East Belfast Bloom Magazine - June 15

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EAST BELFAST ISSUE 40 JUNE 2015

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Welcome

Contents

Hello & welcome to the June edition of Bloom.

04

To celebrate the start of the summer we have enlisted the help of a few locals to help those of you with kids plan for the (dreaded?) school holidays.

16

On page 28 & 29 you will find details of summer schemes and activities to keep everyone busy.

While on the subject of kids let me introduce you to our latest blogger & contributor - A Belfast Mum, AKA Donna Bell. Donna will be keeping us entertained over the next few months with her adventures in parenting.

Find us:

BELFAST MUM

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42 44

City East Business Centre 68-72 Newtownards Road Belfast BT4 1GW www.bloommagazine.co.uk

Contact:

DUNDELA PHARMACY

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36

Visit us online at: www.bloommagazine.co.uk

LOCAL EXPERT HEALTH & BEAUTY

30

Angela ^

FROM YOUR LOCAL AREA

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All this as well as all the usual news and features.

Enjoy!!

LATEST NEWS

46

SECRET DAY SPA

BY DONNA BELL

SUMMER EVENTS KEEPING THE KIDS BUSY

LOCAL EXPERT ERIC MERCER

WHAT’S ON IN EAST BELFAST

THE BIG PICTURE FILM NEWS

MONTHLY UPDATE CONNSWATER COMMUNITY GREENWAY

EMBARASSING BUDGETS JENNIE HAMMOND

Angela Campbell | angela@bloommagazine.co.uk | 07719 104862 Designed by:

Stephen Sharpe - SHARPEART.COM Barry McGovern - KUBRIX.COM

Printed by: Nicholson Bass Distributed by: Speedpost NI

Connect with us: Terms & Conditions: Any views expressed within are not necessarily endorsed by Bloom Magazine or WALL 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.

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News ANY NEWS? GET IN TOUCH!

JUNE 2015

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EAST BELFAST ACT THE LEFT BACKS TO PLAY THIS SUMMER’S SUNFLOWERFEST Organisers of Sunflowerfest have confirmed that East Belfast band The Left Backs have been chosen to perform at this year’s festival 31st July – 2nd August.

Known for songs including Lucy and Nothing at All, the indie rock band was formed in Belfast in 2013 and last year were the recipients of the prestigious Best Band category of the Irish Youth Music Awards.

“We are delighted to welcome The Left Backs to this year’s Sunflowerfest,” said festival organiser Michael Magowan. “Known for our enthusiasm for music of all genres, the group will add to the array of music featured at Sunflowerfest which includes musicians and artists from metal and folk to indie, hip hop, reggae, punk and world music genres.”

“Having got its start in our back yard as a small-scale music festival to raise funds for our son’s school charity project, we soon realised that Northern Ireland was lacking in opportunities for young talent to build their followings and be heard by diverse audiences,” added Michael Magowan. “This year our local acts range from those who are just getting off the ground to acts that are on the fast-track to the becoming widely-known, and local legends like Henry Cluney of Stiff Little Fingers fame.”

Headline acts to the main stage this year include the eclectic British dub, reggae, techno, folk and rock fusion Dreadzone on Friday 31st July, and politically-charged UK rap rock band Senser on Saturday, 1st August. Closing the festival’s main stage on Sunday 2nd August will be the much-anticipated performance of popular English folk group Skinny Lister, who will be returning to Northern Ireland following the April release of their second album, Down on Deptford Broadway.

For more information or to purchase tickets to this year’s Sunflowerfest visit www.facebook.com/SunflowerFest.

BLOOMFIELD COLLEGIATE SCHOOL WIN ENGINEERING LEAGUE A team of six pupils from Bloomfield Collegiate School, who competed in The Institute of Engineering and Technology Faraday Challenge against over 2,000 pupils throughout the UK, have come out on top as the league winners.

The team will travel to London next month to compete in the Science, Technology, Maths and Engineering National Final (STEM) against the 2nd and 3rd placed schools.

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The team members are Esme Ballard, Amelia Patterson, Faye Nixon, Thea Capener, Isabel Bittles and Leath Maghie.

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KIDS CLUBS AT THE TEXTILE STUDIO Are you between 10 and 13 years old? Really keen on crafts?

Want to learn more about sewing and crochet, design and make your own projects? This Club is for you!

At the end of each Club we will have an exhibition of all the items created during the week - bring your family and show off what you've learnt!

Times: between 10.30 and 12.00, Monday to Friday Dates: 27-31 July and 17-21 August 2015 Cost: ÂŁ65 per week, includes all materials.

For more information check out our website www.textilestudiobelfast.co.uk, send us an e-mail: hello@textilestudiobelfast.co.uk,or come in to the shop.

PAMPER BEAUTY PARLOUR RELOCATES TO HOLYWOOD ROAD Pamper Beauty Parlour formerly of Lamon hotel has relocated to a brand new salon on the prestigious Holywood Road.

Pamper specialises in the exclusive YONKA skincare. Yonka is a french skincare brand which is world renouned and has an established reputation for consistently offering high-quality skincare.

At pamper we know all about if hectic modern life.Thats why we have created a sanctuary designed specifically for the busy woman of today. Whether you have just half an hour to spare or one of those all-too-rare free days, we have a range of tope quality treatments which will leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to face anything!

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY Knocknagoney Area Forum Annual General Meeting to be held on Thursday 9th June @ 11.30am in Knocknagoney Community Centre, Knocknagoney Drive Belfast. All are welcome.

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EAST BELFAST BOY GETS GOLD IN KARATE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Northern Ireland Karate Association (NIKA) recently returned from the "World Championships", in Latvia.

The Northern Ireland Karate Team, return form Riga after an outstanding performance at the World Karate Championships.

The team came home with a Gold, two Silver and three bronze medals.

Northern Ireland Coach and president of NIKA, Cathy Mc Aleer was over the moon by the results and success of the team. Cathy said "The world championships was held in Latvia and was a very high standard with many countries from all over the world. The atmosphere was tremendous and we where well looked after the whole trip. I took a young team away of six and they trained hard. The preparation was non stop for four month's running up to the event and they were all in great shape and fitness.

Sol Boyles, from East Belfast defended his world title and remained current "World Champion". Sol, won Gold in the under 16 year boys category. Sol, showed great determination and skill winning the final bout 6-1. Sol is a superb athlete and put his heart and sol into the training and both his fitness and speed had increased massively and it showed on the mat, when competitors could not keep up with him. Sol, also went on to win a sliver medal in Kata and really wanted a double gold, but wasn't far off at all, coming home with a gold and silver.

Sol's younger brother also competed in his first World Karate Championship's and is following in his big brothers foot steps. Christian Boyles achieved a bronze in the under 13year old boys category. Christian did not let the arena and crowd put him off he remained so focused and determined to win and was greatly supported by his team mates Sol and Fergus. Fergus McMullan was ranked 4th in the worlds and was very unlucky not to be placed in the medal position. Fergus was 4-3 up and winning, with only 4 seconds on the clock and referee called a decision, which many disputed wasn't a score. Unfortunately, the referee went with decision giving the Italian the final result. Fergus showed true form, fitness, skill and deserved to get through to semi finals. However, Fergus took it on the chin and is more determined than ever now. Fergus is competing in NIFMA on Sunday 7th June and is currently in training for this with coach Cathy McAleer.

The Northern Ireland girls, also put up a tremendous performance. Lucy Ouldfield was narrowly put out in the final's against Russian opponent by one point. Lucy took some big knocks and it didn't stop her form fighting her way through to the final and lifting a World Silver Medal. Team mate Effie Ellis O'Neil, only 15 years of age achieved bronze in Kata and bronze in kumite. The bout went to extra time and first to score.

Effie was unlucky with Italian just nipping in front to take the final score. Effie was really pleased with her performance and results.

This is a trip we will never forget and could not have done without our sponsors. Thank you to our sponsors American Sports World and DB MCLarnon Fire protection agency.

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CADETS FLY HIGH WITH A TASTE OF THE OUTDOORS Teenage Army Cadets from Dundonald and Ards have been finding out how to survive in The Great Outdoors with a week-long camping expedition.

Adventure training by day and sleeping under canvas by night proved the perfect ingredients for a memorable trip, as Colonel Maurice Warnock from 2nd (NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force explains, “Our Cadets know how to enjoy themselves and they relish every challenge – mental or physical – that we throw at them.

“Camping is one of the most popular elements of Cadet life, and not only with Cadets. Mums and dads are delighted to see their youngsters leaving the computer and tv behind and opting for something which is altogether more challenging and rewarding. They know that the kids will be in great company and will be professionally supervised as they enjoy an incredible range of activities and experiences, all of which are either free or very low in cost: we even provide free uniforms!

“As our young people prove so well, Cadet membership helps build fitness, confidence and skills. The Cadets are also building achievement-packed CVs which will help them when they are ready to apply for university or college or take the first steps into the world of work.”

Cadet Detachments across County Down are currently gearing up for their annual two week Summer Camp which will be held at Folkestone in England.

On their return they will all be launching into a new recruiting campaign, seeking new recruits for school and open detachments across the County.

Natural Wools - Fabrics - Haberdashery

We run workshops throughout the year.

Why not book a 'hen do' with a difference or a crafty kids party. We also run Kids Craft Clubs during July and August.

See our website or call in to the shop for more information! www.textilestudiobelfast.co.uk 2 b Sandown Road, Belfast BT5 6GY 028 9065 0191

NOW OPEN!

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‘MILK IT’ ULSTER SCHOOLS’ TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2015 Congratulations to Grosvenor Grammar School’s athletics team which enjoyed success at the ‘MILK It’ Ulster Schools’ Track and Field Championships, held at the Antrim Forum on Saturday 16th May. In the boys’ categories the team enjoyed success across all age groups, with the standout performance of the day coming from the Junior boys’ 4x100 metre relay team, comprising Ben Stevenson, Andrew Proctor, Jonny Little and Nathan Chan, which saw off stiff opposition from B.R.A. and Coleraine Academical Institution to secure gold with a blistering time of 46.73 seconds.

Well done to all involved within Grosvenor athletics who helped to make Saturday’s Ulster Championships such a successful day. In particular, much credit is due to coaches Mr Andrew Gibson, Mrs Karen Kirk and Mrs Linda McIlvenny, without whose dedication and expertise such success would not have been possible.

The school will now have 19 competitors representing it at the prestigious Irish Schools’ Championships, to be held in Tullamore at the end of the month, and we wish each of these competitors the best of luck at this event -‐ the pinnacle of school’s athletics within Ireland.

EAST BELFAST VOLUNTEERS TO FACE UP TO ARTSKETA'S NINE NIGHTS CHALLENGE The search is on to find hundreds of local people to join in one of the biggest and most exciting celebrations of Asian-style creativity ever seen in Belfast.

From talented musicians and dancers to enthusiastic newcomers, there are opportunities for individuals, community, social and school groups to be part of something amazing, each playing their part in a once-in-a-lifetime event!

'Nine Nights'on 24th October will combine dance, music, pyrotechnics and special effects in a re-enactment of the epic and ancient Hindu story, 'Nine Devine Nights'. The unique blend of carnival, procession and performance organised by leading ethnic arts organisation, ArtsEkta, and featuring the work of the internationally acclaimed creative team at Walk The Plank is a Creative Belfast venture, supported by Belfast City Council and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Pictured launching the 'Nine Nights' talent search are, from left, Nisha Tandon Executive Director ArtsEkta, drummer Matt Vernon, from the Beat Carnival and Jade Rogers, ArtsEkta's South Asian Dance Academy.

Find out more at www.artsekta.co.uk For more information or to purchase tickets to this year’s Sunflowerfest visit www.facebook.com/SunflowerFest.

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MOIRA PACKS UP FOR MYANMAR TO WITNESS FUNDRAISING IN ACTION A woman from east Belfast has been selected to journey to The Republic of Myanmar (Burma) to visit charity projects which support children’s education.

Moira Saunders, Communications & Interior Designer at IKEA Belfast is one of four co-workers from across the UK who will travel on an ‘I-witness’ trip with Save the Children. The team will visit children’s educational projects established through the Soft Toys for Education Campaign.

Speaking of the campaign, Moira said: “The Soft Toys for Education campaign is one of the most significant fundraising initiatives at the IKEA foundation. In my eight years with IKEA Belfast, I have always tried to get involved with their charitable activities and I’m proud that our most recent campaign raised an impressive £12,000.”

Corporate Social Responsibility has long been high on the agenda at IKEA with co-workers encouraged to support various environmental and social issues within their stores, something Moira feels grateful for.

She added, “To be selected for the I-witness trip with Save the Children is a huge honour and I look forward to seeing first-hand the positive impact customers’ donations have on these communities. I expect the experience to be humbling but hope it will motivate me to keep fundraising to give more children the chance of a better education and a better future.”

“I hope our journey to Myanmar can provide further inspiration for IKEA to continue making a difference in this country, and around the world.”

ASHFIELD GIRLS’ GIVING GLOBALLY In September 2012, Ashfield Girls’ High School set out to raise £10,000 to build an Education and Livelihood Centre in the Philippines as part of a three year project with TEN Foundation.

The new centre will educate local children who have not had the privilege of attending school and will also provide employment skills to adults, helping them find work and support their families.

Over the past three years, Ian Campbell, CEO of TEN Foundation, has been a frequent visitor to Ashfield Girls’ regularly updating pupils on the living conditions in the Philippines and in particular the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan in December 2014.

Having participated in a wide range of fundraising events including bun sales, sponsored walks, non-uniform days and talent competitions, pupils and staff of Ashfield were delighted to present Ian and TEN Foundation with £10,000 in a special ceremony on Wednesday 6th May. Having surpassed their first target, the school has now committed to help support TEN Foundation with a scholarship programme, by raising £1,000 per year to support TEN Foundation and educate a young person at the Education and Livelihood Centre.

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LOCAL STAIRLIFT COMPANY WITH A SOLUTION As we get older, many of us start to suffer with mobility problems.

Everyday things we used to take for granted, like walking up the stairs, can become an issue. If you are finding it more and more difficult to walk from your living room to your upstairs bedroom or bathroom, help is at hand in the form of a stairlift.

Stairlift Solutions have been selling, installing and servicing stairlifts for over a decade now right across Northern Ireland. As a locally owned family run business, Stairlift Solutions prides itself on a helpful and friendly service, always going that extra mile for all their customers — both new and old alike.

Whether it’s straight or curved, indoor or outdoor, Stairlift Solutions can offer new, reconditioned or rental of stairlifts and can even have it installed within 24 hours if needed.

They also fully maintain the stairlifts with full warranty and 24 hour after sales care, plus extended warranty is also available for total peace of mind.

To arrange a FREE, no obligation survey of your staircase, or if you have any other questions, please call 028 9188 2249 or go to www.stairliftsolutionsni.com

SUCCESS IS IN THE BAG FOR BELFAST FUNDRAISING SLIMMERS They are used to losing hundreds of pounds but now big-hearted slimmers in Belfast have turned their attention to raising them.

Members of the Glenburn, Gilnahirk and Braniel Slimming World groups collected 93 bags of clothes they’ve successfully slimmed out of to raise money for Cancer Research UK as part of the national fundraising campaign, the ‘Big Slimming World Clothes Throw’. Ash O'Neill and Ashleigh Shaw, who run the groups, encouraged members, their friends and families to collect the clothes, shoes and accessories they no longer need to generate stock for the Cregagh Rd Cancer Research Northern Ireland shop.

“Because our members are so sure they’ll never need their ‘big’ clothes again because of their fabulous weight losses, when we told them about the Big Slimming World Clothes Throw they couldn’t wait to bag them up and donate them to charity."

The clothes collected by Slimming World will be donated to Cancer Research UK shops across the country, with each bag raising up to £25 for the charity. Last year slimmers collected close to £1million worth of stock for Cancer Research UK shops around the country and they’re hoping to beat that total this year. All profits go to support the charity’s life-saving work to help beat cancer sooner.

Anyone who’d like to lose weight and join Slimming World is welcome at the Glenburn, Gilnahirk and Braniel groups, which meet at 5.30pm and 7.30pm every Monday in Glenburn Methodist Church Hall, Wednesday in Gilnahirk Baptist Church and Thursday in Braniel Church. To find out more visit www.slimmingworld.com or call Ash (Glenburn) on 07733264751 or Ashleigh (Gilnahirk & Braniel) on 07731420680

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Street Soccer NI is a football project set up for the disadvantaged groups of society such as the homeless, drug and alcohol dependant, refugees, asylum seekers and long term unemployed. It’s for any age over 16 and for both male and females. The project takes place at Shaftsbury Recreation Centre and runs once a week throughout the year. Street Soccer NI started in 2010 and registered as a charity in 2013, the project is run by a committee of 5 people and is mainly supported by the IFA and East Belfast Mission.

ESCAPE TO THE HOOSE The Hoose has been a great addition to the Holywood Arches providing breakfast & lunch six days a week (Monday to Saturday 10am-4pm) and an evening menu Thursday, Friday & Saturday with a Bring Your Own policy with no corkage.

Along side The Hoose's 2 course evening menu for 14.95pp they are now offering a Tea Time menu with all main courses 9.95pp or two courses 11.95pp served between 5pm & 6.30pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday ( available Sunday to Wednesday for groups of 8 or more) Managed by partners Chris & Sarah they are passionate about serving fresh, locally sourced, quality food such as their award winning sausages, steaks and coffee to name only a few, in a cosy atmosphere or as described by Joris Minne from the Belfast Telegraph as a "tiny holiday and an escape"

OPENING TIMES MONDAY- SATURDAY 10 AM - 4PM THURSDAY - SATURDAY 5PM - 9.30

For Reservations, Tel: 028 906 58216

LOCAL

EXPERT

DUNDELA PHARMACY

Pharmacist Lesa McLoughlin from Dundela Pharmacy, Belmont Road continues her series of articles on health and wellbeing with a look at DIABETES. Diabetes is a common life-long health condition. There are 3.2 million people diagnosed with it in the UK and an estimated 630,000 people who have the condition but don’t know it.

It is a condition where the amount of glucose in your blood is too high because the body cannot use it as fuel for energy properly. This is because your pancreas doesn’t produce any insulin, or not enough insulin, to help the glucose enter your body’s cells. It can also be because the insulin produced does not work properly. Your body will try to get rid of the excess glucose in your urine.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce any insulin.

The symptoms develop quickly, especially in young people, and treatment involves the administration of insulin.

Type 2 diabetes results from not enough insulin being produced or the insulin not working properly. Symptoms can develop slowly and it is more common in people over 40. The main symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes include:

* * * * * *

Passing urine more than usual especially at night Increased thirst Extreme or unexplained weight loss Genital itching or regular episodes of thrush Slow healing of wounds and cuts Blurred vision

The symptoms may not be obvious or there may be no signs at all. Therefore it is important to know your risk.

11.5 million people in the UK are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and around 80% of cases can be prevented by managing your risk factors.

Some of the risk factors such as age, ethnic background or family history can’t be changed but others can. By maintaining a healthy weight, eating well and being active you can reduce your risk. For example, if you are overweight, every kilogram you lose can reduce your risk by up to 15%.

At Dundela Pharmacy we can complete a simple risk assessment with you and if you are at risk, do a quick and painless finger prick test to determine your blood sugar levels. We can also give you advice on how to reduce your risk factors. Just call in and quote this article article for a FREE test today.

For those who are already diagnosed diabetic, Diabetes UK has a great website www.diabetes.org.uk with lots of information on how to manage your condition. They have an online course of 5 easy to read modules for newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetics and a useful refresher for anyone living with the condition.

National diabetes week runs from 14th-20th June- follow #DiabetesAndMe and have a think about how you can manage your condition well, live life to the full and share your tips with others. This is also a great opportunity to get involved with fundraising .

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LOCAL

EXPERT

SECRET DAY SPA

GET YOUR PRE SUMMER GLOW! The pro’s guide to a golden glowing skin.

For the Cheeks An in-the-know-glow is all about using multi-dimensional pigments, so choose a blusher or bronzer with more than one tone. The beauty of multi-tonal pigments in the blusher means it adds radiance and livens up your complexion, without being too obvious on your skin. Therefore giving you a naturally enhanced appearance, We recommend: YoungbloodMineral Radiance.

For the Face & Body Show off a healthy summer glow all year long with our mineral bronzer. You will love its mélange of colours that are reminiscent of a tropical vacation; use them together on your face and body, or individually as a blush, highlighter or contour

For the Eyes In the summertime, it's important to switch to products that can handle the heat.

Cream eyeshadows, gel or cream liners and liquid liners just aren't meant to worn as much in humid times. They tend to melt and crease much worse! So switch to waterproof mascaras and liners, pencil forms, and powder eyeshadows. You will be amazed at the difference this summer eye makeup tip will have on your look!

Ditch the dark smoky eyes and go for a bronze summer look. We love Youngblood Golden Beryl, Sedona and Alabaster individual eyeshadows £9.00 each

30 Belmont Road, Belfast, Antrim, BT4 2AN

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Tel: 028 9067 1914 Email: contact@thesecretdayspa.co.uk Web: www.thesecretdayspa.co.uk

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GREENWOOD P.S. SUCCESS AT CARRICK FESTIVAL Last month saw a number of pupils from Greenwood Primary School take part in the annual Carrickfergus Festival. The 2 week festival is an extravaganza of music, speech and drama is has been an important event in the GPS school diary for 12 years now.

Every year Principal Mrs Harper teaches each year group a poem and a song which have been set as the “test pieces� for Carrickfergus Festival. Every child has the opportunity to learn these and after a few practices, the children are given the option to recite or sing as an individual. Those who show talent and an aptitude for performing are then selected to be entered in the competition which is held in Carrickfergus Town Hall.

This year the school had exceptional results with many of the children returning home with medals and acknowledgments. Congratulations to all of the children that took part, and thanks to parents and Mrs Harper for their support.

VERSE SPEAKING

PRIMARY 2

PRIMARY 1

1st Mia Larmour 2nd Ben Borland 3rd Erin Moynihan

1st Kali Hopkins 2nd Cuan Bester 2nd Harry Lloyd 3rd Amelia Small 3rd Oscar Carson 3rd Hugo McMullan

Highly Commended

Charlie Gavan, Georgie Horner Ethan Howe-Joyce, Daniel Wilson

Highly Commended

Jessica Simpson, Daisy York, Hollie Norris

CHOIR - 1st Infant Hymn singing SOLO SINGING 5&6 Years 1st Cuan Bester 2nd Lily Reid 3rd Mia Larmour

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7&8 Years 2nd Annabelle Armstrong 3rd Abigail Kennedy 3rd Hazel Macpherson

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PRIMARY 3

1st Ella Anderson 2nd Sam Glasgow 2nd Evie Loughery 3rd Abigail Kennedy 3rd Emma Hamilton 3rd Sophie Castles

Highly Commended

Summer-Rose Archer, Hazel Macpherson Siennah-Rose Aicken, Abigail McCutcheon Isla Stewart

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A Belfast

MUM

Hi Bloom readers, and thanks for having me. I'm a mum of two young girls, live in East Belfast, and blog at www.abelfastmum.com. If you like what you read here, please have a look at the blog and give me your feedback. This month, I'm dreading the summer holidays:

Donna Bell

The Holidays Are Coming...

It's June, and as a mum of two wee ones, the fear is setting in.

Fear of the summer holidays.

Normally my week is a whirl of mums and tots groups, classes, and playgroup drop-offs and pick-ups. Every morning and afternoon during the week, we have an activity of some sort, and that means that I don't have to think about how to entertain the kids until post 3:30pm. Usually, we then do the park, or get some shopping in, or go visit friends, or go to soft play (but only if it's raining and mummy is really tired, honest!), and they're back home by 5pm for their dinner. We have routine. We have order. We do things that TIRE THEM OUT. Already, the mums and tots groups are grinding to a halt. One of the ones we attend is having it's final day on June 4th. Our routine is falling apart slowly but surely, with a class stopping here, and a tots group closing there. At least I still have playgroup until the end of this month. But then... WHAT AM I GOING TO DO? I've survived 3 summers with my eldest. For all three I was working part time and couldn't wait to spend time with my little girl on my days off. This year, however, I am still on maternity leave after baby number 2, and have a very active almost 4-year-old to entertain, as well as a baby to look after. In front of us stretches all day, every day with NOTHING TO DO. Hence the fear...

So I am going to throw out the planner, and try to just go with the flow. We shall have picnics, we shall go to the beach, we shall play in the garden. If it's raining, we will go to soft play, or visit a museum, or stay in the house and paint, or play with play-doh, or make crafty things. We will no doubt watch a lot of Paw Patrol and Ben and Holly. We will visit family and friends. We will have fun. Because by next summer, I will have had to go back to work, and both of my babies will probably spend their days being minded by someone else, while I sit in an office wishing that I was with my girls at the beach. That thought alone is enough to banish the fear, and make me determined to enjoy the next couple of months. Let's just hope the weather's good!

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24

News angela@bloommagazine.co.uk

LOCAL

Bloom Magazine Belfast

VIEWS

@bloommag

NEWS

EVENTS

BloomMagBelfast

DUCHESS VISITS CROSS-COMMUNITY EVENT IN EAST BELFAST The Duchess of Cornwall attended a crosscommunity lunch in East Belfast, organised by a UK-wide project of which she is the patron.

The Big Lunch is an initiative from the Eden Project, funded by Big Lottery, to encourage friendlier more sustainable communities.

The Duchess and scheme organisers wanted to visit the Skainos Centre on the Newtownards Road because some of the events that cross interfaces in Northern Ireland are brilliant examples of what The Big Lunch is about.

She took part in a live cooking demonstration with chef Jane McClenaghan and also helped paint a chair in a restoration demo.

The Duchess told the crowds of people at Skainos: “It was three years ago I came to my first Big Lunch in Northern Ireland and you can see how it’s grown. It’s getting bigger and bigger, with more and more people getting involved.

“People from every section of society, every religion, we are getting people talking to each other. There are also a lot of lonely people out there, who probably never say anything to anyone for 24 hours, but with this there is a way to get people talking to say hello to their neighbours.

“It is about getting people together and making people happier. I’m delighted to be involved with the Big Lunch and wish all of you and your projects the very best. I hope you get thousands of people together, and get the whole country involved.”

The Big Lunch – the UK’s annual get-together for neighbours – is encouraging millions of people to come together in streets, gardens, parks and community venues across the country on Sunday 7 June.

Organisers of a number of events in NI were in East Belfast today to meet the Duchess as well as speak with other Big Lunchers The Big Lunch is the UK’s annual get-together for neighbours, an idea from the Eden Project made possible by the Big Lottery Fund and supported by Halifax and Asda. It is the perfect recipe for having fun with neighbours, feeding community spirit and helping to build stronger neighbourhoods. 8 out of 10 people who have taken part have kept in touch with people they met at Big Lunches in previous years. Anyone who would like to host a Big Lunch event on Sunday 7 June 2015 can request a free planning pack from www.thebiglunch.com or by calling 0845 850 8181.

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Local Summer Events Paul Acheson launched his first summer camp at Campbell College in 1993. In the past 22 years thousands of children have enjoyed a range of varied and exciting programmes at the Paul Acheson Summer Sports Weeks, with many returning year after year. They have started as Superkids, graduated to the courses for older children, and are now coming back to work for us.

Our courses also give parents a break during the long summer holiday, in the knowledge that their children are enjoying an active day in a safe and and disciplined environment, under the watchful eye of competent staff.

In the summer of 2015 we will be using Campbell College in East Belfast and Victoria College in South Belfast. Activities take place from 9.30 am – 4.00 pm. (Note: There is a 5% discount for all full weeks booked by the end of April. Discount does not apply to the early supervision facility of £4.00 per child per day, from 8.30-9.30am when all programmes begin.)

Regrettably, we will not be offering courses at Friends or Sullivan this year and would like to thank parents for their support at these venues in recent years.

To book email : info@summersportsweeks.com Telephone : 028 9754 1752 Mobile: 07767 271144

For more information, please visit: www.summersportsweek.com

MAY AND JUNE TERM TIME SUPER PRICE – Monday to Friday, adults and children only pay £5 for a visit to the farm.

Every THURSDAY AFTERNOON in May and June – children can all get a free ride.

MAY HOLIDAY FUN – cowboys come to the farm! Face painting, line dancing and all the usual fun on the Bank Holiday on Monday 25th.

FATHERS DAY on Sunday 21st June – Dads and granddads are free! And there’s half price Guinness ice cream for them too!

For more information, please visit: www.streamvale.com

ROBOTS

Robots will be taking over Titanic Belfast from 26th June - 13th September with a collection of robots, cyborgs and androids from some of the most popular films and TV series… there is something for wee kids and big kids too!

To book visit, www.titanicbelfast.com

Father's Day Afternoon Tea

Treat your Dad to a special Father's Day in Titanic Quarter taking in the excitement of the Gran Fondo on Titanic Slipways before enjoying Afternoon Tea at Titanic Belfast in the opulent surroundings of the Titanic Suite featuring the stunning replica staircase! Live jazz music will add atmosphere to your afternoon as you dine on a delicious selection of finger sandwiches, superb cakes, sweets and freshly baked scones with clotted cream.

To book, please visit www.titanicbelfast.com. Please call +44 (0)28 90 766399 after booking to advise how many fathers are attending with your party.

Titanic Quarter’s Festival of Maritime Heritage

Sail Training International’s annual flagship event, The Tall Ships Races comes to Belfast from 2 to 5 July, welcomed by the Lidl Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival, with over 50 vessels docking along the harbour from Queen’s Quay to Pollock Dock. Throughout the festival the Slipways will become a food lover’s haven with the Best of NI Food ‘Pop Up Street & Seafood Market’ showcasing the best of our world class food culture from artisan stalls, chef demonstrations and local food & wine producers.

For more information visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

SUMMER 2015 HOLIDAY CLUB Bright Minds @ Braniel is delighted to announce our Summer Holiday Club, starting Wednesday 1st July and running every day 8am – 6pm (except Monday 13th & Tuesday 14th July) until the new school year starts. We are open to ALL local children, and we will be located in Braniel Church Hall, Woodview Drive. We have organised an exciting schedule of indoor and outdoor activities, All these activities are FREE OF CHARGE to those children attending Summer Holiday Club and are tailored to suit all ages from those children starting Y1 in September right up to Y7. You can book either a full day (8am-6pm) £25, or half day (8am – 1pm/1pm – 6pm) £15. This includes a healthy morning/afternoon snack, and Full Day children should bring a packed lunch. Bright Minds @ Braniel is registered with the Belfast Health Care & Social Trust, and is awarded 5 stars Food Hygiene by Belfast City Council. All staff are Access NI vetted, fully trained and experienced. Please note that we have limited availability so early reservation is recommended.

Bright Minds @ Braniel www.brightmindsbraniel.co.uk Phone: 07428 119320 E-Mail: brightmindsatbraniel@gmail.com

LOCAL

EXPERT

ERIC MERCER OPTICIANS

SUNGLASSES – LOOKING COOL AND KEEPING SAFE Summer’s here and it’s time to get out your sunglasses. Many of us think of sunglasses as simply a cool fashion accessory. But did you know they also offer essential protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays?

ASK THE OPTICIAN

Just as UV (ultra-violet) light damages your skin, so it can also harm your eyes.

While some of the effects are temporary, others can cause irreversible damage to your sight.

Short-term effects High doses of UV over short periods can cause a condition called photokeratitis - a form of “sunburn” affecting the front of your eyes. If you’ve ever suffered from sore, red, watery eyes after a day at the beach, you’ll have had a dose of photokeratitis. Fortunately, like sunburn, the effects are short-lived – usually clearing up within 24 hours.

Long-term damage The longer term effects of UV are less obvious but potentially much more serious. Research shows that exposure to sunlight makes you more prone to conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. You’re also at increased risk of developing skin cancer in the delicate tissues around the eyes - particularly the eyelids.

Sunglass protection The good news is that by wearing optical quality sunglasses you can easily protect your eyes against the harmful effects of UV. However, not all sunglasses are the same, so always look out for the “CE” mark and British Standard (BSEN 1836) that guarantee safe levels of UV protection. If you wear spectacles, you needn’t miss out, as sunglasses can be made to your prescription - even varifocals and bifocals.

Transitions & polarized lenses Other options offering full UV protection include transitions and polarized lenses. Fast-reacting transitions lenses are clear indoors but darken outside according to the amount of available sunlight. Polarized lenses offer extra clarity and protection by minimising glare reflected from horizontal surfaces, like roads and water. This makes them particularly good for driving, as well as outdoor activities like cycling, fishing and sailing.

Fashion frames Finally, don’t forget to have some fun with your sunglasses.

Frames come in a wonderful array of styles, offering the chance to experiment with bright colours and flamboyant shapes. Retro styles – such as aviators and wayfarers - retain a classic appeal, while close-fitting wraparound models are popular with cyclists and outdoors enthusiasts.

To discuss your individual sunglass needs, see your optometrist for specialist advice on the different frame and lens options available.

CONTACT ERIC: |

30

448 Woodstock Road Belfast, BT6 9DR. Tel: 028 9058 3030

For more information check out the practice website at: www.ericmerceropticians.com

Catering for all your sewing needs such as:

TROUSERS OR SKIRTS SHORTENED • SLEEVES SHORTENED • TAKE INS OR LET OUTS • FORMALWEAR HOME DECOR LIKE CURTAINS, CUSHIONS ETC We also have a range of handmade gifts and memory bears

60a Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast BT5 5AD Telephone: 07925 973713

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220-258 York Street, Belfast BT15 1GZ Tel: 028 9075 4461 208 - 210 Castlereagh Road, Belfast BT5 Tel 028 9045 2790 www.riteprice.co.uk

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DOUBLE VISION In the nine years since Vision Property opened on Grand Parade in East Belfast the family run estate agency has prided itself on offering a fixed fee approach to selling and renting, while offering a personal and complete service to thousands of customers. With a competitive fee, nothing to pay upfront and a free Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), combined with a decade of experience, it is no surprise that we are regularly sought after in the greater Belfast area and beyond. To allow us to accommodate this demand and to share our expertise with even more discerning clients, who believe that good service doesn’t have to be sacrificed for good value, we have expanded to become a multi branch agency with a brand new office in Dundonald.

You can now visit us on both Grand Parade and the Upper Newtownards Road to see how we can help you with your sales or rental needs. Of course, you can still reach us on the phone, by email, via our website and on social media.

With our expansion we are committed to continuing the personal service and dedication that can only come from a family run business. We will keep our unique fixed fee, provide a free EPC at the start of the process and offer business on a no sale - no fee and no let - no fee basis.

It’s never been easier to put your property on the market with us, especially now that you have double Vision!

what’s on TODDLER GROUPS TODDLER GROUPS Mondays

Mondays

Calvary Mums & Toddlers.

10.30-12.00am. £1 per family.

100 Dee St, BT4 028 9073 2331 Calvary Mums & Toddlers.

Little Stars 10.30-12.00am. £1 per family.

The Salvation Army 110 Cregagh Road 100 Dee St, BT4 028 9073 2331 Toys/snacks/craft/music. £1.50 per Little Stars family. 10am-12 term time for 0-4 The Salvation Army 110 Cregagh Road years. 028 9045 4466.

Toys/snacks/craft/music. £1.50 per Sydenham Parent & Toddler family. 10am-12 term time for 0-4 Mon 10-11.30 £1 per family years. 028 9045 4466.

Inverary CC BT4 1RN 028 9047 1456 Sydenham Parent & Toddler St Finnians Mon 10-11.30 £1 per family 10-11.30 Cregagh Park, 9079 2793.

Inverary CC BT4 1RN 028 9047 1456 Wandsworth Mums & Chums St Finnians 10-11.45am. Wandsworth CC. £1 10-11.30 Cregagh Park, 9079 2793.

26a Belmont Church Rd. 07903 674698 Wandsworth Mums & Chums 10-11.45am. Wandsworth CC. £1 26a Belmont Church Rd. 07903 674698 Albertbridge Congregational 10.30-12.15 Woodstock Link Albertbridge Congregational Donation £1 CFC10.30-12.15 Mops & Tots Woodstock Link.time Donation £1 9.30-11am (term - alternate CFC Mops & Tots Tuesdays) £1 for one child, £1.50 total (term time - alternate for 9.30-11am more. Tea/coffee/juice/snacks.

Tuesdays)Presbyterian £1 for one child, £1.50 total McQuiston Toddler Group for more.

Tea/coffee/juice/snacks.

Tuesdays 10.15-11am £1 CFC EachMops 9.30-11am (term time - alternate Includes Tea/Juice & Toast Tuesdays) £3.50 per mum. Breakfast Mersey Street Presb. and creche provided. 10 Belmont Rd. 10-11.45am term time. £1.

028 9067 1838 www.thisiscfc.com Mersey St Presbyterian 028 90 657025 Mersey Street Presb.

St Donards Church 10-11.45am term time. £1.

Mersey St Presbyterian 028 90 657025 Tel: 028 9065 2321 St Donards Church £1 for adults. Tea/coffee/juice Strandtown Baptist Tots Tel: 028 9065 2321 10.00- 11.30am (term time) £1 for adults. Tea/coffee/juice Strandtown Baptist Church, Strandtown Baptist Tots 1 Clonallon Court BT4 2AB 10.00- 11.30am (term time) Tel: 028 9080 8380 £1 per adult Strandtown Baptist Church, Tots & Co 1 Clonallon Court BT4 2AB Tel: 028 9080 8380 £1 per adult Tots & Co

Tuesdays

Tuesdays

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36

email your event details to: angela@bloommagazine.co.uk

10.15- 11.45am (term time) EVENTS Cregagh Methodist Church £1.50 per family (incl juice/snack & 10.15- 11.45am (term time) Tel: 07791 776307/07980 984506 tea. 28-30 Cregagh Rd. 028 9045 7564 Cregagh Methodist Church St Columba’s Mums & Tots £1.50 per family (incl juice/snack & 9.45-11.45 (term time). 29 Kings Road Ballyhackamore Library tea. 28-30 Cregagh Rd. 028 9045 7564 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 Busy Bees Books R Us Etc 9-11 yr olds reading group EVENTS 10 -11:30am Knock Methodist Church, (third Mon of month) 3.30-4.30 Knock Road. Tel: 028 9065 3413 Knit & Natter 2-4pm Busy Bees Bedtime Stories 7pm. Me Time (Last 10 -11:30am Knock Methodist Church, 10.30-12 37 North Road, BT5 5NE Mon of the month) Knock Road. Tel: 028 9065 3413 Ballyhackamore LibraryFor busy women 7-8.

Bean Blessed 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204

Mondays

Wednesdays

Wednesdays

Mondays

Books R Us 9-11 yr olds reading group scones, pastries. 10.30-12 (thirdTea/ Moncoffee, of month) 3.30-4.30 Memorial Knit &Harding Natter 2-4pm St Colmcille’s Parent & Toddler Rainbows Monday Bedtime Storiesgirls 7pm.4-7yrs Me Time (Last6pm Community, 464 Castlereagh Road 10am term time St Colmcille’s Brownies girlsFor 7-10yrs Monday7-8.

7pm Mon of the month) busy women Parish Hall (opposite Tesco’s) in BeanGuides Blessed10-14yrs Mondays 7pm.

St Colmcille’s Parent & Toddler Ballyhackamore. 191a Upper N’ards Rd Contact Clare 07905 556825.

10am term time St Colmcille’s 10.30-12 37 North Road, BT5 5NE Community, 464 Castlereagh Road

Parish Hall (opposite Tesco’s) in 10-12pm W’stock Rd,looking 028 9045 Ballyhackamore.

Men after7654 young children welcome. 191a Upper Newtownards Rd

Thursdays

10-12pm W’stock Rd, 028 9045 7654 10-11.30am £1 per family

Grand Parade 028 9065 8946.

Thursdays Cregagh Mums & Tots

10-12pm Cregagh CC. Mount Merrion Avenue. Tel:£1 028 1444 10-11.30am per9040 family Gilnahirk Presbyterian Grand Parade 028 9065 8946.

Thursdays 10-11.30am.

Cregagh Mums & Tots £1 per family.

161 Gilnahirk Rd.CC. Laura 07708 000025 10-12pm Cregagh Mount Merrion Kirkpatrick Memorial Presb Avenue.

Tel: 028 9040 1444 Parents & Toddlers. 10-11.30am Gilnahirk Presbyterian Upper Newtownards Rd£1 £1per donation Thursdays 10-11.30am. family.

Knock Parent Toddler 161 Gilnahirk Rd.& Laura 07708 000025 10-11.45am Knock Presbyterian Kirkpatrick Memorial Presb 53 Kings Road, Gillian 07803 117619.

Parents & Toddlers.

10-11.30am Upper Newtownards Rd £1 donation Knock Parent & Toddler 10-11.45am Knock Presbyterian Baby Breakfast 53Bank Kings Road, GillianClub 07803 117619.

10:00am - 11:30am, Bank Cafe Bar 20 - 22 Belmont Road Any Tea or Coffee - £1 St Columba’s Mums & Tots Tots ‘R’ Us 9.45-11.45 (term time). 29 Kings Road 10.30am House of Worship 127a Orby Drive

Fridays

Fridays

Tea/ coffee, scones, pastries. 10.30-12 Ladies Coffee Morning 1st Mon of month Harding Memorial 10.30am NorthMonday Rd 028 6pm 9065 7876 Rainbows girls37 4-7yrs Skainos Building skainos.org Brownies girls 7-10yrs Monday 7pm Badminton Guides 10-14yrs 2-3pm.

MondaysCrosslinks 7pm. - Cross Community Arts 556825.

7-9pm 14-21 yr olds.

Contact Clare 07905 Contact Andy Hill.

NI Mon Starsof month LadiesStrand CoffeeCinema Morning&1st Holywood Road, 10.30am 37 North Rd BT4 028 .nistars.com 9065 7876 Singing & dancing 7-8pm Skainos Building skainos.org Wandsworth Community Badminton 2-3pm. Crosslinks - Cross 028 9065 Children’s Community Arts1668.

7-9pm 14-21 yrDrama olds.

Academy 5-6pm. Children & Teens Contact Andy Hill. carnival drumming 6.30pm-7.30pm.

Strand Cinema & NI Stars Aerobics Combat 8.15-9.30pm Holywood Road,7-8pm.

BT4 .nistars.com East& Belfast Singing dancingMission 7-8pm Skainos Community Square Irish Classes Wandsworth 10am1668.

- 12pm (Upper Intermediate) 028 9065 Children’s Drama 6pm5-6pm.

- 7pm (Singing Academy ChildrenClass) & Teens 7pmdrumming - 9pm (Upper Intermediate) carnival 6.30pm-7.30pm.

Aerobics 7-8pm. Combat 8.15-9.30pm

Tuesdays Tuesdays

Belmont Tower Belmont Tower www.nationaltrust.org.uk/belmont-tower www.belmont-tower.co.uk Childrens dance classes 4-7pm Childrens 4-7pmMonthly Meeting East dance Belfastclasses Wine Makers Pregnancy Yoga 7.30-8.30pm Meditation 7pm - 9pm East Belfast Makers SkainosWine Building skainos.org Skainos Building skainos.org Compass Womens Group 7-9pm Compass Womens Group 7-9pm Zumba 12.30-1.30pm

CONTACT US FOR A FREE HOME VISIT AND QUOTATION!

what’s on

email your event details to: angela@bloommagazine.co.uk

Yoga Belfast Pregnancy Yoga @ Gilnahirk Primary.

6.45-7.45pm. Community drop in class @ Ice Bowl 7-8pm. yogabelfast.com

Skainos Building skainos.org Fusion - Weekly programme of games, crafts & fun for p1-p7’s. 6.30-8pm £1 per person. Contact Tanita Robinson.

Irish Class: 10am - 12pm 10.15- 11.45am (term time) Tel: 07791 776307/07980 984506 (Lower Intermediate) Cregagh Methodist Church St Columba’s Mums & Tots The Academy £1.50 per family (incl juice/snack & 9.45-11.45 (term time). 29 Kings Road Lego Club 3.30-4.30pm. Ages 3-6 tea.

28-30 CregaghLibrary Rd. 028 9045 7564 Ballyhackamore years. £5 p/wk. 77 Holywood Rd. 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 EVENTS Etc 028 9508 8818 Rhythm & Rhyme (1st & 3rd Thurs of Wandsworth Community 10.30-12.00am. £1 per family. the month) 11.15am. Book Pack (1st Painting for Pleasure 11am-1pm Busy Bees 100 Dee St, BT4 028 9073 2331 Thur) Adult reading group. Scrabble Childrens Ju Jitsu 6-8pm 10Night -11:30am Knock Methodist Church, Little Stars (adults) 6-8pm.

Fitness & Boxing Class 8.30-9.30pm Knock Road.

Tel: 028 9065 3413 Ballyhackamore Library The Salvation Army 110 Cregagh Road Belmont Tower 29th NI Girls Brigade Shiloh Hall Toys/snacks/craft/music. £1.50 per www.nationaltrust.org.uk/belmont-tower1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 Cregagh Congregational. Explorers (307712 299206, 76 The Mount, ND 10.30-12 37 North Road, BT5 family. 10am-12 term time for 0-4 Art classes 10am-1pm.

Baby5NE Sensory Books R Us 9-11 yr olds reading group 7) 6:45-8:15pm.

Company Section (8Coffee (third Mon ofMorning month) 10:30-12.

3.30-4.30 years.

028 9045 4466.

Classes 7-13 mths Thurs 10-11am 18) 6:45-10pm. Helen 07938 521823.

Knit & Natter 2-4pm Sydenham Parent & Toddler 0-7 mths Thurs 11.30-12.30 Belmont Tower Bedtime Stories 7pm. Me Time (Last Community, 464 Castlereagh Road Mon 10-11.30 £1 per family Yoga with Sharon 6.30pm-8.30pm www.nationaltrust.org.uk/belmont-tower Inverary CC 10am-1pm.

BT4 1RN 028 9047 1456 East Belfast Historic (Monthly Meeting) Mon of the month) For busy women 7-8.

Baby massage Bean37 Blessed StMindfulness Colmcille’s Courses Parent &6.30-8.30pm Toddler Finnians 39thStOld Boys 7-9pm North Road, BT5 5NE 10am term time StLuncheon Colmcille’s 10-11.30 Cregagh Park, 9079 2793.

Senior Citizens Club PlayBall NI 10am - 1pm Searchlight Club p1-p7. 10.30-12.

Parish Hall@(opposite pastries.

10.30-12 Wandsworth Mums6.30pm & Chums Midday BallymacTesco’s) Centre. in Hot lunch Tea/ coffee, Skainosscones, Building skainos.org Mindfulness Classes - 8.30pm Ballyhackamore.

Men looking after Harding Memorial 10-11.45am.

CC. £1 & social time. alison@ballymac.org Walking Trips from 10am Over 60’s Lunch Wandsworth Club children welcome.

191a Upper Rainbows girls 4-7yrs&Monday 26a Belmont Church Rd. 07903 674698 young Skainos Building skainos.org Strand Cinema NI Stars6pm Newtownards Rd- Weekly streetdance.

Brownies girls 7-10yrs Monday Vibe Academy Holywood Road, BT4 Stage7pm school 12.30pm. 3 courses for £3. Grand Guides 10-14yrs Mondays 7pm. p1-p4 3.30-4.30pm P5-P7 4.3010-1pm www.nistars.com Parade. Tel: 028 9065 2314 to book.

10-12pm 028 9045 Contact 07905 556825.

5.30pm W’stock 1st yr+ Rd, 6.45-8pm. £6 7654 per TheClare Academy Gilnahirk Men’s Group class. Lisa 07736 315420. Compass 10am Lego Club. 11am Claycrazy Club.

JackAlbertbridge Britton Hall.Congregational Tea/coffee/chat & a Morning771stHolywood Mon of month 10.30-12.15 Mens Group 7-9pm. 50+ Gardening & Ladies£5Coffee per session.

Rd. speaker.

10.30-12 until 29th April.

10.30am North Rd 028 9065 7876 Crafts Thurs 1-2.30pm 028 37 9508 8818 GirlsWoodstock Brigade Link. Donation £1 Skainos Building CFC Mops & Tots Beginners Tin Whistle 2pm - 3pm Yoga Belfastskainos.org Badminton 2-3pm.

- Cross 9.30-11am (termP5time - alternate The Academy Pregnancy YogaCrosslinks @ Physioworks 3 yrs - P4 6.15pm. upwards 7.30pm Community Arts10.30-11.45am 7-9pm 14-21 yr@olds. £1 per family Age 7+ Tuesdays) £1 for one child, £1.50 total 10-11.30am Lego Club 3.30-4.30pm.

Gilnahirk.

ComLuncheon Club Contact Andydrop Hill.in class 10.30-11.45am @ Grand Parade 028 9065Rd. 8946. more.

Tea/coffee/juice/snacks. £5p/wk.

77 Holywood munity For for senior citizens.

Cregagh Methodist.

Strand CinemaPrimary. & NI Stars Cregagh Mums CFC Mops 028 9508 8818& Tots Gilnahirk yogabelfast.com 12 noon. £1.50. Pre book meals at the Holywood Road, BT4 .nistars.com 10-12pm Cregagh CC. Mount Merrion 9.30-11am (term time - alternate Wandsworth Community Wandsworth Community Singing dancing Avenue.

Tel: 1668.

028 9040 1444 Tuesdays) £3.50 per mum. Breakfast 028 9065 Needlework 028&9065 16687-8pm Skainos Bulding skainos.org Wandsworth Community Gilnahirk Presbyterian and creche provided.

10 Belmont 10am-12pm.

Spanish mums & tots STX/Kickboxing 10am-11.30am Compass Kidz Gap - Parents, guard- Rd. Thursdays 10-11.30am. £1 preschoolers per family. 028 9065 028 9067 1838 www.thisiscfc.com 11am-12pm.

Spanish for Park1668.

Run Children’s Drama ians, toddlers - crafts, games, stories Children & Teens 161 GilnahirkSpanish Rd. Laura 000025 MerseyGoing StreetGreen Presb.

Every5-6pm.

Saturday in Victoria Park 2.15-3pm. for 07708 children 3.15- Academy 10am-12.

Gardening drumming Kirkpatrick Presb 10-11.45am term time. £1.

9.30am - FREE6.30pm-7.30pm.

Event 4pm. Boot Memorial Camp 7-8pm.

Core Combat carnival 2-4pm.

Yoga 5.30-7pm Aerobics 7-8pm. Combat 8.15-9.30pm & Toddlers. 10-11.30am St Presbyterian 028(Family 90 657025 8.30-10pm.

IrishMersey Classes: 5.30pm - 7pm Class) Parents Upper Newtownards Rd £1 donation St Donards Church 7pm - 9pm (Beginners Class) Knock Parent & Toddler 7pm - 9pm (Lower Intermediate) 10-11.45am Knock Presbyterian Tel: 028 9065 2321 Strand Cinema & NI Stars Strand Arts Centre TowerRoad, BT4 53Albertbridge Kings Road, Congregational Gillian 07803 117619. Belmont £1 for adults.

Tea/coffee/juice Holywood “Wacky Wednesdays” shows, all day www.belmont-tower.co.uk Strandtown BaptistAllTots Singling & dancing 1.30-3.30pm 6 Woodstock Link 028 9045 7434 for 10.00£3. strandartscentre.com dance classes 4-7pm 11.30am (term time) www.nistars.com Friday Friendship. 10.30am-12.30pm. Childrens Wandsworth Pregnancy YogaTea 7.30-8.30pm StrandtownCommunity Baptist Church, S.D. Bells & Coffee House Ballyhackamore Library Sewing Group 10am-12noon.

East Belfast Tots Us 1 Clonallon Court BT4 2ABFlower ArJava JiveWine JazzMakers Brunch Brunch 1-3‘R’ Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 ranging 1.30-3.30pm.

Building skainos.org 10.30am of Story Worship Tel: 028 9080 8380 Yoga £1 per7-8.30pm adult 11am -2.30pm Chill OutHouse Family Time. 3.30pm. Skainos Compass Womens Group 7-9pm 127a Orby Drive Tots & Co Belmont Tower www.nationaltrust.org.uk/belmont-tower Art Classes 38 |

Irish Classes: 7pm - 9pm (Beginners) 7pm - 9pm (Beginners - Dundonald High School) 7pm - 8.30pm (Set Dancing Class) Wandsworth Community Playclub 3-4 yr olds 10am-12.

TODDLER GROUPS Painting for Pleasure 11am-1pm Kids Irish dancing 5-6.30pm, Aerobics 7-8pm. Appreciation of Art 7-9pm. Wasps seniors group last Tues of month 2-3.30pm Calvary Mums & Toddlers.

Mondays

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Wednesdays

Wednesdays

Mondays

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Fridays

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AGE OF ADALINE Very rarely do I go and see a film that I know little or nothing about, often it is the cast that I am attracted to first. 'The Age of Adaline' was an exception to this.

Blake Lively has been in quite a few things I have seen but not being a 'Gossip Girl' watcher, I have not found her particularly memorable. Therefore, the only instantly recognisable name to me was Harrison Ford - although a great actor, not one I run to see!

That said, the story appealed to me and in hindsight I'm very glad I gave it a go even if I did spend most of film wondering how I was going to review it for this page.

A brief synopsis of the film. Adaline Bowman is a normal wife and mother living in early 1900's America, after a freak accident during freak weather her heart stops and this, combined with other meteorological factors, stops the ageing process. She lives her life and keeps this a secret, changing her name and moving from town to town for fear of becoming a specimen or curiosity.

All is well until she meets and falls in love with 'Ellis' (played by Michiel Huisman who many will recognise from 'Game of Thrones') and in spite of herself she carries on the relationship knowing there can be no future. The real twist comes when she is introduced to Ellis's father (Harrison Ford) who she was in love with in the past. The difference is, he has aged in 40 years and she has not! I won't spoil the ending.

I really enjoyed this film and thought that Blake Lively played the part very well, she also looked the part through every style the changing times demanded! I will be interested to see what she does next. The parts played by other cast members are relatively small in comparison so I suppose it is credit to Blake Lively that she carried it so well.

If you are thinking there's a similarity between this and 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button', the link is very tenuous, both are very different films.

As always, it's worth going to see what you make of it!

LISTINGS FOR

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42

Pan 17TH JULY

Antman 17TH JULY

Dawn x

Inside Out 24TH JULY

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information Fantastic Four 6th August

Pixels 12th august

Tel: 028 9065 5830 strandartscentre.com

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VIEWS

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Bloom Magazine Belfast

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NEWS

EVENTS

BloomMagBelfast

JUNE UPDATE:

CONNSWATER COMMUNITY GREENWAY CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES… The construction of the Connswater Community Greenway continues in east Belfast. The Greenway is already complete at Victoria and Orangefield Parks and construction of the rest of the Greenway is underway to connect these parks and extend the Greenway to the Cregagh Glen.

Works on Phase 2 construction of the Connswater Community Greenway begin to build momentum as several work fronts open across East Belfast. Construction is currently focusing on the Orangefield Park to Knock Dual Carriageway section of the Greenway, which is estimated to be complete here by late 2015. Once complete this will expand the Greenway from Orangefield Park into Laburnum, Clarawood and the Braniel.

Works have also now begun at Mersey Street, the Ballymacarrett Walkway (Sydenham Bypass to Mersey Street) as Farrans close (until late 2015) both walkways to continue stripping revetment stone along the Connswater River banks.

Night works on the Cregagh Road are now complete with some further reinstatement works continuing during day time hours next week. At Dixon Park and the Orangefield Park to Knock Dual Carriageway section Farrans continue to make good progress with earthworks and drainage.

The contractor, Farrans will begin road works on the Upper Knock Dual carriageway with lane closures taking place between the working hours of 9.30am - 4.30pm from the end of May. Elsewhere, you may have noticed the Connswater Community Greenway signage going up along the route. This will give you more information about what is happening in this area and how to get in touch.

The works now focus on the Castlereagh Road and to help ensure the safety of road users and contractors, and to facilitate the installation of the new culvert, the existing bus lane and cycle lane has been temporarily closed in the immediate area for the duration of the works here. Works are also due to commence in the up-coming months on the upgrading of the Knock River and associated culvert at Clara Park as part of the EBFAS. To undertake these works Clara Park will need to be closed at the junction of Clara Road and Sandhill Parade. In advance of this closure a temporary 2 lane road bridge with pedestrian footways will be constructed linking Clara Way and Sandhill Parade to ensure that existing traffic movements are maintained.

If you have any questions, queries, or comments relating to the Connswater Community Greenway construction please call the Farrans Free Customer Care Line on 0800 0838 160. You can also view design drawings and get the latest information on the project by visiting www.connswatergreenway.co.uk. As work is progresses on elements of the East Belfast Flood Alleviation Scheme Rivers Agency is also engaging with affected communities and public representatives. If you have any enquiries regarding the Rivers Agency’s work please contact Alex Bailie on 028 9025 3355.

Don’t forget you can already visit the completed Orangefield and Victoria Parks and discover the wildlife and nature they have to offer, right on your doorstep....

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Embarrassing Budgets HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SPRING CLEAN We love it when the sun starts to shine, but what’s not so good is its ability to illuminate every speck of dust in the house. This can only mean one thing – time for a spring clean!

BE RUTHLESS

If in doubt, chuck it out!

Go through everything you own. Do you need it? Have you used it in the past year? If not, you’re unlikely to use it in the next year, are you? Maybe you think that you might use that clothes horse as an exercise bike one day, but be honest – the chances are slim (pun intended). I know that Jane gave you that necklace that you never wear, but there’s no room for sentimentality – if you’re not using it, get rid of it.

WHAT TO DO So the house is filled with bags of ‘stuff’ that you’ve cleared out, and you can see sections of floor that you haven’t seen in years. Now where to put everything?

If you have internet access, try selling on Gumtree, eBay or Amazon. Gumtree has the advantage of being local, and people collect in person and pay in cash, with no seller fees.

Or how about selling at a car boot sale? Locally, Cregagh Presbyterian and St Donard’s churches hold car boot sales – monthly and weekly respectively. You won’t make big money this way, but you could get rid of a lot of ‘stuff’ relatively easily.

On the way home from the car boot sale, stop by a charity shop and donate whatever is left over. Our number one rule is not to bring anything home!

If you have good quality furniture that you want to clear out, why not contact your local charity shop, such as re:store, who will arrange collection free of charge? Or if your items are past their best, use the council’s free bulky waste collection service instead.

For more money saving tips, visit my blog at www.embarrassingbudgets.co.uk, or search for Embarrassing Budgets on Facebook.

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