax while you can and calculate how much potentially could be taken out of your estate – before it becomes your family’s problem to deal with. Everyone in the UK, regardless of marital status, is entitled to leave an estate worth up to £325,000 without having to pay any Inheritance Tax. This is known as the ‘nil-rate band’. Anything above that amount is taxed at an Inheritance Tax rate of 40%. If you are married or in a registered civil partnership, then you can leave your entire estate to your spouse or partner with no Inheritance Tax liability. The estate will be exempt from Inheritance Tax and will not use up the nil-rate band. The unused nil-rate band is transferred to your spouse or registered civil partner on their death. Should you and your spouse pass away, the value of your combined estate must be valued at more than £650,000 before the estate would face an Inheritance Tax liability. Considered ‘wealthy’ You don’t have to own a large estate to leave behind an Inheritance Tax bill. The nil-rate band has remained frozen at £325,000 since April 2009, Much of the UK population’s wealth is invested in their property, a number of families are potentially being left with a significant Inheritance Tax bill to pay.
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Residence nil-rate band If you’re worried that rising house prices might have pushed the value of your estate into exceeding the nil-rate band, the new ‘residence nil-rate band’ could be significant. From 6 April 2017, it can now be claimed on top of the existing nil-rate band. The new allowance can only be claimed by the estates of people on property that is or was at some point in the past, used as their main residence and forms part of their estate on death. It’s only available to homeowners who plan on leaving their residence to ‘direct descendants’, such as children or grandchildren or step children. If you wish to leave your home to someone else, the new allowance can’t be claimed. Tapering effect Anyone without a property worth at least £175,000 per person, or £350,000 per couple (in 2020/21), will partially benefit. The residence nil-rate band reduces for estates worth more than £2 million by £1 for every £2 above the taper threshold. Because of this tapering effect, there is a point at which claiming the allowance is ruled out completely. Your estate may still be able to claim the residence nil-rate allowance even if you’ve already sold your home, e.g. because you are in residential care or living with your children. If your home was sold after 8 July 2015 and you plan on leaving the proceeds to your direct descendants, there are provisions in place that will allow your estate to claim the new allowance. This doesn’t apply to homes sold before 9 July 2015. Planning ahead In addition, the proceeds payable from any life insurance policies written in an appropriate trust will not form part of your estate and so will not further add to a potential Inheritance Tax bill. Estate planning will enable you to maximise your wealth and minimise Inheritance Tax. To have a comprehensive review and consider the tax-efficient solutions contact us on 028 9262 2910 to arrange a free consultation.
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Traditional Irish Barmbrack Loaf
RECIPE
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Barmbrack is a traditional Irish fruit bread, which is usually consumed around Halloween. It is also known as ‘Irish Tea Cake’ depending on the time of year that you are eating it. It is widely known as Barnbrack, (Bairín Breac). The word “Barn” comes from an old English word, “beorma,” meaning yeasty, fermented liquor and “Brack” comes from the Irish word “brac,” meaning speckled – which it is with the dried fruit and candied peel. The loaf was baked for Halloween and would be quite large and used in a fortune telling game. The tradition was to add to the cake mixture a pea, a stick, a piece of cloth, a coin and a ring which had significance for the person who discovered it in their slice. The person who received the pea wouldn’t marry that year; the stick meant an unhappy marriage; the cloth indicated poverty and the coin riches; while the person who found the ring would wed within the year. However, nowadays it is usually just a ring that’s added to the mixture. Just be careful you don’t break a tooth! The cake is delicious toasted and buttered and, if not immediately consumed, will keep for about 10 days.
Barmbrack
Directions
Makes One Loaf
1. Heat the flour by placing it in a oven proof mixing bowl
Ingredients • • • • • • • • •
2lbs flour 1/4 lb butter 1/4 lb currants 1/4 lb caster sugar 1/2 lb sultanas 1 egg 1oz yeast 2oz peel (candied) Tepid milk as needed
and pop into a warm oven for 15 minutes.
2. Break the butter into the flour and add the sugar until it resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Put the yeast into the flour and with beaten egg and
sufficient tepid milk, make the whole into a loose dough.
4. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes; put to rise in a warm place for 2 hours.
5. Add the prepared fruit and the finely chopped peel and knead again for 8 minutes.*
6. Place in a greased cake-tin, and again put to rise in a warm place for about 20 minutes.
7. Bake in a hot oven for about 1 hour at 180°C/350°F. If the top starts burning, cover with greaseproof paper.
8. When done and if need be, the loaf should be glazed
by brushing over with a solution made from equal parts of sugar and boiling water.
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RECIPE
Chickpea Gazpacho
This creamy Chickpea Gazpacho is a perfect light and refreshing appetiser. It’s also easy to make, as there is no cooking involved, as far as the actual Gazpacho is concerned. Chickpeas contain a whopping 9 grams of protein per ½ cup. They are also jam packed with fibre, which studies suggest can help to lower cholesterol levels, keep you feeling full and prevent constipation.
Soup • • • • • • •
1/2 yellow pepper 1/2 large cucumber 3 small tomatoes (heirloom a plus) 1/2 cup of chickpeas, cooked 1 clove of garlic 2 tablespoons of olive oil 1/4 avocado
Roasted Chickpeas • 3/4 cup of chickpeas, cooked • 1 teaspoon of paprika • Salt and pepper to taste
Method 1. Start by preheating the oven to 200 c 2. Rinse cooked chickpeas with water and
then pat dry with a towel a couple of times to drain any excess liquid and make for better roasting
3. In a bowl, combine beans with salt and pepper and paprika. Stir.
4. Then add beans to a baking sheet and
bake for 20-30 minutes or until the chickpeas are crunchy. We recommend flipping halfway through to make sure they cook evenly.
5. Now we’ll make the soup. Place all soup
Optional toppings
ingredients in the blender and blend away until you get a creamy consistency.
• 5 cherry tomatoes
You can either chill for an hour or serve immediately.
• Small bunch of coriander
Top the gazpacho with roasted chickpeas, sliced cherry tomatoes and coriander
By permission: Wendy and Jess www.foodheavenmadeeasy.com/recipes
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We are a bi-monthly publication offering you local knowledge, topical issues as well as promoting local businesses.
Next issue: January/February Next issue: Nov / Dec 20172015 Copy deadline: deadline: 12th December Copy 13th October2014 Distribution: 5th2nd - 12th- 9th January 2015 Distribution: November
As well as distributing to homes, copies of this magazine can be found at libraries, cafes, local hotels, health clubs, medical centres and local retailers.
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MOTORING
All-Season Driving Fun Customers visiting Ballyrobert Mazda in Newtownabbey can get behind the wheel of the thrilling and stylish all-new Mazda MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback). The sports car features a retractable hardtop roof that delivers superior cabin comfort and refinement, while maintaining the MX-5’s characteristic agility, exhilaration, and superior handling. The all-new Mazda MX-5 RF offers dynamic handling and outstanding fuel efficiency thanks to Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology. Featuring the award-winning SKYACTIV-G petrol engine, the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF can reach 62mph in just 7.4 seconds, and achieve a combined fuel consumption of up to 40.9mpg. Mazda’s engineers tuned the RF’s suspension and electric power steering to ensure customers can enjoy a refined ride alongside superior handling. Perfect for all-season driving, the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF’s retractable hardtop roof can be opened in just 13 seconds, ensuring driving thrills come rain or shine. Motorists can experience the exhilarating joy of open air driving, while feeling safe and secure in the comfort of the premium cabin.
Available in seven stylish colours – including an exclusive Machine Grey Metallic paint – the unique coupe-like design of the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF boasts a sophisticated appearance roof up or down. John Lyle Dealer Principal, said, “The Mazda MX-5 RF offers customers pure driving pleasure with the superior comfort and security of a retractable hardtop roof. It really is the roadster without compromise as the hardtop roof allows customers to experience the car’s thrilling handling and performance whatever the weather.”
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Thanks to its unique design, the boot space of the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF remains the same, even when the hardtop roof is folded. With Mazda’s latest entertainment and infotainment system, MZD-Connect, the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF ensures that Ballyrobert Mazda customers can stay in touch with the world around them whilst driving. The all-new Mazda MX-5 RF line-up offers a range of SKYACTIV engines, from the fuel-efficient yet fun SE-L Nav 131ps SKYACTIV-G petrol engine, to the refined Sport Nav 160ps SKYACTIV-G petrol engine. For customers looking for the added convenience of an automatic model, the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF Sport Nav Auto offers an automatic gearbox for the first time in the UK MX-5 range. Priced from £22,295, the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF is available from Ballyrobert. The all-new Mazda MX-5 RF has been recognised around the world for its innovative design and thrilling performance. At the 2017 Auto Express New Car Awards, the Mazda MX-5 RF was named Roadster of the Year and was recognised by the expert judging panel as being a versatile, refined and affordable performance car. The Mazda MX-5 RF also won the
‘Red Dot: Best of the Best’ title at the 2017 Red Dot product design awards.
For more information about the Mazda MX-5 RF or to book a test drive, visit Ballyrobert Mazda at the Mallusk Road showroom. Call 028 9009 8354 or go to www.ballyrobert-mazda.co.uk
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MAZDA PERSONAL CONTRACT HIRE £896.40 INITIAL RENTAL £298.80 PER MONTH
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Book a test today, call us on 028 9009 8354 BALLYROBERT MAZDA, 1 Mallusk Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim BT36 4XS Tel: 028 9009 8354 www.ballyrobert-mazda.co.uk The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF range: Urban 28.0 (10.1) - 34.9 (8.1). Extra Urban 51.4 (5.5) - 57.6 (4.9). Combined 39.2 (7.2) - 46.3 (6.1). CO2 emissions (g/km) 167 - 142. T&C apply. Subject to availability at participating dealers on vehicle orders received between 01.07.17 and 30.09.17. Figures based on a non-maintenance contract hire package with 1 advance payment followed by 47 monthly rentals. 6,000 contract miles per year. Excess mileage and fair wear and tear charges may apply. You can never own the vehicle. Finance subject to status. Guarantee may be required. 18s and over. Mazda Financial Services Contract Hire RH1 1SR. Model shown: All-new Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 Skyactiv-G 160 SE-L Nav, OTR from £23,510. Model shown features optional Soul Red Metallic paint (£670). OTR price includes VAT, number plates, delivery, 12 months’ road fund licence, first registration fee, 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty and 3 years’ European Roadside Assistance. °Test drives subject to applicant status and availability. Details correct at time of going to print. Not available in conjunction with any other offer unless specified. Ballyrobert Service Station Limited, trading as Ballyrobert Mazda is a credit broker not a lender for this financial promotion. We can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction.
MOTORING
The Big Questions About Driverless Cars Cars that drive themselves – once the preserve of science fiction films and comics – will soon hit our roads for real. But what will this new era really look like? It may well be that the next generation of motorists will be more used to getting about in autonomous pods, but the technology is here today and it’s worth considering how the transition is going to take place over the coming years. How far off are driverless cars? In a very real sense, they’re here already in the everyday features we probably take for granted. Today cars that can park themselves for example and operate cruise control systems that adjust your speed to keep a safe distance from others around you. Many new cars will guide you back into the middle of your lane if you start to drift, or apply the brakes if you’re heading for a collision. The most advanced cars today operate at what’s known as level 2 or ‘partial’ automation. However full autonomy is at level 5. That’s what we all really mean when we talk about driverless cars, those which can take care of every aspect of driving without human interaction. All of Tesla’s new cars are already being fitted with the hardware necessary for full self-driving capability, and CEO Elon Musk claims the software will be ready by the end of the year. Other manufacturers, including traditional carmakers such as Ford and BMW, as well as tech giants Google, plan to have their own autonomous cars on the road within the next five years. Will they be popular? The transition to a society reliant on driverless vehicles is in some ways daunting. In fact our survey for the 2016 RAC Report on Motoring, found 62% of drivers revealed the thought of driverless cars on the road scared them, and just 25% were excited by the prospect. There are of course concerns about the risks that autonomous motoring will bring, along with some scepticism about its benefits. This is because we are really at the start of the journey and much of the technology and transport infrastructure necessary to enable safe autonomous driving is yet to be in place or even developed. Will they make journeys quicker? In part, the answer to this question depends on the answer to the one above. Driverless cars have great potential for making journey times quicker, but only if a critical mass of people are using them.
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A recent study by the Department for Transport estimates that, in a world where all cars are fully autonomous, motorway journey times would be, on average, 11% shorter than they are now. But if only a fifth of cars are fully autonomous, journey times would only be cut by 4% on average – even if the other four-fifths are equipped with some driver assistance technology. Will they be safer? That’s certainly the idea, and one of the main reasons why the Government is enthusiastic about the development of driverless cars. After all, 1,800 people are killed on Britain’s roads every year and another 22,000 seriously injured. Driver error is the most common cause of casualties, recorded as contributing to around three-quarters of all accidents. Take driver error out of the equation, the theory goes, and the number of accidents will fall dramatically. That means fewer injuries, fewer deaths, lower insurance premiums and clearer roads. But will they really be safer? Despite that logic, only 27% of the motorists surveyed for our Report on Motoring said they thought driverless cars would make our roads safer. Why? 51% thought that the new technology would lead to complacency among drivers, and therefore cause more accidents. Of more concern is the potential for something to go wrong with the technology itself. 70% of motorists told us they were worried about the reliability of driverless cars’ software. Or, as the former head of Google’s self-driving car program put it recently, ‘I’ve had people say, “Look, my laptop crashes every day – what if that’s my car?”’ Hacking’s another concern: 66% are worried someone might break into the cars’ computers. What will they mean for breakdowns? Even if driverless cars are involved in fewer collisions, they will inevitably still suffer problems and require assistance. They will still have tyres that burst and batteries that go flat in the winter for example. The new technology will present new challenges for technicians to get to grips with at the roadside – just as they are already having to do with electric cars, for example. On the other hand, autonomous cars will, by necessity, be connected cars. They’ll therefore be constantly collecting and sharing information about themselves, which can be used to facilitate pro-active and predictive breakdown services.
Who’s responsible? Of course, the arrival of driverless cars will necessitate changes to laws that were designed for a world where every car has a driver. Will we still need driving licences, even if we’re not really doing the driving? Maybe not. California’s Department of Motor Vehicles has recently published new draft regulations that would allow people to use fully autonomous cars without a licence.
Will this mean the end of car ownership? There’s already speculation that driverless cars will make the idea of car ownership obsolete. If you could simply summon a car through a touch of your smartphone and have it take you wherever you wanted to go – with no driver to pay – would you bother buying a car yourself? Uber’s betting you wouldn’t, and it’s already begun trialling driverless taxis on the streets of Pittsburgh and San Francisco.
However, if the law requires drivers to be present at the wheel at all times and ready to intervene at the first sign of tech failure, then they will have to take over and be able to drive legally.
But there are many millions of people who enjoy the driving experience and there’s no reason to suppose that motoring clubs and enthusiasts harking after the ‘good old days’ of motoring won’t continue to be popular.
Insurance laws will need updating too. At the moment, it’s drivers that are insured – and the driver at fault who ultimately pays. The Government plans to change this for autonomous cars, so that an insurer covers both the driver and the vehicle. If a fault in the vehicle causes an accident, the insurer would pay out to the victim, but could then claim against the manufacturer.
What does this all mean for businesses? It’s easy to imagine how all this will affect businesses and their fleets of vehicles. Shorter journey times and fewer accidents will both improve efficiency and help keep employees safe. As the vehicle drives them to their destination, employees will be free to work, making them even more productive.
In fact, legislators around the world will need to reconsider all sorts of driving laws. What about drink driving, for example? Will it be legal to be ‘in charge’ of an autonomous car after a few drinks? Of course, it won’t while cars are only partially autonomous, but perhaps it will be once full autonomy is achieved and we simply hop in and out of pods to get from A to B with no need to concern ourselves about who or what is driving.
Of course, the greater reliance on technology will make it more important than ever to conduct thorough walkround checks and make sure all vehicles are in full working condition. Good practice today will remain good practice in the future. courtesy of www.rac.co.uk
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