Bloom Magazine (Feb 15 online)

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EAST BELFAST ISSUE 36 FEBRUARY 2015

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Welcome Welcome to the latest edition of Bloom Magazine. Without wanting to sound too loved up I will warn you all now that we do have a slight theme of Love running through the pages. It is Valentines' month after all.

Embrace it!

I’m excited to say I have loads of new stuff to share with you this month. We have a new movie blogger, Dawn. She will be giving us some movie chat on her new page 'The Big Picture'. Local boy Stephen Moore is introducing us to part 1 of an amazing series to inspire us to get making our very own home produce. You are going to love this! Steven is well on his way to becoming East Belfast's very own version of Tom Good from 'The Good Life'. We are not going to go completely self sufficient yet, but this is a step in the right direction.

As usual we talk property in the 'Property Bloom'. We also touch base with our two resident health experts Dundela Pharmacy and Eric Mercer Opticians and get our monthly beauty tips from the gorgeous girls at The Secret Day Spa. Enjoy discovering or rediscovering the great businesses we help promote in Bloom. If you visit them let them know you saw them in Bloom. Happy reading!

Angela ^ Find us:

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LATEST NEWS FROM YOUR LOCAL AREA

ASK THE EXPERT DUNDELA PHARMACY

HEALTH & BEAUTY SECRET DAY SPA

THE GOOD LIFE STEPHEN MOORE

ASK THE EXPERT ERIC MERCER

COOKBOOK IAN HENDERSON

PROPERTY BLOOM CAMPBELL & CO

WHAT’S ON IN EAST BELFAST

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

Contact:

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THE BIG PICTURE FILM NEWS / REVIEWS

Angela Campbell | angela@bloommagazine.co.uk | 07719 10486 Designed by: Stephen Sharpe & Barry McGovern Printed by: Nicholson Bass Distributed by: Speedpost NI

Any views expressed within are not necessarily endorsed by Bloom Magazine or Newborn Media. Reference to any specific product or service does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by Bloom Magazine. Links and contacts are provided for user convenience and do not constitute or imply endorsement or recommendation by Bloom Magazine. Any reproduction without permission is prohibited.

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HEALTHY LIFESTYLE SLIMMING WORLD

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FEBRUARY 2015

angela@bloommagazine.co.uk

Bloom Magazine Belfast

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AMBITIONS SOAR AT B/E AEROSPACE FOR STRATHEARN STUDENTS B/E Aerospace in Kilkeel which annually manufactures around a quarter of the world’s commercial airline seats has been helping to encourage A level students from across Northern Ireland to let their ambitions soar.

Working in partnership with Business In The Community’s ‘Inspire To Aspire’ programme, student Interns currently on one year placements with B/E Aerospace designed and managed their own, slightly quirky version of the conventional Careers Day. For their ‘Inspire To Work’ event, they blended fun with facts as they gave visiting schools valuable insight into the diverse skills and disciplines needed to create and engineer the company’s products, support customers around the world and manage a business which locally employs 830 people. They brought Cool FM’s Connor Phillips on site to add to the fun and energy of the day. He challenged students (and teachers!) to put their newly acquired knowledge of the aviation sector to the test by designing and building mini airline seats … but made entirely from lollipop sticks!

Yvonne Mallon, HR Director at B/E Aerospace, was delighted at the enthusiastic response from both students and teachers. She said, “Everyone was up for a day packed with fun as well as information and I think the Interns who created our ‘Inspire To Work’ event managed to show that, although we all work very hard, we also enjoy what we’re doing and relish the challenges.

BELFAST CITY AIRPORT ANNOUNCES ARRIVAL OF KLM TO NORTHERN IRELAND One of Europe’s largest airline groups, AIR FRANCE KLM, is to commence operations from Northern Ireland.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will commence a daily service from George Belfast City Airport to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport from 18th May 2015 providing greater access to global destinations through KLM’s extensive network. Belfast City Airport is the only airport in the UK or Ireland included in expansion plans announced today by the airline. The announcement was welcomed by Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster and the airport’s Commercial and Marketing Director, Katy Best.

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DREAM BIG AND ACHIEVE SOMETHING GREAT IN 2015 BY HELPING ACTION CANCER Be amazing and reach your 2015 goals, as well as helping leading local cancer charity Action Cancer to save lives across Northern Ireland by taking on a marathon challenge in the city of dreams - New York.

It doesn’t get much bigger than this! Run your way around the Big Apple for such a worthwhile cause. Go on get out, get active and raise money for Action Cancer by taking part in the New York City Marathon on Sunday 01 November 2015.

‘It was one of the best life experiences ever – I’ll never forget it’ and ‘the sense of pride and achievement is unbelievable when you cross that finish line in Central Park’ were the reactions of a couple of the Action Cancer runners who took part last year.

Runners and walkers are both welcome – you don’t need to be super fit athletes to enter; all you need is the determination and the desire to make a difference.

Action Cancer Fundraising Events Officer Sarah-Jayne Cassells said: “The New York City Marathon is a very exciting opportunity for participants and Action Cancer. Taking part is like a dream come true for so many of our runners. They train for months, raise money and then complete the challenge of a lifetime. The atmosphere when you get to the city is electric. People treat you like a superstar for taking part in the marathon. The race day itself is spectacular – a carnival atmosphere takes over the city with 2 million spectators lining the streets and bands playing on every corner. What a way to see the five boroughs of NYC. Nothing could ever prepare you for the feeling you will get when you complete the NYC Marathon. Go for it – sign up today – you won’t regret it!”

Help Action Cancer to continue to save lives and support people in your own local community by making a difference in 2015. All monies raised from the marathon stays in Northern Ireland. The funds raised go towards Action Cancer’s lifesaving services including breast screening, big bus mobile unit, complementary therapy and counselling support services as well as health promotion services.

Sarah-Jayne added: “Each participant is fully supported by the Action Cancer events team and we will offer advice and help in relation to fundraising. Places are filling up fast so sign-up with us today and join the team for this life-enhancing experience.”

To get involved and make a difference to Action Cancer’s lifesaving services contact Sarah-Jayne Cassells on 028 9080 3379, Stacey Graham on 028 9080 3349 or email run@actioncancer.org

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BALLYHACK BISTRO MOVES FORWARD Bistro Este, has finally made the much anticipated transition from a bring your own bistro, to a fully licensed restaurant.

We are now able to offer our customers the full package, we have local craft beers on offer, as well as draught lager! We also have a full selection of spirits and liquors, including the lovely local short cross gin, produced in Downpatrick.

Not to mention a wide selections of wines to complement our quirky menu. We probably have one of the most competitively priced wine lists in the Greater Belfast area, allowing our clients to sample different wines without breaking the bank!! We have also extended our opening hours to include Sunday brunch and lunch menus, we look forward to seeing you soon!!

Bistro Este 221 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3JD Tel: 02890 656 976 Email: bistroeste@hotmail.com

Understanding Communities Training, 27th – 29th March 2015 (Residential Based)

Do you work / volunteer within the Youth & Community sector in East Belfast?

Would you like to build on your professional development?

BOOK YOUR FREE PLACE ON OUR EXCITING UPCOMING TRAINING PROGRAMME. The Understanding Communities Training, delivered by Springboard Opportunities Ltd and funded by the International Fund for Ireland, forms part of our existing Communities and Youth together programme currently being delivered to young people in East Belfast and Carrick Hill. This training is aimed at established Youth & Community leaders and focuses on increasing contact, dialogue, sharing and integration within and between communities.

The training will be delivered over three day residential at The Marine Court Hotel, Bangor, on a cross community basis and will consist of a number of workshops exploring the following themes: • What is community?

• Symbolism as a Community

• Boundary as a community • Community as a network and local social systems

To request an interest form contact: Jen Ashton

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• Community norms and habits • Fostering community

jen@springboard-opps.org

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THE BEAUTIFUL FLOWER COMPANY IS COMING TO BALLYHACKAMORE Flowers, gifts and a nice cuppa!

The newest business to locate in the thriving Ballyhackamore area is a delightful floral boutique aptly named “The Beautiful Flower Company.” Behind their inspired window displays, The Beautiful Flower Company cater for all types of events, ranging from weddings and funerals to birthdays and special occasions.

But the Beautiful Flower Company offer much more than bespoke floral design. The shop is jam packed with fantastic gifts and enchanting curios, making it the perfect one stop shop for making that special someone’s day, really special. Among the many gifts on display are exclusive “on trend” fashion items and jewelry, to perfectly compliment formal and casual occasions.

Arrangements such as this 'half a cup of love' can be odered online at www.thebeautifulflowercompany.co.uk

This unique little shop holds yet another surprise for it’s customers. A stylish tea shop with chic Italian white leather chairs. Perfect for chatting and relaxing while enjoying a fresh scone or tempting tray bake.

The Beautiful Flower Company have been trading online from their east Belfast workshop for over a year, meeting the needs of many private and corporate clients including Invest Ni. They also support several local charities.

GET IN TOUCH Why not visit their website www.thebeautifulflowercompany.co.uk or in store from the 9th February, Unit 1, Earlswood House BT4 3EX

SPONSORSHIP DEAL FOR VICTORIA FOOTBALL CLUB East Belfast's very own Harland and Wolff Welders Club have sponsored local amateur football club Victoria Athletic FC. Victoria were formed in 2012 by local men Andrew Storey and Billy Hewitt, playing their home games at Victoria Park they compete in the South Antrim Football League Division 1.

Pictured: Fred Magee, Football Secretary, Victoria FC Manager Andrew Storey and Harland & Wolf Welders Treasurer John Davidson.

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Victoria Athletic team and management are very grateful to the Welders who kindly supplied kits for the local team.

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TALL SHIPS RACES 2015 SIX MONTHS TO GO! The countdown is officially on for Northern Ireland’s biggest ever event, The Tall Ships Races 2015 organised by Sail Training International.

In six months time, an array of magnificent vessels from across the globe will come to Belfast for the first leg of The Tall Ships Races another ‘big start’ for the city and from 2 to 5 July 2015, the Lidl Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival will welcome this global armada as it fills the Belfast Harbour alongside international markets, live music and fun fairs.

This amazing spectacle on both land and sea will ensure the thousands of international crew will have an incredible time before they embark on their journey towards Ålesund in Norway.

Belfast last welcomed the Tall Ships Races in 2009 and with 39 registered ships (including 14 Class As), plus expressions of interest from many others at this early stage, The Tall Ships Races 2015 is well on target for being a bigger and better spectacle!

The visiting vessels are from Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden and the UK. Organisers are also hoping to see some South American ships in the line-up soon as well.

The Netherlands’ Gulden Leeuw joined us for the 2014 Maritime Festival and is set to return for The Tall Ships Races. Captain Robert Postuma said they’re excited about their trip: “We've entered the Gulden Leeuw for the Tall Ships Races 2015 and are very much looking forward to visiting Belfast again.

“Last year we enjoyed our stay in Belfast where we met friendly people and daring sailors! We look forward to meeting up again!”

Commenting on their forthcoming visit, Captain Chris Blake, from the UK’s Pelican of London ship, said that his crew are equally enthusiastic: “The trainees and ship's crew of Pelican of London are looking forward to returning to Belfast as we take part in the Tall Ships Races in 2015. Belfast has always looked after us well and made us all feel very welcome.”

The Tall Ships Races will be a fantastic finale for a summer of world class events including the Irish Open Golf in May and the Giro d'Italia’slegacy race, the Gran Fondo Giro in June.

GET IN TOUCH For more information go to www.tallshipsbelfast.com or follow Tall Ships on Facebook @tallshipsbelfast or Twitter @tallships2015.

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‘OXBRIDGE’ APPLICATION SUCCESSES! Congratulations to Grosvenor Grammar School pupils Daniel Mayhew, Zoe Harrison, Paul Pruzina and David Thompson, all Upper Sixth, each of whom have received conditional offers to pursue their studies at either Oxford or Cambridge University from September 2015.

For all four pupils the application process began during the summer, with extensive additional reading required in order to compose a very academically focused personal statement. In addition Daniel and Zoe were required to spend four days participating in a rigorous interview process in Oxford, which involved three interviews for Daniel and four for Zoe, including one in French in the latter’s case. For David and Paul, meanwhile, they were necessitated to attend two interviews in Cambridge at the beginning of December, following the completion of their personal statements in September.

Despite the rigours of the application and interview process the work of all four pupils was rewarded in the form of their final offers, with Daniel and Zoe now both requiring three ‘A’ grades to study Law at St. Peter’s College and Merton College, Oxford, respectively, Paul needing two A*s and A, as well as two ‘1’s in the University’s internal ‘STEP’ examinations, to secure his place to study Maths at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, and David seeking two A*s (in Chemistry and Maths) and an A to study Natural Sciences at Corpus Christ College, Cambridge.

Well done to all four pupils who now have the ultimate motivation heading into the final few months of their A Level studies. In addition credit is due to Mrs Melanie Fox who has coordinated the Oxbridge application process within Grosvenor this year, as well as the various members of the School’s Careers department who assisted the successful quartet in the writing of their application forms and in preparation for their interviews.

Well done to Daniel, Zoe, Paul and David on their successful applications and we now wish them the best of luck as they set about securing the necessary grades in their A Level studies between now and the end of the academic year.

LIFE DRAWING WORKSHOP AT FRAMEWORK A life drawing workshop in the FRAMEWERK Gallery to kick off 2015 in East Belfast.

Join me for the morning, afternoon or the whole day for some relaxing life drawing in Gallery surroundings.

Starting at 11am and running to 1.30pm in the morning and from 2pm to 4.30pm in the afternoon you can book directly via email with me or purchase a gift voucher from the website link below.

Perfect for those curious to try life drawing, for any students needing a little more life drawing in their portfolios and of course more experienced artists who want to work with a life model for the day in a group setting. All materials, equipment & media supplied including a great 20% discount on a follow-up 6wk course and untutored sessions.

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KNOCK FIREFIGHTERS DONATE TO LOCAL FOOD BANK Firefighters from Knock Fire Station provided some welcome contributions to a local food bank, by donating crates of foods to help members of the local community.

Based in St. Christopher’s Church in Mersey Street, East Belfast, ‘The Larder’ food bank has helped over 2000 people since its inception at the start of 2013, through referrals from statutory agencies and community groups. The staff, which are made up of volunteers rely solely on donations from individuals and groups.

Knock Firefighters Stephen Beck, Chris Lammey, Graham Parker and Crew Commander Lloyd Dorée with some of the food crates, which were donated to ‘The Larder’ food back based at St. Christopher’s Church in Mersey Street, East Belfast.

The Firefighters decided to purchase several crates of food and sundries, which were subsequently donated to the food bank. In total, 10 crates of food were provided by Red Watch Firefighters based at Knock Fire Station and the crates were well received by staff at ‘The Larder’ food bank.

EAST BELFAST CRISIS SUPPORT SERVICES DIRECTORY LAUNCH In December 2014 East Belfast Partnership, along with EBCDA and EBIAC, launched a directory of crisis support services in East Belfast.

The launch was held in the Larder Foodbank in St. Christophers, on Mersey Street. The idea to produce this came out of a workshop, which took place earlier this year. The aim was to draw together advice/crisis support workers from both the independent community and constituency based political sectors. What was clear from this workshop, and the information collected since, was that there is a lot of help available in East Belfast – which is more than encouraging. This project highlighted that the problem is often that the community, and workers, don’t know where or what services exist and also how to access these services.

We therefore hope that this directory will provide an improved understanding of East Belfast, in terms of knowing where and where not to go for support. This should allow us to use existing resources better rather than develop new resources and potentially create duplication.

GET IN TOUCH For further information or for a hard copy of this directory, please contact Sara at East Belfast Partnership on 02890467939 or sara@eastbelfastpartnership.org

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LOCAL

EXPERT

DUNDELA PHARMACY

Pharmacist Lesa McLoughlin from Dundela Pharmacy on the Belmont Road continues her regular healthcare feature with a look at the heart:

At this time of year with St. Valentines’ Day approaching hearts can be seen everywhere!

This February is national heart month and I thought this would be a good opportunity to look at the heart and what can go wrong with it in a little more detail.

The heart is basically a muscle that pumps blood around the body. The average heart weighs between 7 and 15 ounces and is a little larger than the size of your fist. Your heart, blood and blood vessels together make up the cardiovascular system. We each contain 5 litres, or 8 pints, of blood that the heart pumps to the lungs to receive oxygen and then back to the heart and round the rest of the body. The blood vessels that carry the oxygenated blood around the body are known as arteries and those bringing the blood back to the heart are called veins.

Problems with your heart and circulation system including heart attack, angina and stroke are forms of cardiovascular disease. This can occur when your arteries become narrowed by a build-up of fatty material within their walls. In time they may become so narrow that they cannot deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to your heart. This can cause angina, which is a pain or discomfort in your chest. If the fatty material breaks off, a clot will form, which can cause stroke and heart attack. A stroke occurs if the clot travels to your brain.

The more risk factors for cardiovascular disease you have the greater your chance of developing it.

Some risk factors such as age and ethnicity are non-modifiable, but the good news is that for most risk factors you can do something about them. Stopping smoking and reducing your weight are two of the most important risk factors, and they are largely within your control. Diabetes and family history are out of your control, but keeping your blood sugar levels controlled and having regular check ups will help. As many as 7 million people in the UK are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, the only way to know if yours is too high is to have it measured. Likewise with high cholesterol, there are no symptoms telling you your cholesterol is high. A healthy blood pressure is 120/80 or less. The first number is your systolic pressure, when your heart pumps blood around your body. The second number is the diastolic, when your heart relaxes. 140/90 is the level used to diagnose high blood pressure. Healthy adults should have total cholesterol of 5mmol/L or less.

Finding out if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol early will allow you to make simple changes to your lifestyle, such as diet and exercise, to reduce these risk factors. Visit us in Dundela Pharmacy to talk to the Pharmacist or one of the healthcare team about our screening services.

For more information about heart diseases and how to beat them, visit the British Heart Foundation webpage - www.bhf.org.uk If you have any questions about this or any other topic please call in and visit us in Dundela Pharmacy for confidential expert advice without an appointment.

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Whether you've got a hot date lined up for Valentine's Day or are simply heading out for a night with the girls, follow our six-day countdown to make sure you look utterly gorgeous on Saturday night.

Before you start, make sure you have a bathrobe and a couple of towels warming on the radiator. Set the mood by a scented candle.

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FF L E S U R T COFFEE SHOP 63 BELMONT RD Tel: 028 9047 1405 amily friendly cafe rea fast, lunch, afternoon tea ray a es it in or ta e a ay hildren s portions ift vouchers for any occasion elax & n oy Our ree

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FIRST OF A FOUR PART SERIES ON HOME PRODUCE

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GOODLIFE

BROUGHT TO YOU BY LOCAL BOY STEPHEN MOORE

PART 1:

HOMEBREW When most people hear the term homebrew it conjures up images of Jesse Duke from the Dukes of Hazzard, lots of pipes and bubbling liquids hidden from Boss Hogg, and moonshine that will put hairs on your chest. Well despite the wish to partake in some bonnet slidiong and meeting the glamourous Daisy Duke, it isnt like that at all. My wife may wish that I would hide my fermentation vessels somewhere other than in our wardrobe, but thats about as controversial as it gets.

I first started brewing my own wine as an experiment to see if i could produce something vaguely drinkable in these times of austerity, but what i didint count on was the ease with which it took to make a tasty beverage that even friends and relatives enjoy. We here in East Belfast are lucky to have Irelands premier homebrew stockist right on our doorstep, Natures Way in Ballyhackamore has all the kit and ingredients you will need.

This year I made a ‘harvest’wine with plums and raspberries from my garden and blackberries from the Comber Greenway but like most I started out , and continue to make batches, with various kits available. This is the easiest method for a beginner whether it is wine, beer or ciders that you are interested in, the possibilities are endless.

All the instructions and essential sundries come with these kits, the homebrewer just needs to have food grade vessels to ferment in plus a few small items and they are good to go.

Batches of wine can be made in anything from seven days to several months depending on your methods, and controlling your ingredients list is a huge benefit to homebrew as many people are wary of flagrant use of a broad spectrum of chemicals that are in use in food production.

There is lots of help to anyone starting out via internet forums, suppliers, and even the Belfast Winemakers Circle ( which meets in Belmont Tower ). Saving money first pushed me to try homebrew, and it may be the same for you, but it soon becomes and interesting pastime of experimenting with different recipes and methods, why not give it a go?

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LOCAL

EXPERT

ERIC MERCER OPTICIANS

BONO’S SUNGLASSES AND GLAUCOMA Local optometrist Eric Mercer answers your questions and gives advice on common eye problems.

U2 frontman, Bono, has recently revealed that his trademark sunglasses are more than just a rock-star affectation. In fact, he needs them to alleviate troublesome symptoms caused by glaucoma. In a TV talk-show, Bono disclosed that he had suffered ongoing problems with red eyes and extreme light-sensitivity before being diagnosed with glaucoma seven years ago.

ASK THE OPTICIAN

What is glaucoma?

Chronic Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye condition in which the optic nerve at the back of your eye becomes damaged. It is usually caused by a build-up of pressure inside the eye, but reduced blood flow to the optic nerve can also be a factor. While glaucoma is uncommon below the age of 40, it affects 1 in 50 people over that age and 1 in 20 over 70. Glaucoma causes permanent and irreversible damage to your vision and, if left untreated, can progress to complete blindness. There are 2 main forms of the condition – acute and chronic glaucoma.

Chronic glaucoma is by far the most common form of the disease.

Unlike acute glaucoma, it has no symptoms in the early stages. In fact, it is a classic example of a “silent” disease that develops slowly and painlessly over many years. If you have chronic glaucoma, your peripheral or side vision will gradually be eroded - resulting in “tunnel vision”, if untreated. Surprisingly, even people with late stage glaucoma can still achieve 20/20 eyesight despite having lost most of their peripheral vision. By then, however, it is often too late to stop the disease eating into central vision, causing complete blindness

Acute Glaucoma

So, how can you protect your eyesight from the dangers of glaucoma?

Early detection through regular eye tests is key – particularly to rule out the symptomless, chronic form. For most adults, that means having an eye test every 2 years. If you fall into a high risk category - for example, if you are aged over 70, are diabetic or have a close relative with glaucoma - yearly eye tests are recommended. If, like Bono, you experience worrying symptoms, you should have your eyes checked as a matter of urgency. Remember, the earlier glaucoma is detected, and treatment started, the better your chances of maintaining good vision.

Bono has acute glaucoma. This is the least common type, accounting for less than 10% of cases. Acute glaucoma usually develops rapidly, with a sudden rise of pressure inside the eye. Symptoms can be severe and include pain within and around the eye, headache, a red eye and misty or blurred vision - often with haloes seen around lights. In some cases, symptoms are milder but recurrent, lasting for just a few hours at a time before disappearing again.

Protecting your sight

CONTACT ERIC: 448 Woodstock Road, Belfast, BT6 9DR. Tel: 028 9058 3030 For more information check out the practice website at: www.ericmerceropticians.com

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cookbook ABOUT IAN Ian Henderson is the proprietor of Thirty Six, based in the heart of East Belfast on the busy Belmont Road. This month Ian shares how to cook up the perfect Valentines Brunch.

Ingredients (For the Pancakes)

Buttermilk Pancakes with Blueberries, Crème Fraiche and Honey

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375 g self-raising flour 40g caster sugar 1 tea spoon baking powder Pinch of salt 700ml buttermilk 120 ml milk 3 large eggs (free range)

Other Ingredients: - Crème fraiche - Fresh blueberries - Honey

Method

Put all of the ingredients into a large bowl and mix using an electric mixer until smooth with little to no lumps.

Let the mixture rest in the fridge for 15 – 30 minutes (or this can be made in advance, if stored in an airtight container in the fridge) When ready to cook the pancakes, heat your pan with a little oil or butter. Spoon one or two pancakes at a time if you can fit them in – if you have a vegetable scoop, this will work well as it measures the batter keeping the pancakes the same size. Scatter a few blueberries over the batter.

Once a few light bubbles appear in the pancake, its time to flip. This isn’t as scary as you think – the smaller the pancake the easier this is but don’t hold back on size. Once flipped, let the other side cook for 1 – 2 minutes and flip back. To test if they are ready, press lightly with a spatula, if any uncooked batter presses up around the sides, let the pancake cook for 30 seconds more.

Depending on how many pancakes you want, keep them warm in an oven and repeat.

When serving, stack and put a large dollop of crème fraiche on top with a few blueberries and a drizzle of your favourite honey. Share and enjoy!

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Open Steak Sandwich with Caramelised Onions Ingredients -

1 large ciabatta loaf 2 sirloin steaks Olive oil to marinate and cook with Fresh springs of thyme and rosemary 2 cloves of garlic 2 vine tomatoes

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Knob of butter 1 red onion 1 tea spoon of sugar (light brown or white is fine) 2 large sweet potatoes Salt & freshly ground black pepper

Method

First of all, marinade the steaks. Season them generously, then brush with olive oil, crush 1 clove of garlic and rub over with some fresh thyme and rosemary. Leave in a dish for at least 30 minutes so that the flavours infuse and the steak comes to room temperature. Drizzle the vine tomatoes with olive oil and season then put into a preheated oven to 180 degrees For the sweet potato chips, wash and peel potatoes, then cut into strips – as think or thick as you like. Toss in a bowl with some olive oil, season and add a little fresh thyme. Scatter evenly onto a baking tray and put into the oven with tomatoes for 20 – 30 minutes. Slice the ciabatta and brush a little olive oil on both sides and rub lightly with the remaining garlic. Put this into the oven 5 minutes before serving.

For the caramelised onion, melt the butter in a pan, add the onions and cook for a few minutes until beginning to go soft. You can add a splash of balsamic vinegar if you have some for extra flavour. Add the sugar and cook until the sugar has dissolved, take off the heat and set aside until serving.

To cook the steak, heat he pan with a little olive oil. Once the pan is hot, place the steaks on carefully. Make sure there is space between the steaks otherwise they will not colour and start to steam. I recommend 1 minute 30 each side but this depends on your personal preference. Using tongs, hold the fatty side on the pan to crisp up, then set the steak on a clean warm board to rest.

To assemble – the ciabatta first, topped with a little rocket if desired. Slice the steaks sideway to display then scatter the caramelised onions on top. Serve with the roast tomatoes and sweet potato chips and enjoy with a nice glass of merlot

Double Chocolate Mousse Pots Ingredients -

80 g dark chocolate (70 per cent cocoa solids) 30 g butter 100 g white chocolate 2 eggs

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2 tablespoon caster sugar 2 tablespoon dark rum (optional) 500 ml double cream 1 tablespoon icing sugar

Method

For the chocolate mousse: Melt the dark chocolate with 15g of the butter in a bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water (this is important). Then melt the white chocolate with the remaining butter in a clean bowl in the same way as the dark chocolate.

Add 1 egg yolks, 1 whole egg, 1 tablespoons caster sugar and the dark rum to a bowl. Whisk together over a bowl of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes frothy and stiff. The mixture is ready when it is thick and holds its shape when you lift the whisk. Set aside.

Whisk the double cream in a large bowl. Add the remaining caster sugar and the icing sugar half way through whisking.

Whisk until the cream forms soft peaks. Fold half of the egg mixture to the melted dark chocolate. Then fold in half of the whipped cream. Do the same with the white chocolate and the remaining eggs mixture and cream.

To assemble – spoon the mousses alternatively into a tumbler to make a series of layers. Let them set in the fridge for 2 hours before enjoying. There will be enough to make four portions that will let you enjoy your valentines treat all weekend.

27

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ye ests o e isits Dry ye linic as ion ye ear ildren s yecare ontact enses rescription unglasses www.ericmerceropticians.com

ERIC MERCER OPTOMETRIST

448 Woodstock Road

Tel: 028 9058 3030

Cherry Orchard, ideally situated in Kings Square Belfast, has become renowned for delicious home cooked food using the best of local ingredients.

Favourites on the menu include; The best home-baked scones Freshly prepared soups Delicious deep filled sandwiches and paninis Home baked individual quiches and tartlets Extensive range of cakes and traybakes

OUTSIDE CATERING Cherry Orchard now offers an extensive outside catering service, including sandwich platters, fruit and traybake platters, individual cakes and desserts and much more.

Unit 21, Kings Square, East Belfast / Open Mon – Fri: 8am – 4pm, Sat: 9am – 4pm Tel: 028 9079 1258

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THE PROPERTY BLOOM

Gordon Campbell Owner at Campbell & Co.

“2015 is off to a great start in the local property market” according to Gordon Campbell, Owner of Campbell & Co Estate Agents.

January has seen the usual strong demand for rental properties and like most agents, we need more properties to meet the current demand. Interestingly we are seeing more demand for higher end apartments and houses (e.g. over £900 per month). I guess this says something about growing confidence in the local economy and in tenants employment situations. As demand for rental property remains strong, we would expect rental prices to continue to increase. During 2014 we saw average rents increase by around 6% and we expect this trend to continue throughout 2015.

However, it is worth stating that those properties achieving the best rents and renting the fastest, are those properties which are well presented decoratively, have modern kitchens / bathrooms, have gas central heating and have modern furnishings, fixtures and fittings.

Remarkably many Landlords do not pay attention to how their properties are presented and to what tenants are seeing on viewings. This can mean lost rental income not only in the reduced monthly rent, but also lost rent due to the property being vacant for longer. In short, Landlords will receive a better return in rental income and return on their investment by ensuring the property is well presented.

Enquiries from investors seeking to purchase properties has grown significantly over the past year. With low interest rates still in play, many of those who have cash to invest are turning to property.

Whatever the property requirement, we are happy to assist with all stages of the process, and we offer a FREE investor advice service.

Campbell & Co are located on the busy Woodstock Road, minutes from Belfast city centre. Gordon Campbell launched the business in May 2004 under the Martin & Co brand. In November 2014 the business rebranded to Campbell & Co. “I am delighted with our new look branding and hope that our many existing clients like what we have done. My hope is that we can also attract many new clients, not just by our new look, but also by our strong reputation as an agent you can trust and who can offer a first class lettings, sales and property management service”. We have built a reputation as one of Belfast’s leading Estate Agents by delivering consistently high levels of service to our clients. This service is backed by strong local market knowledge.

FIND US: 225 Woodstock Road, Belfast, BT6 8PQ Tel: 02890 732 273 | Fax: 02890 732 200 | E: info@campbellcobelfast.com | W: www.campbellcobelfast.com

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what’s on TODDLER GROUPS TODDLER GROUPS

Mondays Mondays Calvary Mums & Toddlers.

Calvary Mums & Toddlers.

10.30-12.00am. family.

10.30-12.00am. £1 £1 perper family.

9073 2331 100100 DeeDee St, St, BT4BT4 028028 9073 2331 Little Stars Little Stars Salvation Army Cregagh Road TheThe Salvation Army 110110 Cregagh Road Toys/snacks/craft/music. £1.50 Toys/snacks/craft/music. £1.50 perper family.

10am-12 term time family.

10am-12 term time for for 0-40-4 years.

9045 4466. years.

028028 9045 4466.

Sydenham Parent & Toddler Sydenham Parent & Toddler 10-11.30 family MonMon 10-11.30 £1 £1 perper family Inverary 9047 1456 Inverary CCCC BT4BT4 1RN1RN 028028 9047 1456 St Finnians St Finnians 10-11.30 Cregagh Park, 9079 2793.

10-11.30 Cregagh Park, 9079 2793.

Wandsworth Mums & Chums Wandsworth Mums & Chums 10-11.45am.

Wandsworth 10-11.45am.

Wandsworth CC.CC. £1 £1 Belmont Church 07903 674698 26a26a Belmont Church Rd.Rd. 07903 674698

Tuesdays Tuesdays

Albertbridge Congregational Albertbridge Congregational 10.30-12.15 10.30-12.15 Woodstock Link.

Donation Woodstock Link.

Donation £1 £1 Mops & Tots CFCCFC Mops & Tots 9.30-11am (term time - alternate 9.30-11am (term time - alternate Tuesdays) child, £1.50 total Tuesdays) £1 £1 for for oneone child, £1.50 total more.

Tea/coffee/juice/snacks. for for more.

Tea/coffee/juice/snacks.

Mops CFCCFC Mops 9.30-11am (term time - alternate 9.30-11am (term time - alternate Tuesdays) £3.50 mum.

Breakfast Tuesdays) £3.50 perper mum.

Breakfast creche provided.

Belmont andand creche provided.

10 10 Belmont Rd.Rd. 9067 1838 www.thisiscfc.com 028028 9067 1838 www.thisiscfc.com Mersey Street Presb.

Mersey Street Presb.

10-11.45am term time.

10-11.45am term time. £1.£1.

Mersey St Presbyterian 657025 Mersey St Presbyterian 028028 90 90 657025 St Donards Church St Donards Church 9065 2321 Tel:Tel: 028028 9065 2321 adults.

Tea/coffee/juice £1 £1 for for adults.

Tea/coffee/juice Strandtown Baptist Strandtown Baptist TotsTots 10.0011.30am (term time) 10.0011.30am (term time) Strandtown Baptist Church, Strandtown Baptist Church, 1 Clonallon Court 1 Clonallon Court BT4BT4 2AB2AB 9080 8380 adult Tel:Tel: 028028 9080 8380 £1 £1 perper adult & Co TotsTots & Co

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36

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

10.15Tel: 07791 776307/07980 984506 10.15-11.45am 11.45am(term (termtime) time) Tel: 07791 776307/07980 984506 Cregagh St Columba’s MumsMums & Tots& Tots CregaghMethodist MethodistChurch Church St Columba’s £1.50 9.45-11.45 (term(term time).time).

29 Kings RoadRoad £1.50per perfamily family(incl (incljuice/snack juice/snack& & 9.45-11.45 29 Kings tea. tea.28-30 28-30Cregagh CregaghRd. Rd.028 0289045 90457564 7564

Wednesdays Wednesdays

EVENTS Etc EVENTS Etc

Mondays Mondays

Busy BusyBees Bees 1010-11:30am -11:30amKnock KnockMethodist MethodistChurch, Church, Knock Ballyhackamore Library KnockRoad.

Road.Tel: Tel:028 0289065 90653413 3413 Ballyhackamore Library 1-3 Eastleigh DriveDrive 028 9050 92049204 1-3 Eastleigh 028 9050 BooksBooks R Us R9-11 yr oldsyr reading groupgroup 10.30-12 Us 9-11 olds reading 10.30-123737North NorthRoad, Road,BT5 BT55NE 5NE (third(third Mon of month) 3.30-4.30 Mon of month) 3.30-4.30 Knit &Knit Natter 2-4pm & Natter 2-4pm Bedtime Stories 7pm.7pm.

Me Time (Last(Last Community, Bedtime Stories Me Time Community,464 464Castlereagh CastlereaghRoad Road Mon of theofmonth) For busy women 7-8. 7-8.

Mon the month) For busy women BeanBean Blessed StStColmcille’s Blessed Colmcille’sParent Parent& &Toddler Toddler 10am 10amterm termtime timeStStColmcille’s Colmcille’s Parish Tea/ coffee, scones, pastries.

10.30-12 ParishHall Hall(opposite (oppositeTesco’s) Tesco’s)inin Tea/ coffee, scones, pastries.

10.30-12 Ballyhackamore.

Harding Memorial Ballyhackamore.Men Menlooking lookingafter after Harding Memorial young girls 4-7yrs Monday 6pm 6pm youngchildren childrenwelcome. welcome.191a 191aUpper Upper Rainbows Rainbows girls 4-7yrs Monday Newtownards Brownies girls 7-10yrs Monday 7pm 7pm NewtownardsRdRd Brownies girls 7-10yrs Monday Guides 10-14yrs Mondays 7pm.7pm.

Guides 10-14yrs Mondays 10-12pm ClareClare 0790507905 556825.

10-12pmW’stock W’stockRd, Rd,028 0289045 90457654 7654 Contact Contact 556825.

LadiesLadies CoffeeCoffee Morning 1st Mon month Morning 1st of Mon of month 10.30am 37 North Rd 028 7876 7876 10.30am 37 North Rd9065 028 9065 Skainos Building skainos.org Skainos Building skainos.org Badminton 2-3pm.

Crosslinks - Cross Badminton 2-3pm.

Crosslinks - Cross Community Arts 7-9pm 14-2114-21 yr olds.

10-11.30am Community Arts 7-9pm yr olds.

10-11.30am£1£1per perfamily family Contact Andy Andy Hill. Hill.

Grand Contact GrandParade Parade028 0289065 90658946.

8946.

Strand Cinema & NI Stars Cregagh Strand Cinema & NI Stars CregaghMums Mums& &Tots Tots Road,Road, BT4 .nistars.com 10-12pm Holywood BT4 .nistars.com 10-12pmCregagh CregaghCC. CC.Mount MountMerrion Merrion Holywood Singing & dancing 7-8pm Avenue.

Singing & dancing 7-8pm Avenue.Tel: Tel:028 0289040 90401444 1444 Wandsworth Community Gilnahirk Wandsworth Community GilnahirkPresbyterian Presbyterian 1668.1668.

Children’s Drama Thursdays 028 9065 Children’s Drama Thursdays10-11.30am.

10-11.30am.£1£1per perfamily. family. 028 9065 5-6pm.

Children & Teens 161 Academy 5-6pm.

Children & Teens 161Gilnahirk GilnahirkRd. Rd.Laura Laura07708 07708000025 000025 Academy carnival drumming 6.30pm-7.30pm.

Kirkpatrick carnival drumming 6.30pm-7.30pm.

KirkpatrickMemorial MemorialPresb Presb Aerobics 7-8pm.

Combat 8.15-9.30pm Parents Aerobics 7-8pm.

Combat 8.15-9.30pm Parents& &Toddlers.

Toddlers.10-11.30am 10-11.30am Upper UpperNewtownards NewtownardsRdRd£1£1donation donation Knock KnockParent Parent& &Toddler Toddler 10-11.45am 10-11.45amKnock KnockPresbyterian Presbyterian TowerTower 5353Kings Belmont KingsRoad, Road,Gillian Gillian07803 07803117619.

117619. Belmont www.belmont-tower.co.uk www.belmont-tower.co.uk Childrens dancedance classes 4-7pm Childrens classes 4-7pm Pregnancy Yoga Yoga 7.30-8.30pm Pregnancy 7.30-8.30pm East Belfast Wine Wine Makers Tots East Belfast Makers Tots‘R’‘R’UsUs Skainos Building skainos.org 10.30am Skainos Building skainos.org 10.30amHouse HouseofofWorship Worship Compass Womens GroupGroup 7-9pm 127a Compass Womens 7-9pm 127aOrby OrbyDrive Drive

Thursdays Thursdays

Tuesdays Tuesdays

Fridays Fridays

what’s on

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

10.15- 11.45am (term time) Tel: 07791 776307/07980 Zumba 12.30-1.30pm Skainos Building skainos.org984506 TODDLER GROUPS Cregagh Methodist Church St Columba’s Mums & Tots Wandsworth Community Fusion - Weekly programme of games, £1.50 per family (incl juice/snack & crafts 9.45-11.45 time).

29 Kings£1Road Playclub 3-4 yr olds 10am-12. & fun for(term p1-p7’s.

6.30-8pm tea. 28-30 Cregagh Ballyhackamore LibraryRd. 028 9045 7564per person. Contact Tanita Robinson.

Painting for Pleasure 11am-1pm 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 Kids Irish dancing 5-6.30pm, The Academy EVENTS Etc Calvary MumsAppreciation & Toddlers. of Art Rhythm & Rhyme (1st & 3rd Thurs of Aerobics 7-8pm.

Lego Club 3.30-4.30pm. Ages 3-6 10.30-12.00am. £1 group per family.

7-9pm.

Wasps seniors last Tues the month) 11.15am. Book Pack (1st years. £5 p/wk. 77 Holywood Rd. Busy Bees 100 Dee St, BT4 028 9073 2331 Thur) Adult reading group. Scrabble of month 2-3.30pm 028 9508 8818 10 (adults) -11:30am Knock Methodist Church, Wandsworth Community Little Stars Night 6-8pm.

Knock Tower Road. Tel: 028 9065 3413 Ballyhackamore The Salvation Army 110 Cregagh Road Belmont Painting for PleasureLibrary 11am-1pm 1-3 Eastleigh 028 9050 9204 Toys/snacks/craft/music. £1.50 per www.belmont-tower.co.uk Childrens Ju JitsuDrive 6-8pm Books& RBoxing Us 9-11 yr olds reading group 37 North Road, 5NE 10am-12 Art 10.30-12 classes 10am-1pm.

BabyBT5 Sensory 29thfamily.

NI Girls Brigadeterm time for 0-4 Fitness Class 8.30-9.30pm (third Mon of month) 3.30-4.30 years.Congregational.

028 9045 4466.Explorers (3- Classes 7-13 mths Thurs 10-11am Cregagh Shiloh Hall Knit299206, & Natter76 2-4pm Sydenham Parent & Toddler 7) 6:45-8:15pm.

Company Section (8- 0-7 mths Thurs 11.30-12.30 07712 The Mount, ND Bedtime Stories 7pm. Me Time (Last Community, 464 Castlereagh Road Coffee 10-11.30Helen £1 per family with Sharon 6-8pm 18)Mon 6:45-10pm.

07938 521823. Yoga Morning 10:30-12.

Mon of the month) For busy women 7-8.

Inverary CC BT4 1RN 028 9047 1456 Mindfulness Courses 6.30-8.30pm Belmont Tower Bean Blessed St Colmcille’s Parent &Club Toddler St Finnians Senior Citizens Luncheon www.belmont-tower.co.uk 10am@term time StCentre.

Colmcille’s 10-11.30 Cregagh Park, Yoga 9079 with 2793. Midday Ballymac Hot lunch Baby massage 10am-1pm.

Parishtime.

Hall alison@ballymac.org (opposite Tesco’s) in Tea/ coffee, scones, pastries. 10.30-12 Wandsworth MumsBody & Chums & social Eleanor 5.45-7.45pm.

Rolling Road, BT5 5NE Ballyhackamore.

Men looking after 37 North Harding Memorial 10-11.45am.

Wandsworth CC. £1 Skainos Building skainos.org 7.30-8.30pm.

39th Old Boys 7-9pm children welcome.

191a Upper Searchlight RainbowsClub girlsp1-p7.

4-7yrs10.30-12.

Monday 6pm 26a Belmont Academy - Weekly streetdance.

Over 60’s Lunch Church Club Rd. 07903 674698Vibeyoung Skainos Building Newtownards Rd P5-P7 4.30Brownies girls skainos.org 7-10yrs Monday 7pm p1-p4 3.30-4.30pm Walking Trips from 10am Guides 10-14yrs Mondays 7pm.

5.30pm 1st yr+ 6.45-8pm. £6 per 12.30pm. 3 courses for £3. Grand Cinema NI Stars 10-12pm W’stock Rd, 028 9045 7654 Strand Contact Clare&07905 556825. class.

Lisa 07736 315420.

Compass Parade. Tel: 028 9065 2314 to book.

Albertbridge Congregational Mens Group 7-9pm. 50+ Gardening & Holywood Road, BT4 Stage school Gilnahirk Men’s Group 10-1pm Ladieswww.nistars.com Coffee Morning 1st Mon of month Crafts Thurs 1-2.30pm Jack10.30-12.15 Britton Hall. Tea/coffee/chat & a The10.30am Academy37 North Rd 028 9065 7876 Woodstock Link.until Donation £1 The Academy speaker.

10.30-12 29th April.

10am Lego Club.

11am Claycrazy Club.

Skainos Building skainos.org Mops & Tots Lego Club 3.30-4.30pm. Age 7+ GirlsCFC Brigade £5 per session.2-3pm.

77 Holywood Rd. - Cross Badminton Crosslinks 9.30-11am (term time - alternate £5p/wk. 77 Holywood Rd. 028Community 9508 8818Arts 7-9pm 14-21 yr olds.

Tuesdays) £1 forP5one child, £1.50 total 02810-11.30am 9508 8818 £1 per family 3 yrs - P4 6.15pm. upwards 7.30pm Yoga BelfastAndy Hill.

Contact Grand Parade 028 9065 8946. for more.

Tea/coffee/juice/snacks.

Wandsworth Community Luncheon Club Pregnancy Yoga @ & Physioworks Strand Cinema NI Stars Mums & Tots Mops 9065 1668.

Needlework For CFC senior citizens. Cregagh Methodist. 028Cregagh 10.30-11.45am @ ComHolywood Road, BT4 .nistars.com 10-12pm Cregagh Mount Merrion Gilnahirk.

9.30-11am timemeals - alternate Spanish CC. mums & tots 12 noon. £1.50.(term Pre book at the 10am-12pm. munity drop&indancing class 10.30-11.45am @ Singing 7-8pm Avenue. Tel:Spanish 028 9040 1444 Tuesdays) £3.50 per mum. Breakfast 11am-12pm. for preschoolers Gilnahirk Primary.Community yogabelfast.com Wandsworth Gilnahirk Presbyterian and creche provided.

10 Belmont Rd. 2.15-3pm.

Spanish for children 3.15Skainos Bulding skainos.org 028 9065 Community 1668. Children’s Drama Thursdays 10-11.30am. £1 Combat per family. Wandsworth 028 9067 4pm.

Boot Camp 7-8pm. Core Compass Kidz1838 Gap www.thisiscfc.com - Parents, guard9065 1668 5-6pm. Children & Teens 161 Gilnahirk Rd. Laura 07708 000025028Academy Mersey Street Presb. ians, toddlers - crafts, games, stories 8.30-10pm.

STX/Kickboxing 10am-11.30am carnival drumming 6.30pm-7.30pm.

Kirkpatrick Memorial Presb 10-11.45am £1.

10am-12.

Goingterm Greentime.

Gardening Park Run 7-8pm. Combat 8.15-9.30pm Aerobics Mersey St 5.30-7pm Presbyterian 028 90 657025 Parents & Toddlers. 10-11.30am 2-4pm.

Yoga Upper Newtownards Rd £1 donation Every Saturday in Victoria Park St Donards Church Strand Arts Centre 9.30am - FREE Event Knock Parent & Toddler Congregational “Wacky Wednesdays” All shows, all day Albertbridge 10-11.45am Presbyterian 028 9065 2321 6 Woodstock LinkKnock 028 9045 7434 for Tel: £3. strandartscentre.com 53 Kings Road, 10.30am-12.30pm.

Gillian 07803 117619. Belmont Tower £1 for adults.

Tea/coffee/juice Friday Friendship.

Wandsworth Community www.belmont-tower.co.uk Strandtown Baptist Tots Flower Ar- Ballyhackamore Library Sewing Group 10am-12noon.

Strand Cinema & NIclasses Stars 4-7pm Childrens dance 10.0011.30am (term ranging 1.30-3.30pm.

Yogatime) 7-8.30pm 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 Holywood Road,Yoga BT47.30-8.30pm Pregnancy Strandtown Chill Out Family Story Time. 3.30pm.

Yoga Belfast Baptist Church, Singling & dancing East Belfast Wine1.30-3.30pm Makers Tots ‘R’ Us 1 Clonallon BT4 2ABPrimary.

Belmont Tower Pregnancy YogaCourt @ Gilnahirk www.nistars.com Skainos Building skainos.org 10.30am House of Worship Tel: 028 9080 8380 £1 drop per adult 6.45-7.45pm.

Community in class www.belmont-tower.co.uk S.D.Compass Bells TeaWomens & Coffee House Group 7-9pm 127a Orby Drive TotsBowl & Co7-8pm. yogabelfast.com Belcanto School of Singing 10-1pm @ Ice Java Jive Jazz Brunch Brunch 11am-2.30pm

Thursdays

Mondays

Wednesdays

Mondays

Wednesdays

Saturdays

Tuesdays

Thursdays

Fridays

Tuesdays

Sundays

Fridays

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Richard Kell

BARBERSHOP

2E Grand Parade BELFAST BT5 5HH 02895 435 846 www.facebook.com/richardkellbarbershop

Introducing

The Big Picture Hello, good evening and welcome to 'The Big Picture'! I'm Dawn Williams and I live in East Belfast.

When the idea was put to me to have a film chat and review page in 'Bloom' I jumped at the chance. Ever since I can remember I have loved films. For me, it's easily one of the best way to spend time. I can remember as far back as 1978 and my mum taking me and my big sister to see 'Grease' at the Curzon and then embarrassing us in The Strand when she let out a full scream during 'Ghostbusters'. Right up to being in a packed independent cinema the first time I watched 'Reservoir Dogs'. Good times!

We are really fortunate in East Belfast to be so close to cinemas with The Strand being one a lot of us can walk to. I know there is so much wider access to films with Netflix etc, but be honest, there's nothing like the big screen and the cinema experience as a whole! I went to The Strand recently for one of their 'Silver Screenings' in partnership with film hub NI, the screening was on a Tuesday evening @ 7pm (they also do a screening at 2pm for those lucky folks not at work for whatever reason) and it was one of my all time favourite films, the classic, 'Brief Encounter'.

All the better for my first opportunity to see it on the Big Screen in a traditional setting! Directed by David Lean in 1945 it centres around a daytime clandestine relationship conducted largely in the tea room at the station between two strangers after a chance meeting! A wonderful film which is must see.

So each month I am going to write here in 'Bloom' about what I have managed to catch at the cinema. In the meantime, as well as keeping an eye out for what's on, you may like to visit 'The Big Picture' Facebook page and blog.

F: www.facebook/thegirlinthebigpicture. B: www.thegirlinthebigpicture.wordpress.com for a bit of chat about what I have seen and films and events that are in the pipeline.

I hope you enjoy it!

Dawn x

Our Monthly Classic Half term special (all ages) 14th - 20th February is 'Little Shop Of Horrors'

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FEBRUARY

Silver Screenings

3rd - Wuthering Heights (1939) 10th - Brian Desmond Hurst

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Tips to avoid weight loss traps: 1

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Losing weight just because it’s January.

Make sure your motivation to lose weight is more than just ‘because it’s the New Year’.

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Going on a ‘fad’ diet. Following the latest fad diet or Hollywood craze may work in the short term, but these diets are usually very restrictive and impractical in the long term. They’re often based around extremes such as banning whole food groups or replacing them with liquid foods. This approach can lead to hunger and deprivation which eventually cause the slimmer to lapse, binge, feel guilty and gain more weight than they’ve lost.

Going hungry. Slimming doesn’t have to mean starving. Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, Food Optimising, encourages members to eat lots of satisfying and naturally low-fat foods like pasta, rice, potatoes, lean meat, fish and plenty of fruit and vegetables so they’re never hungry and it’s easy to enjoy all their favourite dishes like spaghetti Bolognese, roast dinners and even chips. No foods are banned – even chocolate, cheese and alcohol – so there’s no guilt or deprivation.

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Joining a gym. Many people join a gym in the mistaken belief that exercise alone will shift their excess pounds. But research shows that exercise combined with a healthy eating programme is the most effective route. At Slimming World members are encouraged to build up slowly and incorporate just a small amount of physical activity into their daily routine.

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Setting unrealistic targets. Set yourself achievable short-term and long-term goals, such as losing 1-2lbs a week, losing a stone in a couple of months or reaching your goal weight in 12 months. Unrealistic targets will work to demotivate you and make you less likely to succeed.

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Going it alone. Research shows that slimmers are more successful at losing and maintaining their weight when they have the support and advice of likeminded people in a group setting. Slimming World members share their ups and downs every week.

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