Loop Mag : Holywood April 2018

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Contents

A local family owned business

Get in touch info@loopmag.net

04

Welcome Apr 18

Holywood Edition #64 / April 2018

What’s Inside?

16 GREAT LIGHT

04 | GUIDE DOGS Special anniversary for a local Holywood man and his dog

08 | BIG LUNCH Special early bird vouchers ahead of the big summer event

10 | PENSIONERS The Ards and North Down Pensioners Parliament

12 | ZIP YARD 10 NEWS

14 FOOD & DRINK

The local branch and their multiude of customers and skills

14 | GIN A huge investment made by a County Down distillery

16 | THE GREAT LIGHT A wonderful addition to the local martime heritage

20 | FOOD AWARDS

LOOP

PUBLISHER • DESIGN • EDITORIAL STUART COLLINS STUART@LOOPMAG.NET SALES • ACCOUNTS JUANITA COLLINS | JUANITA@LOOPMAG.NET TEL: 02890 200988

Loop Mag was formerly known as Bloom before rebranding in Jan 2015. Any views expressed within are not necessarily endorsed by Loop Publications Ltd. Reference to any specific product or service does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by Loop Publications Ltd. Links and contacts are provided for reader convenience and do not constitute or imply endorsement or recommendation by Loop Publications Ltd. Any reproduction without permission is prohibited.

Delicious Produce Awards for artisan-produced food & drink

26 | HOME Spring is upon us, time to take things outside with Jill

28 | HAIR TRENDS Sabrina Robinson on hand with 5 tips for protecting hair colour

04

Headlines Apr 18

News

Titanic Taster Photography Tours Fancy becoming a Titanic inspired photographer, well why not join us on one of our exciting tours, taking place over the next few months?

PICTURED See the light and explore the incredible maritime heritage on your doorstep with a Titanic Taster Tour stopping off at the likes of The Great Light, Titanic’s Dock & Pump-House and the H&W cranes.

Titanic Taster Tour Sat 21 April at 10.30am Find out all about the science behind photography while having the opportunity to explore Titanic Quarter’s industrial & maritime heritage. You will learn how to use light to create stunning images and the power of magnification at our very own giant optic lenses.

On this interactive tour, you will be transported around the quarter in style on the Wee Tram with various stops along the way including the Great Light, Titanic’s Dock & PumpHouse and the H&W cranes.

Meeting point: Titanic Sign next to Titanic Belfast Cost: £20pp and Includes refreshment stop at Cafe 1404.

Titanic Taster Tour, Sat 16 June at 10.30am Get lots of top tips and learn new photography techniques, while having the opportunity to explore Titanic Quarter’s industrial & maritime heritage. On this interactive tour, you will be transported around the quarter in style on the Wee Tram with various stops along the way including the Great Light, Titanic Slipways and the H&W cranes.

Meeting point: Titanic Sign next to Titanic Belfast Cost: £20pp includes refreshment stop along the way.

For further information and to book any of the above tours visit facebook.com/TQEventsBelfast

Titanic Taster Tour, Sat 19 & Sun 20 May 11am &2pm Sign up to one of our snappy 90 minute maritime photo walks. Learn lots of top tips & techniques, while capturing the colour of Belfast Titanic maritime festival. Learn how to highlight subjects in a busy setting and see the world in a different light, and find out all about Titanic Quarter’s Maritime Heritage along the way.

Suitable for all levels, and you can even use your iPhone. Please be prepared for our typical Northern Irish weather (as you all know how unpredictable it is)!

Meeting point: Titanic Sign next to Titanic Belfast Cost: £10pp.

News

05

Headlines Apr 18

Local Pianist Presents Cheque for £4,000 to Children’s Cancer Unit

R

owel Friers (15), a pupil at Sullivan Upper School, Holywood, (and Grandson of the famous Artist and cartoonist Rowel Friers), presents a cheque for £4,000 to Jacqueline Wilkinson, Executive Assistant of the Children’s Cancer Unit. Rowel, a gifted young concert pianist performed with other guests at the Elim Church hall in Bangor - raising the money from

ticket sales. He won his first piano competition at the age of five, and has been a hot contender in the National finals in London and Manchester.

Gited Rowel, recently performed at Carnegie Hall, New York at the tender age of 14. He was the youngest pianist to win the William Finlay Competition at 13-years-old. Boys and girls from all over Ireland took part.

Loganair Announced As New Airline Partner for Belfast City Airport

K

aty Best, Commercial Director at Belfast City Airport, said: “I am delighted to welcome both a new airline and a new route to Northern Ireland directly connecting the region to the Cumbria and Lake District areas for the first time.

Local demand for connectivity

to the Northern English county is evident amongst both business and leisure passengers and the six times weekly Loganair service will accommodate affordable and convenient access. The airline will be operating this route as a partner of Stobart Group making the arrival of strategic importance

to Belfast City Airport where developing our route network remains a primary aim. The first flight from Carlisle Lake District Airport will arrive in Belfast on 4th June with the following week seeing the launch of Flybe’s four times weekly service to Doncaster Sheffield Airport from Belfast City.”

06

Features Apr 18

Celebrate 28/3/14

LIFE CHANGER The 28th of March 2014 is a date forever etched in Leo Murphy’s mind.

That was the he started training with his four-legged life-changer, Mike.

HOLYWOOD MAN LEO CELEBRATES GUIDE DOG ‘ANNIVERSARY’!

Leo (61) from Holywood was born with cataracts but was determined not to let sight loss hold him back in life.

H

e enjoyed working and socialising, especially playing music, and used a long cane to navigate his way around.

However, as his vision deteriorated in recent years, he was finding it more and more difficult to get out independently – particularly in bad weather or at night time. He applied for a guide dog and, after undergoing assessment, was placed on the waiting list. When he was eventually matched with black Labrador Mike, the connection was instant.

“It’s been life-changing,” he says. “As soon as he sees me lift the harness he’s ready to go. He knows when he is working and is very focused but when he’s at home he’s so settled and lovely company. We walk about five miles a day together and everyone around here knows us! Before, my wife Josie

would have worried about me going out on my own but now she knows I’m safe with Mike by my side.”

Their most recent adventure was a trip to IKEA – somewhere Leo says he would never have attempted to visit alone with his cane. He says other shoppers looked on in amazement as Leo guided him around various obstacles, like shopping trollies. He adds: “People just love him and we get lots of compliments when we’re out.

When he’s not working, I’m happy for people to talk to him and stroke him - I always tell them that it costs more than £50,000 to support a guide dog from birth to retirement which they’re usually very surprised about!”

Leo and Josie had their annual celebration – dinner at the hotel in Belfast where Leo and Mike underwent their intensive training together.

“

The day he got Mike the old Leo walked out the door and the new Leo came back in. That dog is a lifesaver and worth his weight in gold.

Leo’s Wife Josie

To find out more and support the work of Guide Dogs, please visit www.guidedogs.org.uk.

08

Features Apr 18

Events Funds

THE BIG LUNCH OFFERS EARLY BIRD VOUCHERS

GET TOGETHER The Big Lunch, made possible by the National Lottery, happens every year on the first Sunday in June. Cars stop, shyness stops, gloom lifts and the UK comes together in the street to meet, greet, share, swap, sing, play and laugh for no reason other than that we all need to...

You can apply for a £50 food and materials voucher if: You live in Northern Ireland.

You are hosting a Commonwealth Big Lunch for more than 10 people, before funded by the National Lottery, the 22 April. OR, if you plan to which launched in 2009 as a have a Big Lunch in June and way for communities to connect are using your Commonwealth over a shared meal. It has Big Lunch as a community since seen millions of people preparation session, with more get involved. The Big Lunch will than 10 people getting together take place later on this year, on to make decorations, bunting, Sunday 3 June. welcome signs, etc.

Grainne McCloskey, the main You are happy to have a Northern Ireland contact for photographer visit your event The Big Lunch and Eden Project and have your photos used Communities said: “The Big in print and social media to Lunch is simple. Everyone brings inspire others across Northern something, but it takes one Ireland to join The Big Lunch. person to knock a neighbour’s door and get the ball rolling.

To apply, register for a free Big It doesn’t need to cost a lot of Lunch pack of your choice at money; it’s a lot of fun when www.thebiglunch.com or https:// everyone plays a part by www.edenprojectcommunities. bringing something to the table. com/commonwealth-bigBut this year we want to reward lunches and then email the those early birds who might Northern Ireland Country inspire others, with £50 vouchers Manager Grainne McCloskey to kick off their Commonwealth at gmccloskey@edenproject.

Big Lunch.” com with your plans

This year, Big Lunch organizers in Northern Ireland have the opportunity to win £50 of food vouchers to get their event off to a great start.

B

etween Commonwealth Day on the 12th March, and 22nd of Aril, people across six continents are getting their communities together to celebrate commonality and diversity with Commonwealth Big Lunches. Already 25 neighbourhoods in Belfast have registered and there are 115 already being planned across Northern Ireland, with more registrations coming in every day. To get the planning kick-started, The Eden Project, the team behind The Big Lunch, is giving away £50 food vouchers to a limited number of people across Northern Ireland who are organizing Big Lunches or planning session between now and Sunday 22 April.

This initiative builds on The Eden Project’s annual Big Lunch,

Follow us on social media: Twitter @thebiglunchni Facebook @TheBigLunchNorthern Ireland

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10

Features Apr 18

Events 60+

Follow Our Lead Says Pensioners Parliament

PICTURED Michael Monaghan from Age Sector Platform. He is 74 years old and lives in Bangor.

Age Sector Platform (ASP) was established in 2008 to be a strong unified voice for older people in Northern Ireland. agesectorplatform. org.

The Ards and North Down Pensioners Parliament will be one of eleven ‘local parliaments’ to take place during the coming months and the charity responsible – Age Sector Platform – is encouraging local older people become involved.

LEADING The Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament is sending a clear message to political parties here – it’s time to follow our lead! As the only Parliament in operation in Northern Ireland at present, its members are keen to show MLAs how it should be done.

T

he parliament is open to anyone aged 60 or over living in this council area and will take place on Tuesday 17 April in the Marine Court Hotel, Bangor. It is being supported by Ards & North Down Borough Council.

Michael Monaghan from Age Sector Platform commented: “Members of the Pensioners Parliament come from all walks of life. Some hold a Nationalist viewpoint; some hold a Unionist one and others would say they hold neither. Some come from an ethic minority background and some have a disability. Some live in a rural area and others are city folk. But, we all have something in common - a desire to make life better for older people in Northern Ireland. That is what we care about most and it’s what we work towards through discussion and debate at the Pensioners Parliament.”

“The collapse of the Northern Ireland Assembly has resulted in so many

important issues being neglected.

Older people are suffering, along with others, as a result of long waiting lists and inadequate care packages. Fear of crime is also noticeable among the older population following some horrendous attacks on older people in their homes. Rural bus services have been threatened which will only serve to make older people feel more isolated; and many older people are struggling to heat their homes during this harsh winter.”

“What we want from our elected representatives is action. Securing a devolved government with local and accountable Ministers will prove their desire, just like the Pensioners Parliament, to make life better for all the people in Northern Ireland.”

Anyone over the age of 60 who would like to attend the upcoming Ards and North Down Pensioners Parliament should contact Age Sector Platform on 028 9031 2089

Or visit www.pensionersparliament.org to register online.

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Features Apr 18

Business Zip Yard

GAME CHANGER Whether you need trousers shortened, hems lengthened, skirts restyled or anything else, a professional tailor is the perfect solution.

THE WONDER OF ZIP YARD HOLYWOOD The skills on hand at Zip Yard Holywood extend to a multitude of tasks. They never know who is going to walk through their door.

A

t the Zip yard we repair, alter and restyle everything from clothes to bags to home furnishings...even for the King ( yes he’s not dead). Martin Rice AKA Elvis has been using The Zipyard Holywood to have his special suits professionally tailored for the last two years and we love it!

Martin and his nephew Michael Brown perform at charity events and care home across NI and have been doing so for over 20 years and for free! The latest event held at Holmestead Saddlery Superstore raised over ÂŁ4200 for MS Ireland where Martin performed as Elvis and John Wayne- AMAZING! Martin was the regional winner for Four Seasons Region Care Award 2017.

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For ALL your clothing alterations & repairs • Zips replaced / Repaired • Shorten Garments • Lengthen Garments • Leather • Bridal Wear

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14

Features Apr 18

Food & Drink

Co Down’s Shortcross Gin Triple Their Production Capacity The makers of the award-winning Shortcross Gin have completed a significant £2.5million redevelopment of their Co. Down based distillery.

Rademon Estate Distillery has been totally transformed with the addition of two new copper stills, which will increase the distillery’s production capacity to over 50,000 litres of alcohol per annum, marking the completion of a 20-month investment programme.

N

orthern Ireland’s leading craft distillery and the producer of the multi award-winning Shortcross Gin, Rademon Estate Distillery has made a big impact in the burgeoning craft spirits market since its launch.

Founded in 2012 by husband and wife team Fiona and David Boyd-Armstrong, Rademon Estate Distillery is located at the couple’s historic family estate just outside Crossgar, Co. Down.

The company has unveiled its new Still House with the commissioning complete of its new Copper Pot Column stills.

The new still is considered to be the most advanced gin still in use in Ireland. With a capacity of 1,071 litres, it utilises two ten-plate enrichment columns, which will

shortcrossgin.com

allow the distillery to produce highly aromatic and flavoursome spirits. The increased capacity afforded by the new still will enable the distillery to treble its production volumes as demand for Shortcross Gin grows globally.

On the back of the ongoing growth within the Irish whiskey category, Rademon Estate Distillery has also increased both its brewing and distilling capacity by over 500%, as it continues production of its Single Malt Irish Whiskey. This investment includes the installation of a 1,750L Copper Pot Still that is dedicated to whiskey production, while additional fermentation capacity has also been added within the still house.

The installation of the new equipment marks Rademon

Estate Distillery out as one of the most technically advanced craft distilleries in Europe and re-enforces its focus on crafting the spirits of the highest possible standards. In line with this focus on quality and standards, the company was recently accredited against the SALSA (Safe and Local Supplier Approval) Issue 4 standard for food hygiene and production.

The expanded capacity comes as the distillery seeks to significantly increase production of Shortcross Gin to meet growing demand for exports to the UK, France, Spain, Germany, Scandinavia, North America, the Middle East and Australia, and also to increase available volumes of Rademon’s new Single Malt Irish Whiskey, the first batch of which is expected to be released in late 2018/early 2019. The significant investment also includes the addition of a contemporary new Visitor Experience Centre; a stylish, multipurpose space comprising a bar, gift shop and events space with stunning views across the estate. The completion of this phase of the development will open up new revenue streams through the provision of regular distillery tours and private events. The new Visitors Experience Centre forms part of the Irish Whiskey Association’s Irish Whiskey Tourism Trail, which is seeking to increase visitor numbers to distillery across the island of Ireland from 653,000 visitors in 2015 to 1.94 million visitors by 2025. Shortcross Gin is available to purchase from bars, hotels and restaurants across NI, independent off licences, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, select Marks & Spencer stores and SuperValu, priced £36 (RRP).

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16

Features Apr 18

Maritime

Explore

THE GREAT LIGHT AND TITANIC WALKWAY NOW OFFICIALLY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Belfast’s offering as a maritime heritage destination has been given a major boost today as two iconic attractions – the Great Light and Titanic Walkway – officially opened to the public in Titanic Quarter. The opening event was also selected to launch The European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 in Northern Ireland.

T

he Great Light gave Mew Island Lighthouse on the Copeland Islands its traditional revolving light and guided mariners to and from Belfast Lough until 2014. It is the world’s first and largest hyper-radial Fresnel lighthouse lens, installed in Tory Island Lighthouse in 1887 then reconfigured and moved to Mew Island in 1928.

The optic was removed from Mew Island in 2014 as the lighthouse was modernised and converted to solar power.

The Great Light project from Titanic Foundation, the charity committed to preserving Belfast’s maritime and industrial heritage, in partnership with the Commissioners of Irish Lights, will see the optic given a new role bringing to life the story of lighthouses, their technological

developments, their light-keepers and their role in the maritime and industrial history of Belfast and beyond. From Friday, 9 March, visitors will be able to walk the new 500 metre Titanic Walkway on Victoria Wharf, which connects the Titanic Slipways to HMS Caroline and the Thompson Dock, learning about the maritime and industrial heritage of the area on their way to the Great Light.

This iconic waterfront walkway has been delivered by Titanic Quarter Limited. The projects have been funded by Tourism NI, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Belfast City Council, Ulster Garden Villages and the Commissioners of Irish Lights.

Kerrie Sweeney, Chief Executive of Titanic Foundation, said: “At around 130 years old, weighing 10 tonnes and standing seven meters tall, the Great Light is a

unique heritage object of national and international importance with links to our maritime and industrial past. We are delighted to have played a role in saving this fantastic artefact and preserving it in Titanic Quarter for everyone to enjoy.”

James Eyre, Commercial Director of Titanic Quarter, said: “We are delighted to see the completion of the Titanic Walkway and the Great Light. They both add new and exciting aspects to our world class public realm to be enjoyed by those that live, work and visit Titanic Quarter.

The Titanic Walkway now provides a seamless connection between our maritime heritage assets from the heart of the city centre to HMS Caroline and the Thompson Dock. We are very grateful for the support and dedication from all of our partners, delivering these

Maritime

17

Features Apr 18

PICTURED Main image; The Great Light by Night. RIGHT; L-R; Jessica Doherty, Seaview Primary School in Belfast, Katie O’Neill from St Kevin’s Primary School in Belfast and Maisie Morrow from Donaghadee Primary School.

BELOW: The Great Light by day Images courtesy of Titanic Foundation

magnificent projects.”

The Chairman of Ulster Garden Villages, Dr Tony Hopkins CBE said: “We were pleased to be able to fund this project and to help to save this important piece of maritime history. Lighthouses are among the most visible and interesting icons of our coastline.

The “Great Light” located at Titanic Quarter will give citizens and tourists the opportunity to see the workings of a lighthouse up close and to learn about their history and importance as a navigational aid and a warning to shipping.”

Yvonne Shields, Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights, the body which delivers an essential navigation service around the island of Ireland said: “Irish Lights has been serving the mariner around the island of Ireland, north and south, for over 200 years.

The Great Light One of the largest optics of its kind ever built in the world. It is a unique maritime heritage object with significance to Belfast’s economic, maritime and industrial past.

It is totally irreplaceable and is an exceptionally rare maritime artefact, producing one of the strongest lighthouse beams ever to shine.

Throughout the generations our engineers and lighthouse keepers have been at the forefront of continuous change and technological innovation.

The Great Light is a fantastic example of the ingenuity and talent of past and current members of our staff. We are delighted to have had this opportunity to team up with designers, architects, historians and tourism interests to develop this amazing landmark project

which brings the heritage and story of lighthouses right into the heart of Belfast, a community that has contributed so much to our maritime economy past and present. We are also delighted that today the Great Light not only becomes a stand-out attraction in its own right but also becomes part of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland network, promoting lighthouse tourism, north and south.” titanic-foundation.org

18

Features Apr 18

Education

Kids

MISSION ‘To Provide Intelligent and Involving Pre and pre-Pre Education and Learning to help prepare for life.’

MONTESSORI HELEN’S BAY

OPEN DAY 12th May

Montessori? Isn’t that where the children are allowed to wander about and do what they like? Meriel Linley, Manager of Montessori Helen’s Bay explains what really happens and why.

I

n our school we base everything we do on Dr Maria Montessori’s philosophy that children’s natural curiosity should be encouraged in and outside the classroom. The environment we create in our school is designed to stimulate essential questions such as why, how, when and what. Importantly, it is a structured environment, which ensures activities are suitable for each child’s ability and which allows staff to observe children’s levels of concentration, self-esteem and refine concepts and skills.

Children are introduced to the Montessori materials and are then

encouraged to use them spontaneously within the structure of the session. If our topic is ‘Mini Beasts’, a child who has been introduced to the Red Rods (measuring length) may wish to use them to estimate and then measure the length of the different creatures. This may then link to comparative vocabulary and further spontaneous exploration of shapes or counting.

So no, the children do not wander about and do what they like! They are, rather, encouraged to ask questions, create conceptual links, and apply and acquire understanding and knowledge.

Come and see for yourself!

“

The environment we create in our school is designed to stimulate essential questions such as why, how, when and what

13b Fort Road, Helen’s Bay, Co. Down. Tel: 07476 241435. www.montessorihelensbay.co.uk

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WeLook look forward seeing you.You! y.co.uk www.montessorihelensba OUR DAY IS 07476 SATURDAY 12th MAY Em a OPEN i I: We admin@montessorihelensbay.co.uk Telephone: 241435 You! Look Forward to Seeing 13B Fort Road, Helens Bay, BT19 1 LA Em a i I:Telephone: admin@montessorihelensbay.co.uk From 2 years 10 months www.montessorihelensba 07476 241435 y.co.uk

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www.montessorihelensba .co.uk 13B Road, Helens241435 Bay, BT19 1 LA TEL 07476 Em a i I: Fort admin@montessorihelensbay.co.uk www.montessorihelensbay.co.uk 13B Fort Road, Helens Bay, BT19 1 LA

www.montessorihelensbay.co.uk 13B Fort Road, Helens Bay, BT19 1 LA

20

Features Apr 18

Food & Drink

will be putting land and larder centre-stage. Our ambitious Fine Foods element, led by celebrity chef Emmett McCourt, will be massively enhanced and the public at Shanes Castle can expect some terrific new tastes and sensational sampling … demonstrating natural quality that, to my mind, is beyond compare.” He added “Food and drink exhibitors always do great business with around 25,000 Fairgoers visiting Shanes Castle over two days and, in our anniversary year, they should do even better!

The Delicious Produce Awards will bring an exciting extra dimension as our new partnership with Delicious opens the door to still wider audiences and important new commercial opportunities at the Game Fair.”

The search to find the country’s finest produce from land and sea, dairy and field, has now Local food heroes are being challenged to step up to the plate by officially started, with producers entering the national Delicious Produce Awards which annually honour encouraged to enter online the best in small- to medium-scale, artisan-produced food and drink. at deliciousmagazine.co.uk/ produceawards until 16 April. pecialist food businesses NI heat set to delight food fans Members of the public can also in County Down have at the annual Irish Game Fair can nominate their favourite already demonstrated at Shanes Castle, Antrim, on their strength in the prestigious Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 June. producers. All Delicious readers who nominate producers will be Delicious awards. Last year The regional heat, held in the entered into a prize draw to win three of the four finalists were award-winning Fisher & Paykel a fantastic Fisher & Paykel 90cm locals; Clandeboye Estate home appliance kitchen, will be freestanding cooker worth £1,300.

Yoghurt Company in Bangor was overseen by chef, broadcaster, The Awards, run in association recognised for its Clandeboye cookery teacher and champion with home appliance company Estate Greek Style Yoghurt; of small producers, Valentina Krazi Baker from Dromore for Harris. Albert Titterington, Director Fisher & Paykel, seek to identify and honour dedicated and its Guanciale Potato Bread of Great Game Fairs of Ireland, and Cinnamon Soda Farl itself based in County Down, said skilful producers who grow, rear or manufacture products they Whiskey Soaked Sultanas and “We have always championed Mash Direct, Comber, for its great local food producers at the are proud of, with a firm focus innovative Crispy Vegetable Irish Game Fair at Shanes Castle. on quality and sustainability.

Bakes. The fourth finalist was This year, we will be marking our The 2018 Awards feature nine categories, including a new drinks Cavanagh Free-Range Eggs fortieth Fair anniversary with the category (soft and alcoholic).

Ltd from Enniskillen. This year largest Irish Game Fair ever as, For awards updates and to top chefs, food & drink writers for this very special year only, enter or nominate, visit: and culinary experts will judge we have combined our ROI and nine categories in nine regional NI fairs into one potentially huge www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/ heats across the UK, with the all-Ireland extravaganza, and we produceawards

GAME ON TO FIND DOWN’S DELICIOUS FOOD CHAMPIONS

PICTURED Looking forward to the Irish Game Fair at Shanes Castle, Antrim, on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 June which will feature the Northern Ireland heats of the prestigious Delicious Produce Awards are Game Fair Director Irene Titterington and the show’s celebrity chef, Emmett McCourt.

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22

Features Apr 18

Education

Tech

THE CHALLENGE This year’s ‘TechKnow Coding Challenge’ was launched in November 2017 for post primary schools from around Northern Ireland.

‘TechKnow Coding Challenge’ Teams consist of four students and one teacher who were this year given the challenge of creating (using HTML) a website based on one of UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals - Affordable and Clean Energy.

T

here were some awesome prizes available including a Kindle Fire each and Amazon vouchers. All the prizes were sponsored by AllStateNI and organised by the wonderful team at W5, in partnership with Stranmillis University College.

Each of the team received mentoring from a STEM ambassador or mentor representing a local business with expertise in ICT who volunteered their time to the program.

Simon Whittaker from local company, Vertical Structure, was assigned to work with Ashfield Boys’ High School and the inimitable Mr Lowe (ICT Teacher) and his ‘App Club’. The club consists of 4-6 young coders who meet weekly and are all keen to learn more about how to develop apps/websites and the world of technology in general.

The team initially decided to approach the task without putting fingers to keyboards and started drawing out ideas onto paper. This was quickly followed by test versions being

created the old-fashioned way with notepad and by following the GoBeserk HTML & CSS book provided by the organisers. No WYSIWYG editors for the boys from Ashfield!

There was consistently a strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, tasks were discussed and then assigned out to the team members for completion. Code was checked using code review techniques and the importance of thorough testing was discussed and implemented to help ensure that the finished product looked as great as possible.

The team decided that they wanted to make the learning process interactive to incorporate the idea of learning by doing.

They did this through the use of an interactive quiz with responses being indicated through some nifty JavaScript and also a brilliantly created map with clickable continents & countries to allow the reader to understand more about what action was being taken around the world.

The toughest part of the final was

that code could not be brought into the competition room at Strathearn School on final day (which took place on Tuesday 20th March 2018). All the sites had to be started from scratch with the exception of images.

Three lengthy coding & testing sessions later, the homepage, quiz and map were all looking great and available for judging.

A key measure for points in the judging was enthusiasm and an ability to answer questions about the project to show the progress of the team.

The team from Ashfield Boys’ High School were simply amazing, they responded brilliantly to suggestions and asked interesting and insightful questions at all times. The fact that they went through to win the competition is testament to their hard work, intelligence and inquisitive attitudes.

Congratulations should go to every member of the Ashfield Boys’ High School team for their victory and also to each of the other teams for taking part in this excellent project.

Hannah’s Florist

Your one stop garden shop for freshness, quality & price

NOW IN STOCK Huge selection of summer bedding & hanging basket plants

Huge selection of tomato, strawberry & vegetable plants

Still T No.1 flo he In Towrist n!

THIS MONTH’S SPECIAL OFFER

Full tray of 15 primroses only £10

13-15 Church Road • Holywood • Tel: 028 9042 4102

The

Great Light

on the Maritime Mile

Visit the Great Light, located on the Titanic walkway. This is one of the largest optics of its kind ever built in the world, and it produced one of the strongest lighthouse beams ever to shine.

Just a note - if the blinds are down it is to protect the Great Light from the sunlight.

greatlighttq.org

Wolfes_LoopApril2018.pdf

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02/04/2018

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PM JOINERY

All types of joinery & maintenance work carried out Also small building work No Job too small.

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- Professional Carpet, Upholstery and Commercial cleaning

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Tiles & Bathrooms

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Visit our new showroom at Carrowreagh Business Park Dundonald BT16 1QQ

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MCD Painting & Decorating Professional Painter & Decorator • Free Estimates All Work Guaranteed • All Interior & Exterior Work Special Rates for OAP’s

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26

Features Apr 18

Home

2.

3.

Garden

1.

Discover Refound showroom is a unique interiors emporium that offers a range of up-cycled, redesigned and vintage homeware and gifts. We turn the ordinary into the extra-ordinary!

www.onthesquareemporium.com | www.refoundonline.com Unit A3, 17 Heron Road, BT3 9LE – Past B&Q, off Airport Road

OnTheSquare Emporium (OTS for short), is a treasure trove for lovers of antiques, collectables, industrial furniture and salvage

INSIDE OUT Time to bring the interior reclamation ethos into the garden!

4.

6.

5.

Reclaim the Garden

Jill

It is that time of year we flock to modern garden centres looking to populate the garden with plants, flowers, herbs and veggies.

A

lthough the range of vegetation has become more diverse and exotic, the range of planters and pots on offer has not! Every garden centre seem to get their stock of containers from the same place, ceramics are all the same style and colour, wood is spanking new and there is too much plastic trying but failing to look like its not plastic. Its time to bring the interior reclamation ethos into the

garden! Be inventive in what can be a planter, rummage around in the garage or attic and get down to the salvage yards, as long as it has some drainage it can be used as a planter, as the toilet planter can testify. Reuse the old wooden ladder as a climber frame or a galvanised water tank as a pond. Put your stamp on the garden, there are no rules to what is acceptable, if it pleases you, then its meant to be there!

1. Probably the original reclaimed garden item but still great, the half barrel planter. From £45 On the Square Emporium. 2 & 3. A Belfast sink makes a great Pond for a small space or once again a classic planter. From £35 On the Square Emporium. 4. A repurposed Cable Drum Table. £295 Refound, 5. Tote Boxes are great as a window herb grower or to organise the greenhouse. £5 each On The Square Emporium. 6. Toilet planter

Friday May 11th Connswater Community Centre Severn Street, Belfast

Plenty of Gifts, Arts and Crafts and Local-made Food stalls

Hand-crafted products include • Jewellery • Soaps and beauty products • Paintings • Photography & prints

For a Family Fun Day come and join us

28

Features Apr 18

Hair

Advice

Protect Your Hair Colour And Make It Last Longer !

5 tips on how to keep your hair healthy and make your colour last longer.

1. CLEANSING ROUTINE Take Care With Your Cleansing Routine Most hair dyes contain cuticle-lifting ingredients like ammonia and ethanolamine.

Shampooing your hair also causes the cuticle to lift and that’s the moment when hair is most vulnerable to damage. This is why it’s so important to be gentle with your cleansing routine. To start, try not to shampoo every day. I would recommend my clients try to only shampoo two to three times a week, Between washes, you can keep your hair looking clean and fresh with dry shampoo. Your shampoo of choice is also important. ALWAYS USE PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS! ASK YOUR STYLIST! Sulfate-free shampoos for colour-treated hair are ideal because sulfates tend to dry hair and strip colour.

Most hair dyes contain moisturesucking hydrogen peroxide, so a hydrating, sulfate-free shampoo can rebuild your hair’s water content. Achieve salon style results with the Serie Expert Vitamino Color Shampoo from L’Oréal Professionnel. Suitable for colourtreated hair, the luxurious liquid gently removes excess oil, dirt and impurities from your hair and scalp, whilst adding luminous shine to leave hair vibrant and healthy-looking, without weighing it down. Specially formulated with the brand’s A:OX technology to deliver a high sheen finish and enriched with panthenol to penetrate deeply into the hair shaft to maintain moisture levels.

Available at SRHAIRDRESSING

A toning shampoo designed for your specific hair colour is another genius addition to your routine. This product is good for red hair, which is notoriously quick to fade, and blond hair, which can become greenish or brassy due to the minerals in tap water.

Shine blonde shampoo for blonde highlighted hair Enhance the colour clarity of blonde hair with this brightening shampoo. It helps to brighten and strengthen blonde hair, enriched with cermides that work to bind and protect. The silky smooth shampoo is boosted with a neutralising violet pigment, leaving hair looking brighter.

great conditioner also infuses moisturising ingredients beneath the cuticle, nourishing hair from the inside out.

4. PROTECT YOUR COLOUR When outside ,UV light is a coloursucker for hair. Sun exposure drains proteins and pigment from hair, making a UV-protecting product essential for coloured hair. Luckily, there are tons of sprays, serums, stylers and masks infused with sunscreen that make protecting your hair from UV damage incredibly easy. Another simple solution: Wear a hat when you’re outside. Chlorine and salt water are two other warm2. STYLE THE NATURAL WAY weather culprits that hurt coloured Heat-styling devices like blow and highlighted hair. Salt water, dryers, curling tongs and of course, dehydrates hair. But straightners literally crack hair’s chlorine is even more damaging cuticle, which is why heatthan salt water: It swells your hair’s damaged hair often looks frizzy. cuticles, breaks its chemical bonds, Women with coloured or bleached deposits colour-distorting minerals hair should cut back on using and saps it of melanin. When you heat-styling tools. Shampooing go swimming, limit the amount less frequently should help you of salt water or chlorinated limit heat-styling. Getting more water that your hair absorbs by creative with your styling routine pre-wetting it with tap water and (braids, ponytails and buns) slicking on some conditioner. which are on trend this year and will also help. If you heat-style 5. TIMING your hair, use tools with ceramic, You might be looking forward to titanium or ion plates, which your next hair-colouring , but don’t reduce damage to hair, and avoid overdo it. Wait at least five or six using on highest heat setting. weeks between colouring services to keep your hair healthy. When 3. HYDRATE YOUR HAIR it’s time to colour again, you or Conditioner doesn’t just make your stylist can decide on which colour-treated hair look and feel colour process is Better for your smoother; it actually closes the hair, and if you’re growing out cuticle, counteracting the cuticleyour hair, getting a trim with each opening effect of shampoo. A colour service is ideal.

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WHEN YOU MENTION LOOP

30

Features Apr 18

What’s On?

HOLYWOOD REDBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE LIBRARY Monday 55+ Group 2-4pm.

55+ Lunch Club 12.30-2pm Art Club 3.30-5.30pm | P1 - P7 | £1 Girl’s Group 7-9pm | P7 - Year 12 | £1

Tuesday After School Club 3.30-5.30pm | P1 - P7 | £1 Parent & Toddler 10am-12pm | Pre School | £1.50

Wednesday Patchwork Club 2-4pm | Any Age | £2 per week

Thursday Cookery Club 3.30-5.30pm | P1 - P7 Parent & Toddlers Group 10am-12 | Pre school | £1.50 Redburn Youth Group 7-9pm | P7 - Form 5 | £1

Friday Holywood Men’s Sheds 11am-1pm. Any age. £15 p/a

QUEEN’S HALL SULLIVAN PLACE Tuesday 55+ Group 2-4pm.

55+ Lunch Club 12.30-2pm After School Club 3.30-5.30pm | P1 - P4 | £1

Tel: 028 9042 4232.

HOLYWOOD FAMILY TRUST Contact 028 9042 7842

Monday

Friday

Magic Kidz 3.15-4pm Age 6-8 years 4.00-4.45pm Age 9-11 years The weekly Magic Class for Kids: Learn Cool Tricks, Make New Friends, Grow in Confidence, WOW your friends and family with your skills and have fun!

Sign Up at www.magickidz.co.uk Tel: 07853214420 info@magickidz.co.uk

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

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

Year 8 & over

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

Wednesday

HOLYWOOD DISTRICT U3A Annual membership £20.

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

Do you have an event you want to tell people about?

Knit & Knatter 10.30am -12. Knitting, crochet, Email info@loopmag.net cross stitch and other crafts.

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

Thursday 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

Friday

Junior Reading Group 14.15 - 15.00 Third Saturday of the month. Children aged 7-9.

FRIDAY NIGHT MENU Starters

5 Saffron Aioli & Croutons— £4.9 Red Pepper & Aubergine Soup with 0 £5.5 (V) a ritat lo Mushroom with Pang Green Olive & Herb Baked Portobel - £5.50 t Toas h doug Sour Vanilla Chutney & ‘Frothy Whisk’ Duck Liver Parfait, Blackberry & Bay and che Frai e n Cocktail with Lime Crem Sun Dried Tomato & Tarragon Praw el Bread - £6.50 Fenn Tree

Mains

Spinach Steak with Bois Boudrin Sauce, 8oz/10oz Owen McMahon Rump .50 & Chunky Chips — £16.50/£18 sauce, Sauteed Kale and esco Rom with ken Chic of Lemon & Pinenut Stuffed Supreme Crunchy Polenta (N) - £13.95 riac Mash - £10.95 Bacon, Buttered Leeks and Cele Sherry Glazed Chicken Livers with d r butter, champ & sala £11.95 Pan Fried Cod with parsely & cape Cream, Hot Pepper Relish Toasted Brioche Bun with Soured 8oz Pork & Chorizo Burger in a to Wedges - £12.50 and Crunchy Smoked Paprika Pota - £9.95 Goats Cheese & Walnuts (N)(V) Warm Salad of Puy Lentils with Relish (V) - £9.95 & s ry Tomato & Scallion Dahl, Poppadom Cauliflower Bhajis, Green Rice, Cher

Desserts

m and Hot Salted with Teeling Irish Whiskey ice crea Chocolate Pecan Brownie Sundae Caramel Sauce — (N) £5.50 Farm Vanilla Ice Cream — £5.50 Bay Tree Crumble with Glastry Toffee Sauce — £5.50 with Honeycomb Ice Cream & Hot Blackberry & Stem Ginger Pudding

Choose from our regular ly k menu, as well as our weels drinks & dinner specia ht!

We’re open every Friday Nig

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thebaytreeholywood

@GOBayTree