Loop Mag Holywood January 2016

LOOP Mag ISSUE : #13 | JANUARY 2016 FACEBOOK : LOOP PUBLICATIONS WEB : www.loopmag.neT

HAPPY

NEW YEAR!

NORTHERN IRELAND’S LEADING RESIDENTIAL ESTATE AGENCY

• Private House Sales • First Time Buyer Homes • Country Houses And Estates • New Developments • Development Land Sales And Strategy Advice • Farm Sales • Private And Corporate Lettings • Property Management • Financial Services And Mortgage Advice • Corporate Recovery And Asset Management

simonbrien.com NORTH DOWN T: 028 9042 8989

SOUTH BELFAST T: 028 9066 8888

EAST BELFAST T: 028 9059 5555

Loop Mag | January 2016 | What’s Inside

CONTENTS

EMAIL: STUART@LOOPMAG.NET • TEL: 028 9070 1607 • FIND US FACEBOOK: LOOP PUBLICATIONS

Welcome to the latest edition of Loop Mag for Holywood, Cultra and Seahill residents

Your local community magazine being delivered to you for free every single month

Keep us in the loop so we can keep everyone else in the loop for you every month too!

06

16

22

WINNING WINDOWS

RORY - THE LIVING LEGEND

Holywood Chamber of Commerce best dressed window competition winner

Holywood and world icon Rory McIlroy selected as sporting legend

DIVORCE DAY?

08

18

26

THE PLAYERS PLAY ON

LIFESTYLE TRENDS FOR 2016

LOCAL ALL STARS

Helen’s Bay Players have their new production this month

Christoopher from Oscar & Joy has a rundown of wellbeing tips

Knocknagoney Primary feature in sports development programme

12

20

28

LESSONS & PLANS

LOCAL ARTIST’S DONATION

EATING HEALTHY

Deborah Harper reflects and ponders the year gone and the year ahead

Dawn Crothers and Whalley Fine Art bring colour to the wards

Rosin Armstrong shares some of her inspirational and healthy recipes

OOP LMag

LOOP PUBLICATIONS LTD PO Box 2145 Belfast • BT5 9EZ Tel: 028 9070 1607 EDITORIAL, DESIGN & SALES : STUART COLLINS stuart@loopmag.net Tel : 07977 144904 SALES & ACCOUNTS : JUANITA COLLINS LOOP PUBLICATIONS juanita@loopmag.net

Hunt Solicitors look into the significance of the first Monday in Jan

LOOPMAG.NET 3

4

Loop Mag | January 2016 | News

Local News

Email: stuart@loopmag.net • Tel: 028 9070 1607 • Find us on Facebook: looppublications

HOLYWOOD PUPIL REPRESENTING NORTHERN IRELAND Patrick McKane from Holywood, Year 10 student at Campbell College, who represented Northern Ireland at the recent Tae Kwon Do Championships in Scotland

HOLYWOOD HOUNDS CELEBRATE ONE YEAR IN BUSINESS!

After a year in trading Holywood Hounds would like to thank it’s customers and dogs for their business and support. “It’s been a fun year meeting so many dogs and customers big and small.

This year has been eventful with a new dog, Prince to our pack, a miniature poodle, which will be entering a few competitions in 2016 in the U.K. and Ireland in a few dog-grooming competitions.

Hopefully more awards to follow this year fingers crossed. Looking forward to seeing many old and new faces in 2016.”

Phone Johanna 07710 981024 holywoodhounds.co.uk 4 LOOPMAG.NET

PETITION ON CAIRN WOODS Holywood Transition Town is supporting the petition (instituted by Councillor Andrew Muir) to oppose the sale of Cairn Wood. Lands containing Cairn Wood Forest are currently for sale by Northern Ireland Water (under Department for Regional Development) as part of the sale of Ballysallagh Upper Reservoir.

Public access to this popular destination within the Craigantlet Hills near Bangor, Newtownards, Holywood and Dundonald is believed to be at risk if sold to a private owner. The goal is to reach 1,000 signatures. You can read more and sign the petition at www.change.org and search “Save Cairn Wood”

WEDDING SHOW @ CULLODEN ESTATE & SPA Sunday 10th January 2016 This very special event which will give brides-to-be the opportunity to experience all those special finishing touches that the hotel has to offer. A full team of experts and wedding specialists will be on hand to give you advice and tips on how to create your dream wedding. Plus, you'll get the chance to enter our fabulous prize draw, and enjoy some special offers!

For more information please call 028 9042 1066

RESEARCHING PALACE BARRACKS A project is in hand to research the history of Holywood Palace Barracks and their relationship with the town of Holywood, from their beginning in the 1890s up to the start of the Troubles.

The goal is to produce a written history of the Barracks, drawing on original papers, regimental journals, and personal reminiscences of those who lived and worked there, and also of Holywood residents who had contact with the Barracks.

The exercise involves members of the Holywood U3A Local History Group, some of whom have established the ‘Holywood People Remember’ project, to record residents’ memories of past times in Holywood. It is also drawing on the expertise

of local historians. For more information, or to register interest in contributing material to the project, please contact Robin Masefield, at rmasefield@ hotmail.com or on 07966 589091.

Get ready for the Big Garden Birdwatch!

Credits L-R Images 1 & 2

by Nigel Blake (rspb-images.com) Images 3 & 4

by Ray Kennedy

RSPB Northern Ireland is encouraging local people to start preparing their gardens for the 2016 Big Garden Birdwatch which celebrates its 37th year on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 January. The Big Garden Birdwatch is a chance for everyone to actively help nature by donating just one hour to count the birds and other wildlife in their gardens. The data gathered from this survey provides a vital health-check of the wildlife that we share our homes with. Amy Colvin from RSPB NI said: “It couldn’t be easier to take part in the survey. Pick up a survey leaflet from your local RSPB NI nature reserve during January or register at www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch. “Then make yourself a cuppa, grab a biscuit and spend one hour during the Birdwatch weekend counting the visitors to your garden!” Last year almost half a million people across the UK, including more than 22,000 in Northern Ireland, took part in the Big Garden Birdwatch. Of the 127,700 birds counted in NI, house sparrows were the most commonly seen. The Big Garden Birdwatch also asks participants to record other garden wildlife, including hedgehogs and squirrels. As temperatures start to drop, the natural food available for wildlife becomes scarcer and so our feathered and spiky friends are more likely to visit our gardens in the hope of supplementing their diets. Birds need calorie-rich food at this time of year, to help them maintain their fat reserves. Opt for peanuts, sunflower hearts, suet balls, finely chopped bacon rind and even a little bit of grated cheese in your feeders and on bird tables. For a balanced diet, still provide your normal seed mix, as well as these fattier foods. For hedgehogs, it’s best to avoid bread and milk and instead opt for dog or cat food. www.rspb.org.uk/ birdwatch. Teachers and pupils are also urged to take part in Big Schools’ Birdwatch between 4 January and 12 February. www.rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch.

LOOPMAG.NET 5

The Cape Table wins the Christmas Stars of Holywood Windows Competition he Cape Table in Holywood has won the Holywood Chamber of Commerce ‘Christmas Stars of Holywood’ best dressed window competition. A number of businesses throughout the town participated in the promotion by purchasing identical kits packed with stars and stencilled lettering, then adapting them to their own shop front windows. The

T

promotion, which was sponsored by Ards and North Down Borough Council, was judged by Mayor of the borough, Alderman Alan Graham.

The Mayor is pictured presenting Rose Wilson of The Cape Table with her glass star trophy. She has also been given £100 from Holywood Chamber of Commerce to donate to charity, and has chosen Macmillan Cancer Care.

For further information, please contact | Lesley Richardson | info@holywoodchamber.co.uk 06 LOOPMAG.NET

Swimming Lessons @ Sullivan Upper School

Lessons also available at Belfast Royal Academy, North Belfast. Info on request.

FACTS & FIGURES

• LESSONS RUN MONDAY THRU FRIDAY • THEY TAKE PLACE IN 8 WEEK BLOCKS • EACH LESSON IS 30 MINUTES LONG >>>>> >>>>>>>>>> • THE TOTAL COST IS £45 PER BLOCK PETER HILL SWIMMING - THE ONLY SWIM SCHOOL IN NORTHERN IRELAND WHERE YOU CAN BE TAUGHT

BY A COACH WHO HAS COACHED SWIMMERS TO:

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP COMMONWEALTH GAMES AND OLYMPICS!

OVER 20 YEARS COACHING EXPERIENCE

Get in touch!

Phone: 07595 227794 or 07708 544044 Email: peter@phitness-training.co.uk Web: www.phitness-training.co.uk

INSPECTOR DRAKE’S LAST CASE Hot on the heels of their January 2015 success with ‘Inspector Drake and the Perfekt Crime’ the Helen’s Bay Players have come up with another sensational Comedy Whodunit!

tand by for the ultimate Agatha Christie spoof, as Inspector Drake, ably hampered by the redoubtable Sergeant Plod, interviews a colourful confusion of characters. These include Guest the butler, Butler the guest, Cook the gardener and Gardner the cook.

David Tristram’s first-ever play is riotous fun from opening curtain to outlandish dénouement. Tristram has come up with a classic comedy whodunit in which lunatic potential is achieved to the point of remorselessness by a cast now well-drilled in pofaced humour.

S

08 LOOPMAG.NET

The inspector and his sidekick sergeant create a team of towering incompetence. You may want to laugh until you cry - and when you cry, you will cry for more! A highly entertaining evening should be assured.

The ensemble is most ably directed by the highlyexperienced David Marshall who has many successful productions in Helen’s Bay of comedies and farces to his credit. Moreover, the Helen’s Bay Players received the prestigious regional Best Drama in 2014 award from the National Operatic and Dramatic Association. This was for their production of

PICTURED: ABOVE : Inspector Drake (Stephen Connolly) and Sgt Plod (Gary Gillespie) LEFT: Various members of the cas including Robins Masefield in the red jumper.

Searching for Doctor Branovic, which was also produced by David Marshall.

The production runs from Wednesday 13th January to Saturday 16th January, 2016 in St. John’s Church Hall, Fort Road, Helen’s Bay starting at 8.00 pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance from Ards and North Down Council outlets, or from Square Cut in Station Square, Helen’s Bay, or at the door on the night.

Prices are £8 per adult, and £5 for those under 18.

TO KEEP UP TO DATE WITH THE HELENS BAY PLAYERS AND THEIR SCHEDULE YOU CAN LIKE THEM ON FACEBOOK: facebook.com/ TheHelensBayPlayers

Celebrate the New Year From a simple door swap to a full new kitchen

Save Time and Money with Less Disruption!

• Huge range of doors, worktops, appliances and accessories • Installed in 1-2 days • Free estimates, design and planning

Kitchen

Before

Call Jon for a FREE Quote on

02890 994890

Visit our New Showroom 220 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 6GD (opposite Tesco)

www.dreamdoors.co.uk

..!

® EST. 1999

BENEFITS OF STOPPING SMOKING Liam Burns (MPS) is encouraging smokers to set a New Year’s resolution to quit smoking and invites anyone interested in stopping smoking to visit Burns Pharmacy to find out about the support and advice available.

Stopping smoking is the most important thing a smoker can do to improve their health and the benefits start immediately. Below are some of the benefits you will experience when you quit: 20 mins BLOOD PRESSURE AND PULSE RETURN TO NORMAL 8 Hours NICOTINE AND CARBON MONOXIDE LEVELS IN BLOOD REDUCE BY HALF. OXYGEN LEVEL RETURN TO NORMAL. 24 hours CARBON MONOXIDE ELIMINATED FROM THE BODY. LUNGS START TO CLEAR OUT MUCUS AND OTHER SMOKING DEBRIS. 48 hours NO NICOTINE LEFT IN THE BODY. ABILITY TO TASTE AND SMELL IS GREATLY IMPROVED. 72 hours BREATHING BECOMES EASIER. BRONCHIAL TUBES BEGIN TO RELAX AND ENERGY LEVELS INCREASE. 2- 12 weeks CIRCULATION IMPROVES. 3-9 months LUNG FUNCTION IS INCREASED BY UP TO 10% WHICH CAN LEAD TO AN IMPROVEMENT IN COUGHS, WHEEZING AND BREATHING PROBLEMS. Liam said: “Every month, 4000 people quit smoking with the help of NHS counselling in community pharmacies. We can offer a 12 week smoking support cessation programme where we can supply the most appropriate Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). There is no need to book an appointment at our pharmacy so you can drop in when it is convenient for you. If you have been thinking about giving up smoking for a while, call in and see us to set a quit date.”

BURNS PHARMACY | 100 Abbey Ring | Holywood | BT18 9PF | Phone : 028 9042 3639 10 LOOPMAG.NET

Now Selling Quality Used Cars

Now Selling Quality Used Cars

HEALTH • BEAUTY • WELLBEING By Deborah Harper

Deborah Harper Make Up & Beauty 7 Station Square, Helen’s Bay 028 9185 2859 deborahharperbeauty.co.uk

Lessons from the year past | Plans for the year ahead As we embark on a New Year, often our minds often focus on what we want to change, a new challenge for the year ahead or hopes for something greater/ better than what has gone before. In the last few weeks of 2015 I was hit with the concept of consciously living in the moment,

to count the blessings, smell the roses! How much of our lives do we squander by worry and stress, by doing things because we think we should and run ourselves ragged only trying to please other people meanwhile becoming worn out, run down, burnt out?

In the pre Christmas busyness I

heard myself say ‘’Only had time to slap the makeup on today.’ ’Just going to fly to work’. ‘Need to nip over to M&S’, ‘Popping over to the Post Office’…and so it went on. Frustrated by the bad traffic, congested car parks, inconsiderate drivers, all getting in the way of my fast paced activity...

... In the stress of it all, I dinged the car, forgot my wallet countless times, dropped the shopping - worse still - I dropped my Piccolos kebab in the middle of Bangor - all because my head was busy and my life was busy. Texts went unread and unreplied, voicemails, unheard, emails, unopened. You feel guilty, always over promising and under delivering. So, what does any of this have to do with beauty. It has everything to do with it. Stress tells in your eyes, your nails, your complexion. It affects what you eat, how much you eat, when you eat. It causes you to lose sleep, to frown, to feel frustrated, to snap, feel bad, cry. These are not the ingredients of being content. Some things you can change and some are out of your control. But in all of it - you can make time for you. Carve it out. Treasure it. Safeguard it and protect it.

FOCUSED ME TIME

As a beauty salon owner I still love going to the salon, a facial or massage is always my preference. I love the warm blankets, the repeat of movement, the muscles relaxing, the music melting away all my manic thoughts. This works for me. Every month I plan to

have one treatment, make time for it and then look forward to it. This is the sort of resolution we should all have! Truly focused ‘me time’! There are so many ways to breathe deep, to let go of the busyness.

Here’s a thing I know for sure. Being busy doesn’t

make you more important or a better person. Running yourself into the ground isn’t something to be proud of or a trophy to display. Live in the moment, remind yourself to be grateful, look at what you have, the big and the little things and feel the contentment levels rise.

THIS YEAR

...I plan to moisturise more, get massaged, eat my greens, drink coffee with my Mum, go to the cinema with Andrew, walk the dog with my sister, have cocktails with the girls and everyday get up, go into work and be so, so thankful for the wonderful clients we have at DHMB, it is a privilege to be part of your lives. You are treasured, so please, please treasure yourself this year too.

12 LOOPMAG.NET

Debs

Christmas Social Evening and Launch of the New Functional Training Room at Queens Leisure Complex Holywood Members enjoyed an evening of chat and viewed the new Functional Training Room. The new Functional Training room is engaging, innovative, colorful and cool. Forget everything you have seen so far when it comes to Functional Fitness we are changing it all with a range of equipment that is great for everyone from beginners to advanced athletes. We have introduced new stylish and super effective equipment as so that members and customers can look forward to achieving fantastic results in 2016!

FUNCTIONAL TRAINING ROOM LAUNCH

Queen’s Leisure Complex | Sullivan Close | (028) 9042 1234

14 LOOPMAG.NET

NO

ON W TI NO TA SN L E A N E RIO A B E P L U TTTAAT IELRS ABL NV T SPHLA AHUT VAIL S A W

Calling all dirty dogs!!

Tel: Belfast 02890 814197 & Portadown 02838 3 2323 CLAS ICBLINDSNI.CO.UK

The heated mobile parlour that comes to your home!

No Hassle - No Stress We take care of all your dogs grooming needs in one of our beautiful customised mobile parlours. We offer everything your special loved one could need!

FREE MEASURING FREE FITTING

• Hydro-bathing • Shampoo & Condition • Clipping • Deodorising • Grooming

Call now to arrange your FREE quotation

Our Promise: We promise to take care of your pet whilst it is in our care and kindness will always be shown towards your dog!

Tel: Belfast 02890 814197 & Portadown 02838 332323 CLASSICBLINDSNI.CO.UK

Y GU gr our AR ea d A t o og NT r i sm EE ts e D FR llin EE g !

Call Ruth today: 028 9079 0459 or 07503 178082. www.dialadogwash.com

Colds & Flu? Not all Echinaceas are the same.

I originate from specially selected seeds in Switzerland

I am organically grown

I am picked fresh starting at sunrise

Strengthen your immune system at Iona with traditional herbal remedies from A.Vogel.

I can help strengthen your immune system Research shows that Echinaforce®, made from fresh plant extracts, contains almost 3 times the active substances of equivalent measures made from dried plants.1

Echinaforce

®

Echinacea drops and tablets

Traditional herbal remedy for symptomatic relief of colds, influenza type infections and similar upper respiratory tract conditions. Always read the leaflet.

1

Study: M.Tobler et al: Characteristics of whole fresh plant extracts. Schweizerische Zeitschrift fur GanzheitsMedizin, 1994.

27 Church Road Holywood Tel: 028 9042 8597

HOLYWOOD’s RORY MCILROY SWINGS INTO HARP’S® TOP 3 ‘LIVING LEGENDS: GIANTS OF NI SPORT’

Panel of local sporting personalities featuring Barry McGuigan, Jackie Fullerton, Adrian Logan and Graham Little select Rory as one of the Top 3 in lively debate

olywood, N.I.: It’s a conversation (or sometimes a heated debate) that has taken place many times over a pint of HARP® in pubs all across Northern Ireland: Who are the very best sports stars Northern Ireland has to offer?

And who would make a Top 3 ‘Living Legends: Giants of NI Sport’? In a bid to answer those burning questions, HARP brought together four local sports experts to start the debate and thrash out their Top 3. Thirty years on from becoming World Champion at Featherweight and being

H

16 LOOPMAG.NET

named BBC Sports Personality of the Year, Barry McGuigan was joined by Graham Little (Sky Sports), Adrian Logan (former UTV sports editor) and Jackie Fullerton (the voice of NI football) at The HARP Bar in Belfast to attempt to reach definitive answers.

Football, horse racing, GAA, motorsport, rugby, athletics, boxing, hockey, cricket and golf were all on the agenda and after some serious consideration - and much mickey-taking - the panel eventually agreed their Top 3 Living Legends. Holywood’s very own Rory McIlroy (golf)

has been included in the top three alongside (in no particular order) AP McCoy (horse racing) and Pat Jennings (football).

Barry McGuigan said: “It really wasn’t easy picking a Top 3, and we all had a favourite that didn’t quite make it. But the consensus among the panel was that Rory, Pat and AP have all had an incredible impact and reached the very top level; the pinnacle of what is possible to achieve in their chosen field.

“These three guys are known around the world for their achievements: Rory has already won four majors and

PICTURED: As Belfast prepared to host the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards on last month, December 20, three HARP Living Legends: Giants of NI Sport – Rory McIlroy, Pat Jennings and AP McCoy – were joined by the HARP Angel as they followed in the footsteps of mythical legends from Northern Ireland’s past at The Giant’s Causeway, Co. Antrim. The three icons were named as NI’s greatest living sports legends by an expert panel including Barry McGuigan (former featherweight world champion), Jackie Fullerton (voice of NI football), Adrian Logan (former UTV sports editor) and Graham Little (Sky Sports). could go on to become the greatest golfer of all time; AP was champion jockey twenty times in a row, he’s absolutely peerless; and ‘Big Pat’ Northern Ireland’s most-capped player, a man who won the FA Cup with both Spurs and Arsenal and who would surely have been in any ‘World 11’ in his day.”

The filmed chat, created by HARP as a way to champion the very best of Northern Ireland sport, saw much lively debate as the experts whittled down a longlist of 24 men and women who each, in their own right, could be considered a giant of their sport.

Suggested criteria to start the conversation was that the Top 3 must have reached the highest point in their sport and stayed there for a long period of time; must have made an impact internationally; and must be a household name.

Lisa Ronayne, Senior Brand Manager Europe – HARP, said: “With the eyes of sports media turning to Belfast in December for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2015 award, we’ve started a local debate with an expert panel. We’re sure there’ll be plenty of people out there who agree with our Top 3, and plenty more who

think that personalities like Barry McGuigan, Willie John McBride, Jonny Rea, Dame Mary Peters and Dennis Taylor should’ve made the cut.It’s now over to HARP fans and the people of Northern Ireland to continue the debate in the office, at the dinner table, in the pubs and on the HARP Facebook page, where they can watch a series of short films which capture how the panel arrived at its decision.”

YOU CAN SEE THE extended ‘Living Legends: Giants of NI Sport’ panel debate ON THE HARP LAGER YOUTUBE CHANNEL LOOPMAG.NET 17

Lifestyle Trends for

2016

t this time of year it is common for people to compensate their festive over-indulgence with a list of aspirational resolutions.

Many of these focus on physical fitness, but the reality is that most are never kept. Perhaps a more sustainable approach is to take a series of small steps that consider

A

our overall well-being, rather than just our physique. Pinterest have recently published top trends based on actual user activity, and this has inspired me to highlight six life-affirming themes for 2016. We’ll be promoting related products throughout January – just call into Oscar & Joy Holywood for further details.

BENTO BOXES These beautifully designed lunch boxes present food in an appealing and appetising way. Based on a Japanese concept, the bento box provides neat compartments to store different foodstuff, providing a healthier and more balanced diet.

Adult colouring in books Back in Europe this trend, recently popularised in France, has taken the world by storm. Many people praise the therapeutic benefits of adult colouring-in; which stimulates creativity, reduces stress and improves well-being

POUR OVER COFFEE Coffee not only increases energy but is filled with anti-oxidants that convey numerous health benefits. Pour over coffee, which produces a clean, fresh, cup that is bursting with flavour, is one of the fastest growing coffee trends in the world. And guess what? It was also invented in Japan…

CHARCOAL FILTERED WATER Another Japanese concept, active charcoal has been used as a water purifier since the 17th century. The charcoal also releases minerals such as calcium, iron and magnesium back into the water which enhances its taste and provides recognised health benefits.

Authentic travel From AirBnB to eatwith.com, travellers increasingly want to meet people and experience local food and culture in a more authentic way. Combined with a greater focus on emerging destinations, travel is less about switching off and more about opening up to new holistic experiences.

Scandinavian inspired design We already have Noma for food, Borgen for television, and Copenhagen for city-living. And with clean lines, use of colour, and simplicity of form and function, Scandinavian homeware offers more authentic living which is bang on trend for 2016.

94 High Street | Holywood | oscarandjoy.com 18 LOOPMAG.NET

PLUMBING & HEATING

Bringing design to life 1. Japanese inspired Bento boxes. Well designed and robust; they have different compartments to hold everything from sandwiches to sauces. £8.95 - £16.95 2. Charcoal filtered water removes impurities and improves mineral content. Buy as a water bottle for £14.95 or a soda glass carafe from £26.

3. Pour over coffee dripper - enjoy coffee like never before from just £4.99.

4. Full range of children’s and adult’s colouring-in.

Best selling secret garden: £9.95.

5. Record life & travel experiences. Journals £4 - £35.

6. Great range of colourful Scandi homeware. From £1.99 upwards.

—————————————

www.oscarandjoy.com 94 High St. Holywood

LOCAL ARTIST ADDS BURST OF COLOUR TO CHILDREN’S CANCER & HAEMATOLOGY WARD Children benefitted by the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity are now able to enjoy some cheerful sights on the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children’s Cancer & Haematology Unit thanks to a generous donation made by Belfast artist Dawn Crothers and Holywood-based Whalley Fine Art. busy corridor within the unit has been given a burst of colour through a series of original oil paintings donated by Dawn to the charity.

At a combined value of around £10,000, the art donation includes three oil-on-canvas paintings featuring brightly coloured snails – a favourite of Dawn’s – entitled “35 Snails,” “Beatrice the Snail” and “The Ladybird Snail” an addition piece featuring a multi-coloured elephant entitled “Elephant on Parade. Following the news that the unit was being refurbished last Christmas, I felt the need to come forward and help in some way,” said Dawn. “Being a mum to a three year old and expecting my second child in February, I felt touched by the work that the charity does for children requiring

A

20 LOOPMAG.NET

much needed treatment and care, and I felt that the vibrant colours in my pieces would brighten up the new ward.”

Having gained popularity for her study of snails through oil-oncanvas nearly eight years ago, Dawn has exhibited her pieces in New York and London as well as having held numerous solo exhibitions at her family gallery, Whalley Fine Art, in Holywood.

Using thick-textured oil paint to produce her work, admirers are drawn to the snails’ vibrant colours and Dawn’s abstract sensibilities.

“Children just love the colour and texture of my pieces, and that’s what my work is all about,” added Dawn. “Following the response from children and their families upon seeing the work lined up down the corridor, I have

been inspired to paint more and help other children’s charities nationwide!”

Speaking on behalf of the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity, Jacqueline Wilkinson said, “We are delighted by the generous contribution made by Dawn and Stephen from Whalley Fine Art to the ward. Going through a cancer diagnosis and treatment is a difficult time for young people and their families, and these gorgeous pieces of art help to make visits to the ward a bit more cheerful.”

A strong believer in the healing power of art, Stephen Whalley said, “A massive benefit of surrounding yourself with art is the feel-good factor it promotes.

Looking at the right piece can lift the mood and bring smiles to faces – an essential service required on the Children’s Cancer and Haematology Ward. Dawn and I both hope that this work touches the hearts of many that unfortunately have to go through the doors of the unit.”

In addition to her donated works which will remain on display at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Dawn will also feature one of her newest painting images, “Partridge in a Pear Tree,” on this year’s Children’s Cancer Unit Charity Christmas Card, available for purchase from the, with proceeds going to the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity.

The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity has helped hundreds of children suffering from cancer and blood disorders across NI since it was set up in April 1984.

www.childrenscancerunit.com or follow them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ ChildrensCancerUnitCharity.

Picture : Paul Moane, Aurora PA

Divorce Day- is there such a thing?

The first Monday in January is said to be the busiest time of the year for family solicitors. Dubbed ‘Divorce day’ by some, on this day there is a surge in queries from people planning a break up after the Christmas holidays. In this article Una Conway, Head of the Matrimonial Department in Hunt Solicitors answers some the most frequently asked questions regarding divorce or perhaps just separation.

77 high street holywood tel 028 9042 8600 huntsolicitors.com

If I leave the house, will I lose all my rights to it?

There is a myth that whoever leaves the house loses all rights to it. This is simply not true. If the house is in joint names, it will remain so and it cannot be sold or transferred to one party unless both parties agree.

What happens to the children if I move out?

If one parent leaves the family home, it is best to try and make contact arrangements for the children before you leave. For example, if a party moves into their parents’ house temporarily then contact with the children could take place there. If arrangements cannot be agreed then court proceedings may have to be issued.

What are the grounds for a divorce?

There are 5 grounds for a divorce. The first two are: • Two years separation and consent.

• Five years separation.

These are the Non- Fault based grounds, i.ie no one was at fault for the breakdown of the marriage. However, the three fault based grounds are.

• Unreasonable Behaviour • Adultery • Desertion.

Under these grounds you are telling the court that someone was responsible for the marriage ending. For example, if one party had an affair.

Do I have to attend mediation with my estranged husband or wife?

There is no legal requirement to attend mediation. It is up to the parties to decide if they think 22 LOOPMAG.NET

this course of action would be beneficial. No one can be forced to attend it. However mediation is helpful and can reduce costs in the long run. It can be beneficial for issues such as arrangements for the children of the marriage.

How much does a typical divorce cost?

This depends on which ‘ground’ you proceed under and in which court. Normally under a fault based ground, such as adultery, the Petitioner (the person issuing the divorce) will request that the person at fault pays for the divorce. This normally takes place in the High Court and costs approximately £1,700- £2,000.

Non-fault based divorces can take place in the County Court and cost less, normally in the region of £1,400-£1,700.

Do I need to barrister OR can a solicitor complete my divorce?

A barrister is required if the divorce is issued in the High Court (as Solicitors do not have rights of audience in this court). A barrister will need to be instructed to present your petition to the court. However in the County Court, a solicitor can present a divorce to the Judge.

So it is quicker and less expensive to issue divorce proceedings in the County Court if possible.

Do I need to attend court for my divorce?

Yes, whoever is applying for the divorce (the Petitioner), will need to attend court for the Decree Nisi Hearing. On this day they will need to appear before a Judge. Under oath, the Petitioner will be taken through the petition by his/her barrister or solicitor. They will need to

confirm the contents of the Petition and tell the court that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.

I am living in a separate house from my estranged spouse, how long do I have to wait before I can issue divorce proceedings?

By law parties need to be married for at two years before someone can issue divorce proceedings. If a person is issuing on a non- fault based ground, parties will need to have been separated for either two or five years.

When can I re-marry?

A party can only re-marry once the Decree Absolute has been issued. This can only be applied for 6 weeks after the Decree Nisi Hearing. (The hearing when the Petitioner attends court as described above.)

How long does it take to get a divorce?

This depends on which court you issue proceedings in. A divorce in the High Court will take longer, normally 6-8 months. It is quicker to get a divorce in the County Court. As well as being less formal it normally takes 4 -6 months. These timescales are on the basis that both parties sign papers when they receive them and there are no complexities.

Our first consultation is free and with no obligation to proceed.

The consultation will also be completely confidential and help to give you the answers to some of the many questions you may already have. This is designed to give you the information you need to plan your next steps with confidence. This article does not constitute legal advice or otherwise. © Hunt Solicitors 2015.

All rights reserved.

Property, Wills & Probate, Claims & Family Law

Hunt Solicitors provide a range of expertise.

Call the number below for your FREE initial consultation.

t. (028) 9042 8600

77 High St, Holywood, BT18 9AQ info@huntsolicitors.com www.huntsolicitors.com

REPAIR THE FLOW OF THE YULETIDE RICHES

MUSINGS ON MASSAGE

By Alison Stevenson

By Your Local Expert Alison Stevenson of Geborgenheit Massage

NURTURE & BE NURTURED My ladies in Carrick know how to take care of themselves and each other with regular soirees filled with good food and wine and half-hour massage sessions. As I left them by the light of the Christmas tree and the sparkle of Prosecco, Alberta asked if I could come back on Boxing Day to massage their livers. Ho ho ho...surely not so soon? Wait til the new year has dawned. Enjoy the season...plenty of time for taking care of the body when the nights are starting to turn.

Whilst a simple liver treatment doesn’t come strictly under the heading of “massage,” it does indeed come under an at-home, self-care plan. Just to support and encourage the liver to tidy up after the hopefully abundant flow of Yuletide riches, a liver compress is a gentle and soothing way to balance the system and get fresh in the fresh new year.

This is so easy and so so comforting; fill a water bottle with hot water, wrap it in a squeezed-out, damp towel. Have to hand a warm blanket. Strip down to your underwear only.

Wrap the blanket around your middle to hold the wrapped water bottle in place on the RIGHT side and lie down.

Be still for 45 minutes. Hang a Do Not Disturb sign on the bedroom door. The liver also loves warm, weak yarrow tea... mixed with mint or lemon balm to lift the bitterness.

At Geborgenheit Massage we believe in being kind to ourselves and in forgiving all over-indulgences! We prefer to avoid the words “detox” and “waste products.” We’re all about nurturing ourselves and being nurtured. We’re all about working with nature to unlock our own healing and joie-de-vivre. Our organic herbs, essential and coconut oils empower your own natural selves...everyone can shine when physical and emotional stress is massaged away...

MOBILE : 07849 799254 | EMAIL : ALISONSTEVENSON.AS@GMAIL.COM 24 LOOPMAG.NET

S

Remember our HANDBAG DOCTOR is on site!

Appointment not needed | Clinic open. 9.00 to 5.30 Mon to Fri and 9.30 to 4.00 Sat. ZIPS, HANDLES, STRAPS AND LININGS REPAIRED OR REPLACED .

COL LOYALT WITH

NO AVAIL

REP

PROF

HaVE the sales taken their toll on your purse or bag ?

HOLYWOOD No. 1 DOWNSHIRE ROAD

All types of clothing alterations and repairs

1 Downshire Road Holywood BT18 9LU Tel : 028 9042 1144 E : holywood@thezipyard.com /thezipyardholywood

@zip_yard

PROFES

SIO

SHOE NAL

REPAIR

S

NOW HO A VAILAB DOW LE

s

o. 1

THE DOCTOR WILL SEE YOU NOW| BY THE ZIP YARD HOLYWOOD Zip Yard, Holywood | 1 Downshire Road | Holywood | 028 9042 1144

Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm • Sat 9.30am-4pm

All of COLLECT alt LOYALTY POINTS an WITH EVERY LOOPMAG.NET 25

ALL STARS programme shines at Queens PEC! Knocknagoney Primary School featured as Belfast Community Sports Development Network, once again put together another successful programme aimed at young people in Belfast.

n Thursday 10th December, Caitlin Gilroy, along with a number of coaches from Active Communities celebrated the closing of their new ALL STARS programme at Queens PEC. The All Stars programme was set up to involve children from primary five to primary seven to partake in three sporting activities over a period of six weeks. Over a period of six weeks, children from six different primary schools and community groups across Belfast participated in the new scheme and had the opportunity to play sports, such as, Dodgeball, Kwik Cricket and Soccer. The schools and one community group involved was as follows- St. Anne’s, St. John the Baptist, Grosvenor C.C, Knocknagoney PS, Nettlefield PS and Elmgrove PS. The children and coaches used this time to come

O

26 LOOPMAG.NET

together and learn new skills and they showcased these at the celebration event within a fun and friendly environment. Caitlin Gilroy from BCSDN stated that, “the beauty about the All Stars programme is that we are in a great position as an organisation to be able to offer a combination of sports for each programme.

The likes of Tennis, Rugby and Gaelic are in the line-up for the next All Stars series kicking off.” Gilroy also went on to say, “the All Stars main aim is to encourage children to continue on with sport as they go through life. We are putting the message across that sport is inclusive,

enjoyable and there is a sport for everyone!”

The children enjoyed mixing with other schools and everyone received a goody bag to celebrate completing the programme.

BCSDN would like to take the opportunity to say thank you to everyone involved, including the enthusiastic children who took part, Queens PEC for their excellent facilities as always and the coaches who made the programme great fun for the children!

Belfast Community Sports Development Network www.bcsdn.org

PRETTY * In Ink

Semi Permanent Make Up

By Alexis James

Eyebrows With semi permanent make up you can choose between hair strokes, or a soft textured look.

Lipliner & Blush Enhance the shape and colour of your lips for a subtle beautiful and natural effect reducing lipstick bleed and making your lips look fuller.

Eyeliner Top and bottom eyeliner can help make the most of your eyes.

Whatever you want dramatic or subtle, eyeline can enhance the look of your eyes.

FULLY QUALIFIED SEMI PERMANENT MAKE UP TRAINER : LEARN THE SKILLS

courses available : Alexis provides a 1 on 1 training programme for up to two weeks which includes the machine & products required plus aftercare support for three months | TOTAL COST £2,750 PRETTY IN INK BELFAST is run by Alexis James, a fully qualified, and insured, semi permanent make-up artist JANUARY OFFER and trainer, who has carried out over Eyebrows or Eyeliner or 7,000 PROCEDURES in the last five years. Alexis offers a pre-consultation, Lip Liner reduced to £90! mineral test and example of what your Eyebrows £150 Eyeliner £120 new eyebrows will look like.

Eyebrows & Liner Bottom £225 PERMANENT MAKE UP PROCEDURES Eyeliner top & Bottom £175 & BEAUTY TREATMENTS INCLUDE: Lip Liner £120 Eyebrows, Lip Liner & Blush, Eyeliner, Lip Liner & Blush £150 Micropigmentation and Alexis works Laser Tattoo From with cancer patients undergoing Removal £100 chemotherapy and also alopecia Hair Extensions From (including hair) £100 sufferers - If you have lost your eyebrows or waiting for them to grow back, CITY COUNCIL REGISTERED permanent make up offers a great, natural looking alternative.

prettyininkbelfast

255 Woodstock Rd, Belfast BT6 8PQ Tel: 028 9045 5022 Mob : 07471 479 455 | www.prettyininkbelfast.co.uk

geborgenheit MASSAGE IN HOLYWOOD

Singing Bowl Massage £25 Herbal Stamp Massage £35

Tel : 07849 799254 facebook.com/GeborgenheitMassage

OOP L SIMag NGING BOWL

MASSAGE @ WE DISTRIBUTE 6,000BAY COPIES EVERY MONTH HELEN’S WE FOCUS ONTFREE TO HOMES IN COMMUNI Y DISTRIBUTION GARDEN HOLYWOOD, CULTRA & SEAHILL WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE LOOP?

WE HAVE A RANGE OF PRICES AND DISCOUNTS FOR SERIES BOOKINGS PLUS ADDITIONAL EDITORIAL OPPORTUNITIES. GET IN TOUCH FOR MORE INFO...

stuart@loopmag.net 07977 144904 juanita@loopmag.net 07725 621642

o

Porridge is an Aphrodisiac!

A cookbook that teaches the art of eating healthily for hectic lives!

Do you prepare the same old dishes due to a lack of inspiration, little time, a shoestring budget and even less know-how? Do you long to know more about the health benefits of the foods you should be including in our diets? Local food author and natural heath practitioner, Roisin Armstrong, may have the answer with her new cookbook. Porridge is an Aphrodisiac is the first book by Roisin, a successful kinesiologist with a special interest in nutrition and she knows how foods affect people’s physical and mental wellbeing. She has clinics in Holywood and Portglenone, and she works within NI’s first specialist eating disorder clinic in Belfast. Roisin shares with you some of her popular recipes from the book…

Chickpeas with spinach curry 2 tins of chickpeas 1ó tablespoons of oil 3 onions, diced 1 dessertspoon tomato puree 1 clove of garlic, crushed 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon garam masala 1 teaspoon coriander 1 teaspoon paprika ó teaspoon ginger 1 bayleaf 600ml vegetable stock 1 medium carrot, cut into strips 1 dessertspoon soy sauce 450g spinach, baby or regular 50g raisins

Serves 4

“Spinach is such a healthy ingredient, quick to use, minimum effort is required. The spinach is rich in iron but also in oxalic acid, so it is not recommended if you have any kidney problems or if you are taking calcium supplements.

Otherwise, enjoy!”

Drain and rinse chick peas.

Heat oil in a large saucepan and fry onion and garlic gently for 10 mins. Add tomato puree, spices and bay leaf cook for 5 minutes.

Add the stock, carrots and soy sauce, simmer gently. Trim stalks from spinach and wash well and 28 LOOPMAG.NET

shake dry, tear leaves if they are large. Add spinach, chickpeas and raisins to sauce with a little more stock if necessary.

Bring to boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

WHEAT FREE BREAD 400g pinhead oats (available in health food shops) 500g natural yoghurt (L tub) 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 dessertspoon 10ml olive oil 1 dessertspoon honey (optional) Sunflower seeds (to scatter) Preheat oven to 180° C/0r 160° fan oven/ gas mark 7 Grease a 1lb loaf tin well and dust inside with flour to prevent sticking, (wheat free flour if you have a problem with wheat) Take out 4 tablespoons of yoghurt and save. Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl, if it is too dry add in some of the reserved yoghurt, mixture should be loose. Pour mixture into tin. Sprinkle a fine layer of sunflower seeds on top Bake for 40-45 minutes Tip out of tin and tap base to make sure it is cooked to your taste. This bread is a little crumbly but very tasty.

Roisin Puy Lentil, Bacon and Spinach Soup 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 onion finely chopped 1 carrot finely chopped 1 clove of garlic 1 tablespoon of lemon thyme 150 grams smoked bacon (omit for vegetarian recipe) 200 grams Puy lentils 900 ml vegetable stock 300 grams fresh spinach Juice of ½ lemon or lime In a large pan heat olive oil, the fry onion, carrot, garlic and lemon thyme.

Add bacon if using, push onions and vegetable off to side and fry bacon until crisp Add lentils and stock.

Bring to the boil, the reduce to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes until lentils are soft Add lentils until just wilted, add lime juice and seasoning Serve dividing the spinach between bowls.

Puy lentils hold their shape so look very pretty in a fine soup like this. It’s good for a dinner party with all the rich flavours, but equally good when you just want to warm up. I like the separateness of each individual lentil.

Blackberry and Apple Crumble

Serves 4-6

450g/ 1lb cooking apples, peeled, cored and sliced 200g blackberries, fresh or frozen 75g/ 3oz sugar Grated rind & juice of 1 lemon 250ml/ 1Ž2 pint of milk 1 tablespoon cornflour 2 medium eggs, beaten 100g/4oz butter 75g /3oz brown sugar 100g/ 4oz porridge oats 1 teaspoon mixed spice or cinnamon Heat oven to 190° C/170° C fan oven/ 375°F/ Gas mark 5 Layer the apple slices and blackberries in an ovenproof dish. Blend cornflour with a of the little cold milk. Heat rest of milk until almost boiling, whisk in the beaten egg and

the cornflour, cook gently until thickened. Pour this custard over the fruit. Melt butter in a pan, add the oats, brown sugar and spice, stir well. Spread over the custard. Bake for 25 minutes Serve warm.

Pork with mixed green vegetables

Serves 4

2 tbsp coconut or vegetable oil 2 spring onions, sliced 225g/8oz lean pork, cut in strips 2.5cm/ 1Ž2 inch piece of root ginger finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 300ml/ 1/2 pint chicken stock 4 tablespoons chilli sauce 4 tablespoons peanut butter 115g /4oz courgette, sliced 115g/4oz frozen or fresh broad beans 115g/4oz sugar snap peas or frozen peas Brown rice or egg noodles

Cook brown rice according to pack and keep hot. Heat oil in a wok and stir fry spring onion, ginger, garlic and pork until lightly browned. Add chilli sauce and peanut butter, stir in stock and allow peanut butter to melt Add in all vegetables and simmer for 4-5 minutes Cook noodles if using.

Serve hot

Porridge is an Aphrodisiac is published by Shanway Press (Price £13) it can be purchased online through Shanway, Waterstones and Amazon, or from the Iona, Holywood.

LOOPMAG.NET 29

Loop Mag | January 2016 | Plan Your Month

REDBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE M ONDAY 55+ Group 2-4pm. £2 per session.

Art Club 3.30-5.30pm | P1 - P7 | £1 Girl’s Group 7-9pm | P1 - Year 12 | £1

TUESDAY Parent & Toddler 10am-12pm. £1 members / £1.50 non members per session.

Adult Gardening Group 2-4pm After School Club 3.30-5.30pm. P1-P4.

W EDNESDAY Community Cafe 11am-1pm. Honesty box donation Patchwork Club 2pm-4pm. All ages welcome.

Afterschool Club 3.30-5.30pm | P5 - P7 | £1

THURSDAY

Jan

2016

WHAT’S ON

PA R E N T & T O D D L E R • Y O U T H G R O U P • A F T E R S C H O O L C L U B A D V I C E • C O F F E E M O R N I N G • C O M M U N I T Y C H AT • L I B R A R Y E V E N T S

S ATUR DAY

W EDN ESDA Y

Saturday Morning Club 10.30am-12.30pm | P1-P4 | £1

Knit & Knatter 10.30am -12. Knitting, crochet, cross stitch and other crafts.

Adult Reading Group 10.30am -12. Last Wednesday of the month. Share and enjoy.

QUEENS HALL SULLIVAN PLACE MO NDAY After School Club / Art 3.30pm-5.30pm. P1-P7. £1 per session. Contact: Pauline. Tel: 028 9042 1420 Girl’s Group 7-9.pm. P7-Form 5. £1 per session. Contact: Pauline.

Tel: 028 9042 1420

TUE S DAY 55+ Group 2-4pm. £2 per session. Contact: Julie. Tel: 028 9042 1420

W E D NE S DAY After School Club 3.30-5.30pm. P1-P4. £1 per session. Contact: Pauline.

Tel: 028 9042 1420

TH UR S DAY After School Club / Cookery 3.30-5.30pm. P1-P7. £1 per session. Contact: Pauline.

Tel: 028 9042 1420

T HU R SDA Y Junior Reading Group 15.45-16.30 Second Thursday of the month. Children aged 9-11 Visually Impaired Group 14.30pm-16.00. Last Thursday of the month.

Bedtime Story Time 18.00 -18.30. Last Thursday of the month. Children aged 4-8

SA T U RDA Y Junior Reading Group 14.15 - 15.00 Third Saturday of the month. Children aged 7-9.

HOLYWOOD FAMILY TRUST Contact Liam/Rose 02890427842

T U ESDA Y

Junior Youth Club 6.30-8.30pm. Free. P7 - Year 9.

W EDN ESDA Y

Parent & Toddler Group 10am-12pm. £1 members / £1.50 non members per session.

Cookery Club 3.30-5.30pm | P1 - P7 £1 per session Redburn Youth Group 7-9pm | P7 - Year 12 | £1

Morning Club 10.30-12.30pm. P1-P4. £1

Youth Drop In 2.30-4.30pm / 6.15-10.15pm Free. Year 8 & over

HOLYWOOD LIBRARY

HOLYWOOD DISTRICT U3A

FRIDAY

Tel: 028 9042 4232.

Holywood Shared Town Weekly Meeting Everyone welcome Holywood Men’s Sheds 11am-1pm.

TUE S DAY

Annual membership is £20.

Reading, coffee, chat, gardening, history, bowls, creative writing, painting for pleasure, walking... www.u3asites.org.uk/holywood

30 LOOPMAG.NET

S ATUR DAY

Rhythm & Rhyme 10.30am. Introduce children aged 0 - 4 years to the wonder of rhymes, songs and stories.

Youth Drop In 6.15-10.15pm. Free. Year 8 & over

F R I DA Y

stuart@loopmag.net

N IO ION T A IG UAT L L OB VA NO TAL N RE

TASTING NIGHTS 2016

THE BAY TREE SHARING WHAT WE LIKE

As always, we’d like to acknowledge our loyal ‘Winos’ by offering a “COME TO 2 NIGHTS, GET A THIRD FOR 1/2 PRICE” deal.

Saturday 30th January: TUSCANY WINE TASTING DINNER We LOVE Italy, and we know you do too! What better for a food & wine double act than Tuscany…in January…in Northern Ireland?

Hosted by Conall (GapWines) | £45pp or £40pp in groups of 4+.

T

OU SOLD

Saturday 27th February: SOUTH AFRICA WINE TASTING DINNER Our first time visiting wines from this region, so we’re excited about trying all 5 of them, with all 5 of our courses!

Hosted by Conall (GapWines) | £45pp or £40pp in groups of 4+.

Saturday 12th March: SURPRISE ‘MEET THE BREWER’ DINNER! We thought we’d make things interesting with this one, so we’re not telling you which brewers you’ll be meeting. Rest assured that they’re another CRACKER! Hosted by Conall (GapWines) | £30pp Saturday 26th March: ARGENTINA WINE TASTING DINNER Get ready for a BIG night! 5 outstanding Argentinean wines, paired with 5 mouth watering Argentinean courses .

Hosted by Conall (GapWines) | £45pp or £40pp in groups of 4+.

Saturday 16th APRIL: ‘MEET THE BREWER’ DINNER with MAD HATTER BREWERY, LIVERPOOL One of the stars of the show at 2015’s ABV Beer Festival in Belfast. Get ready for 5 incredible beers, full of character, paired with 5 hearty plates of Bay Tree food.

Hosted by Felicia (Prohibition Drinks) | £30pp Gift vouchers are available for all of these events!

thebaytreeholywood

@GOBayTree

The Bay tree | 118 High Street | Holywood, BT18 9HW | 028 9042 1419 | baytreeholywood.co.uk