December 2014 Holywood by Bloom

Magazine HOLYWOOD ISSUE 24 DECEMBER 2014

www.bloommagazine.co.uk @bloommag Find us on Facebook

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contents

HOLYWOOD • EDITION #24 • DECEMBER 2014

WELCOME! WISHING A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS!

4 LOCAL NEWS All the headlines happening this month and beyond

10 HOLYWOOD MUSIC FESTIVAL Highlights from the annual music festival

14 HIGH STREET BEAUTY The 12 Days of Christmas campaign in Holywood

16 XMAS DECOR Get the designer look this Xmas with Donna from E Interiors

18 XMAS CRAFTS Get hands on this Christmas and make some festive bits and bobs

20 XMAS GIFTS Dont panic, there’s a host of gifts available on your doorstep

22 HEALTH & BEAUTY Aimee from Lekker Beauty with her regular column

24 PENSION PLANNING Bloom Magazine Belfast

@bloommag

City East Business Centre 68-72 Newtownards Road Belfast BT4 1GW www.bloommagazine.co.uk Editorial & Design : Stuart stuart@bloommagazine.co.uk 07977 144904 Advertising : Angela angela@bloommagazine.co.uk 07719 104862 Advertising & Accounts : Juanita info@bloommagazine.co.uk 07725 621642 Printed by Nicholson Bass • Distributed by Speedpost NI Any views expressed within are not necessarily endorsed by Bloom Magazine or Newborn Media. Reference to any specific product or service does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by Bloom Magazine. Links and contacts are provided for user convenience and do not constitute or imply endorsement or recommendation by Bloom Magazine. Any reproduction without permission is prohibited.

John Minnis with his guide to property investment

26 A TWIST IN THE TALE The extraordinary story of local artist Tanya Mai Johnston

28 RICS AWARDS The search for County Down’s top building project.

30 GARRY’S LANDMARK A look back at a special year for Garry’s barber shop bloommagazine.co.uk 3

BLOOM :News

LOCAL

News

EMAIL : stuart@bloommagazine.co.uk WEB : bloommagazine.co.uk

Views

Events

HOLYWOOD • EDITION 24 • DECEMBER 2014 TWITTER : @bloommag FACEBOOK : Bloom Magazine Belfast

Eoghan Doyle, his older sister Amy and baby sister Shauna launch the campaign. Also pictured is charity fundraiser Natasha Walsh (left) and Jonny Fusco (right) from Bangor Fuels, sponsors of the campaign.

GET ALL WRAPPED UP THIS CHRISTMAS Cancer Fund for Children is urging people to embrace the Christmas magic, leave their shirts and ties in the wardrobe and pull on the cosiest, cheesiest Christmas jumper they can find. By wrapping up in a Christmas jumper, people will help the charity deliver its range of “wrap-around” specialist services for local children living with cancer from the point of diagnosis and treatment through to remission and sadly, in some cases bereavement. Georgina McKee from Drumaroad, County Down, whose family received support from the charity after her little son Eoghan was diagnosed with cancer explained why this help was so vital: “During Eoghan’s cancer journey we enjoyed a therapeutic short break. It was like a sanctuary, a safe haven away from the gruelling routine of hospital. We got chatting to others and gained a lot from meeting families who understood the challenges and fears of nursing a child with cancer. The staff were amazing and looked after us so well. The food was delicious; it was like eating out every night. People don’t realise how much a place like that is needed until it happens to them.” To sign up to the super cosy event, which is kindly sponsored by Bangor Fuels, contact Alex on 028 9080 5599 or email alex@cancerfundforchildren.com. www.cancerfundforchildren.com/events 4 bloommagazine.co.uk

Bethany Convey, 11, and Ethan Geddis, 9, with Michelle Hatfield, Director of Corporate Responsibility at Belfast City Airport.

ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET FOR ‘AUTISM IN THE AIR A series of videos aimed at easing air travel concerns of children with autism have been launched at George Best Belfast City Airport. The five short videos, developed by Parents Education as Autism Therapists (PEAT) and Queen’s University Belfast School of Education in partnership with the Belfast City Airport Community Fund, portray the various aspects of travelling through an airport, from checking in, to moving through security, to boarding the plane and reclaiming bags. The ‘Autism in the Air’ series can be viewed at www.belfastcityairport.com.

All aboard the Meningitis Research Foundation Express! A festive sightseeing bus tour of Belfast including a tour of Stormont Buildings and refreshments on Saturday 6th December. A great way to experience the history of Belfast. To commemorate their 25th Anniversary Meningitis Research foundation have teamed up with Belfast Tours Ltd, Belfast’s leading Tour Operator to bring you this unique and entertaining event. They have also included a guided tour of Stormont Buildings for you along with some light refreshments before returning to the City Hall. All for £20 which includes a donation to MRF. Your support could save a life. Contact Keli on 90321283 or mail keli@meningitis-ni.org George Best Belfast City Airport has welcomed an announcement by leading European airline Vueling that it is to commence a twice weekly service to Barcelona in May 2015. The low cost yet full service airline, which is part of Willie Walsh’s International Airlines Group (IAG), has ambitious plans for growth with Belfast City Airport being one of a number of new routes from its Barcelona El Prat base announced today. The arrival of Vueling to Northern Ireland is a significant opportunity to attract additional inward tourism to the region.

The search to find Northern Ireland’s top pubs came to a dramatic conclusion last month, as the cream of the local hospitality industry gathered at La Mon Hotel & Country Club on Wednesday 12th November for Pubs of Ulster’s Pub of the Year Awards 2014. A total of 38 shortlisted premises from right across Northern Ireland went head to head in 10 categories. There could only be one winner for the highly coveted overall Pub of the Year 2014 award – which was clinched by The Goat’s Toe in Bangor. Kevin O’Brien from The Maypole, Holywood was shortlisted for the Best Barperson (in association with Sunday Life). Local retailer Little Citizens Boutique has been named Best Independent Toy Boutique by the prestigious Junior Design Awards 2014 for second year running. The judges said: “A well-deserved second year in a row win for the Little Citizens Boutique. We love the ‘seek and find’ ethos of the company which hunts out toys and product that families will treasure. We challenge you to visit the website and not make make a purchase - there are so many lovely things that will tempt you!” littlecitizensboutique.com

A Runway Success Guests of British Airways, American Airlines and Hastings Hotels checked in for a personal high flying Fashion Afternoon Tea which was held at the Culloden Hotel. The event was organised for their corporate clients and was presented by Tracey Hall from Style Academy and The Boudoir, Dungannon. The show was to help those high flying business women to create styles that would take them from early business to after dark social. Pictured showing some of the fashion combinations are Style Academy models Rachel Morrow and Rachael Singleton. bloommagazine.co.uk 5

BLOOM : News

LOCAL

LITTLE WING DISHES OUT SPORTS BURSARIES TO LOCAL CLUBS L-R: Front row Harry McKeown, Gareth McConnell & Tom Muldrew from Holywood Rugby Football club join Luke Wolsey MD of Little Wing Pizzeria. Back: Coach David Muldrew.

Northern Ireland’s Little Wing Pizzeria is dishing out sports bursaries to five local sports clubs as part of its Little Wing’s Little Sports Stars scheme. The bursary programme was open to all local children’s sports clubs located nearby each of Little Wing’s branches and the five lucky clubs awarded were Bangor Rugby Club, City of Belfast Swimming Club, Junior Belfast Giants, Holywood Rugby Football Club and Ormeau Table Tennis Club. The teams were invited to submit a 300 word application to be in the running to win the bursary and the winning teams received £500 each. Commenting on the sports bursary winners, Luke Wolsey, Managing Director of Little Wing Pizzeria said: “We are always looking for ways to support the local communities where the Little Wing Pizzeria branches are located and the Little Wing Little Sports Stars bursary is a way of doing this. It was a tough call to pick five teams to reward from all the entries we received but I am thrilled to be able to present the bursaries to the winners. We hope the money will offer the teams some much needed financial assistance to help towards the general running of the club whether it is new sporting kits, equipment or even a chance to treat the kids to a fun day at their clubs,” Little Wing is part of the Beannchor Group, Ireland’s largest hospitality group, which boasts a portfolio of over 50 pubs, hotels and restaurants across Northern Ireland. littlewingpizzeria.com 6 bloommagazine.co.uk

News

Views

Events

Three year old Sophia O’Reilly and her one year old brother Caden from Holywood pictured at the launch of the Argos Toy Exchange in aid of Barnardo’s together with Anne Dawson from Barnardo’s. The Toy Exchange invited children to donate unwanted toys to either their local Argos or Barnardo’s store in exchange for a £5 voucher off any purchase of toys over £35 from Argos. The donated toys will be sold through Barnardo’s shops to raise money for the children’s charity. barnardos.org.uk The Spirit of Christmas Past at The Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, Cultra: Storytelling, brass bands, and carol singing around the Christmas tree. Make your own Christmas decorations, sample traditional food and drink and meet Father Christmas! nmni.com/uftm

Hills of Holywood select greengrocer

recently refurbished shop!

89 high street, holywood, 028 9042 8919 www.facebook.com/hillsofholywood Phlok

@hillsholywood

BLOOM : News

Brandon Corr (8) from Crawfordsburn launches the 24th All Ireland Credit Union Schools Quiz promoted by the Irish League of Credit Unions and supported by over 60 Credit Unions in NI. This year’s mascot is a giraffe, so the theme for the schools competition for kids 13 and under is ‘Stick Your Neck Out.’ 6,000 Primary School children from across NI will battle for to secure a place in the all-Ireland finals. www.creditunionni.co.uk for details.

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Tel: HOLYWOOD 028 9059 3535 Mob: 07933 178986 8 bloommagazine.co.uk

LOCAL

News

Views

Events

Johanna O’Neill has just opened a dog grooming business called Holywood Hounds! “I come from a hairdressing background but I found dog grooming in 2013 and never looked back. I absolutely love my job! I was trained by a nine time Irish groomer of the year, and I won in my category with a miniature schnauzer 2013 in the national IPDGA event. I offer a full dog grooming service. Grooming is done in a safe clean environment. I strive to excellence and I am not happy unless you and your dog are happy!” 07710 981024 holywoodhounds.co.uk

Heart of

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100 Abbey Ring, Holywood, BT18 9PF T: 02890423639 E: burnspharmacy@btconnect.com

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Minor Ailment Scheme

BELFAST ROAD

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FREE EASY PARKING

HOLYWOOD MUSIC FESTIVAL 2014 Almost 600 entries bringing around 3000 people to Holywood - the entries include choirs, orchestras, ensembles as well as individual entries + parents for various children. The festival ran from November 13 - 22 with three adjudicators; David Beer for Music Theatre, Robbie Hughes for Traditional and Graeme Humphrey, General. It was noted The Music Theatre Section is showing most growth. An army of dedicated volunteers planned, scheduled and ran the Festival with great success and the organisers would like to thank their sponsors, competitors, teachers and parents for their dedication and hard work.

Jamie Howe winner Vocal Repertoire under 14, Solo String Instrument Grades 7-8 and the d’Arcy Cup + £250 for Most Promising Instrumentalist

Katy Major Memorial Trophy + £250 Salwan Cartwright-Shamoon 2nd +£100 William Fox-Roberts 3rd + £50 Lola Bingham & adjudicator Graeme Humphrey

Strathearn Prep Choir (in Holywood Parish Church) Winners of Holywood Singers Cup and Maurice Foster Memoral Cup for Best Primary School Choir.

St Dominic’s Grammar School for Girls Senior Cumann Ceol winners od Advanced Traditional Group & Buckley shield for Most Accomplished & Mature performance

Rowel Friers winner of the Epta Cup (piano Grades 6-7) & the JoanThompson Trophy for Most Promising Pianist 12 years and under Elessa Deeny winner Music Theatre 9 yeas & under also the Foster Shield +£100 for highest mark overall in Music Theatre

10 bloommagazine.co.uk

Clothing Alterations Weddings, Accessories, Dry Clean & Iron We can alter, resize, repair or restyle your clothing. Our aim is to make you feel more comfortable & confident in your clothing Alterations Our premises on the Holywood High Street offers a pleasant environment with a team of highly skilled seamstresses that take pride in their work and the level of service they provide. We use only the latest equipment, offer spacious changing rooms & fitting areas with multiple mirrors. We can sew anything from fine silks to heavy leathers

Weddings Wedding alterations are our speciality. We understand that your day must be perfect and so we will push for perfection. We have the best seamstresses and we work to see a happy bride and family.

Handbags Choose from our range of hand crocheted handbags or design your own. Decide your colour, pattern, handles, pockets etc.

Dry Clean Iron We provide iron and dry clean services. We can take care of all your clothing maintenance

Please pay us a visit

Address:

50A High Street Holywood North Down BT18 9AB Phone:

07884100008 Email:

tip@tiptotoes.com Website:

www.tiptotoes.com tiptotoesholywood

You can Combat the Cough this Winter A.Vogel Cough Spray For dry & tickly coughs & Reduces irritation A.Vogel Cough Spray contains the herbs mullein and marshmallow. It can be used to bring about rapid relief for dry and tickly coughs and is suitable for adults and children above the age of 4 years. The spray works by creating a protective film layer in the throat with antitussive (cough relieving) and soothing properties. It helps to reduce the irritation in affected membranes and tissues.

· Delivered to you

· Free Range

Free range bronze turkeys brought to you by

TURKEYS TURKEY’S b BT18h 0JR od, avadturkeys.com

KEY’S

Q Holywood, l b BT18h 0JR Craigavad Turkeys, 19 Carney Hill, Craigavad, 07719 553 750 / 028 9042 2813 (9am - 5pm) / www.craigavadturkeys.com

Free range hams and vegetables g also available

ey?

Craigavad

Free range hams and vegetables g also available

vailable

• Free · Fully Range Matured • Fully Matured · Dry Aged • Dry Aged · Hand Plucked • Hand Plucked • ALSO Crowns & · Good Value Boneless Turkey Roasts · Delivered to you • Delivery or Collection

· Free Range This Christmas · Fully Matured why not treat yo · family your Dry Aged t a· Hand to quality Plucked Northern Irish · Good Value Bronze Turkey?

This Christmas why not treat your yo family to t a quality Available from Iona. 27 Church Road, Holywood. Irish Northern Tel: 028 9042 8597 Bronze Turkey?

COL LOYALT WITH

NO AVAIL

R EP

PROFE

The owner of these boots was jumping

for joy when we gave them the Zip Yard treatment! Help lengthen the life of

your much loved garments by getting

them altered to your individual style at The Zip Yard. Give that old favourite a

new lease of life, bring them in and let us make them your new favourite!

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas From all at The Zip Yard Holywood!

Call in @ 1 Downshire Road, Holywood or give us a call on 02890 421144 www.thezipyard.com

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

NOW HO A VAILAB DOW LE

o. 1

LESS IS MORE!

Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm â&#x20AC;˘ Sat 9.30am-4pm

All of COLLECT alt LOYALTY POINTS an WITH EVERY

HOLYWOOD AT CHRISTMAS 2014 This year a number of shops and businesses are taking part

in a new festive

visual display project entitled “The Twelve Days of Christmas” in Holywood.

ack in March, Holywood Chamber of Commerce secured assistance from NDBC to grant fund a positive festive project to promote the town centre. Since then they’ve been working with local businesses, Mags McAlpin from The Door Opener (a visual merchandising consultancy) and Bangor & Holywood Town Centre Management, to ensure that Holywood is looking its’ very best this festive season. The combined festive visual display themes of “Holy Wood” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas” have been widely acclaimed and are attracting more and more shoppers to Holywood. Mags explains that, “the creative inspiration for the Christmas tree and its decorations come from the Holy Wood and the beautiful backdrop of Redburn. I wanted to capture the wonderful textures of the verdant mossy dell there, where the river tumbles down under the little wooden footbridge. The scene we are creating is that of a magical, glistening wood

14 bloommagazine.co.uk

scene, where the glittering pears and the white partridges take us on a visual journey through the Christmas season.” Arbee Cards Belfast created the beautifully customised “Twelve Days of Christmas” tags that adorn each Christmas tree and as Mags says, “I love the ‘treasure hunt’ aspect of seeking out each individual day on the gift tags.” With town centre car parking fees of only £1 for five hours there’s plenty time to shop for all the family in Holywood and enjoy a little R&R in our array of award winning bars, cafes, bistros and restaurants. And if you don’t fancy taking the car you can arrive and leave by train! So come along to Holywood this Christmas and buy something for YOUR true love and the family from our award winning independent shops and bespoke service providers, including: art galleries; bakeries; butchers; bistros; boutiques; cafes; delis; florists; green grocers; gift shops, restaurants and toy stores!

HANNAH’S COURTYARD Garden Centre Beautiful Holly Wreaths Now In Stock

13-15 Church Rd, Holywood 028 9042 4102

CALL IN AND ORDER YOUR CHRISTMAS BASKETS, ARRANGEMENTS, BOUQUETS, TABLE POSIES AND FLORAL DECORATIONS! For the biggest selection of fresh cut flowers and beautiful quality pot plants just call in!

MASSIVE SELECTION OF CHURCH AND SCENTED CANDLES AT UNBEATABLE PRICES!

LIGHTS LIGHTS LIGHTS LIGHTS LIGHTS! THOUSANDS TO CHOOSE FROM £2.99

Fresh Spruce Rings And Branches

FROM BAUBLES AND BOWS TO TINSEL AND TREES Call in and browse through gorgeous goodies to decorate your home!

FRESH CUT CHRISTMAS TREES OR POTTED TREES - WE DELIVER! TOP QUALITY AT LOWEST PRICES Hannah’s - The No.1 Florist in Town

Hannah, Leslie and staff wish all their customers a Very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

DESIGNER

Christmas

When it comes to decorating your home...anything goes. Here is some festive advice from local interior designer Donna Evans of E Interiors.

Twinkle Twinkle

Clear glass vases filled with christmas lights and no baubles, the simplicity looks sleek and chic. Coloured lights look more dramatic but stick to the one colour.

All That Glitters

Take an ikea Christmas metal stand and hang various size and shaped baubles on it. Keep them all the same colour preferably silver, gold or white adds sparkle.

Picture Perfect

You can also get creative by taking any unused picture frames in the home, remove the glass and backing paper and spray a colour of your choice. Hang matching baubles and ornaments to them and hang with gold and silver ribbons.

Decor Wreaths

You dont have to go with just one. You can group several together at different heights hung with Christmas ribbon. Have an uneven number 3, 5 or 7 depending on wall size. Spice them up with cloves, frosted cherries, cinnamon sticks and a spritz of your favourite Christmas room spray.

Fill empty glass jars with homemade sweets and biscuits cut into Christmas shapes. Tie oversized ribbons and hang oversized labels on them. The perfect, inexpensive thoughtful gift. Co-ordinate all your wrapping paper, bows, ribbons and gift cards and blend the colours with your decorations and Christmas tree colour scheme. Less is more everytime. Make it simple keep to the one colour find a style that you like and just use less of it!

E Interiors: 109a BLOOMFIELD AVENUE, BELFAST. T: 028 9046 6553 EINTERIORS@BTCONNECT.COM 16 bloommagazine.co.uk

Hunt Solicitors 77 High Street, Holywood, BT18 9AQ

Seasons Greetings Hunt solicitors would like to wish all our customers and fellow holywood businesses a happy christmas. may you have a wonderful christmas and prosperous new year.

call (028) 9042 8600 info@huntsolicitors.com www.huntsolicitors.com

ARTFUL

Christmas

In Artful Christmas by Susan Wasinger, crafters can make 30 elegant yet incredibly easy projects out of the most affordable and accessible materials. Deck the halls with a lacy air-dried clay wreath, a stamped muslin bag Advent calendar, festive felt stockings, sparkling paper ornaments, a glittered garland and other seasonally splendid items. Here is just one project from the book:

DOILY SNOWFLAKE BOWL

MATERIALS white glue small/medium-sized balloon vintage crocheted doily 9-inch/22.9 cm spray polyurethane (optional) TOOLS disposable bowl for mixing glue cup or small bowl paintbrush PREPARATION Mix one part white glue with one part water. Blow up the balloon so that it’s about the

size of a large cantaloupe. Set it on the cup or small bowl to keep it steady. Drape the doily over the balloon and smooth it down over the sides. Make sure the doily drapes evenly over the balloon with no rolled edges or crimped areas. (photo 1) Paint the entire surface of the doily liberally with the glue mixture, making sure you work glue into all of the nooks, crannies, and fibers. Make sure no errant blobs of glue remain

on the doily. (photo 2). Let the doily bowl dry overnight or longer until it’s totally stiff. If it isn’t stiff, paint it with another layer of glue. When it’s completely dry, gently wriggle your fingers beneath it, depressing the balloon. Loosen the doily carefully. Don’t puncture the balloon! If you do, the doily bowl will collapse. If desired, spray the bowl with polyurethane for added rigidity. Use the bowl as a decorative element or add a candle to make a stunning votive.

Reprinted with permission from Artful Christmas © 2014 by Susan Wasinger, Lark Crafts, an imprint of Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. Photography and illustrations by Susan Wasinger. £14.99, available from www.thegmcgroup.com. 18 bloommagazine.co.uk

Mobile Dog Grooming Dial-A-Dog Wash would like to wish all their customers a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

No Hassle - No Stress • Hydro-bathing • Shampoo & Condition Clipping • Deodorising • Grooming

63 High Street Holywood Tel 028 9042 1181

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

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

A Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year!

Dial a Dog Wash Belfast and North Down is now in its 6th year, let one of our team come to you and look after your loved one...

e interiors

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL INTERIOR DESIGNERS 109a BLOOMFIELD AVENUE, BELFAST TEL : 028 9046 6553 EMAIL : EINTERIORS@BTCONNECT.COM OPEN : TUESDAY - SATURDAY 9.30am - 5pm

full interior design service OSBORNE & LITTLE • DESIGNERS GUILD • SANDERSON • HARLEQUIN • RALPH LAUREN • ZOFFANY COLEFAX & FOWLER • ANDREW MARTIN • LARSEN • CARLUCCI • SCION • ROMO • NINA CAMPBELL JANE CHURCHILL • JAB • BYRON & BYRON • DECORA BLINDS • FIBRE FLOORING • SILENT GLISS

FABRICS • WALLPAPER • BLINDS • CARPETS • PAINT • CURTAIN POLES • FURNITURE • LIGHTING

YOUR LOCAL CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Don’t panic, heres a guide to some wonderful gifts right on your doorstep.

Iona Weleda Giftpacks. 3 soaps £11.95. 3 Handcreams £19.95. 3 Body Wash £19.95. Locally made Soaps £15.50. 27 Church Road, Holywood. Tel: 028 9042 8597

Deborah Harper Makeup & Beauty Yon-ka Cleanser & Toner gift set and complimentary Intermezzo facial from Deborah Harper Makeup & Beauty. £42 (saving £34!). 7 Station Square, Helen’s Bay. Tel: 028 9185 2859

Art & Home

Dawn Crothers @ Whalley Fine Art

Naturally beautiful; Michael Michaud botanical bronze jewellery available from the Art & Home Gallery. 145-147 High St, Holywood. Tel: 028 9042 8168

Prolific Belfast artist Dawn Crothers brings out a different product each year and this years must have gift is her amazing Silk scarves! Priced at £60, 2 different designs; ‘Petra the Peacock’ and ‘The 5 Snails’ available from Whalley Fine Art in Holywood and Dawns website www.dawncrothers.com.

BitetoSavour

BitetoSavour Seasonal Subscription, £100. The gift that keeps giving and the perfect present for anyone fanatical about good-food. At the start of each season (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter) your recipient will receive a beautifully themed artisan gift box, filled with the seasons finest selection of locally produced gourmet goodies delivered to their door. Use code FREEPP for free P&P. www.bitetosavour.com 20 bloommagazine.co.uk

HEALTH BEAUTY & WELLBEING

53a High Street, Holywood Tel : 028 9042 3962 lekkerbeauty.co.uk

LADIES, MOISTURE IS KEY THIS SEASON With dark, cold nights looming and frosty mornings dawning, make sure you have doubled up with your moisturiser in order to protect those gorgeous rosy cheeks Ren Daily Supplement from Jack Frosts grasp.

Moisturising Cream

‘Ren’s daily supplement moisturising cream’ layered on top of ‘Omega 3 optimum skin oil’ is a must have!

NO EXCUSES! There is no excuse for sleeping in makeup…EVER!! It’s just good hygiene. It takes 10 minutes to remove – and everyone has 10 minutes.

Out of 24 hours we can all steal 10 minutes!

though we’re all covering “ Even up at this time of year doesn’t

mean that you should neglect your ‘situation’. Don’t let your hard efforts of pain-staking hair removal go to waste. Keep on top of things. Hairy ankles poking out the bottom of your jeans may provide added insulation but trust us… it’s definitely not a good look!

“

22 bloommagazine.co.uk

Never miss a trick by letting your hair removal efforts go to waste!

Aimee

Now Selling Quality Used Cars

PENSION POT PLANNING THROUGH PROPERTY INVESTMENT John Minnis Estate Agents, established in 2005, has offices in Holywood, Belfast and Donaghadee offering sales, lettings and property management. In this issue, John Minnis gives us his guide to purchasing property as a long-term investment, with a view to topping up your pension plan. coupled with the fact that you have made an investment for the long-term. Your capital growth can only run on an upward scale. Of course there are

John Minnis

certain choices that you must make before making a purchase....

WHERE? WHAT? WHO? Firstly, location, location, location - this is the most important decision you must make with regards

GOOD BUY? Residential property as a long-term investment is intrinsically linked to prevailing market conditions. At this moment, the evolutionary cycle of market prices is at its lowest point, making a property purchase an excellent choice for long-term investment. Prices are showing signs of recovery following the largest decline and recession on record. Factors within the NI housing market overwhelmingly play to the advantages of long-terms investors, i.e. you are buying a house at bottom of the market prices, but we are in a market that is

to your investment property purchase. Secondly, buy a property that requires little or low ongoing maintenance costs. Thirdly pick your managing agent with care, buying a house is one of the biggest transactions most of us embark on, so do your homework rigorously. Go for an agent who is well respected, recommended by others and offers a service that is second-to-none, and if you require it, choose one that is property management accredited. You will have a lot of dealings with this person over the coming months, so it is also important that you like them.

gaining pace and prices are increasing. Your invest-

GET OUT WHEN THE GOING IS GOOD!

ment at this point in time is therefore two-fold;

Lastly, keep your eye periodically on the capital

with competitive property prices, this means that

value of your asset, keep in touch with regards to

there are short-term gains to be had. Where rental

the property market and maintain a good relation-

yields exceed outgoings (borrowing and mainte-

ship with your agent. Get out or sell when the going

nance), this inevitably means that your property

is good.

will be making you money from day one. No doubt with the passage of time, rental yields will increase further, borrowing and outgoings will reduce, 24 bloommagazine.co.uk

If you are interested in talking to John Minnis about an investment purchase call 028 9042 8888 or email jminnis@johnminnis.co.uk

A TWIST IN THE TALE Meet Tanya Mai Johnston as she tells us her remarkable life story and how she came to be the unique, inspiring artist she is to day.

anya had been left in an orphanage is Saigon and just before the VietCong decided to invade the South, she was one of the 99 babies chosen to get on a rescue mission airflight to London. ‘After a stint in hospital with pneumonia and malnutrition, we then stayed in a children’s home and then I was one of the two babies bought over to Northern Ireland, adopted by Bishop Ken and Helen Clarke.’ By the age of seven Tanya had been to five primary schools and the family moved to Chile as missionaries with SAMS, (Tanya’s dad was a pastor). Then to Holywood, Dublin, Coleraine (High School), Lancaster University, London (to teach), Coleraine – (Supply teaching and youthwork), Hertfordshire – All Nations Christian College, Vietnam (teaching) and now Belfast (Lay minister in a church, then Secretary in a QUB Chaplaincy) and now finally... forty years later... a full time artist of Mai Bendy Art! ‘I have always loved being creative in many forms. I did ceramics, screen printing and painting

26 bloommagazine.co.uk

for my degree and the day I graduated in 1997, I stopped... until May 2013 after being made redundant, I drew my first Bendy picture of Amsterdam and just kept on drawing! Its a cathartic process, I go off into my own little world/zone/cave. As I draw, I am processing events over my life. Every picture has a story to tell.’ And every picture has Tanya’s own unique style and sensibilities, something which stems from that trip to Amsterdam. ‘I love doing my bendy style. When we went to Amsterdam a few years ago, I loved the way the buildings leaned over. They looked like they were chatting away to each other. Having a laugh. However I didn’t draw them until last year.’ Tanya has been documenting her life in a book which is a therapeutic and yet inspiring task. ‘I have written about loss in my life; people, places, homes, countries. Ill health has been a major factor and I have a written at length about my experiences of racism and bullying. Identity has been a huge issue and adoption has been a large factor especially

the fact that I do not look like my family. But there have been many good times too. I have written about travelling, meeting interesting people, being part of some amazing teams, doing youth work, my amazing family. The thing that held it together the most is my personal faith. I have written a lot about this aspect. I know someone has been watching over my life. And still is.’ In the last 16 months, Mai Bendy Art has opened the door to trading in The Dock Market, St. George’s Market and with retailers in Belfast and Holywood. She also sells online worldwide. ‘The main reason I want to get my work out there, is to sell it and make enough money to support some type of charity/ centre for Vietnamese kids who haven’t had opportunities in life. I was thrown a lifeline. I need to give back and throw others a lifeline.’ Queen’s University Gift Shop, The Dock Cafe, both markets, The Yard Gallery, The Picture Gallery and maibendyart.co.uk Tel: 07455199180

M fo r a B en on 1 lo tio ev 0% om n er dis YOUR LOCAL SUPPLIER OF CAR ACCESSORIES & PARTS yt co hi u ng n ! t Our staff have over 40 years experience, providing friendly

JK Autospares

& helpful advice on all car related matters.

WINTER IS ON ITS WAY! GET YOUR CAR PREPARED: ANTIFREEZE, WIPERS, DE-ICER, BATTERIES ALL AVAILABLE HERE. PLUS FREE WIPER FITTTING!

• We stock a large selection of bulbs, air fresheners, floor mats, cleaning products & key fob batteries. All we need is your registration number and we can supply all the parts you need for servicing and mot failure etc. We deal with all makes and models and our door is open to everyone. WE’RE HERE TO HELP!

Find us on Facebook

294 Albertbridge Road, BT5 4GX Tel: 028 9080 9030 albertbridge@jkautospares.co.uk www.jkautospares.co.uk

Bathroom Refurbishment Specialists SPECIAL OFFER!

ARE YOU PLANNING A BATHROOM REFURB? BOOK IN FOR JANUARY & GET £150 OFF! FOR FREE QUOTATIONS:

111 Mealough Road, Carryduff, BT8 8LT Tel: 028 9081 7899 / 028 9081 7901 E: lisa@rjspatterson.com

www.rjspatterson.com

The Next Generation!

THE SEARCH FOR COUNTY DOWN’S TOP BUILDING PROJECT The RICS’s annual search for Northern Ireland’s top residential, commercial and public building projects is underway with a call for the County Down’s professionals to showcase the high calibre of their work.

Bangor Road Mains laying night shift

Cedar Court, Downpatrick

he organisation’s 2015 awards will include

broadened our tourism offering, have enhanced our

eight categories to reflect the full breadth of

infrastructure, have revived residential areas, and

excellence across the property and construction

have restored some of our most-loved buildings. I

sectors in Northern Ireland. In addition to Project

strongly encourage the professionals behind them

of the Year, prizes will be presented in the following

to take the opportunity to have their excellent work

categories: Building Conservation, Commercial,

recognised.”

Community Benefit, Design & Innovation,

Entry to the awards, which are open to all

Infrastructure, Regeneration, Residential, Tourism

practitioners within the property and construction

& Leisure. Calling on professionals to enter the

sectors, is now open, with a deadline of 16 January

prestigious awards, RICS NI Awards Judging

2015 for completion. Some of the Northern

Chairman, Alistair Dunn, said: The RICS Awards

Ireland winners will also go forward to the RICS

are a unique opportunity for everyone working

Awards Grand Final in London, where they will

within the property and construction sectors

compete with other regional winners from across

to have their work highlighted on a local and

the UK and beyond. Other winners from County

international platform. Last year we saw a record

Down in the 2014 Northern Ireland ceremony

number of entries to the awards and, this year,

included Downshire Civic Centre and Cedar

we look forward to receiving submissions from

Court winning Highly Commended for Building

an even wider group of exceptional projects.

Conservation and Regeneration, respectively, and

There are many local schemes that have made

the Bangor to Belfast A2 Water mains scheme won

an impact in communities and in business, have

the Infrastructure category.

Further information about the awards is available at: www.rics.org/awards or by calling 028 9032 2877. 28 bloommagazine.co.uk

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VISIT: WEAREVERTIGO.COM TEL: (028) 9064 1229

A LANDMARK YEAR FOR GARRY’S BARBER SHOP

“2014 has been a hectic, full on kind of year and I’ve loved every minute of it!” says Garry Jackson, proprietor of Garrys Barber Shop, High Street, Holywood.

Launching the infamous GBS Facebook campaign

Celtic Soul pay homage to Van Morrison at the GBS Sessions

The Team at Garry’s Barber Shop

“This is our 25th year in business and to

along the way. His Northern Irish visit made

celebrate it we’ve made a bigger effort with

local television, newspaper and glossy

our social media profile by posting a picture

magazine news pages.

of the teams effort to raise 5,000 likes on

Garry’s Barber Shop now has it’s own

Facebook and be rewarded with a holiday

Youtube channel and the latest venture on

in Spain. Nothing prepared us for the

to the internet is “The Garrys Barber Shop

response we received”. The post was seen

Sessions”, where local bands and singer/

by approximately 300,000 people in less

songwriters are filmed by “Michael Foster

than three weeks! The flights are all booked

TV’ in the shop and then broadcast on

for April 2015 and the staff are delighted.

Facebook and Youtube. This is a wonderful

September saw a visit from a celebrity

way to showcase existing and new musical

barber “The Nomad Barber” who chose

talent of which N Ireland has in abundance.

Garry’s Barber Shop as the only barber shop

“In the New Year we will carry on in the

in Northern Ireland to be included in the

same vein” says Garry, interacting with all

film of his UK tour. The Nomad Barber is

our customers and having a bit of craic!

hugely popular on Youtube with his own

We’d like to thank all our customers and

channel documenting his travels around

wish them all a very peaceful, happy &

the world, filming and interviewing barbers

prosperous Christmas and New Year.”

You can find Garrys Barber Shop on Facebook and on Youtube or call 028 9042 5262. 30 bloommagazine.co.uk

1st Day MONDAY 8TH DEC !

AN 81 SCONE WITH TEA OR COFFEE FOR £3! !

2nd Day TUESDAY 9TH DEC !

BOWL OF STEW & IRISH COFFEE FOR £8.50! !

3rd Day WEDNESDAY 10TH DEC !

FREE TEA OR COFFEE WITH ANY BREAKFAST! !

4th Day THURSDAY 11TH DEC !

BOTTLE OF BEER & THE 81 BURGER FOR £10! !

5th Day FRIDAY 12TH DEC ! 2 COCKTAILS OR 2 GLASSES WINE & 2 STARTERS FOR £12! !

6th Day MONDAY 15TH DEC !

A SLICE OF 81’S MOREISH MOROCCAN DRIZZLE CAKE ! & TEA OR COFFEE FOR £3.50! !

7th Day TUESDAY 16TH DEC !

10% OFF BREAKFASTS! !

8th Day WEDNESDAY 17TH DEC !

FREE XMAS SHORTBREAD WITH ANY TEA OR COFFEE PURCHASED! !

9th Day THURSDAY 18TH DEC !

10% OFF EVERYTHING! !

10th Day FRIDAY 19TH DEC ! GLASSES OF MULLED WINE & CANDY CANE COCKTAILS £3! !

11th Day MONDAY 22ND DEC !

FREE MINCE PIE WITH EVERY GLASS OF MULLED WINE PURCHASED! !

12th Day TUESDAY 23RD DEC !

LIQUEUR COFFEES & BAILEYS HOT CHOCOLATES £3.50 *Subject to availablity, Terms & Conditions apply

NIGHTS @ THE BAY TREE 2015 TO START

Four Celery Soup — £4.95

withwe’d a Fivemiletown Oakwood Smoked Cheese & Bacon Crouton As always, like to acknowledge our loyal ‘Winos’ by offering: Griddled Lamb Cutlet — £6.95 “COME TO 2with NIGHTS, GET A THIRD FOR 1/2 PRICE” Pistachio Aioli and Beetroot & Apple Purée Lemongrass & Ginger Fried Portavogie Prawns — £5.95 on a Coriander Rice Cake Grilled Spiced County Antrim Chicken — £5.50 with Dahl, Poppadoms and Orange & Onion Chutney

Saturday 31st January : Meet the Brewer Night

MAINTrouble COURSES Brewing, Co Kildare. With Stephen Clinch from 5 beers Roast withSupreme 5 courses. In association with Prohibition. of County Antrim Chicken — £13.50 £30pp or £25pp in groups of 4+ with Creamy Wholegrain Mustard Sauce, Crispy Bacon & a Choice of Sides Tynedale Goat (Co. Antrim) Tagine with — £12.50 Apricots &Saturday Cinnamon, served with Pilaf Rice and a Harissa &Night Coriander Garnish 28th February : Sicilian

5 Wines from the island of Sicily, paired with 5 regional courses 8oz. Finnebrogue Venison Rump — £18.50 with a Port, Shallot by andConall Blueberry(Gap SauceWines) and Celeriac Mash Hosted £45ppPan orFried £40pp in groups Salmon — £12.95of 4+ with Roasted Tomatoes, Green Beans and a Sweet Potato, Garlic & Rosemary Purée Toulouse Sausages — £10.95 Wine Tasting Saturday 28th March : Sparkling

with Tarragon Mash and Tomato, & Mixed Bean Stew stationary Find something to celebrate (Ifait’s not Pepper your birthday, a new purchase, perhaps?) an evening of 5Nut sparkling wines paired with 5 Morel,for Cardamom & Cashew Pilaf — £9.50 deliciouswith courses. Hosted by Conall Green Chilli & Ginger Garnish (Gap (N) Wines) £45pp or £40pp in groups of 4+ Aubergine, Mushroom & Lentil Moussaka — £9.50 with a Leaf & Tomato Salad (V)

— £2.95 EACH Saturday 25thSIDES April : Bordeaux Tasting

5 exceptional wines from thisMash famous region paired Horseradish with 5 delicious French Crunchy Wedges with Soured Creamcourses. & Chilli Sauce Hosted by Conall (Gap Wines) Broccoli, Mange tout, Cauliflower & Butter and Thyme Roasted Carrots £45pp or £40pp in groups of 4+ DESSERTS

Hazelnut Meringues — £5.00 Saturday 30thFrozen MayYoghurt : Craft Tasting with Fresh Raspberries, andBeer Raspberry Coulis (N)

5 distinct craft beers from around the world paired with 5 courses. Maple & Banana Upside Down Cake — £5.00 Hosted by Conall (Gap Wines) with Butterscotch Sauce and Glastry Farm Honeycomb Ice Cream £30pp or £25pp in groups of 4+ Rum, Ginger & Pecan Chocolate Brownie — £5.00 with Rum Custard and Vanilla Ice Cream (N) —

VOUCHERS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ALL THESE EVENTS (N) Contains Nuts (We keep nuts in our kitchen too)

THE BAY TREE

118 High St Holywood, Down BT18 9HW T: 028 9042 6414 E: info@baytreeholywood.co.uk www.baytreeholywood.co.uk