Newtownabbey
March / April 2016
your community / your life / your business
Local Treats and Rewards
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Motoring Scams And how to avoid them
Spring Bulbs
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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
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M50 TOLL HERE N4
J7
J1
DUBLIN PORT
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TO GALWAY, WESTPORT, SLIGO
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DUN LAOGHAIRE PORT
J10
N31
TO LIMERICK
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N81 J12 J13
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J15 J16 J17
CONTENTS:
10. COMMUNITY
If you have had a car accident and you make enquiries you need to establish that the courtesy car you were given is something you are entitled to.
18.
18. HEALTH
If I told you that you would be paid £250 per month to stop smoking I am sure you would take up the challenge and make a darn good effort to claim the prize.
10.
26. YOUR HOME
26. 38.
As the days lengthen and the daffodils start appearing, our thoughts turn to spring cleaning. A new cleaning service in the Lisburn and Mid Down area has the solution.
38. MOTORING
Keeping a car on the road is expensive enough without the added cost of falling victim to one of the current scams being used against unsuspecting motorists.
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to our March/April issue and we hope you are feeling the optimism of spring with signs that it’s on its way. The days are getting longer and the spring buds are starting to bloom. It’s not that we hibernate over winter but we naturally spend more time inside than out. If that describes you there is plenty in this issue to encourage you to venture outdoors. Maybe you are a runner or wanting to take up jogging to get into shape for the summer? If so the Belfast Marathon is coming up with lots to get involved in for the less competitive amongst us including a Fun Run and walk. Disclaimer
If running is not for you there are lots of other options to improve your health. If you are a smoker The British Heart Foundation No Smoking Day is 9th March and that could be the incentive you need. Have a look at our article on page 18 for some tips and advice on how to start to giving up smoking. For the gardener there are lots of ideas to encourage you back into the garden, and now is the time to be planting your spring bulbs. Page 28 gives you some suggestions on what bulbs to choose and how best to plant them. Perhaps you are looking at all the DIY jobs that need done around your house
and if you’re thinking of painting check out our article on page 30 to find out what colours are in trend this year. We do hope you enjoy this spring issue and thank you for keeping in-touch with your thoughts and ideas.
Contact: Susan Gilchrist t: 028 9332 4511 e: susan@newtownabbeyintouch.com w: www.newtownabbeyintouch.com
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Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accidents or any other cause. Newtownabbey In-touch does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission of the publisher.
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY
Flax Gallery Museumat at Museum Museum at The Mill Museum at The Mill Exhibitions The Mill The Mill New Courses New Coursesand andWorkshops Workshops &Stacking FlaxRings & Flax Papermaking Making a Terrarium Decoupage Introduction to The Art Gang! Jewellery Workshop Gallery Printmaking Gallery Exhibitions Exhibitions Thursday 5 November – Saturday 28 November
Thursday 3 December – Saturday 2 January 2016
Glengormley Art Club Annual Exhibition Glengormley Art Club has been running for over 25 years and attracts Loose Thread Quilters novice, Loose Thread is a small group Sat 23 Tues 19 Jan Quilters (for 6 weeks) Jan amateur and experienced artists living in Newtownabbey and surrounding areas. The majority of works are paintings and drawings Cost: £50/£45 (concession) Cost:its£20/£18 (concession) of active quilt makers drawn from Sat23 6 Feb Sat Aprusing & 21oils, May Saturday 16 April Saturday 19-March Time: 9pm Time: – 3pm of 11am landscapes, seascapes, still life and portraits watercolours, all over7pm Northern Ireland. Formed Cost: £40/£36 Cost: £4.50 per(concession) session Cost: £20 & £18 (Concession) Cost: £35 & £31.50 (Concession) Tutor: Tutor: Linda O’Kane pastels, acrylics, pencil and mixed media. in 1996,Bill the McBride group was established Time: 10am – 4pm Time: 10.30am – 12noon Time: 11am – 3pm Time: 10am – 4pm Age: 16 years+ Age: 16 years+ to promote the practice and art of Tutor: Andrews Tutor:Emma Diane Lyness Tutor: Linda O’Kane Tutor: Helen Lavery patchwork, appliqué and quilting for Age: 16 years+ Age: 5 years – 8 years Age: 16 years+ Age: 16 years+ Terrariums are glass containers Following a brief outline ofand the the the traditional quilt maker with either living or artificial plants, history of papermaking and the contemporary fabric Above: Sara Maconkey - artist.Building Legacies ASpend fun and messy Saturday Decoupage from the and French word a day of fun in the morning workshop This workshop covers monoprint, arranged inisattractive decorative Above: Sara Maconkey relevance of-papering in the AntrimLegacies Building The latest collection, commissioned Ploughed Fields Parkgate art workshop kick off your cut’ . which A verybenefit popular pastime and create a to pair of silver stacking Wednesday 1 ‘to July – Wednesday 29 July Ploughed Fields Parkgate drypoint, and chine-colle, using layers the plants. and Newtownabbey area, the course by the Irish Linen Centre &Wednesday Lisburn 1 July – Wednesday 29 July century weekend artysemi style.precious With different for ladies in 18th rings, setinwith professional quality linseed inks and In young this class we will be Lanyon making an will guideand you through the simple The Heritage of Charles Museum launching there inArchitectural activities eachparticipant week, you will France and England, and currently stones. Each will have be The Architectural Heritage of Charles Lanyon handmade papers. Throughout we arrangement with living succulent in Mid Antrim processes involved in the craft using October 2015, is called ‘The Tale Antrim of the undergoing a bit of a revival. In this great fun,traditional make newjewellery friends and indrawing, Mid taught making explore various methods of plants,Legacy they look fantastic traditional equipment. SirPaper Charles Lanyon’s within the and are Thread’ andhand reflects the manufacture create some cool Come dressed class willwithin cut out printed images techniques suchart! as piercing, Sir Charles Legacy the painting on, printing thea Lanyon’s easyyou to look will need to willlinen. be made from rags offrom, linen, architectural environment inafter. Mid You Antrim of Theand pieces demonstrate for mess. rolling, annealing and and decorate a wooden item, which soldering, architectural environment in Mid Antrim metal plate. Printmaking marks bring your own glass vase, roughly significant and will be brought to light cotton and wool, dried and andisthemes pressed diversity of techniques isthrough significant will betobrought you get keep. Itto is alight most enjoyable polishing, enabling you to design and thisand exhibition. The accompanying range from very painterly to very 5-6” (13-15cm) in diameter and 6-10” flowers and herbs and even an old covering everything from social and through this exhibition. The accompanying and relaxing way to spend a day.orAll make a beautiful piece of jewellery to resource leaflet encourages you to visit the graphic imagery and we will find (15-25cm) tall, it can be round pair of denim jeans. All ofresource the paper economic history, environment and leaflet encourages to visit your the materials willyou beexplore supplied although take home. No previous experience is Lanyon sites in Mid Antrim to anature stylemake totosuit you. Past participants square, and the opening can be at you can be taken home. A Loose Thread Quilters Glengormley Art Club family connections. Lanyon sitesheritage. in you Mid will Antrim toto explore need bring ayour pair of small required and all you need is an apron own built have created various editions, taking the top or front. All other materials must for all card makers, decoupage own built heritage. sharp scissors. and bundles of enthusiasm! home multiple to give away as are provided. enthusiasts or prints for anyone interested presents to family andAll friends. in handmade paper. materials 10am – 4pm/16 years +/ £30/£27 (concession) Habitat provided. Habitat Ceramics Wednesday 1 July – Wednesday 29 July Wednesday 1 July – Wednesday 29November July Saturday 21 Above: ‘The Sanskriti heritage project based This exhibition by Sara Maconkey celebrates Above: Sanskriti heritage projectcommunity based on the‘The heritage of the South Asian Tutor: Avril McCabe This Sara Maconkey the exhibition landscapesbywe inhabit. It willcelebrates be displayed on theitsheritage of the South Asian community and interaction with N. Ireland Participants will learn a range of 2D printing and 3D slab building the we inhabit. It will be displayed in landscapes the Flax Gallery lobby, the perfect backdrop and its interaction with N. Ireland techniques by nature and create a range of vessels using a variety infor theSara’s Flax colourful Gallery lobby, the perfect backdrop selection of Inspired floral Basic Crochet Christmasfor Sara’s studies, colourfulagricultural selection of floral and of surface pattern printing. All work will be brought back to the studio pasture landscapes and pasture studies, agricultural landscapes and glazed for participants to collect. Decorations for firing and returned seascapes of the North Coast. Looking ahead …. Saturday 5 December seascapes of the North Coast. Looking ahead …. Tutor: Elaine McCully Merville Newtownabbey Photographic Learn to create colourful festive Merville Newtownabbey Photographic Club Annual Exhibition decorations for your tree and home. ‘Aadita’ (from the beginning) Club Annual Exhibition ‘Aadita’ the beginning) Thursday 27 August – Saturday 26 September Crochet colourful Christmas light (from Saturday 1 August – Saturday 22 August Thursday 27 August – Saturday 26 September Saturday bulbs using one basic stitch, these 1 August – Saturday 22 August Sanskriti is an exciting heritage project based Hugo Smith can be used to hang on your Sanskriti is an exciting project based Hugo Smith ontree the or heritage of theheritage South Asian community 1 October – 31 October on the heritage of the South Asian community strung together to create a festive Decoupage The Art Gang Terrarium Stacked Rings Printmaking Paper and its interaction and experience with that 1 October – 31 October and its interaction and experience with thatof garland for your home. Simply of Northern Ireland investigating themes Loose Thread Quilters ofmigration, Northern impact Ireland of investigating themes of constructedAsnowflakes, stockings, the textile industry, andboth Loose Thread Quilters whole range of workshops and courses forcourses both adults and children available A whole range of workshops and for adults andare children is on the impact of the textile industry, and 5 November – 28 November the rites of passage. Sanskriti isby an ArtsEkta hearts and more …available comemigration, along Council website and by calling the museum 028 9034 0129. on the Council website and calling the on museum on 028 0129. 5 November – 289034 November the rites of passage. Sanskriti is an ArtsEkta project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and crochet yourself a handcrafted project funded the Heritage Lottery Fund and The RaynebyFoundation. Christmas. www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk | | museums@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk museums@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk and The Rayne Foundation. Crochet Christmas Ceramics
SAMPLE
SAMPLE SAMPLE Museum Workshops
Museum at The Mill | Flax Gallery Museum TheCarnmoney Mill | Flax Gallery MossleyatMill, Road North, BT36 5QA Mossley Mill, Carnmoney Road North, BT36 5QA
0289034 90340129 0129 028 museums@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk museums@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
308. 20 8. 6
Museum and Flax Gallery Opening Museum and Flax Gallery Opening HoursHours Museum10am and Flax Gallery Opening Hours Monday to Wednesday 10am – 5pm | Thursday – 9pm | Friday Mon to Wed 10am - 5pm | Thurs 10am10am - 9pm– 4pm Monday to Wednesday 10am – 5pm | Thursday 10am 11am – 9pm–| 4pm Friday 10am –Sunday 4pm |Closed Closed Fri 10amSaturday -Saturday 4pm | Sat 11am -4pm 4pm| |Closed Sun 11am – Sunday General admission is free. General admission isGeneral free. admission is free.
2200
1155
Summer Youth Youth Zone Zone Summer at the the Valley Valley Leisur Leisuree Centre Centre at REGISTRATION IS COMPULSORY – no entry without either online registration REGISTRATION IS COMPULSORY – no entry without either online registration at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/youthzone or by completing registration at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/youthzone or by completing registration form overleaf and bringing it along on your 1st night form overleaf and bringing it along on your 1st night
Saturday nights nights 55 Saturday from Saturday Saturday 18 18 July July from to Saturday Saturday 15 15 August August to
7pm to to 10:30pm 10:30pm 7pm
Agegroup group Age
9–18 9–18 years years
ContactDebbie DebbieTaylor Taylorfor formore more Contact information on 028 9034 0079 information on 028 9034 0079
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s e allll,,CCircu s W e i g t orre a i n i s m v W b e i y i t g m t o n c i i n l a i m v A C b i m , y f l t c e Foottbbaalll,Clim gee oof A eyyaannddman n k a c o R l g o e b H o n k A , F b l a c l A R dingBBuubble , Footbbaall, Ho lu ng ts ot 0.30pmmttoo IInnccillulsd, iArrttss&&CCrraafftsb,leFo m110.30p room f k A a r l , S f i Skillsrtesybbuussaavvaailableops onnlyly st o ou sy CCourteat desig ignnaatteeddstops rop des ddrop at If you have answered yes to any of these questions, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH
making Antrim & Newtownabbey safer making Antrim & Newtownabbey safer
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COMMUNITY
Mortgages: Get the facts! Not the fiction! How to successfully obtain a mortgage Applying for a mortgage became a less straightforward process after the Financial Conduct Authority, (FCA, the UK’s monetary regulator) initiated changes they called the Mortgage Market Review (MMR).
all EU members. The result of this may make obtaining a Mortgage, transferring to a new product and obtaining a Let to Buy mortgage the toughest it’s ever been.
In April 2014, MMR was implemented and to this day the new rules surrounding affordability and pre-lending assessment are performed by all Mortgage Advisers both employed directly by the banks and by Independent Mortgage advisers. Independent Mortgage advisers (who work only for their client’s interests and not the banks) not only assess interest rates and mortgage deals but also identify who is likely to lend the money!
1. Know the full costs. There is no point putting down a deposit of £10,000 if all you have is £10,000. Other costs need to be considered such as broker fees, survey fees, solicitor’s professional fees, land registry fees, stamp duty and maybe an application fee for your mortgage.
Five tips to help you successfully get a mortgage:
2. Use an independent adviser. They will collect your data and recommend a lender that matches you, also if the lender declines they can move you along to another lender using the same information. 3. Look at the potential rates 3-4% above what you see today, and ask yourself, would I be able to make the repayments and still maintain a standard of living? If the answer is NO, consider a smaller mortgage. 4. Look at how much you are currently spending and make adjustments three months prior to any purchase. 5. Check your credit report 3-6 months prior to purchase, update your electoral register, addresses with banks and other accounts that show on the reports, Do not perform credit searches on yourself or insurance searches three months prior (most internet searches leave a credit footprint that reduces your score). Be careful not to have any late or missed payments as these would show on this report. 6. Call for a coffee to Financial Foresight if you need more information. By M Hoban, Dipfs, CeMAP,MCMI
These new rules require assessment of not only an applicant’s income and debts, but also how many children are in the household, how much is being spent on shopping, other bills such as Gym memberships and TV subscriptions are now taken into consideration. In March 2016, the UK banking system will implement the new European Mortgage Credit Directive (MCD), this will attempt to standardise the lending process across
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40 Main Street, Ballyclare, BT39 9AA Tel: 028 9332 2822 OR Web: financialforesight.co.uk Financial Foresight (NI) Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (434724)
Shou
MOSSLEY BOWLING CLUB
ing the m of exercise, enjoy Bowls is a great for ds. en fri w ne g kin for ma outdoors and ideal me co t no hy d before? W You may have playe st. ere int ur yo along and re-kindle ey y Pavilion, Carnmon sle os M the We play at have been in d an ey bb na ow Road North, Newt 80 years. existence for over
ale, Young and Old. We appeal to Male, Fem an end with other to e Has your career com Hockey etc. Keep sports like Soccer, Rugby, e by playing in one aliv it spir e itiv your compet of our Teams. ers will be given every Prospective new memb of the game and s ect asp assistance on all N.B. FLAT SOLE SHOES ed. vid pro be can ls Bow GREEN. MUST BE WORN ON THE
Come Along and Give our Great Game of Bowls a Try! The Opening Day of our season will be held on Saturday 2nd April 2016 at 2pm.
For more information, contact:
Derek Randall (Honorary Secretary) on 07866 518576
BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY
2nd May 2016 ENTER BEFORE FRIDAY 15TH APRIL 2016
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COMMUNITY
When is a Free Courtesy Car a Liability If you have had a car accident and you make enquiries you need to establish that the courtesy car you were given is something you are entitled to. Some drivers whose car has been damaged in a car accident have simply gone and hired a car whilst their car is being repaired. Some of these drivers are finding that these cars are actually leased by Third Party Accident Management Firms . The rental of these vehicles is facilitated under a credit agreement and generally speaking they are rented out at vastly inflated charges with the aim that the other driver’s insurance will pick up the bill.
If the other drivers Insurance company fails to resolve the issue of payment in full there is a problem. If the matter is not resolved you could find yourself in the middle of a legal battle . The battle will be between two insurers who are fighting over costs and if that matter is not resolved you could end up in Court . You face the risk of being asked to pay the balance amount due plus legal costs . There are a many examples of this but one of the most notable cases of such an event as this was the Sunderland Footballer , Darren Bent, who was told he could have an Aston Martin on his Insurance and then faced a bill of many thousands of pounds when the matter was not resolved and a court case followed.
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What is the lesson to learn from this. ? Very often , your Policy of Insurance will set out what type of car you are entitled to. The Accident Management Firms are simply being opportunists . Many Insurance firms do not provide the courtesy car they should and Accident Management Firms are seizing that opportunity , but that is all well and good for them, as long as you are not faced with a residual bill. If you find you are in this situation be careful about what your next step is. Very often Agents of this nature are telephoning people shortly after the accident as they have been informed by another Agent of the situation. There is an opportunity for them , but there may well be a pitfall for you.
The clear message has to be ‘look at your Car Insurance small print first , and seek the help of a Solicitor’ . If you are in this situation, contact a Solicitor and get proper legal advice at the outset not afterwards. We at E.J. Lavery & Co Solicitors are more than willing to advise you of what the best next step is for your situation. Please be assured that with the right legal advice and the right legal team you will make the correct next move. Contact : E.J. Lavery & Co Solicitors on Telephone Number: 02890 843436 or please visit our website for a full range of our legal services: www.ejlaverysolicitors.com
FREE
30 minute consultation in relation to any type of accident (on production of this article and advert before 29th April 2016)
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HEALTHY LIVING
Specsavers Ranked Number One on High Street in Customer Satisfaction Index A UK-wide customer satisfaction survey has named Specsavers as the number one high street retailer for customer satisfaction across the whole of the UK[1] meaning there is no better time to visit your local Specsavers store in The Abbey Centre. The prestigious UK Customer Satisfaction Index or UKCSI, is an index produced biannually by the Institute of Customer Service in which customers are asked to rate businesses on their levels of professionalism, quality, efficiency, ease of doing business, timeliness, problem solving and complaint handling based on their own individual customer experiences. Specsavers is the UK’s largest independent opticians and audiologists and its store based in the Abbey Centre has been serving the local community for over 13 years. Staff at the store have been recognised for their exceptional customer service, having recently picked up a Newtownabbey Business Awards for continuously demonstrating excellent customer service. The clinical team at the Abbey Centre store is headed up by store
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director Tony McGinn who has been an optometrist for 27 years and specialises in fitting contact lenses for all ages. The Abbey Centre team is made up of 28 dedicated staff including five optometrists, two dispensing opticians, an audiologist and two hearcare assistants each of whom work tirelessly to ensure every customer receives the very best care.
“To celebrate the accolade, Specsavers in the Abbey Centre is inviting local customers to come along and try out the exceptional customer service delivered instore first hand by offering a free eye test for everyone until March 31.” Commenting on the offer, store director Tony McGinn said: “We wanted to thank all of our existing and valued customers for their continued support but also reach out to new customers. We felt that offering the local community a free eye test would encourage them to come along into the store and allow our expert team to look after their sight and hearing needs. For us, customer service has always been a
priority and as such, our approach has been pretty straightforward. We put our customers at the very centre of everything that we do and as a team we aren’t satisfied until our customers are.”
“What’s more, we are always trying to increase awareness among our customers about the importance of regular eye testing which, with busy work and home life schedules, can often be overlooked. We hope that offering a free eye test will encourage everyone to visit the store more often.” To avail of the offer, simply visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/ newtownabbey please bring this voucher to the store.
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• • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • •
HEALTHY LIVING
Lindsey Houston
Michael McEvoy.
Mindfulness has recently become such a buzz word; so much so, that since attending an event last summer, I have been finding out more about a philosophy that others are already talking about. A group of about 20 met at Ballyaghagan Meadows, on Cave Hill, off the Upper High Town Road. Michael McEvoy was our mindfulness walk leader. Jo Boylan, from the Belfast Hills Partnership, organised this event in conjunction with the Heritage Festival. As I stood listening to Mick, he explained that Mindfulness is being present in the present, not the past or future; mind, body and spirit in the here and now. Focusing your breath mindfully with each footstep, and if you so wish, engaging in positive affirmations with each step. Mick encouraged us to find our own words to repeat mentally as we walked. I found that left foot “thank”, right foot “you” repeated, or left foot “here”, right foot “now” repeated, so easy to embrace. The next surprise came in experiencing the beauty of our Earth. Through new eyes, and enhanced senses, I really became aware of the comforting warmth of the sun. Amongst the huge variety of grasses I felt wonderfully alive, with the breeze gently buffeting me and fancifully whispering to me. The meadow, with birds swooping and the dancing bobbing heads of the meadowsweet flowers, was captivating. Spotting and appreciating the array of wild flowers, such as eyebright, stitchwort, orchids, devils bit scabious, creeping buttercup, creeping thistle and more besides, became totally visually stunning. After the walk I felt privileged to be able to talk to Jo, who had great wild flower knowledge. Jo’s enthusiasm in identifying the wild flowers I had gazed at silently in the meadow, allowed me a great chance to really memorise flowers that I have admired for years. As Jo said to me, “This is the self heal flower”, I thought how appropriate for the day. We would all be wise to invest in a little time to mindfully self-heal. The wild flower book indicates its
Mindfulness in the Meadows traditional use for throat problems. I wondered about the link to communicating with our own selves and selfhealing from within. As we slowly walked, we also stopped at several points to mindfully take in that moment. The waterfall did seem to gurgle and babble and say “go with the flow”. The Mourne Mountain range looked gracefully majestic with their blue hue along the horizon. Mick encouraged us to mindfully breathe whilst walking. The deep breaths served to really help release and calm the pent up mind chatter. The squelching underfoot reminded me of a muddied mind but as the path dried, so you are able to look up and embrace a better mental clarity. Our walk was done in a peaceful silence. No need for small talk or diversion from mindfully experiencing the true beauty all around me. To have solitude in the midst of many was a revelation and yet it felt so perfectly comfortable. As we concluded our walk I noticed two aeroplanes slicing a path through the sky. I wondered at the busy frenzy in the minds of those travelling. Rushing at speed, from one airport to another; body travelling fast but still sat stationary. I said a silent thank you prayer; I am blessed to be here in this meadow, here and now. To approach nature and appreciate its total beauty is a gift that all should receive. Utilising mindfulness has enhanced my professional working life enormously and has calmed my mind to focus on the things that really matter, faith and family. My complementary therapy clients feel the benefits of this totally relaxing experience. I incorporate mindfulness into my range of therapies (including fertility and digestive massage, fertility and maternity reflexology and pregnancy massage) available at ... Ollar Clinic, 161 Ballyrobert Road, Ballyclare, Tel: 02893 341643
By Lindsey Houston BSc, IFPA, AoR, MFHT.
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HEALTHY LIVING
If I Told You... “If I told you that you would be paid £250 per month to stop smoking I am sure you would take up the challenge and make a darn good effort to claim the prize. If I told you that there was a greater prize if you gave up smoking than the cost or the price of giving up I am sure you would take that too! If I told you that there was a better than 50:50 chance of you stopping smoking you would probably have a go, especially if you have had enough of the habit. The truth is that many of us give up on the possibility of stopping smoking before we have ever actually given it a good try. Smokers know that it is difficult to stop, but it is not a hopeless case. Many people do succeed.
“Believe it or not, stopping smoking 20 cigarettes per day will provide you with that £250 prize which is hopefully significant enough to persuade you that the price of giving up is worth it. And that is only the financial argument. The health benefits from stopping smoking are not only significant but also widely published, and you are probably familiar with these.“ I believe that scare mongering rarely succeeds in the long term. Carrots work better than sticks. This article is not about telling you of the dangers which you undoubtedly already know about (and are rather fatalistic about and choose to keep out of your consciousness), but rather about the positives.
decline and wait until the next time slot. This will change the habit, and help you to break the old habit. Try to stop smoking with someone else and use them as a spur to succeed, and be an encouragement to them also. Put the fag money in a tin every day and watch the sum grow, and treat yourself to a weekend away or some other treat! Try not to smoke after a meal or with a cup of tea or coffee which you “always do”. Or have a different hot drink or a cold drink instead. If you are still struggling there are nicotine replacement therapies which are available on prescription or over the counter, and there are also E cigarettes. These are not endorsed by the medical profession, and although safer than smoking are not totally safe!! There are other prescribed medications to help to suppress the urge to smoke which can be taken for 12 weeks. If you want advice about this you can speak to your GP or practice nurse, or visit NHS choices website. Remember that when you stop smoking your senses of taste and smell improve dramatically so food will be much more appealing. Remember too that Nicotine is an appetite suppressant and so stopping smoking will increase your appetite. Add these things together and weight gain can follow so beware. I have not yet met anyone who regretted stopping smoking. I have met a few who just had one cigarette and ended up hooked again after a period of abstinence, so this is a life changing and lifelong decision, should you choose to take it! Good luck. “
The success stories abound. People who stop are so positive about it that they often become really annoying to those who haven’t yet stopped. It is hard, but not impossible. These people have succeeded where so far you have not. They have attained a goal that you have not. They are not much different to you though and they have no special powers. They have just used a ( more) successful method of stopping smoking. If you really want to give up this time (of trying), don’t stick to one thing to help you to stop. Try everything. Smoking is a habit. Change the habit. Stop smoking when you want to but instead smoke by the clock, having worked out how many cigarettes that you smoke and then divide those over your day. e.g. Smoke only on the hour and the half hour, and if you feel like a fag in between you will know that you don’t have long to wait. If you get to the time and don’t have the need then
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By Dr. W.R, Brown Consultant GP Kingsbridge Private Hospital
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YOUR HOME
Spring Bulbs Getting your garden in order early will help make spring a little less hectic, more manageable and of course, you will have healthier plants come the summer. Summer flowering bulbs are mostly planted in early spring to be in time for a colourful summer and they are my favourite as they are easy to grow and very affordable. Seed sowing can also start as early as mid-spring through to early summer (AprilJune) as long as the soil is warm and moist enough for seeds to germinate. Bulbs can be planted in containers or borders. Different species of bulbs require different growing conditions, however as a rule most of them will need a sunny spot and well-drained soil that has not been waterlogged over the winter season. The general depth for planting your bulb is approximately three times the size of your bulb and bulbs should be planted singularly.
If you are planting bulbs in a container make sure the size of the container is appropriate for the size of the bulb and that the drainage is good. To improve drainage in a container, use some good quality general compost mixed with some fine grit. There are plenty of summer bulbs to choose from, but if you need some inspiration take a look at my favourite picks of bulbs that flower in the summer. Oriental Lily They have a sensational fragrance that makes them instantly recognisable. I find the larger exotic blooms easier to grow. The only down side is that they stain surfaces, however don’t fret as there is always the Lily ‘China Girl’ which is pollen free. Lilies are best grown in containers/pots and once mature they look better moved to the centre of the container/pot. Begonia These are certainly my favourite summer plants and they make me look like a great gardener (to those who don’t know me)! They have beautiful summer colours (rich pink, red or white) flowering from June through to the autumn frost. They are the most dependably colourful of summer bedding plants, their beautiful, waxy, bronze or green leaves coupled with red, pink or white flowers just keep coming. They grow quickly, making bushy plants that branch repeatedly and produce showers of flowers with some lasting till winter if brought indoors. Hyanciths
Bulbs planted by Ballynure Community Association
These beauties provide such stunning displays of fragrant blooms! They are a little delicate and therefore would do best in well-drained and fertile soil and in full sun. Once the blooms begin to brown, it is best to remove them but leave the leaves to die naturally. You can then lift the bulbs and store in a cool dry place to reuse next season. Hyanciths can be planted in the garden or in a pot. Iris Reticulate
“The bulbs should always be planted with the pointed growing tips facing upwards and if some do not have this then plant them on their side. Always remember to water the bulbs if it is not forecasted to rain in the following few days. It is always good practise to label your bulbs, otherwise you may accidently plant something else on top of them or even worse not recall the name of the bulb you planted!”
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These exquisitely flowered bulbs grow about six inches high but their striking coloured blooms certainly makeup for their small size. I never get round to buying pre-packed bulbs in the winter but thankfully I can get some already potted in early spring from my local garden centre. The Iris is best grown in a light, well-drained soil and can be ideal in a gravel garden. If growing them in a pot, plant around six bulbs in a five-inch pot and approximately one-inch-deep using a good quality compost. Hopefully the sun will shine and happy planting! Copyright Newtownabbey In-touch
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MOTORING
Local News Charles Hurst Expands Vauxhall Representation with new Newtownabbey Showroom - Car retailer creates 20 jobs with £250,000 investment Charles Hurst Group, Northern Ireland’s biggest car retailer, has expanded its offering with a new 333 sq metre Vauxhall showroom at its site in Mallusk, taking its number of Vauxhall retail units to four. Opening on St. Patrick’s Day, the new showroom represents an investment of £250,000 and creates twenty jobs at the prominent, Newtownabbey-based site, providing a full suite of new and used cars, fleet services, motability and aftersales. Colin McNab, Operations Director, Charles Hurst, said the investment represents an important development for the business: “Charles Hurst remains committed to investing in the business in order to continue delivering the best products and services to our customers. Our Newtownabbey site encompasses a wide range of our leading brands including Toyota, Nissan, Renault together with a Usedirect retail unit; the addition of a modern Vauxhall showroom will further strengthen our service provision in the area.
“By offering customers a wide choice of vehicles and the most competitive offers, across both new and used ranges, together with providing an exceptional level of service, Charles Hurst Vauxhall has gone from strength-to-strength in recent years and this new showroom will underpin our continued success for many more to come.”
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Keith Hyde, Franchise Manager for Charles Hurst Vauxhall, added: “The new retail unit’s opening represents another expansion of our significant Vauxhall footprint, a brand we are very proud to represent, and strengthens our position as Northern Ireland’s leading Vauxhall retailer. “With a number of new models recently added to the Vauxhall line-up and a strong used car offering, we are confident that the new retail unit will deliver a strong trading future for the business and provide a great service for our customers.” Visit the showroom today at 547 Antrim Road and check out the all-new Astra with Vauxhall’s new in car assistant, On Star which does everything from reading your texts to providing a wifi connection to guiding you home.
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charleshurst.com/vauxhall Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). Vauxhall range: Urban: 12.7 (22.3) - 76.3 (3.7), Extra-urban: 23.9 (11.8) - 94.2 (3.0), Combined: 18.0 (15.7) - 88.3 (3.2). CO2 emissions: 373 - 85g/km. #
*Up to £2000 Scrappage Allowance towards a new car is offered on condition that the traded-in car must have been registered in your name as the owner for at least 90 days and the registration document must be in your name and address. Offer available to private individuals and small businesses 1-24 units (purchase only). All other sales categories are excluded. Offer applies to selected new vehicles ordered from 1 January 2016 and registered by 31 March 2016 and is subject to terms and conditions. Offers based on 36 month personal contract hire and 6,000 miles per annum. Images for illustrative purposes only. Correct at time of going to press.
YOUR HOME
Decluttering Your Home Will Allow You to get on with the Spring Cleaning As the days lengthen and the daffodils start appearing, our thoughts turn to spring cleaning and perhaps we can help meet some of your spring-clean requirements. What about all the stuff? However, thinking about spring cleaning raises another problem that you might be concerned about – what about all the stuff in the house that’s in the way? Many of us wish we had less stuff, and studies show that a house full of junk can have a negative effect on the whole family’s mood – psychologists have found that people with cluttered homes have higher levels of the stress hormone associated with chronic fatigue, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a higher risk of mortality. If that’s not enough of a reason to have a clear out, how about having a bit more space? Clutter affects people’s ability to focus, process information, and be productive – so dumping the junk could be just the energy boost you need. What are you waiting for? Here are some tips.
Start with small steps Start small. Set yourself small tasks – pick a room, a cupboard or even just a shelf and set a time limit so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Or aim to make a decision about one item from one room each day. Plan a time and involve the family. Try and make it fun. Sort your stuff Start by making three piles: a keep, a throwaway and a maybe. Box up your ‘maybe’ pile and one month later, take a look in the box and work out if you actually missed any of the contents. If you didn’t, donate them to a charity shop. Perhaps, you might try selling your things on eBay, or your local buy and sell group or website? After a good clear out, you’ll feel much happier and free.
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Wardrobe overload Are your wardrobes overloaded and creaking at the seams? Most of us have many items of clothing that we haven’t worn for ages. Here’s a simple technique to figure out which items should face the cull – turn all your hangers so they’re facing the wrong way. Every time you wear something, turn the hanger the right way round. After a month, you’ll be able to see which items you haven’t worn; get rid of them. The bathroom cull We’re all guilty of having bathrooms full of half-used creams and shampoos that we plan on using up one day. Who are we fooling? If you’ve already rejected a product, you’re unlikely to go back to it – and don’t forget that cosmetics have use-by dates, just like food. Pack everything from your bathroom into a box. Every time you use something, put it back in its usual spot in the bathroom. At the end of a month, check what’s left in the box, then get rid of it.
Lost keys and missing socks Do you spend half your life hunting for lost keys, or missing socks? Cutting down on your junk is a positive way to make it easier to find what you’re looking for. Get a key box. Discard odd socks – you’ll never miss them. Don’t get carried away Once you’re on a decluttering roller-coaster, it’s easy to get carried away and discard things you may later wish you hadn’t. Don’t regret throwing away all your possession. Before making the final decision, ask yourself when was the last time I used it? If I were shopping now, would I buy this? Would I take it with me if I moved house? Your answers should help you decide. Courtesy of Cleaning Doctor Lisburn Some content sourced from Mirror.co.uk.
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YOUR HOME
Preparing Your House For Re-painting
ROSE QUARTZ
SERENITY
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Preparing your house for re-painting while you are still living in it is not always easy but often that is just the way it is. With each year comes a new trend in colours and this spring the colours to embrace are pantone. When preparing to re-paint either the inside or outside of your home, there are a few things that you can do to ensure the process goes smoothly and that the paint looks as well as it can when the job is complete. Proper cleaning and preparation of the surfaces to be painted is essential to ensure the paint adheres well and dries smoothly. Also, extra time will be needed for walls to dry after cleaning or if repairs have been carried out. For exterior walls, be sure to remove loose, peeling, or flaking paint before the painters come. Pressure washing can be beneficial to clean off dirt effectively, however be careful of over- spraying especially around the window sills and seals as this can damage the rubber or dislodge cement. Let everything completely dry before applying any new paint. When cleaning the surfaces, try using environmentally friendly cleaning products which are available at your local DIY store. Given the unpredictable weather we experience an obvious tip is to check the weather forecast and choose a time when there is going to be two or three days of a dry spell. Without further ado, the two main pantone colours for 2016 are Rose Quartz and Serenity. They are colours that are seen to embrace warmth and reflect connection, wellness and peaceful tranquillity. Rose Quartz is seen as a persuasive colour with a gentle tone that gives compassion and a sense of composure. Serenity speaks for itself; like the blue skies, weightless and airy, making this colour calm and giving a relaxing feeling. These colours are appealing in matte, metallic and gloss finishes and can be complemented by other mid-tones such as silver, rich brown, greens and purples and all shades of yellow and pink. Copyright Newtownabbey In-touch
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FAMILY LIFE
Teddy-the-First Emma opened her eyes at the same time as she always did. She turned round to look at Teddy. Teddy wasn’t there. Emma sat up and looked for Teddy everywhere. He had fallen on the floor. “There you are, Teddy,” she said, “Good Morning.” “ Are you awake, Emma?’ said Mummy, standing at the bedroom door. “ Yes, poor Teddy fell on the floor.” “ Did you pick him up?” asked Mummy. “ Yes,” said Emma, picking Teddy up. “Did you give him a big, big hug?” asked Mummy. “Yes,’ said Emma, giving Teddy a big, big hug. Mummy opened the door and put out her hand, “ I have something to show you,” she said, “ Come into my room and see.” Emma got straight up and gave Mummy her hand. She took Teddy’s hand too, and they all went into Mummy’s room. Emma turned on the light, Mummy had a gold lampshade with little crystals hanging on it and she loved to see them all lit up. Emma put teddy on the bed and climbed up beside him. Mummy had big roses on her duvet cover and Emma liked pretending they were lying in a giant bunch of cotton flowers.
Emma took off her bed socks and stood on the rug. It was soft and fluffy, like a carpet of cotton wool. Emma liked closing her eyes and imagining it was candyfloss between her toes. Mummy once told Emma it was called sheepskin. Emma went to the dressing table and sprayed some perfume. It was in a small, glass bottle, a bit like a diamond. Emma liked to think it was a magic potion. She put on Mummy’s silver chain and spread some lipstick on her lips. Mummy had bright pink high heel shoes that made Emma nearly as tall as a grown up. Emma closed her eyes and thought about being a princess. She decided
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that when she grew up, she would have a room like this and stay in it all the time. “ Here it is!” Mummy had been looking for something, “This was my bear when I was your age.” Emma looked at the small, soft bear. It was about the same size as her Teddy, but they had different faces. Mummy’s bear had two buttons for eyes and stitches for a mouth. “What happened to his eyes and mouth?” “ They fell off after years of cuddling,” said Mummy. Some of the bear’s fur had fallen out. “ He’s got bald spots,” said Emma. “That can happen when bears get old,” said Mummy. The bear was missing an arm, ‘Where’s his arm?” asked Emma. “ A dog got it, but it doesn’t bother me,” said Mummy. “Did you love him like I love my Teddy?” “O, yes! I think I still do.” “ And you had him long before I was born?” “That’s right, Emma. When I was a little girl.” “ So he is much older than my Teddy, then.” “Oh, yes.” “Then we should call him Teddy-the-First, “ said Emma. “ That’s a great name,” said Mummy, smoothing Emma’s hair out of her eyes and tucking it behind her ears, “ but there is just one thing…” “ What’s that?” Emma asked. “ Teddy-the-First is a girl.” “ Oh, ok.” Emma hugged the old bear. “ Mummy?” “Yes?” “ I think she likes your room.”
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FAMILY LIFE
Eggs-citing Times at Easter As I write this, I have four eggs sitting downstairs. Not small ovals from your friendly, farmyard hen, much bigger. And made from chocolate! Well..... I couldn’t really help it. They were on the shelves this lunchtime when I trollied around my local Tesco. Standing proudly some three or four feet from the ground, just the right height, I suppose, for eagle eyed youngsters to spot, fixate on, drool over. “So why did YOU lift them,” my wife enquired, “if they’re for children?” (That’s another of those very many questions she often asks, questions I can’t really find an appropriate answer for!)
the sweet tooth and confectionery needs of his young cousins. And I was always blamed for opening the colourful wrapping on my sister’s egg, pinching the back chocolate , carefully resealing the wrapper and replacing the egg on the shelf. Must have been an egg fairy..... So how did this custom of chocolate eggs come about? The oldest tradition was to use dyed and painted eggs, as presents after Lent, or signifying the end of Holy Week, but the modern custom is to substitute chocolate eggs, or plastic eggs filled with confectionery such as chocolate. It is believed that eggs and other dairy products were not eaten during Lent, consequently, eggs were often given at Easter, as a gift. More than 100 years ago, people began to offer eggs made from sugar or marzipan. The first chocolate eggs may have appeared in France and Germany in the late 19th century but were bitter and hard. As chocolate-making techniques improved, hollow eggs like the ones we have today were developed. And I refer to what we might like to call ‘proper’ Easter eggs. Hollow chocolate delights, bought a few weeks before Easter, not the egg-shaped, egg-sized cream – or should that be – crème – eggs! The ones on sale from 27th December!
And these are not your typical solid chocolate, stuffed precariously into an outsize mug which will take up space in the mugs cupboard along with the birthday, Christmas, granda, best dad etc etc mugs!
(Note: do NOT try rolling the choccy version downhill! Apart from being unhygienic, this symbolic gesture of the stone being rolled away from Christ’s tomb before his resurrection is best left to the hard-boiled specimens.)
This one – sorry – these ones, are Malteser eggs. Mmm, how could anyone resist!
And almost 20 million chocolate eggs will be eaten in the UK this year!
Okay, let’s be honest, they were advertised as ‘buy two, get two free’. And I immediately thought of my grandchildren. Well, I thought of them almost immediately. Paul, his wee brother David and their little cousin Katie. Three eggs needed, one extra, one spare. Just in case. You never know. I remember as children, getting into serious hot water with my mother and father. Easter eggs had been bought, usually by a very generous cousin, a man who recognised
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So! There you have the why and the wherefore! 20 million to be eaten this year, and I have made my contribution to our economy by stocking up this lunchtime, for my grandchildren. Although there is one extra, one not needed, one that has no one’s name on it..... My wife slipped out earlier to the hairdresser’s. She’s still not home. I’ve worked all afternoon. I don’t suppose anyone will mind if .......... By Luke North
RECIPES
Creme Egg Chocolate Drizzle Cake by Karen Burns-Booth Ingredients: •
225g of butter, softened
•
225g of caster sugar
•
4 free-range eggs, mixed with 2 tablespoons full fat milk
•
175g of self-raising flour
•
40g of cocoa powder
•
25g of milk chocolate buttons, or grated milk chocolate
•
1 tsp vanilla extract
•
300g of cream cheese, chocolate flavour
•
4 Creme Eggs, cut in half
•
white chocolate chips
•
milk chocolate chips
“This cake serves eight very greedy people, or twelve more refined and less greedy people. One word of warning; you have to be an avid chocoholic to eat this cake, as it is very rich with its cocoa and chocolate chip sponge, white chocolate drizzle, and the Creme Eggs of course!” (60 minutes plus cooling time)
Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4. Butter 2 x 20.5cm (8”) sandwich tins and line the base with some baking paper 2. Place all of the cake ingredients in a food mixer, or a bowl if using a hand mixer, and mix on low for 2–3 minutes before turning to high and beating for 1 minute. You will have a light and fluffy cake batter 3. Divide the cake batter between the prepared tins and smooth the tops with a spoon. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cakes are well risen and a toothpick or skewer inserted in the middle of the cakes comes out clean 4. Leave the cakes to cool for 2 minutes in the tin before carefully turning them out onto a wire rack. Allow to cool completely before decorating them 5. Place 1 cake half on a serving platter and spread half of the chocolate cream cheese over the cake; place the second cake on top and spread the remaining chocolate cream cheese over the top as frosting 6. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top and then arrange the Creme Egg halves around the cake in a circle before scattering the chocolate buttons over the top www.greatbritishchefs.com
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MOTORING
Motoring Scams and How to Avoid Them Keeping a car on the road is expensive enough without the added cost of falling victim to one of the current scams being used by criminals against unsuspecting motorists. Here are two scams currently being used with some helpful advice on what to do if you are caught out. The Car Park Scam Criminals are targeting motorists who have parked their cars in a public carpark. They leave a note on the windscreen claiming that the car has been involved in an accident and ask the owner to contact a number written on the note. What then happens is the unsuspecting motorist is asked for a lot of personal information which is then used for criminal purposes. An off spin of this scam is that the criminals provide a premium rate telephone number on the note and when the motorist rings they run up an enormous phone bill as they are kept holding on the line as long as possible. If you return to your car and find a note on the windscreen asking you to ring a number, don’t do it! Report it to the Police instead and keep the note as evidence. Flash for Cash This a variant of the Crash for Cash scam which has been catching unwary motorists out for years. What happens is that criminals drive around looking for opportunities to let unsuspecting motorists out of a junction, petrol station or side entry for example. They stop for the driver, flash their lights to signal they are letting them out and when the driver accepts their kind offer the criminals deliberately drive into them claiming they have caused an accident. The criminals then make a claim against the ‘offending’ drivers insurance for damage to their car and the supposed personal injuries they claim to have suffered. When you think about it, it is a clever scam because at the end of the day it will be the innocent drivers word against the criminal’s word and after all, it was the innocent driver that pulled out in front of an oncoming vehicle which caused the accident. The best way to avoid falling victim to this scam is to acknowledge the kind gesture of the motorist who is flashing, wave them on and only pull out when it is clear to do so.
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If you do fall victim to this scam, the best advice is to treat it in the same way as any other accident … Stop only where it is safe to do so Do not admit liability Exchange your contact and insurance details with the other driver Take a note of the make, colour and registration of the other vehicle If there were any independent witnesses, ask them for their contact details In-Car Video Cameras (Dash Cams) More and more motorists are installing a video camera inside their vehicles which records continuously as you are driving and provides independent third party evidence should you be involved in an accident. They are fully legal and are usually mounted on or near your rear view mirror with the power lead plugged into your cigarette lighter or internal power point. Dash Cams are easily setup and record your journey onto a high capacity SD card. Don’t worry that they run out of space quickly as they record in a loop over the oldest footage when the card becomes full. Dash Cams vary greatly in price and there are many available. Choose one that records continuously whilst driving and provides good quality video and sound footage. Cheaper, but adequate models start at around £30 with the more expensive models, complete with GPS and G-force sensors costing £300 upwards. If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident you simply remove the SD card from the camera for safekeeping and provide it as independent evidence to your insurance company. It is a good idea to have a second SD card in the car to provide continuous recording should you need to remove one for safekeeping. Wishing you safe and scam aware motoring! Copyright Newtownabbey In-touch
Over
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e c i o h CBetterValue
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Minimum 6 Months Warranty on all used cars** A small selection of our stock
11 Audi A1 1.6 TDi Sport 3dr Silver, 39k miles
Air Con 13 Audi A6 Saloon 2.0 TDi SE 4dr White, 56k miles
Bally
From
£6,895 2015 Vauxhall Astra 1.6i VVT SRi 5dr Ballyrobert
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£9,395 2015 Vauxhall Astra 1.4 GTC Sport ert
Ballyrob
From
£10,495 2015 Vauxhall Mokka 1.6 Exclusiv 5dr Ballyrobert
From
£11,995
2015 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTi Ecoflex SRi 5dr Ballyrobert
From
£14,895
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How do you make a bigger choice even better? Easy – enhance the value with prices from as little as £3,995, Add the Ballyrobert reputation for excellence and great deals.
2015 Vauxhall 12 Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport 5dr White, 23k miles Corsa 1.2 11 Audi A5 3.0 TDi S Line Sportback S Tronic SXi 5dr Quattro 5dr Red, 55k miles robert
Pfrroimcoensly £3,995
£9,995 £11,295 £16,995 £14,995
14 Audi A6 Saloon 2.0 TDi Ultra Black Edition S Tronic 4dr Black, 18k miles £23,995 13 Audi A7 3.0 TDi Black Edition Sportback Tiptronic Quattro 5dr Grey, 37k miles £27,995 12 Audi TT 1.8 Sport Roadster 2dr White, 11k miles £14,995 11 Audi TT 2.0 TDi Sport Quattro 3dr Black, 48k miles £14,795 13 BMW 1 Series 2.0 116d ES Sports Hatch 5dr White, 30k miles £13,295 13 BMW 3 Serie s 2.0 320d Luxury 4dr Grey, 30k miles £16,995 12 BMW 5 Series 2.0 520d SE Touring 5dr White, 54k miles £14,795 13 BMW X1 2.0 20d M Sport sDrive 5dr White, 43k miles £13,995 14 Citroen C4 Cactus 1.6 BlueHDi Flair 5dr White, 26k miles £10,995 14 Citroen DS3 1.6 e-HDi Airdream DStyle Plus 3dr Blue, 13k miles £9,795 13 Citroen DS3 1.6 e-HDi DStyle Plus 3dr White, 60k miles £7,595 12 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso 1.6 HDi Platinum 5dr Blue, 45k miles £9,495 14 Fiat 500 1.2 S 3dr Choice From £6,995 13 Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Zetec 3dr Choice From £7,695 13 Ford Fiesta 1.0 Zetec 5dr White, 18k miles £7,495 15 Ford Focus 1.5 TDCi Zetec 5dr Choice From £11,995 11 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Zetec 5dr Blue, 63k miles £6,495 14 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Zetec S 5dr (start/stop) Choice From £9,995 13 Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Zetec 5dr White, 27k miles £13,495 15 Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCI Titanium X Sport AWD 5dr White, 3k miles £23,995 12 Honda Accord 2.2i DTEC ES GT 4dr Black, 18k miles £12,795 13 Hyundai i20 1.2 Active 5dr Grey, 15k miles £6,495 12 Jaguar XF 2.2 TD Premium Luxury 4dr Silver, 20k miles £18,995 13 Kia Sportage 2.0 CRDi KX-2 AWD 5dr White, 22k miles £14,995 12 Land Rover Evoque 2.2SD4 Dynamic 5dr 4WD Black, 43k miles £27,995 13 Mazda CX-5 2.2 D SE-L 5dr White, 48k miles £13,495 15 Mazda 6 2.2 TD SKYACTIV-D Sport NAV 4dr Red, 6k miles £18,495 14 Mazda 5 1.6 D Venture 5dr Black, 8k miles £13,495 14 Mercedes-Benz A Class 1.5 A180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport 5dr Blue, 15k miles £18,295 15 Mercedes CLA 220 CDI Sport 7G-DCT Map Pilot 4dr White, 6k miles £25,995 13 Mercedes-Benz A Class 1.8 A200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport 5dr Blue, 26k miles £16,995 13 Nissan Juke 1.6 16v Visia 5dr Black, 22k miles £8,295
14 13 12 11 10 12 14 14 12 15 15 14 15 13 13 15 14 15 14 14 14 15 11 14 13 13 15 10 14 14 12 12 12 13
Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi Tekna 5dr White, 23k miles £17,795 Peugeot 508 1.6 HDi FAP Active 4dr Grey, 33k miles £8,895 Peugeot RCZ 1.6 THP GT 2dr Black, 27k miles £12,495 Renault Megane 1.4 TCe Dynamique 2dr (Tom Tom) Grey, 17k miles £7,595 Seat Leon 1.6 TDi CR Ecomotive SE 5dr Red, 62k miles £6,295 Skoda Fabia 1.4 MPI SE 5dr Blue, 35k miles £5,295 Vauxhall Adam 1.2 VVT 16v Jam 3dr Red, 10k miles £7,295 Vauxhall Agila 1.2i ecoFLEX 16v SE 5dr (A/C) Red, 8k miles £6,795 Vauxhall Astra 1.6i VVT 16v Elite 5dr Black, 14k miles £7,995 Vauxhall Astra 2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX SRi 5dr (start/stop) Silver, 14k miles £10,495 Vauxhall Astra GTC 1.4i Turbo 16v Sport 3dr Red, 7k miles £10,795 Vauxhall Astra GTC 1.6 CDTi ecoFLEX 16v Sport 3dr Black, 15k miles £11,495 Vauxhall Corsa 1.0T ecoFLEX Sting R 3dr (start/stop) White, 6k miles £9,295 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2i 12v Active 5dr White, 32k miles £5,495 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2i 16v Limited Edition 3dr (A/C) Orange, 20k miles £6,795 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2i 16v SXi 5dr White, 12k miles £6,995 Vauxhall Corsa 1.4i 16v SXi 5dr Silver, 31k miles £5,995 Vauxhall Corsa 1.4i VVT Turbo ecoFLEX SRi 5dr Silver, 8k miles £9,295 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX Energy 5dr Black, 31k miles £10,995 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTi Ecoflex Energy 5dr Choice From £10,995 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTi Ecoflex SRi NAV 5dr Silver, 39k miles £11,495 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX SRi VX-Line NAV 5dr Choice From £15,495 Vauxhall Meriva 1.4i 16v Excite Ltd Edition Air Con 5dr Silver, 45k miles £5,995 Vauxhall Meriva 1.4i 16v Tech Line 5dr Silver, 15k miles £7,995 Vauxhall Zafira 1.7 CDTi ecoFLEX 16v Design NAV 5dr Silver, 21k miles £8,295 Vauxhall Zafira 1.7 TD Design 5dr Grey, 43k miles £7,995 Vauxhall Zafira Tourer 2.0 CDTi Tech Line 5dr Red, 6k miles £13,995 Volkswagen CC 2.0 TDi CR GT 4dr Black, 78k miles £7,995 Volkswagen Golf 1.2 TSI (BMT) S 5dr Silver, 32k miles £10,395 Volkswagen Polo 1.2 Match 5dr Black, 6k miles £8,395 Volkswagen Scirocco 2.0 TDi R-Line 3dr Grey, 42k miles £15,795 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDi BlueMotion Tech Sport 5dr (start/stop) White, 20k miles £14,595 Volvo XC60 2.4 D4 R-Design Geartronic AWD 5dr Black, 44k miles £18,995 Volvo XC60 2.0 TD SE Lux Geartronic 5dr Silver, 18k miles £20,995
1 Mallusk Road BT36 4XS
MALLUSK
028 9570 4452
see all our cars online at www.ballyrobert.co.uk
Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km). Vauxhall range: Urban: 14.4 (19.6) - 76.3 (3.7), Extra urban: 27.4 (10.3) - 91.1 (3.1), Combined: 18.0 (15.7) - 85.6 (3.3). CO2 emissions: 373 - 88g/km.# Cars shown for illustration purposes only. Calls may be recorded for monitoring and training purposes. *Ask for full details.
MOTORING
The ‘Wrong’ Side of the Road! Driving abroad is no different to driving at home..... Driving abroad should be no different to driving at home! For many, holiday time suggests the lure of France, the vast, open, sun-kissed campsites and caravan parks of the beautiful west coast, or the Côte Atlantique, if that gets you in the mood! Lots of folk from home will drive there after a long, overnight sailing into one of France’s northern ports. For others, it’s the forthcoming Euros, when Norn Ireland will take on some of the top European clubs this June. Do you drive down through England – an adventure in itself – and then continue along the busy A26 and even busier A1 towards the French capital?
By Luke North
best sorted well in advance and your own car insurance agent or company will competently serve your needs. But the AA and RAC have all those other less clear areas covered on their websites: possible extra fees for under 25s, whether you leave the car back with a full tank of fuel or not, likely procedure in the event of damage to the hire car. And with the modern technology of today’s mobile phone, take a photo of any scratches or dents you spot on the vehicle before you accept it as yours for a week or two. You don’t want to be charged and end up paying for damage caused by a previous hirer!
Or maybe, it’s simply hiring a car when in a baking hot Costa del Sol to get the kids away to a water park, or to let granny see the Caves of Drach on Majorca’s east coast. Or back to the Euros, some will consider a direct flight from Belfast and then hire a car on arrival.....
‘So how easy is it to hire a car and drive when abroad? Well, as my introductory sentence suggests – it shouldn’t really be any different – apart from the fact you’re on the ‘wrong’ side of the road!” It’s vitally important to remember this, especially when driving off again after having stopped. It’s all too easy to simply engage gear and nose the vehicle onto the left carriageway. Concentration is essential, even better, an alert front seat passenger who shares ‘navigator’ duties. I recall some years ago, when driving up through Bordeaux towards Orléans from northern Spain, my ‘navigator’, my wife, stirred from yet another snooze and asked what country we were in! Thankfully, today’s mobile phones with in-built Apps will provide a ready reference with their maps and GPS positioning. And there’s always the Sat Nav. But I would have to vote for common sense and point you towards one of our big motoring organisations, the AA or RAC. Their websites, www.theaa.com and www. rac.co.uk respectively will answer all your questions. Basic minimum is, of course, your driving licence if hiring abroad. Your own insurance will need to be augmented by additional continental insurance. That is something
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And make sure to read any small print in the comfort of your own home before you go, rather than by a dashboard light on some poorly lit stretch of road with the youngsters yelling ‘are we there yet?’!! In the event of a breakdown, some countries insist you carry spare bulbs, or reflective jackets, or a warning triangle; in Spain, for example, it is recommended that a driver be able to produce a spare pair of glasses if he/she normally wears glasses to drive. It is also illegal to use full headlights in towns or built-up areas. It’s not a minefield, but it IS worth your while planning in advance. Take time to think through where you’re going. If hiring, book from here and familiarise yourself with the online info the rental company provides. In the words of the AA: The best advice is to plan ahead and book in advance, before you travel, if you can. And, of course, after all that – enjoy!
THE VOLVO V40 R-DESIGN LIFE IS IN THE DETAILS DETAILS LIKE THE VERY SMALL PRICE & 0% APR* REPRESENTATIVE With its distinctive 17” Diamond Cut Alloys, adaptive digital display, illuminated gearshift and more, the Volvo
THE VOLVO V40 T2 R-DESIGN
V40 R-Design is crafted down to the last detail. And when
0% APR* £211 per month £750 Finance deposit contribution Including 3 years Complementary Servicing
you experience all these details working in harmony, the car truly comes to life. BOOK A TEST DRIVE TODAY AT SMW BELFAST OR GREERS OF ANTRIM & COLERAINE
SMW Belfast
Customer deposit of £211, followed by 48 monthly payments of £211, Optional Final Payment of £8,480, Personal Contract Purchase
Volvo Business Centre
028 9068 6000 www.volvocarsbelfast.co.uk
Greers of Antrim & Coleraine
028 9446 0066 www.volvocarsantrim.co.uk
Official fuel consumption for the 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). CO2 Emissions 127g/km. MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results. *Finance subject to status. Retail sales only. Subject to availability at participating dealers only on new vehicles sold between 2 February 2016 and 31 March 2016. 0% finance available on Personal Contract Purchase on the Volvo V40 T2 R-Design over 48 months. At the end of the agreement there are 3 options: (i) Renew: Part exchange the vehicle, (ii) Retain: Pay the Optional Final Payment to own the vehicle or (iii) Return the vehicle. Further charges may be made subject to the condition or mileage of the vehicle. 8,000 miles per annum. Excess mileage charge of 14.9p per mile applies. Terms and conditions apply. Applicants must be 18 or over. Guarantee/ Indemnity may be required. Volvo Car Credit, RH1 1SR. The Stanley Motor Works (1932) Ltd and Greers of Antrim trading as SMW Belfast and Greers of Antrim & Coleraine are credit brokers not lenders, and can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction.
MOTORING
Your Life in Cars From the first day behind the wheel to being an experienced driver in your retirement, using a car is an important part of life. Recent research shows how cars change to meet the demands of each of life stages. Getting around as a graduate As a graduate, your next challenge will be working your way up the career ladder, first impressions count, so you’ll be looking for something sleek and professional to travel to and from work. It’s also likely you’ll be feeling very aware of any student debts you’ve acquired, so a practical car with low running costs would be ideal.
sophisticated car within a reasonable budget. You’ll be looking for something practical to go to the office, but also pleasurable for longer drives on romantic weekends away. Profile: Average age: 32 Average income: £45k Average number of cars owned: 3 Usage: Over a quarter of newly married couples use their car 6 or 7 days a week.
Profile: Average age: 28 Average income: £34k Average number of cars owned: 1 Priorities: When looking to buy a car, 22% of graduates place design and aesthetics as one of their top priorities. 15% place fuel efficiency as their number one priority.
New parents on the road With a baby or young child, your main priority when choosing a car will be safety. The law outlines that all children must travel in a child seat until they’re 135cm tall or 12 years old (whichever they reach first). So the car must be able to securely fit a child seat, whilst also offering a spacious boot to easily transport your pushchair around.
A car to celebrate your first promotion You may look to treat yourself to a new car to celebrate your first promotion. This is probably going to be something stylish with plenty of tech toys for you to enjoy, whilst also remaining practical and comfortable for your commute to work. Profile: Average age: 28 Average income: £34k Average number of cars owned: 2 Priorities: For this life stage technology is the most popular priority when looking to buy a car. Usage: With growing career success, 44% use their car mostly to drive to work, meetings and other office locations. Newly married After splashing out on the big day, and possibly not long after mortgaging your first home together, you’ll want a
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Profile: Average age: 32 Average income: £41k Average number of cars owned: 3 Priorities: 43% of new parents consider safety as priority, 31% place comfort as a priority, and 26% prioritise having sufficient space, such as boot size. Travelling with a growing family Once your family starts to grow, safety will still be a key priority. Whether you’re ferrying children around to birthday parties, or taking a longer trip to visit family, you’ll be looking for a car with sufficient leg room and boot space. You’ll also need to ensure you have enough power for a fully packed car or a long distance drive. Profile: Average age: 38 Average income: £40k Average number of cars owned: 4 Priorities: 39% of parents with multiple children consider safety as a priority when looking to buy a car, followed by 27% wanting to ensure there is enough space and legroom.
More great deals from Cannon Hyundai Carrickfergus Hyundai i30
5 Door Hatch 1.6 CRDi 110ps SE Blue Drive Diesel, Nil Road Tax Only
£107
Per Month on Personal Contract Hire For higher annual mileage please call us for a quote. Initial Payment of 12 months rental(£1284.05 inc VAT) followed by 23 payments of £107 inc VAT based on 5000 miles per annum. Personal Contract Hire Customer Maintenance (incl. RFL). *Excess Mileage: 4.08p / 5.91p + VAT. Other terms available on request. All figures provided are for guideline purposes only. *The Excess PPM (price per mile) figures represent the price up to 9999 miles followed by the price over 9999 miles.
Hyundai i10 S Only £20 Road Tax
Hyundai i20 S Only £30 Road Tax
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£7,995 OTR
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What Car Car of the Year 2014, 2015 & 2016
£9,995 OTR
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£1000
Northern Ireland Motoring Journalist Car of the Year 2015 52-70 Belfast Road, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim BT38 8BT Tel: 028 9335 1816 / 028 9335 1374 www.cannonmotors.co.uk
FREE
Winter Essentials Pack ~ WORTH UP TO £150 ~
••• INCLUDES MATS, FLAPS AND SAFETY PACK •••
on presentation of this voucher on new car purchased before end April 2016 *Excludes Fleet and Motability Sales. Voucher must be presented at time of Order.
MOTORING
Your Life in Cars (continued) Taxi for teens As a parent, safety will probably remain high on the priority list, and you’ll also need to think about accommodating gangly teenagers with added head space and leg room. It’s likely you’ll be the designated taxi driver for picking up children and their friends from parties, so flexible seating is a must. You may also need a car to transport equipment for hobbies and sports – as well as boot space for family activities, camping trips or holidays abroad. Profile: Average age: 45 Average income: £39k Average number of cars owned: 6 Priorities: 38% of parents with teenagers place safety as one of their key priorities. Car space and power are both equally important, with 20% of parents prioritising each of these.
priorities. 16% also include the car engine and power as one of their top priorities when buying a car. Driving as empty nesters When your family have flown the nest for good, you’ll have the freedom of being able to choose a car for pleasure over practicality. With your children no longer financially dependent on you, you may also have the luxury of spending a little extra. Profile: Average age: 59 Average income: £31k Average number of cars owned: 7 Priorities: 43% of empty nesters consider the model of the car to be a priority. 20% focus on the car’s looks and design and 19% place high importance on the brand. Trips in retirement Having reached retirement, you’ll be looking for a comfortable but sophisticated car. You may also be thinking about keeping running costs down so you can save for those faraway places you’ve always wanted to visit. No longer commuting to work, you’ll still need a car to meet friends for long lunches, for a leisurely road trip, or to take your grandchildren out for the day.
The uni run If your teenaged children find themselves ready to gain some independence at university, it’s likely they’re going to need you to ferry them and their belongings to and from the student accommodation. So ample space and suitability for long drives is a must. You’ll still need plenty of seating for family trips during the holidays, whilst also being able to enjoy your car for leisure when they’re away.
Profile: Average age: 73 Average income: £26k Average number of cars owned: 9 Priorities: Retirees mostly use their cars for doing the grocery shopping (33%) or to visit friends and family or drive for leisure (30%).
Profile: Average age: 50 Average income: £42k Average number of cars owned: 5 Priorities: Space is important for parents with children at university, with 19% placing it as one of their main
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Courtesy of www.aviva.co.uk/car/motor-advice
A FEAST FOR THE EYES. A DIET FOR THE WALLET. HAVE IT ALL
NISSAN JUKE FROM £10,995 CHARLES HURST NISSAN 547 Antrim Road, Co.Antrim BT36 4RF 0844 649 0217 | www.charleshurst.com/nissan Juke Range: URBAN 28.8 - 61.4mpg (9.8 - 4.6L/100km); EXTRA URBAN 47.1-76.4mpg (6.0-3.7L/100km); COMBINED 38.2-70.6mpg (7.4-4.0L/100km); CO2 emissions 169-104g/km.
Offer valid until 31 March 2016. *Based on personal contract hire and a 48 month agreement. Initial rental of £199 followed by 47 monthly rentals of £199. Mileage restriction applies and excess mileage will be charged for. Subject to status. MPG figures are obtained from laboratory testing, in accordance with 2004/3/EC and intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not reflect real driving results. (Optional equipment, maintenance, driving behaviour, road and weather conditions may affect the official results.) Information correct at time of going to print.
FAMILY LIFE
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Abbot Cross Ballyclare Glengormley Notting Hill Old School Rosehall Tramways Templepatrick
028 9036 4048 028 9332 2575 028 9084 8420 028 9080 8200 028 9086 4455 028 9083 2188 028 9034 2131 028 9443 2202
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028 9442 4000 028 9032 9241 028 9024 0503 028 9086 5181
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028 9036 5910 028 9335 2289 028 9036 5828 028 9083 2218 028 9083 6025 028 9083 2714 028 9083 3991 028 9443 2840 028 9085 1206 028 9332 2427
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Airports Belfast International City of Derry George Best City
028 9448 4848 028 7181 0784 028 9093 9093
Libraries Ballyclare Library Ballymena Library Belfast Central Library Glengormley Library Rathcoole Library
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07811 251936 028 9334 0144
Funeral Directors Co-Operative Funeralcare, Ballyclare Wilton (Whitehouse)
028 9335 2228 028 9036 5264
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028 9335 2269 028 2563 3950 028 9050 9150 028 9083 3797 028 9085 1157
Clare Vets (Ballyclare) Clare Vets (Abbey) Glenburn (Glengormley)
028 9332 2223 028 9036 5573 028 9084 9350
Schools Abbey Community College Abbots Cross Primary Ashgrove Primary Ballyclare High Ballyclare Nursery Ballyclare Primary Ballyclare Secondary Ballygolan Primary Ballyhenry Nursery Ballyhenry Primary Carnmoney Primary EarlView Primary & Nursery Edmund Rice College Glengormley High Glengormley Int Primary Hazelwood Int Coll Hazelwood Int Primary Hollybank Primary Jordanstown Schools King’s Park Primary Loughshore Educ Res Ctre Mallusk Primary Mossgrove Primary Mossley Primary Rathcoole Primary Rosstulla Special School St. Bernard’s Primary St. James’ Primary St. Mary’s on the Hill St. McNissis Primary Thompson Primary Thornfield House Tir-na-Nog Primary Whiteabbey Primary
028 9086 7431 028 9086 4171 028 9084 8734 028 9332 2244 028 9335 2982 028 9332 2389 028 9332 2610 028 9037 0091 028 9083 3884 028 9084 1316 028 9083 3619 028 9034 2203 028 9084 8433 028 9083 7223 028 9083 2786 028 9077 4202 028 9077 0421 028 9086 4944 028 9086 3541 028 9036 5132 028 9077 3062 028 9034 2038 028 9084 4665 028 9083 3019 028 9085 2632 028 9086 2743 028 9084 4634 028 9086 6201 028 9083 6284 028 9034 2166 028 9335 2361 028 9085 1089 028 9332 3283 028 9086 2185
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