Newtownabbey In-touch Nov/Dec 2015 by In-touch Magazines

Newtownabbey

November / December 2015

your community / your life / your business

WIN a Family Ticket to Rumpelstiltskin at The MAC Put Some Sparkle Into Christmas With Hilton Hotel Offers

Road Safety Week

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The twelve scams of Christmas

Your INDEPENDENT Community Magazine Delivered to 17,000 Homes and Businesses

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THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT & SOMETHING FOR YOU. For every £50 you spend on gift vouchers we will add a £5 voucher just for you. Call: 028 9443 5566 Quote: VOUCH4U

LET HILTON PUT SOME SPARKLE INTO CHRISTMAS WITH OUR FESTIVE SUNDAY CARVERY Traditional Carvery with visit from Santa and presents for the children. Save 10% on adult dining Call: 028 9443 5531 Quote: SANTASUNDAY T&Cs: Festive Carvery will run on the 6th, 13th & 20th December. Pre –booking is required. Adults - £19, Children £9, 4 and under Free of Charge. Offer valid from 1st of November to the 31st of December 2015. Voucher valid for six months from date of purchase. Can be purchased as a gift. £5 voucher free with every £50 purchased. Over 18s only. Pre booking required for voucher redemption.

CONTENTS: 12. 36.

12. YOUR HOME

While many insects go dormant over the winter, others seek protective shelter. Thus fleas, insects, and other pests may become more common sights during colder weather.

30. COMMUNITY From doorstep nuisances to loan shark pirates, from telephone scams to emails notifying us of huge lottery windfalls, National Trading Standards aim to keep us safe.

36. HEALTH

30. 40.

Christmas is coming and, for some of us, it isn’t just the Turkey that needs trimming! If only it were as simple as a letter off to the North Pole and letting jolly old St. Nick do the hard work.

40. MOTORING

If you are planning to enjoy a night out over the Christmas period you should be careful to use only licensed taxis or private hire vehicles.

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Christmas is a time that many of us look forward to. A time to relax with our family, go out with our friends, a time to do things that are a little bit special, that maybe we don’t do the rest of the year.

If you were planning to get into shape for Christmas and thought you had left it too late, think again. Have a read at our fitness article on page 40 for some motivational advice.

With that in mind this is an issue packed full of Christmas ideas and events to help you start feeling festive.

Christmas is off course party season and if you are going to one, or possibly a few, be wise and don’t drink and drive. Also, don’t take a lift with someone who has been drinking. There is great advice on how to get home safely by Taxi on page 40.

If you are planning to spruce up your home before Christmas, you better get started as time is running out. There is some helpful advice on this subject on page 8. Perhaps you would like to be a bit more environmentally friendly this Christmas and there are lots of ideas on how to do this on page 6. Disclaimer

We even have some great Christmas gift ideas, with one that you probably hadn’t thought off. We are encouraged to give the gift of a Will on page 32, to

ensure that the future of our loved ones is secure. All of us here at In-touch really do wish you a very Happy Christmas and we’ll see you again in 2016.

Contact: Susan Gilchrist t: 028 9332 4511 e: susan@newtownabbeyintouch.com w: www.newtownabbeyintouch.com

Get

fti

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.

Having a Greener Christmas? I bet we never think this way but having a greener Christmas can be part of your enjoyment during the festive season without costing the earth. This can vary from recycling your tree to sending e-cards; simple choices you make can save you money and help the planet. Christmas tree There are many arguments for and against real or artificial trees - whichever one you choose try to make it ‘green’. If you’re choosing a real Christmas tree this year, you need to find one that has been grown sustainably and locally. If you have a garden, consider getting a living tree in a pot and with the roots still attached – you can plant it in your garden after Christmas and reuse it next year. Artificial trees need more energy and resources to produce and generally can’t be recycled but they can be reused. An artificial tree could be an option if you would otherwise drive long distances each year to pick up a tree, or if you would be unable to recycle it after Christmas. Artificial trees are designed to last, so make yours greener by hanging on to it for as long as possible.

YOUR HOME

large group of people, you could cut down the number of gifts by organising a ‘Secret Santa’ where everyone puts their name in a hat and then picks out the name of one person to buy a present for, keeping to an agreed budget. Top Tip: Presents do not always have to be new! Charity shops have a wide range of gifts, from clothes and books to music and jewellery. Choose greener cards and paper Pretty wrapping paper is attractive but using Christmas gift wrap once and throwing it away is definitely not eco-friendly. There are some easy ways to reduce the impact of cards and paper such as; sending e-cards instead of paper cards, buying recycled wrapping paper and cards from shops that give a share of the profits to charitable causes or green initiatives. Make wrapping paper easier to reuse next year by tying presents with ribbon or string instead of using sticky tape, gift tags can be made from old greetings cards. Any kind of unusual paper such as old magazines and newspapers can be used to wrap gifts. Decorations Make sure you buy decorations that can be used for many years or make garlands with fruits like cranberries which can be fed to the birds after Christmas. Natural decorations like holly and mistletoe will give your home a traditional festive feel, and can be composted afterwards. You could also choose a Fairtrade option for chocolate Christmas tree decorations or advent calendars or buy Christmas lights made with light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which last longer and are up to 90 per cent more efficient than traditional lights. Always beware of the safety hazards when considering lighting options. Christmas food and drink The average Christmas dinner travels several thousand miles before reaching your table so buying locally produced food and beverages can save a huge amount of transport energy. The chances are that the food will be fresher too.

Greener shopping Want to be a little creative with present giving? Here are a few suggestions: If you are buying electrical goods, try to choose those that will run off the mains and have an Energy Saving Trust recommended label. You will also save the recipient energy and money too. Instead of an item, give a special experience like theatre tickets. Try to buy gifts made from recycled, and recyclable materials, and look for Fairtrade alternatives. If you’re buying for a

Save money and waste less food for a greener Christmas by getting your portion sizes right meaning you only buy the food you need. Try to buy locally in-season food looking for labels which tell you fit has been produced with consideration for the environment. So why not start the New Year in a positive way and make a resolution to reduce, re-use and recycle more of your waste? “Small change= Big difference” Courtesy of www.nidirect.gov.uk/having-a-greenerchristmas-a-quick-guide

YOUR HOME

Getting Your Home Ready for Christmas Christmas is a lovely time to have guests over but the additional people, decorations and presents can make your home feel very crowded. The good news is that there is still time to prepare your home and even do some re-decoration before Christmas. 1. Before you start any work, take a couple of hours to declutter your home. We often live with things we no longer need or like, so donate these to the local charity shop. Clearing out now will help make space for when you hang your Christmas decorations later in the month. 2. After decluttering it is a good time to give your house a deep clean. Consider hiring a professional cleaning company if you are short of time and remember to have the carpets cleaned – this simple task can make your home feel like new and really freshen up your interior.

3. Now make a list of all the small jobs that you have been putting off and either set aside some time to tackle them or hire a local handyman. Getting broken doors fixed or replacing mismatched handles will really smarten your interior before your guests arrive. 4. There is still time to do redecoration but be realistic. If you expect to start enjoying the Christmas spirit from early December maybe limit the decorating to creating a feature wall in your living room, or refreshing some of the paintwork. Don’t forget that first impressions count so a well painted front door is an easy way to improve your entrance for little outlay and a well-lit entrance will be more welcoming to guests.

5. If you want to replace furniture you should go out in the next couple of days to order it. Some suppliers close their order books mid November – just try not to rush into a decision that you might later regret. 6. During the winter months it is nice to have a richer heavier pair of curtains. When you change the curtains it will instantly change the mood of a room. Using a traditional check pattern is a lovely choice for winter and Christmas. Rich berry tones will also add a warm tone for the colder months. 7. There is nothing like a real fire to brighten up a room at Christmas. If your old fireplace has been blocked off it can usually be reinstated but you will need to get the chimney and flue checked thoroughly first. A chimney sweep is a good person to call to get the chimney cleaned and they will be able to tell you the condition of your existing chimney and whether or not you may be able to proceed without the expense of installing a flue liner. A CORGI registered plumber can check the flue for leaks and will run a smoke test to see if the fire will operate as it should. 8. After giving your bathroom a deep clean this is a good place to put festive accessories. Seasonal towels add a fun touch, or use Christmas tea light holders. 9. If you are planning to entertain over Christmas, this is the time to get ready for some dancing! It is very easy to add a good sound system to your home without having wires everywhere. WiFi sound systems can access the music stored on your computer or phone and play it through wireless speakers. Have a great Christmas

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The McCabe Family have been trading as Mallusk Carpets since Newtownabbey, 1976. A long running family business, offering a wide range of flooring and carpets. BT36 4TY The recently refurbished showroom has undergone a full makeover and now has disabled access available including a lift to the first floor showroom and disabled toilet facilities. Email: jp@malluskcarpets.com

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ARCHITECTURE PLANNING SURVEYING

new dwellings | extensions | commercial

YOUR HOME

The Problem of Pests While many insects go dormant over the winter through a process called diapause, others seek protective shelter. Thus fleas, insects, and other pests may become more common sights to you during colder weather. Insects Some simple steps can keep these insects from making a home in your house: •

Seal off holes on the outside of the house, where insects may gain entry. Smaller holes can be patched with caulk or spackle, while larger ones may require concrete to fill.

•

Check around baseboards and inside cabinets for crevices that could hide six-legged occupants, and fill holes accordingly.

•

Remove sources of food and water, which include dishes in the sink and crumbs inside cabinets.

•

Always store food in sealed containers.

•

Mulch and firewood hold moisture, making them popular hiding places for roaches. Store these at least two feet from exterior walls.

•

Trim hedges and trees in close proximity to your house. The branches can provide an easy path to the house for insects.

•

If you have fleas in your home, try to identify the source of the problem. In many cases this is a family pet. To treat fleas on your pet, use an insecticide aerosol spray, pour-on product or a tablet.

Keep Rodents from Taking up Residence Unlike insects, mice and other rodents are not capable of going dormant for the winter, most simply seek a warmer shelter. Mice, rats, and squirrels actively work on building warm nests all year round, often inside homes.

•

To prevent squirrels and other animals from roosting in the eaves or attic, repair and patch any holes or other damage.

•

Clean out gutters and overhangs, where rodents can also build their nests.

•

Store waste like leaves and moss away from the house prior to disposal. These materials are popular nesting materials.

•

Keep birdseed in a sealed metal container. Mice can gnaw through plastic and eat seeds.

•

If you have a compost heap, don’t put cooked food on it as this attracts rats.

•

Check your outhouses, sheds and children’s playhouses. As you don’t use these much in the winter mine and rats can live happily in them for weeks or months on end. Before winter arrives fill in any cracks or gaps, as mice and rats can squeeze through surprisingly tiny spaces!

•

Common entry points to your home are around pipes, where small cracks are frequently just large enough for a mouse to squeeze through. Mice can get through a space as narrow as a ball-point pen. Using steel wool to block holes is very effective.

•

Keep your doors closed. It seems obvious, but even leaving the door open for a minute to get something from outside is enough time to allow a rat or mouse into your home.

•

In the house, eradicate clutter that can hide mice and rat nests and provide material for the nests themselves.

•

You may suspect that your neighbours are responsible for attracting pests into the area, because, for example, they have a lot of rubbish piled up in their garden. In this case, your first step should be to talk to your neighbours and ask them to deal with the problem. If this doesn’t work, you can contact the council’s environmental health department to seek further advice.

If it is evident that rodents have already entered your home be very careful how you try to catch them. For example, poison bait traps, whilst they may be effective can cause the rodent to die somewhere in your home that you cannot reach, leaving an unbearable rotting smell for weeks. If you fear you have rats or mice in your home and you don’t want to tackle the problem yourself, contact your local pest control company.

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HEALTHY LIVING

Eyeing up Lenses Maybe it’s time to start wearing contact lenses

The season of parties, get-togethers, dinners and celebration is upon us. If you wear glasses, perhaps this is the perfect time of year to consider switching to contacts lenses. Contact lenses give you the freedom to see clearly without wearing glasses and are ideal for full or part-time wear. At Specsavers Newtownabbey, we offer the best products at the best value and store director Tony McGinn has over 27 years’ experience fitting contact lenses. Never a better time Technology for contact lenses has advanced enormously and there has never been a better time to try them. Specsavers has fully-trained contact lens specialists to offer advice before and after you buy contact lenses. We work with some of the world’s leading manufacturers and offer a superb range. Our range features different lens types to suit most wearers and uses the latest technology and materials, making them comfortable and easy to wear. Easy process, expert advice and great options At Specsavers, we’ve designed a straight-forward, thorough and precise process to determine the right size of contacts for you. Customers are given trial contact lenses to check the fit and advice on how to insert and remove them.

“There are many options available for contact lenses with leading brands available online and in store. Our popular 1-Day Acuvue Define lenses are designed to provide greater definition and shine to your eye, enhancing their natural beauty. Our Dailies Total 1 are a true revolution in contact lens design, these lenses are manufactured to provide more water where your eyes need it most so your eyes feel great and stay white even after long wear times. “ Our multi-focal contact lenses are perfect for anyone who needs different prescriptions for distance and driving – these lenses correct both distances at the same time. And, if you’re looking for contact lenses with a twist, our colour-enhancing Air Optix Colours are designed to be just as comfortable as a clear lens and keep your eyes healthy and white. It’s very affordable – monthly disposables start from just £5 per month. Our easy eyecare package allows customers to pay monthly and have their lenses delivered directly to their door. Aftercare checks and a complimentary pair of glasses are also included in this package.

Dispelling the myths… At Specsavers, we have helped thousands of customers to enjoy contact lenses and we’ve had to dispel a few myths along the way. Myth #1: They are difficult to use While it’s true it takes practice to use contact lenses, it doesn’t take long to get the hang of them. At Specsavers you will be given a free trial and you’ll be shown how to put the lenses in and take them out. Myth #2: They are uncomfortable Over the last few years, technology has moved forward at an unbelievable rate. So, if you tried contacts before and didn’t get on with them, it may be time to give them a second chance. Contact lenses are now so comfortable you wouldn’t even know you were wearing them. Myth #3: I’m too young for contact lenses There’s no official age at which you can start wearing contact lenses. In fact, contact lenses can be a great advantage for children, especially for activities like football, horse riding and just general rough and tumble! Myth #4: I’m too old for contact lenses There are no age limits when it comes to contact lenses. Even if you need different prescriptions for distance and reading vision it’s not a problem as there are multifocal options that can correct both. So, why not contact the Specsavers Newtownabbey store to make an appointment and take advantage of free eye tests and contact lens trial. On behalf of everyone at Specsavers Newtownabbey we would like to wish you a very Happy Christmas.

www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/newtownabbey 028 9036 9569

GREENACRES GOLF CENTRE GOLF FOR EVERYONE Membership available

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SPECIAL AUTUMN/WINTER OFFER Greenacres 18 hole course 2 BALL £30 | 3 BALL £42 | 4 BALL £52 available Mon-Fri and after 1pm Sat & Sun

Buy 6 x 50 balls or 3 x 100 balls and recieve a free to token for 50 balls

Special Christmas Offer 3 months free golf in all categories 15 months for the price of 12

Simply pay £150 deposit and start playing our beautiful 18 hole Par 70 course Balance payable by cash, cheque, debit/ credit card or D.D. before 31st March 2016

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From all at Greenacres

155 Ballyrobert Road | Ballyclare | BT39 9RT T: 028 9335 4111 www.greenacresgolfcentre.co.uk Email: info@greenacresgolfcentre.co.uk

HEALTHY LIVING

Mrs Wilcox phoned her son, “ Did you let the cat out this morning before you got the bus?” “ No, Mum, she’s in the house somewhere.” “ Time to bring out the big guns, then,’ said Mrs Wilcox as she hung up the phone. Mrs Wilcox was a very clever woman and it was very hard to trick her. She went into the kitchen, got some bacon from the fridge and put it on the grill. Five minutes later, she heard a meow. “ Kitty,” she said, “ here’s your breakfast.” Mrs Wilcox put some bacon in the cat carrier. Kitty had never seen it before and jumped right in.

Kitty is a Boy By Paula Matthews Mrs Wilcox looked out the window and heaved a very big sigh. It was raining like crazy, the sort of rain that bounces off the pavement and makes the bottom of your trousers get wet. It was the sort of morning when people are much happier indoors, with dry feet and no need for big, wet, rustling raincoats. Cats are even happier to stay inside when the rain is that heavy. Most people would agree that cats absolutely; totally and utterly hate getting wet. Even more than people do. They hide indoors when the rain falls and don’t come out until it has been over for a long time. I once knew a cat who made herself completely flat and crawled on her belly under a dressing table when bad weather came. A friend of mine saw a cat climbing into the wardrobe when it was raining and it didn’t come back out for hours. “ O, boy,” said Mrs Wilcox, dreading the morning ahead. Kitty was going to the vet. Kitty was a young cat who had just come to live with the Wilcox family. She was beautiful, with a lovely, long black and white coat, big green eyes and a little pink nose. Mrs Wilcox loved Kitty, but she was worried about her. Over the past few weeks, Kitty’s tummy had gotten bigger and bigger and when she walked she swayed from side to side. Mrs Wilcox had begun to think that Kitty was going to have kittens very soon. “ Here, Kitty,” said Mrs Wilcox, but there was no sign of the cat. “ Kitty! Kitty!” she called upstairs and downstairs, but Kitty did not come.

“ Gotcha!” said Mrs Wilcox, and closed the door. They went outside and walked to the bus stop with Kitty meowing loudly. “ I know it’s not nice, but you must go to the vet.” On the bus, Kitty meowed very loudly indeed, “ Shh, Kitty. You are making a scene.” At last they got to the vets. Kitty hissed at a puppy in the waiting room, “ I’m so sorry. She doesn’t like the vet’s.” “Kitty Wilcox.” The vet was calling them. They went into the surgery and Kitty growled. The vet put her hand in the carrier to try to lift Kitty, and she scratched it. “ I’m so sorry! I think she is stressed.” In the end, the vet got Kitty out with a hiss. Mrs Wilcox explained that she thought there might be kittens on the way. “ I have news for you Mrs Wilcox,“ said the vet, “ Kitty is a boy.” “ O, my word! I’m sorry for wasting your time.” “ These things happen, it’s hard to tell,” said the vet, “ What a handsome cat.” When Mrs Wilcox got home, she phoned her sister to tell her all about it. “ He’s not pregnant at all, he’s just fat!” said Mrs Wilcox. “ That’s all that bacon you feed him,” her sister said. That afternoon, Mrs Wilcox went to the shops like she always did. This time, she bought some chicken.

HEATHLY LIVING

Dry Eyes Optometrist Michael Allen from Mackey Opticians Carnmoney talks about Dry eyes, what causes it and treatment options.

Eyes may also be dry due to an inadequate amount of the water layer of the tears. Causes of this incude some of the following:

Dry eyes is one of the most common conditions that I come across in practice. It occurs when the tears are unable to provide adequate lubrication for our eyes.

Age - majority of over 65 have some symptoms Gender - hormonal changes in pregnancy, oral contraceptives and menopause Medications - certain antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications and antidepressants

Sufferers eyes may present with a variety of symptoms including grittiness, stinging, itching, watering, light sensitivity or redness. In severe cases these symptoms can be continuous. Thankfully most cases are mild and can be managed with proper advice. The tears that lubricate our eyes are a complex mixture of water, fatty oils and mucus. Any imbalance in this mixture may give rise to dry eye symptoms. Inadequate oils in our tears may arise from abnormal oil producing glands. We call this meibomian gland dysfunction. Under normal circumstances these glands seen along the eyelids margins will continuously produce a fine oil. In MGD the oily glands become blocked up with secretions thickened resulting in poor tear quality. Chronically clogged glands eventually become unable to secrete oil and may results in permanent changes and dry eyes. This may often be associated with red/inflamed eyelid margins and blepharitis (scales along the eyelashes).

“Environmental conditions - smoke, wind, dry atmospheres such as air conditioned offices can cause increased tear evaporation. When we use a computer screen we tend not to blink as regularly which promotes dry eyes.” Systemic illnesses – lupus, rheumatoid artritis and sjogrens syndrome What should I do if I think I have dry eyes? Dry eye is best diagnosed by a qualified Optician. A thorough history will be taken and then the front of the eyes including the eyelids will be assessed under high magnification. We can also assess the quality of the tears using diagnostic dyes. Treatment Treatment will depend on the cause of the dry eye. Heat therapies and massage may improve meibomian

Mention This Article to Receive Your First Dry Eye Consultation Free of Charge 345 Carnmoney Road | Carnmoney Village | Tel: 028 9084 8973 Email: carnmoney@mackeyopticians.com

gland function. Lid scubs helps to remove oil, bacteria and debris and stimulate the meibomian glands Often artificial tears eyedrops will be recommended that when added will improve the quality of an inadequate tear film and give much needed relief of symptoms. Dietary advice and nutritional supplements including vitamins and omega 3 can also have a positive effect on oil quality and tear production.. Michael has 14 years of experience of treating this condition and has a large range of dry eye products at his disposal. For a dry eye consultation or eye exam please call us today.

We have flexible payment terms to help you spread the cost of your fees over the year!

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Christmas In The Christmas The Country Country atat Ellie Mays Mays Family Meals & Business Lunches

Family Meals & Business Lunches Live Entertainment on Friday & Live Entertainment on Friday & Saturday Nights Saturday Nights Private Function Room For Parties Room For Private Function FOOD SERVED ALL DAY Parties Christmas Party Nights* FOOD SERVED ALL DAY Monday to Saturday Please ring to Party check availability Christmas Nights* Mondaytoto9.00pm Saturday 12.00pm Please ringEve, to check availability Christmas Boxing Night and to 9.00pm Open12.00pm Sunday 12.30pm to New Year’s Eve Discos Christmas Eve, Boxing Night and 8.00pm 12.30pm to Only) Open Sunday New (Tickets Year’s Eve Discos Other nights are available on request 8.00pm (Tickets Only) NEW ALL DAY MENU Other nights are available on request With overALL 30 choices and NEW DAY MENU CHRISTMAS lunch from £6.95and Withspecials over 30 choices

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For December Party MENU AVAILABLE Nights For December Party (120 people maximum) Our Nights top 2 bands (120 people “Last Word”maximum) & “Alibi” Ourupstairs top 2 bands playing and down. “Last Word” & “Alibi” From £11.95 inc playing upstairs and down. entertainment

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Christmas Competition Guess the total retail price of all the labelled items featured in Larne’s “Win the Window” at East Antrim Electrical, 71 Main Street, Larne and you could “Win the Window!” Entry forms available from shops throughout Larne. Entries close at 5.00pm on Thursday 17 December and the winner will be announced on Friday 18 December.

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COMMUNITY

Flax Gallery Exhibitions Thursday 5 November – Saturday 28 November Loose Thread Quilters Loose Thread Quilters is a small group of active quilt makers drawn from all over Northern Ireland. Formed in 1996, the group was established to promote the practice and art of patchwork, appliqué and quilting for the traditional quilt maker and the contemporary fabric artist. The latest collection, commissioned by the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum and launching there in October 2015, is called ‘The Tale of the Thread’ and reflects the manufacture of linen. The pieces demonstrate a diversity of techniques and themes covering everything from social and economic history, environment and nature to family connections.

Museum Workshops Basic Crochet Christmas Decorations Saturday 5 December Tutor: Elaine McCully Learn to create colourful festive decorations for your tree and home. Crochet colourful Christmas light bulbs using one basic stitch, these can be used to hang on your tree or strung together to create a festive garland for your home. Simply constructed snowflakes, stockings, hearts and more … come along and crochet yourself a handcrafted Christmas.

Thursday 3 December – Saturday 2 January 2016 Glengormley Art Club Annual Exhibition Glengormley Art Club has been running for over 25 years and attracts novice, amateur and experienced artists living in Newtownabbey and its surrounding areas. The majority of works are paintings and drawings of landscapes, seascapes, still life and portraits using oils, watercolours, pastels, acrylics, pencil and mixed media.

Loose Thread Quilters

Glengormley Art Club

10am – 4pm/16 years +/ £30/£27 (concession) Ceramics Saturday 21 November Tutor: Avril McCabe Participants will learn a range of 2D printing and 3D slab building techniques Inspired by nature and create a range of vessels using a variety of surface pattern and printing. All work will be brought back to the studio for firing and returned glazed for participants to collect.

Crochet Christmas

Ceramics

Adding a touch of across the Borough GlenGormley Saturday 21 november 2.30pm-6pm

lilian Bland Community park

BallyClare Saturday 28 november 2.30pm-6pm the Square

For our full programme of events visit

www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/christmas @anBorough

FAMILY LIFE

Test Your Mortgage Most people have their mortgage on some sort of interest rate deal fixed or variable/tracker. However, not all people test their mortgage against alternatives from other lenders when their deal is up. This is not helped by some lenders who plan to remind you when your deal is finished so that it is difficult to move elsewhere.

Financial Foresight are Northern Ireland based and owned and have been providing independent financial and mortgage advice for over 30 years. We have offices in Ballyclare and Belfast (amongst others) and our first meeting is always free.

We encourage people to speak to their lender, or existing mortgage adviser but to TEST their suggestions by talking to us as well. Many, if not most, advisers are RESTRICTED as to what advice they can give and with whom they can place business. Financial Foresight, as truly INDEPENDENT financial advisers, will be happy to confirm if you have a good mortgage deal. There may be no work in it for us to tell you to stay with your current lender or adviser but it earns us goodwill and as a result we may get to work with you when your next deal ends. Why not look up when your deal ends and phone us to let us know - we will then contact you in good time to test your mortgage deal.

Mortgages... Stock market...

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T: 93327575 2822 T : 028 028 9048

www.financialforesight.co.uk www.financialforesight.co.uk Financial Foresight (NI) Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (434724)

Christmas Remembrance We welcome you into our funeral home to write a message of remembrance to hang on our memorial Christmas tree For more information contact your local Co-operative Funeralcare Funeral Home at Ballyclare 2 Ballynure Road, BT39 9AG 028 9335 2228 www.co-operativefuneralcare.co.uk

The Co-operative Funeralcare is a trading name of Funeral Services Limited. Funeral Services Limited, registered in England and Wales with number 30808R at registered office 1 Angel Square, Manchester, M60 0AG. VAT registered 403 3146 04. Part of Co-operative Group Limited.

FAMILY LIFE

Experience a Fairytale Christmas at the MAC In the heart of the city you’ll find the MAC, Belfast’s new arts venue. With two theatres, three art galleries, a FREE family room and a café bar, Native by Yellow Door, the MAC is a great spot for family days out. This Christmas, the venue is going all out by transforming into a fairytale wonderland to coincide with its family Christmas show, Rumpelstiltskin. From its magical Christmas window to the free fairytale forest, here’s a round-up of what you can expect from 22 November: Christmas Light Switch-on, Sunday 22 Nov 3-4pm, FREE Help celebrate the start of Christmas at the MAC on Sunday 22 November from 3-4pm with the unveiling of the magical Christmas Window. With special guest, Northern Ireland’s mind reader David Meade performing, Christmas music and carol singing, not to mention, lots and lots of Lidl goodies, help the MAC sprinkle a little Christmas magic. Free but booking is essential. Book now at themaclive.com Family Show: Rumpelstiltskin 26 Nov – 3 Jan, Child £10, Adults from £12 Proudly sponsored by Lidl Northern Ireland, our family shows are becoming something of a tradition – live music, fun and spectacular action.

Join us this Christmas as we bring a little mischievous magic to the stage in our adaptation of Rumpelstiltskin – the classic Brothers Grimm tale with a typical MAC twist. Meet Emily, our heroine – brave, witty and smart. Be outraged by her father and the king who contrive an unusual and infamous bargain and encounter the strange little man who can do the impossible … at a price. 4 or more Saver We know just how expensive Christmas can be, so we have created the most flexible Family Ticket in town. With our family saver, you’ll automatically save 10% on your booking. Simply add 4 or more Rumpelstiltskin tickets to your basket and we’ll do the rest. Fairytale Forest, from 22 Nov, FREE Take a leaf out of our book and make a visit to the Fairytale Forest, which promises to be a family favourite this Christmas. Enjoy a wistful wander and be enchanted by your favourite fairytale fabels. Holly Jolly Sing-Along, 19 Dec, £7 per child Sing your way through the Christmas classics in this fun sing-along workshop. We’ll be cheering on Rudolph and sleigh bells will be provided! Perfect for 4-7years. Baby Wrappers, 13 Dec, £7 per baby This one is especially for babies that have learned to crawl. Knock

over giant Christmas parcels, crawl through mountains of crunchy wrapping paper and reach for the jingle bells in this multi-sensory workshop. 6-12months (not walking). Just one more thing… MAC sponsors Lidl Northern Ireland bring their fabulous Christmas Market back to Belfast from 13-15 December in Boyds Square (in front of Ulster University, right beside the MAC). Featuring Santa’s Grotto, Traditional Carousel, Magic Letter Drop and much much more. Check out lidlchristmasmarkets.com This is just a snapshot of what’s happening at the MAC this Christmas for families. For everything, visit themaclive.com.

FAMILY LIFE

A Pet For Christmas? By Luke North A dog is for life, not just for Christmas.......... well worth bearing in mind if you’re considering a pet present for the family this festive season. In truth, if you heed the advice of many of our excellent and caring animal charities, most, if not all, will advise against buying a pooch for Christmas. And why’s that? Well, I suppose it’s to do with excitement dying down a few weeks after the big event; it’s to do with the realisation of cost involved – again, a few weeks after the big event; it’s very much to do with another realisation – that dogs need nonstop care and attention. They need daily walks. No, NOT a walk every evening before tea, a walk AT LEAST twice a day, more, for the bigger breeds. They need on-going veterinary care which does not come cheap. They become a close member of the family; leave them for an hour and they may well be beside themselves with anxiety. Leave them for a few hours, and the result will be much more telling. So, for the lazy man like me, what’s the alternative? As I type this, I suggest the answer is currently wrestling in my kitchen. They’re boxing, they’re rolling around under the table. They’re hauling themselves up onto the kitchen chairs, only to helplessly slide off and tumble to the floor, where the wrestling, chasing and stalking will begin all over again.

Meet Felix and Freddie, the latest arrivals in our household. At just

over eight weeks old they’re considered old enough to leave their mum. And her two kittens? Well, they’re having a ball, honestly.

“They’re playful, friendly, boisterous; at times timid, but mostly completely bonkers! They fight on the floor, on their rug, in their new bed, and in the litter tray. Heaven knows how they/we’ll get through the next month or two before they’re allowed outside, after initial injections.” And you couldn’t watch them without smiling. They are endless. If it moves they pounce on it, if it doesn’t move – they pounce on it! I bent to pet them last night and faced a joint, two-pronged, eightfooted attack of growing claws and sharp teeth. And as they grow stronger, it’ll be curtain climbing, wallpaper stripping and constant leaping onto shelves, tables and radiators! But all that frantic clawing and scratching will settle down. As they live with us they’ll become more manageable, more comfortable with each other and their surroundings. They’re still exploring, experimenting. With familiarity comes a greater reliance on home comforts. The snuggling up when

they’re tired. The sprawling on your outstretched knees when they need a neck rub. The more playful, less physical of their little feline personalities will eventually come through. At least, that’s the plan! I hear my wife scolding somewhere in the kitchen. They’re either in her bag of school books, or they’ve discovered a way of turning the magazine rack upside down again before attacking the empty carrier! I’ll go down now and offer to help out. With any luck, they’ll be exhausted very shortly. It’ll do my reputation no harm with them when I freely offer the vast confines of my woolly dressing gown as I laze on the settee, one kitten halfway up my tummy, the other furtively crouching between my knees. At last, peace, quiet, a truce. Until Felix makes the mistake of fractionally moving his tail, then he’ll know all about it as Freddie lines him up in his sights!! Having said all that, I’ll never shift this expanding waistline tyre by watching kittens pawing each other! Think of all the beautiful walks and sights round about, all lost and denied to my gaze as I sprawl on the sofa. I’ll never know the true affection and loyalty expressed by man’s best friend. I’ll never have the outright fun of seeing him splash and cavort along the edge of the sea. Hmmm. Wonder if it’s too late to say, “Let me think about this”!!

FAMILY LIFE 6. Ticketing fraud 7. Donating to charity 8. Mobile malware and malicious apps 9. Money transfers 10. Social media scams 11. Dating fraud 12. Mobile payments A lot to consider, but how many of the above are we currently in the process of being duped by?

On The First Day of Christmas..... By Luke North First published in the late 1700s, the popular carol – or song – is still worth bearing in mind as we approach another season of goodwill and glad tidings – but in the world in which we live today, maybe not so much the ‘Twelve days of Christmas’, how about the ‘Twelve scams of Christmas’! While this may sound like the ramblings of an old cynic, a real-life Scrooge, be in no doubt, there are those around us already putting into action, festive plans which are completely at odds with those you and I may be making. And I take my lead, not from gossip or second-hand tittle-tattle, but from the words of the governmentaffiliated National Trading Standards. From doorstep nuisances to loan shark pirates, from telephone scams to emails notifying us of huge lottery windfalls, National Trading Standards aim to keep us safe from those who spend their time dreaming up new ways of separating us from our hard-earned cash or possessions. Last year they published their ‘take’ on the ‘Twelve days of Christmas’ and identified ‘Twelve scams of Christmas’ we should all be aware of: 1. Online shopping 2. Christmas e-cards 3. Auction fraud 4. Holiday Fraud 5. Loan and investment scams

Let’s take no 1: Make sure you understand how the website’s feedback function works. Feedback will give useful information about recent transactions other buyers have made. Check the item’s description carefully – ask questions if you’re not sure of something. Beware of people offering you a deal below the current bid or reserve price. Remember, if an offer sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Be aware of phishing emails that look like they come from the online auction or payment site you’re registered with, asking you to update your account details or re-enter them because your account has been suspended. Check the URL in the web browser. A tactic often used by fraudsters is to change the address very slightly (if they’re spoofing an eBay site, for instance, they may have an address such as ‘. . . @ ebayz.com’ whereas the real site is ‘. . . @ebay.com’) Or what about no 7? This time of year is traditionally when charities will look for help, and we, in turn, want to help. Most are legitimate – but beware of online fraudsters. Visit the charity’s website by typing directly into your browser, rather than an address embedded on a page. Avoid unknown money transfer companies. If you’re in real doubt, phone the charity. Or no 12, Mobile payments. We ALL use mobiles and tablets for this sort of thing..... Make sure your phone and tablet are password protected – and don’t use ‘password’ or similar, as your password! Install antivirus software and avoid leaving your Bluetooth on – criminals can access your phone more easily through Bluetooth. Unfortunately the season of goodwill does not readily apply to all. Use great care and common sense. Check, and re-check websites, addresses, emails and other e-marketing offers. The old saying especially applies when it comes to today’s technology and what we can do at our fingertips – if it looks too good to be true..........! Take a look at tradingstandardsecrime.org.uk - it makes sobering reading. Forewarned is forearmed. Wherever your fingers take you on the board or pad – have a safe and happy Christmas!

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FAMILY LIFE

The Best Gift for your Family this Christmas One of the best gifts you can give your family this Christmas is to make sure you have an up to date, professionally written Will in place. Whatever your age, a Will is the only way to ensure that your wishes are carried out after you die and that your family and friends are provided for in the way you intend. What’s more, making or updating your Will is easier and more affordable than you may think. Having a Will Is Important Having an up to date Will is the only way to ensure that your family, friends and the causes you believe in are provided for in the way you wish after you die. It is vital to have a Will because: •

If you die without making a Will or without making a valid Will, you are said to die intestate. Your possessions will be distributed according to strict intestacy rules not necessarily how you would wish. Under the Law of Intestacy if you are unmarried and have no close relatives your Estate will automatically pass to the Crown (government) if there is no valid Will in place.

•

If you are not married or in a civil partnership, your partner will not automatically inherit your estate if you do not have a valid Will.

•

If you have dependent children, but do not have a valid Will then you will have no control over who looks after them, should anything happen to you.

Why is it important to keep your Will updated? Once you have a Will, it’s important to keep it up to date. Major changes to your marital, family or financial circumstances should be reflected in your Will.

Is using a solicitor important? We recommend that you use a solicitor when making or updating your Will to ensure that all legal procedures are followed.

“The process needn’t be lengthy or expensive. After your initial meeting with a solicitor, you should arrange a follow up appointment to check that your Will has been drafted according to your wishes and to have it witnessed and signed. “ Sorting out misunderstandings and disputes after your death may result in considerable legal costs, which then reduces the amount of money in the estate. What about tax? Inheritance tax is paid if the value of your estate exceeds the threshold set by the government – currently £325,000. Inheritance tax of 40% is paid on the amount that exceeds this threshold. What’s more, gifts to charities are generally exempt from Inheritance Tax. If you leave a charitable gift it will be deducted from your estate before Inheritance Tax liability is calculated.

At E J Lavery & Company we offer a friendly and local service. We specialise in drafting a will to suit your requirements whether it is straightforward or one involving Inheritance Tax issues. We can guide you through the process and decisions you need to make and offer advice where required. We can if necessary arrange a home visit.

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RECIPES

Shortcrust Pastry or Pie Dough (makes 625g/1 lb 6 oz, or enough for 12 muffins sized pies, or 1 quantity)

The most versatile, everyday pastry, this is great for sweet pies - or simply omit the sugar for savoury tarts. Mix by hand or blitz in a food processor. The key is to use just enough water to bind the pastry for a wonderful crumbly texture that melts in the mouth. Ingredients:

To make by hand: put the flour and sugar (if making sweet shortcrust) in a mixing bowl, then add the butter and shortening. Toss together, then lift the mixture and rub it through your fingers and thumbs. Continue scooping up the mixture and rubbing until it looks like breadcrumbs. Gradually mix in the water with a round-bladed knife, then squeeze the mixture together with your hands until it forms a smooth dough. To make with an electric mixer or food processor: put the flour, sugar, butter and shortening in a bowl and mix together using the electric mixer or add to a processor bowl fitted with plastic or metal blade and mix briefly. It should resemble breadcrumbs. Gradually add the water with the machine running and mix briefly until it just comes together in a ball. Wrap the pastry in a clingfilm or put it into a small plastic bag, and chill in the fridge for15 minutes. Knead the pastry lightly on a surface dusted with flour, then roll it our thinly. Using a plain or fluted cookie cutter, stamp out circles 10cm/4 inches in diameter and use to line a 12-section deep muffin tin. Alternatively stamp out circles 6cm/21/2 inches in diameter

•

350g/12 oz plain flour (plus extra for dusting)

•

55g/2 oz caster sugar, optional

•

85g/3 oz unsalted butter (chilled and diced)

•

85g/3 oz vegetable shortening (chilled and diced)

•

4 - 41/2 tbsp cold water

and use to line 2 x 12-section mini muffin tins. When you can cut no more circles, squeeze the trimmings into a ball, then reroll this out and cut round lids, strips for lattice tops or tiny shapes. Tips: Keep everything as cold as possible. Use butter and vegetable shortening straight from the fridge. If your hands feel hot, rinse then in cold water before you begin. Use cold water to bind. A marble pastry board is useful (but not essential) for keeping the pastry cold while rolling out. Don’t add too much liquid. Use just enough to bind the crumbs. For shortcrust/pie dough you need 1 teaspoon of water for every 25g/1oz of mixture. For larger quantities change to tablespoons (1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons). If you use too much water, the pastry will be hard. Avoid over-flouring the work surface. Aim for the lightest of dustings and rub a little flour over the rolling pin. Before turning the pastry, loosen it with a long flexible palette knife. By LoveFood Classics Copyright @ Parragon Books Ltd 2012

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Bringing a little mischievous magic to the stage in their adaptation of Rumpelstiltskin. It’s the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale with a typical, mystical MAC twist. For your chance to win simply send in your name, address and contact number by post or via our website with reference: The Mac. Closing Date Friday 4th December To enter please visit www.newtownabbeyintouch.com and click on the competition link. You can also enter by post sending your answer along with your name and contact number to Newtownabbey In-Touch, C/O Mallusk Enterprise Park, Mallusk Drive, Newtownabbey, BT36 4GN

HEALTHY LIVING

Transform Yourself for Christmas By Rachel Campbell

Christmas is coming and, for some of us, it isn’t just the Turkey that needs trimming! With office party season imminent and a new year lurking on the horizon too, there may be many a Christmas wish list this year with “The perfect body” on it. If only it were as simple as firing a letter off to the North Pole and letting jolly old St. Nick do the hard work… I spoke to health and fitness expert, Stephen Allen (owner and founder of “Core Fitness NI”- a Newtownards based class and spin studio) to find out how anyone can transform their body in time for Christmas. With an impressive 14 years’ experience as a personal trainer, gym manager and nutritional coach, Stevie is very knowledgeable not just about the theory, but also the practicalities of creating lifelong healthy habits. Read on to discover how you can achieve a healthy, new you in just 6 weeks! Beating the statistics Whilst many of us are successful in taking up a new health and fitness regime, research shows that at least 1/3 will quit within the first month. According to Stephen, this has a lot to do with the expectations that people have from a new fitness regime. “The problem for a lot of people is that they set unrealistic goals” he says, “and when they don’t achieve them their motivation is gone. Then that’s the end of the road for them.” For those who do stick with the gym, it can still be hard to find the motivation and right mix of exercises to ensure progress. “Taking a gym membership can sometimes be the wrong decision for some types of people” Stephen continues “An extra investment of a good personal trainer is well worth it in my eyes – you then become accountable for your training and nutritional intake, you train in a progressive manner that produces results and set clear step by step goals to keep the motivation high.” This makes logical and financial sense- when you tot up money wasted on unused or unsuccessful monthly gym subscriptions, this could easily pay for a block of 1:1 personal training sessions, where the odds of success are infinitely better.

HEALTHY LIVING

That said, even with a quality training plan and dedication, many (myself included) still fall at the final hurdle- nutrition. Whilst, you may feel that a brutal exercise session justifies an indulgent takeaway or sugar binge- it is more likely to swiftly undo all that effort and calorie burn. On this point Stephen is especially clear: “You cannot out train a bad diet. For all the work that we will put in the studio – it takes only a few seconds to put those lost calories back into your mouth!!”

Ultimately though, the biggest struggle is the time crunch that most modern people find themselves in. It’s often a tricky balancing act just juggling work and family responsibilities, so how do we slot exercise into the mix too? According to Stephen- it’s easier than you think: “1 hour is only 4% of your day, so everyone should find some time to train. If Barrack Obama can find time to train then so should everyone.” ‘Nuff said. Can you really transform yourself in only 6 weeks? The core fitness motto is “Twice the results, half the time” and while this may seem like a pretty tall claim, the truth is that with the correct fitness regime, diet and determination, anything is possible. Realistically, if you were to commit to a proper exercise and diet regime today, you could lose a whopping 10lbs of fat- and possibly more. And certainly, this is what Stephen is offering his clients at Core fitness NI with his very own 6 week personal transformation programme.

especially when working to a tight deadline of 6-8 weeks. But exactly how much “pain” and commitment is involved to get those elusive results? “I am very excited about the transformational program and cannot wait to see the results that my clients get at Core Fitness NI!!” Stephen says “It involves 6 weeks of hard training, including 1 weekly personal training session with yours truly, group sessions 3 times a week, nutrition guidance and pre and post body fat analysis to track success” That translates into 24 training sessions over a six week period, supplemented by a clean, high protein diet. For those who are truly committed, Stephen says the success will be tangible - not just for the six weeks, but potentially long term. “Generally the clients that really dedicate themselves to the program are successful” He explains, “and the ones that have too many food or drink binges are not. 6 weeks is a great amount of time to create healthy habits to integrate into your life going forward.” Does it actually work? Well that remains to be seen- but let’s put it to the test. Personally speaking, I have the ultimate motivation to shape up this Christmas- given that my wedding is on 22nd December.

Promising a mixture of “strength training for fat loss and a mix of high energy, fun sessions geared towards increasing muscle tone and reducing body fat”, the 6 week programme aims to achieve those health and fitness goals whilst ensuring fun and variety- all in time for Christmas!

With this in mind, I have taken the plunge and signed up to the Core fitness 6 week transformational challenge. Though I do pride myself on working out around 4 times a week- I am affectionately known at my local gym as “the girl who doesn’t sweat”. Unfortunately, even if I was pushing myself to greater athletic heights, the effort is quickly washed away in a sea of Pepsi max, chocolate binges and gut-busting takeaways. Stephen - you have your work cut out for you. ReadersWatch this space!

What does it actually entail? Whilst the lure of lost inches and pounds is no doubt attractive, there is as the saying goes “No gain without pain”,

Look out for the results of Rachel’s 6 week transformation and her progress diary in the January edition of “In touch”.

MOTORING

Award Winning Dealership. Hyundai has come a long way in a short time - whilst it always represented value for money, it now equally stands for reliability and quality, making it a more desirable brand than ever. •

Gibson Wharry of Cannon Hyundai in Carrickfergus has been marketing the brand for the past three decades. “Most people who test drive one of our models choose to buy, so come and see for yourself,” Gibson urged.

•

With it’s milestone 30th anniversary on the horizon in February, the team at Cannon Motors are keen to show that there has never been a better time to choose Hyundai.

•

Whilst visiting the dealership it is obvious that the staff pride themselves on their professionalism, customer service and providing a friendly atmosphere.

“Why not call into our modern showroom on the Belfast Road, Carrickfergus? You will be well looked after by an experienced team who were recently presented with an award for having the highest market share for Hyundai sales in Northern Ireland.” 38

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MOTORING

Get Home Safely this Christmas and New Year If you are planning to enjoy a night out over the Christmas period you should be careful to use only licensed taxis or private hire vehicles. Travelling by taxi is generally very safe, but it is important to make sure the vehicle is licensed and to take sensible precautions. An unlicensed taxi is operating illegally and has not gone through the checks on drivers and vehicles that licensing authorities enforce. Don’t use a taxi if: •

The driver appears to be under the influence of alcohol The driver does not seem to know the local area The vehicle seems to be too old for use as a cab The vehicle is in a state of disrepair The vehicle is not displaying taxi plates

• • • • • All taxis should have licence plates shown. These will be on the front, back and side of the taxi. The colour of the licence plate shows what type of taxi it is. Never use a taxi that does not have a licence plate. A licensed taxi driver must have an identification badge showing their photograph and badge number. Do not use a taxi if the driver does not have one. When using a taxi, you should: • • • • • • • •

Try to pre-book at busy times or if you have special requirements Arrange to travel home together and ensure no one is left behind, saving you money and staying safe If you have booked a taxi, confirm it is for you by checking the driver knows your name and destination Check that the driver is displaying an ID badge Always sit in the back of the taxi If you want to chat, keep it to things like the weather Always wear your seatbelt Keep your mobile phone where it is easily accessible.

Make a note of the number plate and driver’s licence number, and if uneasy text them to a friend or family. Fares Some taxis use taxi meters to work out the fare. It is a good idea to check what the minimum fare is and make sure the taxi meter shows this amount before you set

off. You should not be charged more than is shown on the taxi meter. If the taxi does not have a taxi meter, ask the driver how much they think the fare will be. Get your money ready when you get near where you are going. When you book a taxi: • • •

Tell them what time you want the taxi Say where you are and where you want to go Ask how much the fare will be

Remember - always carry the number of a taxi company when you go out.

In Belfast a public hire taxi will have yellow licence plates. A yellow licence plate means that you can stop a taxi in the street. Hold your arm out to let the driver know you want them to stop while you are standing in a safe place on the footpath. You can also get a taxi like this from a taxi rank. These taxis are wheelchair accessible and must have a taxi meter. You don’t have to phone up and book. Outside Belfast a public hire taxi will usually look like a normal car but it must have white taxi licence plates. This means that the taxi can be booked before you travel or you can stop a taxi in the street by holding out your arm. A private hire taxi usually looks like a normal car but it must have a green licence plate. You must phone up and book the taxi or call in at a taxi depot. These taxis are not required to be wheelchair accessible or have a meter. Before booking a taxi ask a family member or friend if they can recommend a reliable taxi company that you could use.

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MOTORING

Road Safety Week

Remember skipping happily to school, without a care in the world? Remember cycling to the park with friends, laughing and chatting, without noisy traffic speeding past? Remember walking down your street, bumping into your neighbour, and stopping for a good catch-up? We’re not sure we do either: maybe it used to be like this, or maybe these are just scenes from an old TV programme. These days, the reality for many of us is that we step out our front door, go a few metres to the car, and drive, even if we’re only going round the corner. Those of us who walk or cycle usually have to brave busy, noisy streets, full of pollution, fast traffic and risky drivers. Is this the way we want it?

4 in 10 car journeys are less than

could you

miles

drive less and live m re?

“At Brake, we think road safety isn’t just about driving safely and legally or using the green cross code (although they’re important). It’s about making our streets safe and pleasant for everyone to use freely, and it’s about us all doing what we can to protect ourselves, people around us and the planet we depend on. A big part of that is driving less, as little as possible, or not at all if you can: it can make a huge difference to road safety and your health, wallet, community, and the planet.”

MOTORING

Every day people die on UK roads That’s why this Road Safety Week, we’re encouraging everyone to consider how they use roads, and if they can ditch some driving, and instead walk, cycle or use public transport as much as possible. Work out how much money you’ll save, calories you’ll burn, and pollution you won’t create, and build it into your routine. If you are driving, drive slowly and smoothly, and GO 20 in towns and villages, to protect people on foot and bike and reduce fuel use. And if you’re already a walker, cyclist or public transport user, or wish there were better alternatives to driving in your area, join us in speaking out about active and sustainable travel and safer streets for all, such as by supporting our GO 20 campaign.

Driving less can Some ways you could get involved and help promote our reduce traffic theme: and danger • you’re an employer, you could: set up a scheme inIfencouraging youractive area and sustainable commuting and/ or run a car free day for staff; organise a sponsored run Roador bike ride; run an activity showing how many calories Safety walking and cycling burns; analyse your ‘at-work’ Brake Week mileage to see if journeys can be reduced or better planned to improve efficiency; Co-ordinated by

•

Two thirds (63%) of trips are made by car, including four in 10 (40%) trips of less than two miles.

•

Average walking trips per person have decreased by 27% since 1995.

•

Incorporating activity like walking and cycling into everyday life is effective for losing weight.

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In 2013 there were 1,770 people killed and 22,377 people seriously injured on UK roads. The vast majority of casualties are attributable to driver error.

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On average a family can save £642 a year by swapping a car-based school run for walking or cycling.

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22% of UK greenhouse gas emissions come from road transport.

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Air pollution is estimated to cause 24,000 deaths a year in the UK, half attributable to road transport.

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The number of cars is set to increase by 43% by 2035 and traffic delays by 50%.

If you’re a local council, road safety practitioner, volunteer or community leader, you could:

run a car free day for your town, signing up employers and schools to be involved; help local schools and companies run any of the activities suggested above; run a local survey to identify barriers to active and sustainable travel and identify and make improvements;

A few facts on why our theme is important •