Bloom June 2012

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

Issue 7: June 2012

bloom Magazine The very latest news direct from the community delivered to your letterbox for free every month.

Food and cookery ranging from easy peasy inspiration to recipes to local restaurant reviews.

What’s going on in your own neighbourhood, health, beauty, local legends and much more.

Here comes the sun !

Peter Oliver Hairdressing

223 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3JF t: 028 9067 1058 e: peter@peterolivers.com www.peterolivers.com Open: Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri: 09.30-17.00 Thu 09.30-20.30 Sat .8.30-16.00 Peter Oliver is pleased to welcome the highly creative and talented Adam Saul to the team at Ballyhackamore. Adam looks forward to welcoming his male and female clients to the salon.

Issue 7

Welcome A big yellow ball appeared in the sky recently. It’s been a while since we saw such a sight here and the slow, baffled emergence of people from their doorways squinting into the light to see what it was, was soon followed by the garden furniture, the barbeque, the paddling pool, the factor four and unfortunately the lawnmower. This is it, we’re off and running, it’s summer! It hasn’t been the worst of winters compared to last year, but even still, the blue sky and effervescent vibe that engulfs the place once this time of year kicks in is a joy. So lets settle down in the deck chair and get the hankie on the head before it drifts past and before you know it we’re getting the house fire ready for August. But no matter what the weather, life in the East motors on and the great thing is that the number of outside events begins to grow. We have put together just a brief rundown of the highlights. From Jubilee parties to open farms to football camps, we’ve got it all. With the weather now hopefully on a roll, we also have recipes from leading Spanish chef Jose Pizarro. Spanish ingredients always get the juices flowing so check out what he has to offer your summer table. We also have our regular features including all the latest news you need to know East side and further afield. Our rising star goes by the name of Bohemian Vixen, a unique designer with a flair for jewellery, accessories and much more. Food Focus takes us to Cafe Smart where the ingredients are home baking and fine art. Plus our local legend is Hillmount Garden Centre. Standing proud in the hills since 1940, it’s an incredible story and very much a family affair. So remember, come rain or shine, support local business and the advertisers in the issue, and moreso than ever, East Belfast is in Bloom.

If you would like to find out how you could grow your own business by advertising with us, contact angela@bloommagazine.co.uk 07719 104862 If you have news, events, charity updates or anything else you want East Belfast to know about, contact stuart@bloommagazine.co.uk

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Contents

June 2012

Bloom. The local magazine for your community.

20

23

28

34

6 Local News

Headlines from the East side and everything else you need to know.

23 Cookbook

Jose Pizarro, one of Spain’s leading chefs gives us three recipes to create this summer.

15 Health & Beauty

28 Food Focus

16 Summer Events

30 What’s On?

20 Rising Star

34 Local Legend

Let the experts at The Secret Day Spa tend to those feet of yours.

There’s plenty going on out there, we’ve lined up just a fraction,

We meet Samantha Bell, better known bespoke designer Bohemian Vixen.

Victoria and Simon from Cafe Smart tell us the thinking behind the eaterie’s concept.

A few ideas as to how you can spend your free time this month.

The ever growing Hillmount Garden Centre, in business now since 1940. www.bloommagazine.co.uk 5

Bloom News

All your local news and views.

• Step up for Child Safety Week - The new Child Safety Week ideas book and poster - Small steps to safety - are online at the new Child Safety Week website www.childsafetyweek.org.uk so you can download now and start planning your activity for the event that takes place from 18 – 24 June 2012.

GIANT TICKET LAUNCH FOR EPIC BELFAST EVENT Tickets have been launched for one of the most exciting and surprising events ever seen in Ireland, Land of Giants, which is to be staged in Belfast at the Titanic Slipways on the 30 June in front of an audience of 18,000. Land of Giants, written and directed by Mark Murphy, will be a truly epic show on a Titanic scale that is uniquely Northern Irish. The unmissable show will feature state-of-the-art digital animation, dramatic special effects, fireworks, gravity defying aerial performances and a stage almost 200 metres long – even the Titanic Belfast building gets to play a starring role.

Land of Giants, which will involve a cast and crew of over 500 people, most of whom are from Northern Ireland, is the largest outdoor event of its kind ever held in Ireland. Land of Giants has been funded by Legacy Trust UK, creating a lasting impact from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games by funding ideas and local talent to inspire creativity across the UK. Tickets, which cost £10 for an adult, £6 concession and £28 for a family, are available from the Belfast Welcome Centre with the option of booking online at www.gotobelfast.com, via telephone on + 44 2890246609, or in person at the Welcome Centre in Belfast’s city centre. facebook.com/landofgiantsni / @landofgiantsni www.landofgiants.info 6 www.bloommagazine.co.uk

• On Thursday the 7th of June, Creative Exchange Studios will officially launch 16/CEX – a celebratory exhibition marking the 16th anniversary of Creative Exchange Studios, the only publicly funded visual artists studios in East Belfast. CEX been an integral part of the creative fabric of the area over the years, as well as the wider Northern Ireland and international art scene.

Contact 028 90 452299 for further details.

CELEBRATING THE GREAT WORK OF OUR GRASSROOTS HEROES Do you have an unsung hero in your community who is dedicated to grassroots football? Someone who tirelessly works to support grassroots football week in and week out? They could be the coach, volunteer, kit washer, lift-giver, or the tea lady. This is your chance to nominate your grassroots champion for the McDonald’s Community Awards, presented in partnership with the Irish FA. Go to www.irishfa.com/ communityawards for details about each award and how to nominate. Not only are McDonald’s proud supporters of the Community Awards, they also offer exciting opportunities for children and adults to get involved in football, from Player Escort places and Ambassador visits at your local club, to offering development grants and coaching advice. Check out www.mcdonalds. co.uk/kickstart

Bannside Library Limited, a business set up by the family of the former first minister Ian Paisley has applied for planning permission to open a private library in East Belfast. The application is to convert two retail units on the Upper Newtownards Road into a private library to house a collection owned by of the former First Minister with some public access. Ian Paisley was the MP for North Antrim for 40 years and founded the Democratic Unionist Party in 1971. He officially retired from full-time ministry earlier this year.

Architect Provides Shelter

Does your community have what it takes to brush away the competition and clean up on some prizes for your area? Belfast City Council has launched Brush Factor 2012 – a cleanup challenge for groups and communities across the city – and is inviting people to register their community cleanup to be in with a chance of winning prizes sponsored by Ikea, Homebase, Tesco, Holiday Inn and Translink. Any community or voluntary group, church or individual that organises and registers a cleanup between Monday 14 May and 31 August will automatically be entered into the competition with `before` and `after` pictures being part of the judging criteria. There is a £150 Ikea voucher for the best cleanup and runner-up prizes of £50 vouchers for Tesco and Homebase. Holiday Inn is also offering a three course meal for two while Translink are providing six travel vouchers. Every entrant will receive a cleanup kit to encourage regular and continued cleanups in the area. You can register by calling 028 9032 0202 ext 5239 or email catcleansing@belfastcity. gov.uk. For more information visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/brushfactor

East Belfast architect Sarah Macauley has signed up to take part in Architect in the House, the joint charitable initiative by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) and Shelter. Homeowners can receive an hour consultation with an RIBA chartered architect (such as Sarah Macauley) for a suggested donation of £40 to Shelter. Whether it’s inspiration for a study, an extra bedroom, or just better living space you need, a chartered RIBA architect can offer creativity and professional advice that will help bring your ideas to life. Sarah said, ‘I urge anyone in the Belfast area who is thinking of undertaking work on their home to use an architect who has signed up for Architect in the House. We can help people unleash the potential of their homes while helping those with more significant housing problems.’ Shelter estimates that more than 650,000 households in Britain are overcrowded, affecting over 1 million children in England alone. The donation will go towards Shelter’s work to help all those living in conditions that have a devastating effect on family life and children’s safety, health and education.

Homeowners can register for their consultation by visiting www. architectinthehouse.org.uk www.bloommagazine.co.uk 7

Bloom News

All your local news and views.

LOCAL HAIRDRESSER SCOOPS AWARD - AGAIN! 22nd of April saw the annual All Ireland Hairdressing Championships which took place in the Hilton Hotel Belfast. There were over 350 entries across 12 events from all over UK and Southern Ireland.

Local boy Ryan Ebbitt of Kenneth Michael salon on Woodstock Road came away with the All Ireland Bridal Champion trophy. This is the second year Ryan has won this award and the 10th time for the salon to bring the award home. An incrdible achievement.

Pictured l-r Steven Jones, Ryan Ebbitt & Ken McClure.

Phone 028 9045 5740. www.kennethmichael.co.uk

On 1st September The Belfast Blitzers (Beverley Copeland, Leanne Hamilton, Selina Hutchinson and Jennifer Kennedy) will take part in the 10th Anniversary of Race the Sun in the Lake District.

Teams of four are challenged to cycle 50 miles, climb Helvellyn and canoe Lake Thirlmere. Starting at sunrise and finishing by sunset - Racing the Sun! The charity this event supports is Action Medical Research which is a charity close to their hearts. Keep up to date with them and their training via Beverleys’ blog www.belfastblitzers.blogspot.com. If you want to sponsor the as a company or individual the link is www.action.org.uk/sponsor/belfastblitzers

CHURCH ON THE CORNER 100 YEARS OLD! St Donard’s Church of Ireland at the corner of the Beersbridge and Bloomfield roads, is celebrating its 100th birthday on 1st June 2012. The first congregation met in ‘The Iron Church’ as it was known, constructed as it was of corrugated iron (hence the name!) on the site of the present building.The members of the church collected their threepences and sixpences to buy bricks, one-byone, to build the church as it is known today. On 1st June 1912 the church was dedicated to the glory of God and it was named after St. Donard – a follower of St. Patrick who spent his life in a monastery on the summit of Slieve Donard in the Mourne Mountains.

8 www.bloommagazine.co.uk

INSPIRATIONAL DANCER TAKES TO STAGE East Belfast based dancer and choreographer Suzannah McCreight was 16 weeks pregnant when she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2010.

After surgery followed by treatment Suzannah was in the clear. Two years on, she has used this life-changing event as the inspiration for Plants & Hopes. The production is being staged by Belfast’s leading contemporary dance company, Maiden Voyage Dance, and is touring throughout Northern Ireland. Maiden Voyage is offering a number of dance workshops, and ticket & transport deals to schools and groups to attend the performance. For further information and to book contact Eibhlin at info@maidenvoyagedance.com

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Bloom News

All your local news and views.

CS LEWIS GETS A NEW LOOK AT BELMONT TOWER Belmont Tower unveiled a new addition to the CS Lewis exhibit – a one-off caricature of the renowned novelist. This unique piece of artwork, by Remco van Straten, depicts Lewis in the guise of one of his most well-known characters Mr Tumnus. The artwork, along with two CS Lewis first edition books, was kindly donated to Belmont Tower by Remco van Straten & Angeline Adams who are well known writers within the arts world and keen supporters of the proper recognition of CS Lewis in the cultural history of Belfast & the establishment of a permanent exhibition to the world-renowned author. To arrange a visit to the exhibition please contact Leanne on 02890 653338 - school & tourist groups can be also booked.

Budget haircuts create nine new jobs A leading Belfast hairdressing business is helping to create nine new jobs by expanding into a different segment of the hairdressing market. The ‘Junior Style Academy’ is the brainchild of Jason Shankey, who aims to create careers for the best up and coming hairdressers, whilst also helping families whose budgets have been stretched during the difficult economic climate. ‘We have spent over six months training our apprentices, free of charge, to help them become leading hairdressers, and they’re now ready to run the Academy,’ said Jason. ‘We’ve created a Brenda Shankey with the apprentices platform for them to hone their skills so that they can forge a great future career in the hairdressing industry, and at the same time, families can use the service to save money on their hairdressing bills. We’re committed to helping young people back to work by sharing with them the best skills available, and we’re committed to our community by helping to lower the cost of living.’ The Academies will operate from the company’s Ballyhackamore and Lisburn Road salons, with prices starting as low as £7.50 for a boy’s haircut and £10 for a man’s haircut.

Ballyhackamoore 028 9065 8001, Lisburn Rd 028 9068 1291. www.jasonshankey.com

Julie Weatherup, (fashion coach) far right with two guests.

10 www.bloommagazine.co.uk

A special fashion brunch was hosted recently at Horatio Todds. The event was sponsored by Bombay Sapphire, organised by Tracey Hall of Style Academy with clothing by Peel and also Marc Cain Lisburn Road. Underwear from Marks & Spencer and hair by Peter Oliver at Ballyhackamore.

The day began with a cocktail on arrival followed by a three course brunch.

Between courses Julie Weatherup, stylist and fashion coach, showed people how to put different styles together including the foundation underwear followed by the clothes themselves. Julie also showed how to transform from day to night using accessories, shoes, scarf and jewellery. Adam Saul from Peter Oliver had volunteers from the audience and transformed hair from day to night style. The event was a great success, Morgan from Horatio Todd’s was the perfect host and another date will be announced very soon.

The Modern Art Gallery situated at 92 Castlereagh Road is a gallery with a difference and with the mission to shake things up and challenge the expectations of what an art gallery should be. The aim is to bring the buzz back into the art world while recognising the incredible variety of local talent we have right here on our doorstep.

The gallery believes art is something that should be fun, exciting and accessible to everyone. Whilst Northern Ireland is incredibly lucky to have so many local artists producing exciting and original work everyday The Modern Art Gallery feels it is time to show them how much their dedication is appreciated.

Rather than hoping that the work will be noticed in passing the gallery is very active in promoting its artists across the province through regular events and exhibitions.

Dee Craig

If you would like a taster of what is on offer, the gallery is hosting an official opening weekend at the gallery on the 2nd and 3rd of June 2012. Everyone is welcome to visit the gallery anytime over the course of the two days and take the opportunity to enjoy the artwork on display. The Modern Art Gallery would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued and valued support in making this unique venture a reality.

Jo Browne

The Modern Art Gallery 92 Castlereagh Road, Belfast.

Tel: 028 9050 6340

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• Hot and cold food including sandwiches, paninis, salads and snacks.

• Child friendly, wheelchair friendly and have fantastic offers every week.

Opening hou rs: Mon - Wed: 08:30-16:30 Thu: 08:30-16:30 Fri - Sat: 08:30-16:30 Sun: 09:30-14:30

20 Kings Square • Belfast Tel:07709 451779

Lu-Lus will be closed 4th and 5th june

Summer Sale Up to

50% OFF Starts Wednesday 6th June 10.00 a.m.

We may close for a few weeks in July for refurbishment so why not take advantage of our early sale and grab some of our great fashion brands at reduced prices.

76 Belmont Rd, Belfast, BT4 2AA. Tel: 028 9065 2428. www.silhouettefashionbelfast.co.uk

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If you would like to find out more about how dental implants could improve your smile, contact Sandown Dental & Implant Clinic for a free consultation.

Telephone: 02890 471070 email: info@sandowndental.com www.sandowndental.com

COUNT ON CONNSWATER THIS SUMMER

FREE PARKING | MON-FRI 9-9 SAT 9-6 SUN 1-5 | CONNSWATER.CO.UK

Get your feet fit for summer!

Health & Beauty

Do your feet need a healthy summer makeover? If your feet have spent the whole of winter wrapped in woolly socks or jammed into heavy boots, the recent sunny weather is the perfect excuse to start paying them some attention. Most of us will take about 18,000 steps every day or 100,000 miles in a lifetime, but how many of us really think about what happens to our feet on a daily basis? With summer in our midst we want our feet looking their best.

teps: s e s e h t w Fo l l o Fill your bath or a bowl with some

warm water. Put your feet in the bath or bowl and use lotion or foot scrub to clean your feet and make them smooth and silky.

2 3

Using clippers always cut your nails straight across to avoid in grown toe nails.

Get a nail file and file your toenails so that they are all smooth. File them square so that they look neat.

4 5

Ideally, your nails should be no longer than a couple of millimeters over the edge of your toes.

Use a file on your feet to make them smooth.

Concentrate on dry, hard or crusty areas of skin, and make sure they feel soft when you have finished.

6 7 9

Health & Beauty

Welcome to The Secret Day Spa beauty page.

Keeping the good people of East Belfast looking gorgeous & feeling fantastic!

Use moisturising cream on your feet every single day, and be sure to massage it in well. Remember to rub it in well and put it everywhere, including in between each toe. Wait a while before putting on socks, though, as persisting dampness between the toes can cause fungus or athlete’s foot.

8

Once a week, gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle stick to keep your toes healthy. Use a nail polish remover to remove the paint color you had before.

After you have been on shopping sprees or long walks, make sure to put your feet up.

10

Use toe separators and put a base coat on your toes. Then, paint them your favourite colour. To make them look summery, paint them using bio scupture nail polish

Make sure new shoes fit properly to prevent getting blisters.

Instead of using a polish on your toenails have shellac applied. Shellac is a nail product that lasts for at least 14 days without chipping, scratching, or smudging. Lasting 14 days is an accomplishment all by itself but shellac does even more. Many women have noticed that their nails are stronger and healthier after using shellac. Not only does it not damage your nail but it improves your nails health. Use [Comfort Zone] week-end kit to achieve perfect results The Secret Day Spa, 30 Belmont Road, Belfast. Tel: 028 9067 1914. www.bloommagazine.co.uk 15

pening p a h ts en ev e th ll a to e Your guid near you in the sunshine!

Streamvale Farm

‘We are having fun days on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th June with face painting, jumping clay workshops, magic shows, bbq, fun scavenger hunts and all the usual rides and animal activities. Usual entrance price of £5.30 for children, £5.70 adults and a super family price of £20 (up to six people) Open 10.30-5pm. We have ducklings, bunnies, lambs and chicks to cuddle but don’t forget we also have calves, kids, piglets and pups as well, right through the summer. The Creamery cafe can provide you with homemade goodies - not least our home made farmhouse ice cream - while the youngsters enjoy the extensive play facilities. We also have the largest indoor display of animals in Ireland.

Grandparents should take full advantage of our Grandparent Pass just come along, pay once and you have free entrance Mon-Fri for the rest of the year!’

Phone 028 9048 3244. www.streamvale.com

TWSports.Org Summer Camps:

BRANIEL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

TUES 5 JUN

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TY 10-2PM - PAR & CO 7-10PM - DIS

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CELEBRATE WITH YOUR FRIENDS

WHERE BRANIEL COMMUNITY CENTRE

NOTE KIDS ARE WELCOME SO LONG AS THEY BRING A PARENT/GUARDIAN

In support of BBC Children in Need, Stormont Estate will be transformed into a family fun day! 4th June 10am-6pm. Open house at Parliament Buildings, food village with 40+ traders, kids rides, castles, bungee trampolines, laser tag, clay pigeon shooting & much more.

16 www.bloommagazine.co.uk

‘We are offering full week programmes from 10am-3pm! We have 10 Fun Camps to choose from, offering you greater choice and flexibility. Boys & girls aged 2 - 13 are all welcome regardless of ability or cultural background.

We are also the first and only company to offer Toddler Soccer in NI. Our Day Camps operate from 10am-3pm with early drop off available on request from 9am Monday - Friday. Only £2 per hour based on 25 hours coaching over five days!

WIN A PLACE ON TWSPORTS SUMMER CAMP!

TWSports.org are offering four places on any of the summer schemes to four winners for answering a simple question. How many Fun Camps are there to choose from? Simply text the word BLOOM or put BLOOM in the subject of your email followed by your answer and send to 07740 120788 or tim@twsports.org Everyone that enters will get £10 credit to put towards a summer scheme of their choice. www.TWSports.org

The Magic of Aunt Sandras

‘We welcome visitors to our shop and factory so why not book a show and demonstration and see the products being made by hand? We are also available for summer schemes. The show lasts approximately 1 hour 20 minutes and includes the story of Aunt Sandra’s starting back in 1950. We then all meet in our cafe to experience the smells, colours and tastes of old time candy making. Watch as Uncle Jim and Uncle David of Aunt Sandras create Heart Lollipops, The Grumpy Man and Old Traditional Boiled Sweets plus much more! If you are very good you may get the chance to make your very own candy floss to take home. Phone 028 9073 2868. www.auntsandras.com

Jump Jiggle and Jive

Orangefield Old Boys FC Annual Community Fun Day hosts the Community Cup. All the junior teams compete against teams from across Ireland and alongside the football there are bouncy castles, face painting, BBQ, tea and coffee, and lots more. Everyone is welcome and admission is free. Saturday June 9th. 11am - 5pm

Are you looking for a fun activity for your summer scheme or party idea? Jump jiggle and jive is a well-known children’s dance entertainment business based in Belfast working with 1-10 year olds.

“Interactive dance for fun and exercise” To find out more check out their website or call Amanda for further information.

Tel: 07977 113490 www.jumpjiggleandjive.co.uk

Jubilee Fun Day at Orangefield Park Sun 3rd June. Free amusements, inflatables, face painting & much. Everyone welcome at this family event - 1-5pm. Enter via Orangefield Lane.

The biggest local fundraising event for under fives at Stormont Park on Thursday 7 June. Toddlers can take part in short sponsored walks through their own nurseries or join in Barnardo’s NI main Big Toddle at Stormont Park which will also include a visit from a fire engine!

Funds raised support other lessadvantaged under fives who are supported by Barnardo’s locally. www.bigtoddle.co.uk

‘At Kip McGrath, Belfast East we offer a wide range of opportunities for children aged from 6-18, to prepare for the new school year.

Whether they’re preparing for transfer tests, next primary stage, first year at grammar or secondary school, KS3, GCSE or A level, we can help. Yes children need a break – but the summer holiday is an ideal time to make the difference to a child’s self-confidence and understanding of a topic ready for the new term.. Our summer school runs throughout July and August, with a flexibility around holidays. There are three 80 minute sessions per day beginning at 9.30 and also an afternoon session will be offered for specific areas such as the AQE and Multiple Choice Transfer tests. Discounts available for block bookings, double sessions and siblings. Book your place now.’

Contact Jan on 028 9046 9662.

Baby Sensory classes are running throughout the summer with some fantastic themed sessions like ‘Baby Athletics’ to celebrate the Olympics, ‘Magic Garden’, ‘Jungle Jitters’, ‘Baby Pirates’ and more!

Award winning Baby Sensory classes provide colourful sensory experiences and new sensations. For more information or to register for your free class contact Sharon, Chloe or Janice by phone or email belfast@babysensory.co.uk. 07813277220 (S) / 0759162046 (C) / 07929029856 (J)

The local councils will of course be operating a huge range of activities for young and old throughout the summer. For more information visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk and www.castlereagh.gov.uk

www.bloommagazine.co.uk 17

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SAVE up to

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MONDAY Mountpottinger

Mountpottinger Meth 188 Albertbridge R Morning Group: 9.30am,11.30am Evening Group 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel: Michelle 07857 131766

Glenburn

Glenburn Methodis Church 6 Glensharragh Ga at 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel: Deborah 07708 373567

Ravenhill Road

Ulster Temple 276 Ravenhill Road at 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel: Claire 07981 424926

and friendly group near you today...

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

SATURDAY

Holywood Road

Bloomfield

Ravenhill Road

hodist Inverary Community Centre Rd Inverary Avenue at 7.30pm Tel: Claire 07981 424926

Castlereagh

BMC Castlereagh Campus 16 Montgomery Rd st at 5.30 & 7.30pm ardens Tel: Esther 07804 095409 m

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Bloomfield Presbyterian Church 447 Beersbridge Road Junction off Cyprus Ave at 3.30pm. 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel: Deborah 07708 373567

Knocknagoney

Church of Ireland, Asian Centre 13A Knocknagoney Rd at 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel: Michelle 07553 745301

Ulster Temple 276 Ravenhill Road at 10am Tel: Clare 07981 424926

Braniel

Braniel Primary Ravenswood Park at 5.30 & 7.30pm Tel: Ashleigh 07731 420680

Rosetta

Knockbreda Methodist 60-66 Rosetta Road at 5.30 & 7.30pm Gilnahirk Tel: Kerrie Gilnahirk Primary School 07895 668311 148 Gilnahirk Road at 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel: Ashleigh 07731 420680

Rising Star

ReFound piece by VictorBranco

Boho Chic Samantha Bell’s hobby has organically grown into something special. She talks us through how Bohemian Vixen was born.

B

‘

ohemian Vixen is a very recent new venture for me,’ says Samantha. ‘I’m really passionate about clothes and I love accessories. Around the time we were planning my wedding I started to play around with making jewellery, garters, head dresses etc and I was pretty good at it! I also really enjoyed it so took it up as a hobby. I like quirky things and like to have things that are a little different and I think that my collection has something for everyone with prices right across the board.’

A beauty therapist and nail technician, Samantha has just begun this new venture and sharing her hobby with others has proved to be another string to her bow. Having been so creative in her spare time, it soon became apparent that she had inadvertently built up a fantastic collection. ‘To be honest I had to do something with all the jewellery and clothing I had made, our house was like Aladdins cave! So I decided it was time to do something about it and opened a boutique on ASOS Marketplace and took a stall at St Georges market. I have a wide range of products from vintage clothing and accessories to my own handmade or customised jewellery, clothing and accessories. I have a mini range for kids from five years and up and am currently working on bridal garters and remembrance jewellery. These were things I found quite hard to come by when I was getting married. I also offer a bespoke service so if you are looking for that special something but just can’t find it, I might be able to help.’

Creating a niche in the market is always a challenge for anyone but when you have a natural gift for creating something that no one else can find anywhere in the world, thats when you know you have something truly unique, and although very much in its infancy, this could be the start of something special for Samamtha. I love coming up with new things, I love when you have an idea and see it coming together. I also love being able to work around my children. It’s very early days and new but I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds.’

20 www.bloommagazine.co.uk

Bohemian Vixen is available through ASOS Marketplace: asos.com/boutique/bohemian-vixen and also at Samantha’s stall at St Georges Market every Sunday.

Find her on Facebook.

DICKSON’S

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384 Upper Newtownards Road, Ballyhackamore, Belfast BT4 3EY.

22 June Aunt Sandras very first chocolate workshop.

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Shoe Repairs • Key Cutting Bag & Case Repairs • Locks Delivery Service & Collection Available Quality Service Guaranteed

Hawarden Tennis Club 3 Clonlee Drive,Belfast,BT4 3DZ hawardentennisclub.com

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For More Information and Booking Contact Stephen Email: stephen@swat-coaching.co.uk Tel: 07752249214 Professional Tennis Coaching for all ages and abilities!

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A family business for 30 years

All types of garment Making & alterations of alterations, bridesmaid curtains, roman blinds & formal wear. Fitting & soft furnishings all at service available. competitive prices.

Friendly, helpful staff

Tel: 028 9045 2666 341 Beersbridge Road, Belfast BT5 5DS Open: Monday - Friday 9:30am - 5pm

Party Poppets

We offer the full party package: Entertainment, food, cake & party bags!

• Children’s party workshops, themes to suit any age and packages to suit your budget and take all the stress away from organising a party!

• Our most popular packages are Princess and Pirate, Cupcake decorating, Pottery Painting, Jewellery & Makeover and Monster!

Ages 4 – 18 yrs Belmont Tower, Belmont Road Visit

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• Email us and we can send you out more info!

Special theme days are being organised in the coming months, follow us on facebook to find out more.

Phone Clare 07946 590117 partypoppets@yahoo.co.uk Find us on

Based above Sweet Thing, Belmont Road. We can also come to a venue of your choice!

Goats Cheese with Beetroot Salad

José Pizarro’s Seasonal Spanish Food Just listing Spanish ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil, juicy tomatoes, spicy chorizo, jamón ibérico, fresh seafood, Manchego cheese, piquillo peppers and incredible wine is enough to take the head to the Med. With these and many more exceptional ingredients, José Pizarro takes you through the seasons offering a collection of recipes that you will make time and time again. José is a phenomenally successful chef who runs his own tapas bar and restaurants in London and appears regularly on cooking shows. This book from Kyle Books showcases just a fraction of his talent. www.bloommagazine.co.uk 23

Goat’s Cheese with Beetroot Salad ‘This is an unlikely combination of ingredients, but it works really well and looks pretty too. We use Monte Enebro cheese, but any semi-cured log-shaped goat’s cheese that’s soft with a bit of a rind makes a good substitute. Just make sure you choose one that keeps its shape when it’s cut up into cubes. I find a mandolin useful for this recipe as I like the beetroot and onion sliced whole to produce lovely purple and magenta circles.’

Serves 4 dressing 30g walnuts 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons Moscatel white wine vinegar beetroot salad 8 raw small beetroot Slow Roast Shoulder of Lamb 1/2 red onion, peeled and left whole 250g semi-cured goat’s cheese, Next, cook the beetroot. You can either bake them in the cubed oven, or boil them. I find the latter is less hassle: simply 4 mint sprigs, leaves stripped put the beets in cold unsalted and torn water, bring to the boil and sea salt and freshly ground simmer for around 25 minutes. black pepper The vegetables should still have a bit of crunch in the Preheat the oven to middle.

220°C/425°F/gas 7.

Break the walnut kernels into pieces (not too small), and spread them on a baking tray.

Place in the oven for 4 to 6 minutes – the nuts will start to turn colour and smell toasty.

Remove and let them cool.

Remove any debris such as skin and small bits of nut.

Whisk the oil and vinegar together, and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the walnuts and set to one side.

24 www.bloommagazine.co.uk

Drain, rinse in cold water, and leave to cool. Peel and slice the whole beets into circles roughly 0.5cm thick and season. Using a mandolin or a very sharp knife, slice the onion as thinly as possible.

Place the beetroot layers on four plates and then the cheese and onion. Drizzle the walnut vinaigrette over, season, sprinkle the mint leaves over and serve immediately.

Slow Roast Shoulder of Lamb ‘The lamb tastes delicious served with a green salad and my baked potatoes and apples.’

Serves 4 to 6 1 shoulder of lamb (approx. 2.5kg) bone in 8 garlic cloves handful of parsley leaves salt and pepper 800ml dry white wine 200ml water 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3 thyme sprigs, leaves stripped

Trim the lamb joint of any excess fat or sinew and place it in a comfortably fitting roasting tray.

Using a pestle and mortar, pound the garlic, parsley and about 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper to a paste. Pat this mixture all over the joint.

Mix the wine, water and olive oil together and slowly pour over the lamb, while you keep rubbing the paste in. You will end up with a garlicky liquid in the base of the tray. Sprinkle the thyme leaves over the joint.

Cover and leave the lamb to marinate for 2 hours.

Serves 4 ½ sweet pineapple, peeled and diced 2 peaches, stoned and sliced 2 kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced 16 strawberries, hulled and halved. handful of blueberries 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil freshly ground pepper juice of 1 lime 3 mint sprigs, leaves stripped and chopped.

Mix everything except the mint together and leave to chill for a couple of hours. Then, just before serving, stir in the chopped mint.

Jose Pizarro’s Seasonal Spanish Food published by Kyle Books contains recipes for all seasons.

It is out now priced £15.99.

Photography by Emma Lee.

Preheat the oven to 140°C/275°F/gas 1.

Start cooking the roast with the inner side of the joint uppermost: cook for 3 hours and basting the lamb every 15 to 20 minutes. After 3 hours, turn the shoulder over and turn the oven up to 220°C/425°F/ gas 7. Roast for a further 25 minutes to create a crispy outside. Let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Summer Fruit Salad with Mint & Olive Oil ‘Forget cream with your fruit salad, try olive oil it’s much more refreshing.

This recipe is a favourite with my staff during the summer at the end of a service. Andalucia’s Costa Tropical produces a wide range of fruits and things like kiwi fruit and pineapple are no longer as exotic as they once were.

Fruit in season is always the best, though, so adapt this salad to whatever is available and at uts sweetest.’

Summer Fruit Salad with Mint and Olive Oil www.bloommagazine.co.uk 25

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Anna Knox Second Hand Furniture ANNA KNOX PRELOVED FURNITURE AND COLLECTABLES NEW STORE NOW OPEN 45-47 RAVENHILL ROAD BELFAST - OPEN MON TO SAT COME GRAB A BARGAIN • PRE LOVED FURNITURE • CLOTHES • CHINA • COLLECTABLES • HAND MADE JEWELLERY

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Food Focus

A Sublime Combination

‘M

With a focus on home baking, fine art and a friendly welcome, Simon and Victoria of Cafe Smart have a winning combination.

y grandmother, renowned collectable artist Gladys Maccabe is a huge influence for me,’ says Simon who owns Cafe Smart with his wife Victoria. ‘I have a love for art and always knew one day I could maybe do something different with collectable fine art alongside home baking.’ But it was a bittersweet moment that led to the cafe dream being realised. Simon was made redundant as an estate agent and it was that which triggered the motivation to follow his dream. ‘That was about 2007 and from there it was a year of preparing, researching and doing voluntary work in my church cafe. I always wanted to have it based in East Belfast. From being an estate agent here I knew the market and the people.’

Simon set up the business with the support of Victoria, but as she explains, there were a few big decisions to be made along the way. ‘I’m from a legal background then met Simon so was working full time and then coming home and working on Smart. It was becoming two full time jobs so as Smart took off I had to make a big decision, and now I am full time in the cafe and I really enjoy it.’ So what’s the secret to a hustling coffee shop like this? ‘The home baking is key for us,’ says Simon. ‘We do everything in house from scones, tray bakes, soups etc. I do the cooking, Victoria looks after front of house and organising plus we also have a baker called Lynn Currie who was a gem find for us, her stuff is fantastic. The raspberry and white chocolate scones are incredible, we have people travelling from as far as Ballymena for them! The lemon slice and caramel squares go down well too. We also do a lovely duck wrap and a duck salad with raspberry vinaigrette. On a Saturday we do a Smart Breakfast Special.

Overall, people can expect a homely, friendly comfortable atmosphere and fantastic art on the walls as part of our exhibitions.’

Also on offer is a late night on Thursday which has become a very popular evening. ‘We’re open until 10pm with live music most if not every Thursday. We offer three course meals and you can bring your own wine. With the two floor mezzanine and the lights dimmed with candles, it’s a great atmosphere.

We’re working on our summer menu now and will be launching that at the beginning of the month so there’ll be salads, a Wimbledon inspired scone and things like that.’ The couple have plenty of regulars that come in for the food and a yarn and they have made great friends through the business. Not only that but the spirit of the Belmont Road and East Belfast makes a difference, ‘The local area is very friendly,’ says Victoria. ‘It’s an amazing community and all the other traders are very supportive.’

For information on menus and current exhibitions phone 028 9047 1679 or visit www.cafesmart.co.uk 28 www.bloommagazine.co.uk

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All the farm animals to see inside & out • Feeding & cuddle times • Indoor & outdoor play areas • The Creamery café & picnic area • Home made ice cream • Nature trail • Great value family tickets • Watch the real milking & “milk” Buttercup

GRANDPARENT PASSES AVAILABLE!

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38, Ballyhanwood Rd, Dundonald. Tel 90483244 www.streamvale.com for times, prices & activities

Whats On

Plan your time with our handy guide..

TODDLER GROUPS

MONDAYS

Sydenham Parent & Toddler Group Mon 10-11.30 £1 per family Tea/coffee/juice/toast.

Invarery Community Centre BT4 1RN Tel: 028 9047 1456 St Finnians 10-11.30 Cregagh Park BT6 9LF 028 9079 2793.

Wandsworth Mums & Chums Group 10-11.45am Wandsworth Community Centre, 26a Belmont Church Road BT4 3FF Cost £1 per family.

Calvary Baptist Mums and Toddlers.

10.30-12.00am 100 Dee Street BT4 028 9073 2331 £1 per Family.

TUESDAYS

Albertbridge Congregational Woodstock Link 10.30-12.15 Donation £1 Mersey Street Presbyterian Parents & Toddlers 10-11.45am term time Mersey Street Presbyterian Church BT1 1EX Tel: 028 90 657025 aburcombe@gmail.com www.merseystreet.org.uk £1 donation St Donards Church 10am-12 Bloomfield Avenue Tel: 028 9065 2321 30 www.bloommagazine.co.uk

www.stdonards.com£1 for adults.

Tea/coffee/juice biscuits and homemade scone.

Strandtown Baptist Tots 10.15- 11.45am (term time) Strandtown Baptist Church, 1 Clonallon Court Belmont Road BT4 2AB Tel: 028 9080 8380 £1 per adult

WEDNESDAYS

Busy Bees 10 -11:30am Knock Methodist Church, Knock Road, BT5 6JA Tel: 07867 551366 jackie.blair@karrington.net smallTALK @ orangefield 10-11.45am Orangefield Church and Community, 464 Castlereagh Road BT5 6BH Tel: 07745076911 shajam38@yahoo.co.uk www.orangefield.org.uk Willowfield Mother and Toddler Group 10-12pm Woodstock Road BT6 8PR Tel: 028 9045 7654 office@willowfieldchurch.co.uk

THURSDAYS

Cregagh Mums & Tots 10-12pm Cregagh Community Centre Mount Merrion Avenue BT6 OFL Tel: 028 9040 1444 Knock Parent & Toddler Group 10-11.45am Knock Presbyterian Church 53 Kings Road BT5 6JH Tel: Pamela 07921 067927 or Gil-

lian 07803 117619. office@knockpresbyterian.co.uk www.knockpresbyterian.co.uk

FRIDAYS

Wandsworth Mums & Chums Group 12-1.45pm Wandsworth Community Centre, 26a Belmont Church Road BT4 3FF Tel: 07903 674698 alison_smith4@talk21.com www.wandsworthcommunity. ik.com £3 per family. Includes lunch.

Tots ‘R’ Us 10.30am House of Worship 127a Orby Drive BT5 6BB Tel: 07791 776307/07980 984506 info@houseofworshipireland.com www.houseofworshipireland.com

EVENTS

MONDAY

Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668 Seniors Club 12.15-1.30pm Zumba 6-7pm Aerobics 7-8pm Yoga 8.15-9.30pm

TUESDAY

Belmont Tower www.belmont-tower.co.uk Childrens dance classes 4-7pm Zumba Classes 6-7.15pm Pregnancy Yoga Classes 7.30-8.30pm Wandsworth Community Childrens Irish dancing 4-6.30pm, Aerobics 7.15-8.15pm Tai Chi 8.15-9.30pm

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Whats On

Plan your time with our handy guide..

WEDNESDAY

Belmont Tower www.belmont-tower.co.uk Baby massage 10am-1pm Yoga with Eleanor 5.45-7.45pm 39th Old Boys 7-9pm Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668 Sewing Group 10am-12noon Flower Arranging 1.30-3.30pm, Yoga 7-8.30pm

THURSDAY

Belmont Tower www.belmont-tower.co.uk Art classes 10am-1pm Baby Sensory Clsses 7-13 mths Thurs 10-11am 0-7 mths Thurs 11.30-12.30 Yoga with Sharon 6.8pm

Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668 LA Dance (kids Hip Hop) 5-6pm Aerobics 7-8pm Core Combat 8.30-10pm

FRIDAY

Belmont Tower www.belmont-tower.co.uk Belcanto School of Singing 10am-1pm Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668 Computers for beginners 10am 12noon and 1-3pm, Childrens Ju Jitsu 7-8pm Boxing 8.30-9.30pm Shiloh Hall 76 The Mount, BT5 4ND Coffee Morning 10:30-12 noon

Free tea, coffee and homemade cakes available. Tel: 07725914458 churchofgodinbelfast@gmail.com

SATURDAY

Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668 Jump Jiggle And Jive (Baby dance) 9.30-12.30, Childrens Art Classes 10am-11am and Ignite teens dance 1.30-4.30pm

SUNDAY

SD Bells 028 9047 1774. www.sdbellsteacoffee.com Sunday Lunchtime Java Jive Jazz Brunch. 11-2.30pm 3rd Anthony Toner 10th Dan Forshaw 17th Ronnie Greer & Grainne Duffy 24th Java Jive

Opening Hours

Sun - Thurs 5pm - Midnight Fri - Sat 5pm - 2am

Lydias Pizzeria & Kebab House

MEAL FOR 1 10” Pizza (Margherita with 3 toppings) Chips Can £6.50

FAMILY MEAL 12” Pizza (2 toppings) Garlic Bread Onion Rings Chicken Nuggets Chips & dip Large Drink £12.50

Delivery Service

Tel: 028 9047 2544

Or ring to have your order ready for collection.

Deliveries £1.20 for 3 mile radius.

MEAL FOR 2 12” Pizza (2 toppings) Potato Wedges & dip Garlic Bread 2 Cans £9.90

STEAK BURGER MEAL 1/4Lb Steak Burger with any topping Chips Can £4.30

CHICKEN BURGER MEAL

Chicken Fillet Burger with any topping Chips Can £4.50

PARTY DEAL 2x12’ Pizzas (2 toppings) 2 Garlic Breads Potato Wedges & dip Onion Rings Chips 2 Large Drinks £22.00

Lydia’s Pizzeria & Kebab House 38 Belmont Road, Belfast.

Tel: 028 9047 2544 32 www.bloommagazine.co.uk

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Local Legend

Left: l-r Robin, Alan and Trevor.

Below: The family launching the BBQ school.

Family Spirit The evolving business at Hillmount Garden Centre always sticks to its roots.

‘

T

he business started in 1940 at Hillmount when my grandfather bought the site,’ says Robin. ‘At that time it was a market garden, they then built greenhouses and my father and uncle became involved and now we have the next generation which is myself and my son Alan.’ They were growing vegetables and flowers and the flowers were worth more than the vegetables at market so they went into flower production and did that through the war. They then went into cut flowers, lettuce and trying different varieties. Alan went to work at Greenmount for a year in 1972. ‘After that my grandfather died and I came back and we went into the retail end of thing rather than just suppliers. Many people said we were mad trying to get people up all this way, but we’ve proved them wrong!’

The family started with a small shop in 1972 to see how it would go and it went from strength to strength.

‘We had so few products then we had to spread it around the place to make it look packed, so things have certainly changed! The next stage we decided to try was the cafe. My mother worked in Shorts at the time and left to come home and spend time with the boys and work on the cafe. It was just four tables and a few chairs offering sandwiches, sausages rolls, soup and then on Sundays it was pavlovas and lemon meringues. We extended the shop in 1990, moving from the small shop to a bigger premises including a bigger cafe.’

The premises progressed from that again in 2003 for another extension and now the latest addition is a stunning new wing which houses the restaurant with a BBQ school too. ‘We recommend our scones and pavlova.’ says Robin. ‘Our scones are baked fresh every morning and they’re very, very good. We got a great mention from Stephen Nolan about our chicken and broccoli bake, he’s a big fan!’ A unique aspect to the extension is the BBQ school. A fantastic idea, the BBQ school classes are continually growing, as Alan explains. ‘We can take nine people with two instructors on a half or full day and then people are split into groups of three so it’s great fun and very sociable. It’s £70 for half day or £120 for a full day. You come away with so much knowledge for starters, mains and dessert and you don’t go away hungry that’s for sure! It’s amazing what you can do on a BBQ as it’s really an oven too once you put the lid on. We have started selling BBQs online and it’s going well.’

The grow your own philosophy is very popular too and school parties come along to see what the plants look like and they are educated as to where vegetables come from. Then of course there’s the legendary Christmas at Hillmount. ‘Santas grotto is very special. We have 13 scenes with music and a trail and you get to see Santa at the end. Last year we had donkeys and it’s a lovely atmosphere. It’s a huge part of Christmas for us. Commercial wise we supply displays too in shopping centres including one in Scotland where 24 of us go over and kit the place out, working nights over a period of a few days to get it done. They have 10 metre high tree with 30,000 lights.’ So what can new visitors expect from a visit to Hillmount? ‘We offer a nice family day out, all under cover on one level with a restaurant and then a walk around the plants. It’s a family business. We recognise what customers want and we are a friendly bunch. They love to hear what’s going on and it’s a great community. They seen us all grow up over the years, it’s a lovely relationship we have with them and we thank them for all their support over the years.’

56-58 Upper Braniel Rd, Belfast. Phone 028 9044 8213. www.hillmount.co.uk 34 www.bloommagazine.co.uk

No. 36

Belmont Road Fresh, Local, Homecooked Nosh

Starting 1st June - BYO From 6-9pm Check out the menu on Facebook and in our window.

36 Belmont Road, Belfast, BT4 2AN Tel: 028 9065 7476 no.36belmontroad@hotmail.co.uk