Bloom Magazine (Jan 15 online)

Magazine EAST BELFAST ISSUE 35 JANUARY 2015 @bloommag Bloom Magazine Belfast

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Welcome

Welcome to a very exciting issue of Bloom Magazine. Exciting firstly because it's the very first issue of 2015. Secondly as it's the first magazine of me flying solo! At this point I'd just like to say a huge thank you to all of you who have supported me in taking on full ownership of Bloom. Exciting times ahead for the new look Bloom!

Anyway, as usual we are packed full with all the local news and goings on in East Belfast. Obviously it's the time of year for making (& breaking) the usual new years resolutions, so we have enlisted the help of some local experts to steer us in the right direction to focus on looking after ourselves better in 2015. I write this with a mince pie in my hand full of great intentions of a healthier, better version of me!!

So, enjoy the read and if when you are out and about and you think there is something we should know about please let me know.

Contents 4 9 12 14 18 20

Enjoy,

Happy New Year!

Angela ^

Angela Campbell | angela@bloommagazine.co.uk | 07719 104862

GET FIT FOR 2015 COMPETITION TIME WITH FERGUSON FLOWERS NEW YEAR BEAUTY TIPS FROM THE SECRET DAY SPA UPDATE ON CONNSWATER COMMUNITY GREENWAY COOK BOOK

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PROPERTY EXPERTS

Find us: Contact:

ASK THE EXPERT WITH ERIC MERCER OPTICIAN

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

LOCAL NEWS

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STAY HEALTHY IN 2015 WHATS ON? RSPB NEED YOUR HELP.

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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ANY NEWS? GET IN TOUCH!

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angela@bloommagazine.co.uk @bloommag

Bloom Magazine Belfast

KARATE WORLD CHAMPIONS RECOGNISED AT STORMONT Club members bring home six gold medals from Argentine event.

South Belfast MP Dr Alasdair McDonnell has acknowledged the success of the NI Karate Academy following their recent success at the World Championships in Argentina. The team, including members aged nine to adult, emerged with six gold medals and a number of silver and bronze, and were ranked 4th overall.

Dr McDonnell hosted a reception at Stormont, where team members and their families were thanked for their dedication and strong showing representing Northern Ireland.

According to Ravenhill native Cathy McAleer “It was an exciting opportunity to represent Northern Ireland at the world championships in October. Our small team did us proud, and were ranked as the fourth Country overall, returning with six world champions. It’s a tremendous boost to Karate in Northern Ireland, and given the young age of many of our competitors, lays the groundwork for future success.

Dr McDonnell added: “I would like to acknowledge the hard work of all the club members and the tremendous efforts they put in to training and competing. Special praise is also due to their families and supporters including Cathy McAleer, herself a successful champion, who has given so much back to the sport she loves.

REJUVALASE BEAUTY and Laser Clinic is a brand new, relaxed and stress free salon opened in October 2014, located at 448 Newtownards Road. At Rejuvalase our aim is to relax you with a therapy or treatment of your choice. Beauty treatments such as waxing, tinting, nails to luxury facials using Dermalogica products.

Holistic treatments such as reflexology, hopi ear candling and full body massage as well as tattoo removal and carbon laser peels. We also provide our clients with specialist massage such as fertility and pregnancy massage. We also cater for children by hosting princess parties for any occasion. If it's the unique experience of a joint treatment you are after we can provide a calming treatment room to unwind with that special person.

Regardless of your treatment with us our friendly and experienced staff will ensure you want to return again and again.

We are also proud to facilitate ourselves with the Northern Ireland Hospice, by offering complimentary treatments to those families who find themselves in very stressful situations. www.rejuvalasebeauty.co.uk | Tel: 028 9046 9447

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MIXED-MEDIA ANIMATORS SIXTEEN SOUTH NAMED FINALIST FOR MAJOR NATIONAL TV AWARD Belfast based Sixteen South is in the running for a major television industry award for its mixed-media animation series Lily’s Driftwood Bay whose cast includes stars Stephen Fry, Ardal O’Hanlon and Peter Mullan.

Lily’s Driftwood Bay, already a hit show in the UK, US and Australia where it is currently entertaining viewers with new winter episodes, is a finalist in the Best Pre-School Programme at the Broadcast Awards 2015.

Winners will be announced on 4 February 2015 at the twentieth anniversary of the awards in London.

Colin Williams, Creative Director at Sixteen South, said: “To be shortlisted by our peers in the television industry for a Broadcast Award is simply fantastic. We love Lily’s Driftwood Bay and we’re so proud that she was created and brought to life in Belfast. We're up against stiff competition, but we’re excited that the judges loved the programme enough to name Sixteen South as a finalist for this prestigious award.”

Lily’s Driftwood Bay winter episodes sees Lily take part in Winter Games where Bull is determined to win a medal at Driftwood Bay winter games. In Snowy Sheep Chase, a stray sheep leads Lily and Salty deep into a snow storm and in Christmas Kerfuffle, everyone is preparing the Cockle Café for a celebration when disaster strikes!

This awards shortlisting comes on the back of the recent announcement that Sixteen South has once again been named as one of the fastest growing companies in the Deloitte Ireland Fast 50, UK Fast 50 UK and EMEA Fast 500 with a growth rate of 639%.

Lily’s Driftwood Bay is supported by Northern Ireland Screen.

KEEP WARM AND SAFE DURING WINTER, URGES NEWTON ROBIN Newton East Belfast DUP MLA said as we move deeper into what is predicted to be a very severe winter it is essential that people prepare for any extreme weather to avoid health problems.

Robin Newton said, “Being prepared for the longer and colder winter nights can help individuals, especially older people, and young families to stay warm, safe and healthy.

It’s important to Keep up to date with weather forecasts and ensure there is enough of the right food and medicines in the cupboards. A balanced diet with hot foods and hot drinks are essential. Flu, chest infections and other breathing problems are more likely during chilly periods and can lead to more serious health risks.

Wearing layers of clothes will help keep heat in and above all important to keep the base of the back warm.

One in every four pensioners is worried about keeping warm and is troubled about the high cost of the winter heating bill. This cost can be kept to a minimum if windows are kept closed, heating boilers are serviced regularly and by heating only the rooms that are being used.

Older people and other high risk groups especially should keep in touch with family, friends and those they can trust in case they need assistance.”

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LOCAL STUDENTS ‘BRACED’ FOR A FUTURE IN THE MOVIES! Moving Image Arts students from Ashfield Girls’ High School and Aquinas Grammar School Belfast got an insight to the filmmaking business recently, participating in a bespoke film project for Belfast dental practice, Gentle Dental Care supported by Cinemagic and the Arts & Business Northern Ireland Investment Programme.

The ten young people, aged 15-18, had just two days to develop a filmmaking brief from concept to screen under the guidance of Cinemagic and the film was premiered at the closing night of the Cinemagic Film Festival in Odyssey Cinemas Belfast.

The film students had a challenging task to create the film ‘Brace Yourself’, focusing on the thoughts and concerns young teenagers have about getting braces, an issue that Gentle Dental wanted to examine in a creative environment to help communicate with their patients in a new and innovative way.

After a research morning involving 90 pupils from both schools,the dental practice was transformed into a film set for the project, with all of the staff taking on starring roles in the film! The initiative allowed the young film students to research an important youth issue, allowing them to work as a team and express their opinions as well as develop an understanding of the filmmaking process.

Heather Carr, Business Manager, Arts & Business NI said: “It is fantastic to see a local business working so well in partnership with an arts organisation to develop a really innovative solution to promote their business. We look forward to supporting them again in the future" Adam Jaffa, Managing Partner, Gentle Dental, said: “Gentle Dental came on board as a first time sponsor of Cinemagic and our teams worked closely together to develop a mutually beneficial partnership. Cinemagic were able to reach out to the target market of young teenagers, the group that we wanted to engage with, in a fun and meaningful way. We were incredibly impressed with the enthusiasm and talent from the young students”.

Joan Burney Keatings, Chief Executive, Cinemagic said: “The project allowed Cinemagic to develop young people’s skills in filmmaking but also in areas such as team work, communication, decision making and working to a deadline, skills that are transferrable in the school environment and in the future when the young people enter the workplace. The initiative illustrated how business and the arts can successfully work together to achieve common goals”.

East Belfast Community Development Agency are pleased to offer the following training: 2 Day ASIST Suicide Intervention Training Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 February 2014 from 9am to 5pm both days (you must be able to attend both full days) at Inverary Community Centre, Inverary Avenue, Belfast, BT4 1RN. Refreshments and lunches will be provided

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To register please contact Jean Higginson at EBCDA, Email: jean@ebcda.org or Tel: 028 9045 1512

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LOCAL NUTRITIONIST SCOOPS TOP AWARD Jane McClenaghan, author of the Vital Nutrition Cookbook and a leading nutritionist in Northern Ireland, has been highly commended for her outstanding practice at the highly coveted CAM Awards.

The CAM Awards are the UK’s ‘Oscars’ of the complementary and alternative health industry, and recognise individuals who are making a real difference through their work. Jane has beaten stiff competition across the whole of the UK and Northern Ireland and has been acknowledged as a practitioner whose work has inspired and motivated through best practice.

Speaking at her delight of receiving such prestigious recognition, Jane said: “I am ecstatic with this wonderful acknowledgment of my hard work from an industry that I am proud to be a part of.”

“I feel genuine pleasure when I see people making real and positive changes to their everyday lives that will have a massive impact on their health and future wellbeing.”

From cookery classes, nutrition workshops, one-to-one consultations and workplace health, Jane strives to share her knowledge and expertise to give people the confidence to make better choices which will have a real positive effect on their lives.

Jane McClenaghan’s passion for good food started in childhood, as she helped her mother prepare delicious family meals using produce grown in her own family garden. After studying Food Science at the University of Reading, her hunger for healthy lifestyle choices lead her to work alongside some of the UK’s foremost nutrition experts – Patrick Holford, Marilyn Glenville and Ian Marber (Food Doctor) to name a few, before returning to Northern Ireland to set up her own consultancy.

In 2001 Vital Nutrition was born and Jane has successfully helped thousands of people make easy, manageable changes to their diets with a view to achieving a better state of health and wellbeing.

"Jane was put forward for a CAM Award because of her outstanding commitment and contribution to the natural health industry. Jane has become Northern Ireland's leading nutrition expert with an extensive knowledge base developed from over 15 years in clinical practice. Her endless enthusiasm has inspired, influenced and encouraged a vast number of individuals and workplaces to make healthier food choices and experience the benefits of better health."

With her many years of successful clinical practice, Jane supports people with a variety of health issues, but has a special interest in hormone balance and adrenal support (stress and exhaustion). She practices from Framar Health, Belfast (www.framarhealth.com).

Jane’s practice has met the strict criteria required for registration with the Nutritional Therapy Council (NTC) and Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) — the Professional Standards Council for regulation of Nutritional Therapists. Jane is also bound by a strict code of ethics in clinical practice, governed by the British Association of Nutritional Therapy and Applied Nutrition (BANT). Jane is also a member of the Guild of Health Writers.

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LOCAL

EXPERT

ERIC MERCER OPTINIANS Local optometrist Eric Mercer answers your questions and gives advice on common eye problems.

ASK THE OPTICIAN

Vitamins Vitamins have powerful anti-oxidant properties that help protect your eyes from conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Look for vitamins A, C and E, in particular. These are found in many different fruits and vegetables – including oranges, kiwis, green leafy vegetables and tomatoes. They are also found in nuts, seeds and eggs.

Supplements There are a wide variety of nutritional supplements on the market targeted at eye health. However, there is some debate about their potential benefits. Most specialists agree that if you eat a healthy, balanced diet full of fresh fruit and vegetables, there is probably no need to use supplements. However, they can be a useful top-up if there is a shortfall in your diet or you already have macular degeneration.

Exercise Recent studies show that having an active lifestyle can also reduce your risk of developing macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma. Exercise increases blood-flow to the tissues inside your eyes, which helps eliminate toxins and prevent cell damage.

So, to summarize: if you are watching the calories this New Year - keep active, eat “five a day” of fruit and veg and include plenty of “greens” and oily fish. It will not only help you lose weight – it will improve your general health and help protect your eyesight too.

It’s a new year, and many of us will be looking to diet and exercise to help shake off the Christmas excesses. It’s well-known that having a balanced diet and active lifestyle is great for your general health. But did you know it can also help protect your eyesight?

Research shows that a diet low in fat and rich in fruit, vegetables and oily fish provides a wealth of vitamins, pigments and omega 3s, all of which are good for your eye health.

Macular pigments Certain carotenoid pigments - called lutein and zeaxanthin - have also been shown to reduce your risk of developing macular degeneration. Like vitamins, these pigments are strong antioxidants that mop up potentially damaging free radicals.

They also absorb ultraviolet light which helps protect the delicate cells of the macula at the back of your eyes. Dark green leafy vegetables, such as kale, cabbage, lettuce, spinach and broccoli, are particularly rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. Other good sources include peas, sweetcorn, celery and onions.

Omega 3 oils Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid that has been shown to ease the irritating symptoms of dry eyes.

Foods high in omega 3 include oily fish and fresh seeds. If you aren’t keen on the taste of fish, fish-oil capsules and omega 3 supplements are a good alternative.

Eric can be contacted at his practice at: 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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‘QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY MATHEMATICS CHALLENGE’ 2014 Congratulations to Grosvenor Grammar School’s Senior Mathematics team which achieved first place in the highly prestigious ‘Queen’s University Mathematics Challenge’ competition 2014, held in The Great Hall on Wednesday 3rd December.

The team, comprising sixth formers Christopher Purdy, Paul Pruzina, Ryan Simpson and David Thompson, defeated around thirty opposing teams with the assistance of their teacher Dr. Sam Stevenson.

Concentration within the venue was palpable as brains steamed whilst tackling this year’s challenging problems, cunningly devised by lecturers of the Q.U.B. Mathematics Department. Tension quickly rose in the Grosvenor camp as they took an early lead and, whilst they entered the final round with all to lose, pressure succumbed to elation when they were finally announced as the overall winners.

At the victory presentation Dr. Dundas, Mathematics Lecturer at Queen’s and event organiser, gave credit to Grosvenor, declaring that “the team won by a considerable margin”. The presentation was made by Michelle O’Hagan of ‘First Derivatives plc’, sponsors of the event.

‘First Derivatives plc’ is a leading employer of Mathematics graduates which wishes to make links with leading students from across the region. Each member of Grosvenor’s winning team took away a cash prize while an additional bounty will be presented to them at the company’s Headquarters in Newry when they attend on an educational visit later in the year.

Well done to all four of Grosvenor’s talented students on their victory, as well as Dr. Stevenson - whose input was instrumental to the team’s overall success. We wish Christopher, Paul, Ryan and David the best of luck in their Mathematics and Further Mathematics A Level studies and look forward to hearing about their visit to ‘First Derivatives’ Headquarters in the new year.

Stevenson - whose input was instrumental to the team’s overall success. We wish Christopher, Paul, Ryan and David the best of luck in their Mathematics and Further Mathematics A Level studies and look forward to hearing about their visit to ‘First Derivatives’ Headquarters in the new year.

Belfast City Council’s Sports Development Conference ‘Game Changer!’ proved a knock out hit with delegates not just the speakers. Representatives from 32 clubs across the city attended the event which offered information sessions on development, nutrition, under-represented groups, and first aid.

Lord Mayor Nichola Mallon also attended the event where Paralympian Gold Medallist, Michael McKillop and Phil Lane, who was named among ‘100 Most Influential People in Sport’

by The Times in 2009, 2010 and 2011 shared their experiences and looked forward to the future of sport in Belfast.

Being knocked sideways at the Game Changer! Sports Development Conference by trainee boxer, Ashton Blair from Eastside Boxing Club, are speakers (l-r) Adam Newton, Chairman of the council’s Parks and Leisure Committee, Phil Lane and Michael McKillop. More information available at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/sportsdevelopment

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Tips for Getting back on the Health Train December is a tough time and we all like to cut loose and enjoy lots of down time and socialising with our friends and family, but avoid the January fear by keeping your goals in your mind.

If you have thought about improving your exercise or diet then there is no time like the present! Make small changes like making sure your snacks and meals are filled with healthy and nutritious food, or accompany a friend to their gym or swim class. Instead of doing it in "January" just go for it!

This takes the pressure off and mean your changes happen over a steadier period of time rather than all at once come the new year, and any changes that are implemented slowly are more likely to stick than anything drastic.

Belmont Road’s Ferguson Flowers is recognising teachers who go above and beyond with ‘Say it with Flowers’ campaign In an effort to recognise a number of outstanding teachers in our local community, East Belfast’s very own family-run florist, Ferguson Flowers, has teamed up with Bloom Magazine to extend their ‘Say it with Flowers’ campaign to our local schools. Throughout the month of January, students, fellow teachers, faculty and parents are asked to submit an online entry nominating their favourite teacher to receive a surprise bouquet of flowers as a thank you for their tireless work with young people.

Speaking on behalf of Ferguson Flowers, owner Michael Ferguson said, “Flowers have a language all their own and are a perfect and versatile way to say thank you or let someone know they’re appreciated. As a community florist, we recognise the hard work put in my hundreds of local teachers and coaches in our schools to help the next generation succeed.”

“Our ‘Say it with Flowers’ campaign this autumn / winter has seen a number of winners across Northern Ireland awarded with bouquets. As teachers hold a special place in our hearts here at Fergusons, we have decided to extend the campaign to find deserving mentors in our own local community.”

Fergusons are encouraging readers to ‘Say it with Flowers’ and nominate their favourite teachers to win one of four surprise bouquets from Belfast’s leading florist. Winning entries will be surprised at school with a seasonal bouquet delivered by the Ferguson Flowers team.

To enter a deserving teacher to win, submit a letter, video, or original artwork of no more than 500 words describing why he or she deserves to be recognised to: competition@fergusonflowers.co.uk. Closing Date is Monday 19th January.

Winners will be surprised at the end of January with surprise bouquets.

To explore the full range of arrangements and hand-ties available at Ferguson Flowers this winter, visit their shop at 45 Belmont Road, Belfast, or logon to www.fergusonflowers.co.uk or www.facebook.com/fergusonflowers.co.uk.

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SECRET DAY SPA

Overindulged during the festive season?

Don’t worry; our experts are at the rescue with their quick-fix beauty tips.

Too many late nights at Christmas parties has made my skin dull and my eyes look puffy.

Add a light reflecting concealer. We love Youngblood ultimate concealer,£23,availabl e in 5 different shades is the simple most effective way to brighten your eyes.

Hydrating the area first will prevent the eye makeup looking too heavy and will give a youthful sheen to the skin.

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Change to a heavier weight moisturizer for more nourishment and protection like Super Rich Repair for day and night £62.60

Revive tired winter skin on your face by using Dermalogica gentle cream exfoliant, £38.80. It is as important to exfolitate in winter as it is in summer. To get a healthy glow it is vital to rid your skin of dead skin cells. It is mild and gentle to use, so ideal if you have sensitive or dry skin.

Apply a small amount of [comfort zone] sacred nature eye cream gel to the contour of your eye. . The caffeine in this product will reduce any puffiness and swelling and leave the skin soft and nourished.

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CONNSWATER COMMUNITY GREENWAY CONSTRUCTION UPDATE Construction will begin this month on the second phase of the £40 million Connswater Community Greenway, in east Belfast. This carries on from the recently completed phase 1 greenway works at Victoria and Orangefield Park’s.

Exciting plans for phase 2 of the Connswater Community Greenway include: • • • • • • • •

A C.S. Lewis themed civic square at Holywood Arches Public art at Holywood Arches and gateways New play areas at Avoniel and Loop River Park 16kms of new paths for walking and cycling New bridges, crossings and signage Improvements to the rivers Flood defences Lighting, benches, landscaping and planting

The phase 2 contractor, Farrans will begin construction in the following areas this month: • • • •

Orangefield Park to the Knock Dual Carriageway Ladas Drive to Montgomery Road Holywood Arches Connswater Retail Park

The remaining sections will follow later this year, with all work to be completed by late 2016. Households will be notified in advance about work in their area. Look out for posters and leaflets too, and if you have any questions about the construction works you can call the 24/7 freephone Farrans Customer Care Line on 0800 083 8160. You can view a draft programme of the greenway works schedule visiting www.communitygreenway.co.uk.

Don’t forget you can already visit the newly regenerated Victoria and Orangefield Park’s to see all the improvements as part of the Connswater Community Greenway. These parks’s have also had lighting installed and are open 24/7 so there’s no excuse!

Later this month the Connswater Community Greenway will be holding an event in Orangefield Park for dog walkers – Orangefield Bark Walk. This is a great opportunity to maybe meet a walking partner, experience the park in the evening and encourage people to get to know their local park community. Join the Bark Walk on Thursday 15th January at 8pm with you pooch. Pre register by emailing sean@eastbelfastpartnership.org or telephoning 028 9046 7925 – first 40 registered will receive a dog collar light.

The Connswater Community Greenway has been developed by the East Belfast Partnership and is being delivered with Belfast City Council. Funded by the Big Lottery Fund, Belfast City Council and the Department for Social Development.

You can find out more about the project online at www.communitygreenway.co.uk.

Join the conversation online by liking on facebook.com/ConnswaterCommunityGreenway or Tweeting @ConnswaterCG

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cookbook ABOUT JANE Award winning Jane McClenaghan, author of the Vital Nutrition Cookbook and a leading nutritionist in Northern Ireland, shares some delicious healthy recipes with us to kick start our healthy eating habits for 2015.

Thai Fishcakes Ingredients (Serves 2)

Method

150-200g white fish (choose sustainable fish like coley or pollock)

Finely chop the fish and place in a large bowl with the spring onions, ginger, curry paste, fish sauce, egg and coriander. Mix well and then stir in the flour, lime juice and zest and season with black pepper.

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4 spring onions, chopped 1 inch fresh root ginger, grated 1 tsp Thai green curry paste 2 tsp nam pla (fish sauce) 1 egg, beaten 2 tblsp chopped coriander 1 tblsp flour (I use buckwheat flour, but whatever you have in the cupboard) Juice and zest of a lime Black pepper 1 tsp coconut oil

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The mixture may be a bit wet at this stage. You can add a bit more flour if you like.

Divide into 4 generous portions. Put a little flour on your hands and form each portion into a ball.

Flatten slightly and fry in the coconut oil for 5-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Asian Beef Salad

Ingredients (Serves 2)

Method

150-200g white fish (choose sustainable fish like coley or pollock)

Mix the oyster sauce, garlic and chilli together in a bowl and add the sliced steak. Allow to marinate while you make the salad.

-

1-2 tblsp oyster sauce 1 clove garlic, chopped ½ to 1 chilli (depending on how hot you like it), chopped 200g fillet steak, thinly sliced 1 tsp coconut oil For the salad: 3 or 4 spring onions, chopped 100g beansprouts 1 red pepper, sliced Ÿ cucumber Bunch of coriander, chopped A few strips of preserved ginger 2 tblsp sesame seeds

In a salad bowl, combine the spring onions, beansprouts and red pepper. Use a vegetable peeler to finely slice the cucumber into strips.

Add to the other salad ingredients. Add the chopped coriander and preserved ginger.

Put the sesame seeds into a heavy based pan and heat gently until lightly toasted. Add to the salad.

Heat the coconut oil in a wok, then add the marinated beef and stir-fry for a couple of minutes until cooked.

Serve the beef along with the salad and add dressing to taste.

25

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268 Belvoir Drive, Belfast BT8 7DU • Tel: 028 9081 7899 / 028 9081 7901

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

RO

UT

WIDE RANGE OF WINTER TYRES AVAILABLE

U

O

TYRES, BATTERIES, SERVICING

A ND B

T Y R E S

Car & Van Tyres MOT & Servicing Centre Electronic Wheel Balance & Alignment Exhausts MOT Preparation Diagnostic Checks Computerised Brake Testing Tyres Checked for Legal Tread Limit Competitive Prices

1 Ballygowan Road Belfast BT5 7LH 50 yds after Knock Carriageway Junction

028 9079 6552 www.roundabout-tyres.co.uk

A&M

Motors

8.30-5.30 Mon- Fri / 8.30-12.30 Sat

CROSSNACREEVY NURSERIES FULLY INSURED • QUALITY ASSURED FREE ESTIMATES • ALL WASTES REMOVED

Car Mechanical & Bod ywor k

HIGH BAKE OVEN • CLUTCHES • BRAKES/EXHAUSTS • SERVICING

HASSLE FREE M.O.T. Cars collected and delivered to and from your home or work.

Commercial & Domestic Garden Maintenance Power Washing, Patios, Drives, Etc Coloured Pebbles supplied & laid Decorative Flagging, Paving & Walls Hedge Cutting & Tree Pruning/Felling Lawns scarified & Resowed/Feeding New Lawns Laid/Sowed/Turfed All Types of Fencing Erected Fields/Paddocks/Large Grass Areas Grass Topped/Cut Mini Digger Work Undertaken General Tidy Ups - Grass Cutting T: 028 9044 8255/028 9751 1416 M: 07802 333256

2a Isoline St Castlereagh Rd BT5 5GF Tel: 028 9045 4201

crossnacreevynurseries.uktc.com crossnacreevy_nurseries@hotmail.com

LOCAL

EXPERT

CENTURY21 BELFAST

CENTURY21 BELFAST, the estate and letting agency experts, is urging all potential house purchasers and sellers to make sure they clearly understand the new stamp duty system and what it will mean for them.

The new system for stamp duty was announced

by Chancellor George Osborne in December’s Autumn Statement and means the old ‘slab’ method has been abolished in favour of a new ‘progressive’ approach.

CENTURY21 BELFAST believes purchasers will now need to factor in the stamp duty changes as they could either provide significant savings on the previous system, or for those purchasing £1m homes, will mean an increase in overall house purchase cost.

The local agents are also urging buyers to contact their office in order to discuss how this might impact their plans, and is also stressing to sellers that revaluation of properties may also be appropriate given the fact many homes were priced in line with the previous, artificial stamp duty thresholds.

CENTURY21 BELFAST believe the stamp duty changes may significantly alter the local housing market and are therefore urging anyone considering buying or selling property to seek their expert advice before proceeding.

MARK DUGGAN, SALES DIRECTOR of CENTURY21 BELFAST commented:

The changes to the stamp duty taxation system were certainly a ‘rabbit out of the hat’ from Chancellor George Osborne in his recent Autumn Statement. They appear to have taken the entire property market by surprise however we believe the changes are long overdue and the more progressive system should be a lot fairer for many of our clients. The new rules mean different things to different buyers but the rule of thumb is that anyone purchasing a property under £937k will be paying less stamp duty under this new system than the old one.

“For sellers too, there are issues to consider as the previous thresholds did often distort the price at which properties were marketed in order to bring them within a certain band. This should no longer be the case and therefore we may well see some significant revaluation of properties because of this. The advice has to be for both buyers and sellers to take expert advice from CENTURY21 BELFAST so we are able to tailor their plans to the new local housing market.

To review all properties available to purchase or rent via CENTURY21 BELFAST please visit: www.century21uk.com/belfast

FIND US ONLINE: | 28

93 Bloomfield Road Belfast BT5 5LS belfast@century21uk.com Dedicated to providing buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants the highest quality of service.

SALE PROPERTIES URGENTLY REQUIRED DUE TO HUGE DEMAND! FIXED PRICE SALE FEE:

LETTING FEE £250 + VAT

£850 + vat

Tel: (028)90 763189 £195 FINDERS FEE FOR LANDLORDS

NO LET NO FEE • Management option also available www.century21uk.com/belfast

Local, National, International

milk

ELL WE WANT TO S Y YOUR PROPERT ____________________

estates

sale

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2 Bellevue Terrace

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sale

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Apt 4, 36 Clonevin Park

51 Nevis Avenue

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FREE PROPERTY 145 Holywood Road, Belfast TION www.milkestates.com | 028 9065 4314 VALUA

LOCAL

EXPERT

DUNDELA PHARMACY

New Year, New You? At this time of year we are all thinking about the New Year ahead and perhaps have made New Year resolutions. Some we will stick to and others perhaps have already been broken! No matter what age we are, it is imperative that we pay close attention to our health. Now is a perfect time to start thinking about the little changes we can make to help improve our health.

It is important to enjoy a varied diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, based on starchy wholegrains and low in saturated fat. This means that potatoes and wholegrain cereals, brown rice and wholewheat pasta should make up a third of what we eat. Some people think that starchy foods are fattening but gram for gram they contain half the calories of fat. Saturated fats are found in meat products, butter, cheeses and cream, the average man should eat no more than 30g, women 20g, of these foods. Try and include good heart healthy foods such as oily fish, oats, pulses and nuts. It is important to not deny yourself little treats. Small changes can make all the difference, consider swapping the can of fizzy drink for a bottle of water or the milk chocolate bar for a few squares of dark chocolate.

Aim for a healthy weight and shape. The more apple shaped you are the greater the risk of heart disease. For men this means you’re aiming for a waist measurement of 37in or less and women 32in or less.

Try building exercise into your everyday routine, take the stairs instead of the lift or make it a brisk walk to work or the shops instead of a stroll. Aim to do twenty minutes of exercise four times per week. If you are not used to physical activity, you should speak to your pharmacist or another healthcare professional before beginning any exercise programme, and remember it is important to increase the level of physical activity gradually.

Consider having a health check, at Dundela pharmacy we offer blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol screening for a small fee. A quick and easy test now may motivate you to make changes to your lifestyle to reduce your risk of developing diabetes or heart disease before the need for medication. Anyone from the age of 30 onwards will benefit from screening as you can have risk factors you may not be aware of, even when symptom free.

You can call into Dundela Pharmacy anytime to speak to one of our highly trained healthcare team.

Have a Happy & Healthy New Year! |

32

Detached converted bungalow with garage

Semi detached

3-4 bedrooms

3 bedrooms

Generous landscaped gardens

Through lounge

Well appointed & deceptively spacious

Ideal for the young family

Prestigious location off Old Holywood Road

Located close to good schools and many amenities

Full details online at www.Watson1889.com

Full details online at www.Watson1889.com

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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34

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

FOR SALE Laptops,PCs and Tablets New & Refurbished

iPhone Repairs

£59

from PC/Laptop Repair

FREE ESTIMATES

(No Fix No Fee)

PRINTER CARTRIDGES H STATIONERY H PHOTOCOPYING H COMB BINDING 10% OFF with this voucher

Discount applies to cartridges & stationary.

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

what’s on 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 Ballyhackamore.

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

Wandsworth CC. £1 Skainos Building skainos.org Road, BT5 5NE 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 Newtownards Rd P5-P7 4.30Brownies girls skainos.org 7-10yrs Monday 7pm p1-p4 3.30-4.30pm Skainos Building Guides 10-14yrs Mondays 7pm.

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

Lisa 07736 315420.

Compass Cinema NI Stars Parade. Tel: 028 9065 2314 to book.

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

10.30-12 29th April.

Skainos Building skainos.org Mops & Tots Lego Club 3.30-4.30pm. Age 7+ GirlsCFC Brigade 10am Lego Club.

11am Claycrazy Club.

Badminton Crosslinks 9.30-11am (term time - alternate £5p/wk. 77 Holywood Rd. £5 per session.2-3pm.

77 Holywood Rd. - Cross Tuesdays) £1 forP5one child, £1.50 total 02810-11.30am 9508 8818 £1 per family 3 yrs - P4 6.15pm. upwards 7.30pm 028Community 9508 8818Arts 7-9pm 14-21 yr olds.

Contact Grand Parade 028 9065 8946. for more.

Tea/coffee/juice/snacks.

Wandsworth Community Luncheon Club Yoga BelfastAndy Hill.

Strand Cinema NI Stars Mums & Tots Mops 9065 1668.

Needlework For CFC senior citizens. Cregagh Methodist. 028Cregagh Pregnancy Yoga @ & Physioworks Holywood 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.

10.30-11.45am @ ComSinging 7-8pm Avenue. Tel:Spanish 028 9040 1444 Tuesdays) £3.50 per mum. Breakfast 11am-12pm. for preschoolers munity drop&indancing class 10.30-11.45am @ Wandsworth Gilnahirk Presbyterian and creche provided.

10 Belmont Rd. 2.15-3pm.

Spanish for children 3.15Skainos Bulding skainos.org Gilnahirk Primary.Community yogabelfast.com 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, guard5-6pm. Children & Teens 161 Gilnahirk Rd. Laura 07708 000025028Academy Mersey Street Presb. ians, toddlers - crafts, games, stories 8.30-10pm.

9065 1668 carnival drumming 6.30pm-7.30pm.

Kirkpatrick Memorial Presb 10-11.45am £1.

10am-12.

Goingterm Greentime.

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

Yoga Upper Newtownards Rd £1 donation St Donards Church Strand Arts Centre 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 Strand Cinema & NI Stars Belmont Tower 53 Kings Road, 10.30am-12.30pm.

Gillian 07803 117619. Holywood £1 for adults.

Tea/coffee/juice Friday Friendship.

Wandsworth Community Road, BT4 www.belmont-tower.co.uk Strandtown Baptist Tots Flower Ar- Ballyhackamore Library Sewing Group 10am-12noon.

Singling & dancing 1.30-3.30pm Childrens dance classes 4-7pm 10.0011.30am (term ranging 1.30-3.30pm.

Yogatime) 7-8.30pm 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 www.nistars.com Pregnancy Yoga 7.30-8.30pm Strandtown Chill Out Family Story Time. 3.30pm.

Yoga Belfast Baptist Church, East Belfast Wine Makers Tots ‘R’ Us 1 Clonallon BT4 2ABPrimary.

Belmont Tower Pregnancy YogaCourt @ Gilnahirk email your event details to: 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 angela@bloommagazine.co.uk Compass Womens Group 7-9pm 127a Orby Drive TotsBowl & Co7-8pm. yogabelfast.com Belcanto School of Singing 10-1pm @ Ice

Thursdays

Mondays

Wednesdays

Mondays

Wednesdays

Saturdays

Tuesdays

Thursdays

Fridays

Fridays

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36

Sundays

Tuesdays

Richard Graham

Your local online accountant

KEY SERVICES Bookkeeping Payroll Accounts VAT Tax Planning Business Planning Self Assessment Raising Finance

SELF ASSESSMENT

DON'T LET IT BE TAXING Increase Your Profits, Save Tax & Lower IT Costs Your Virtual Finance Team Fixed Monthly Fees - No Surprise Bills

NORTHERN IRELAND SCIENCE PARK THE INNOVATION CENTRE TITANIC QUARTER BELFAST BT3 9DT TEL: OFFICE: 02890 654 353 MOBILE: 078686 63538 www.cloudaccountingni.com twitter.com/rg_co

Get ready for the

world’s biggest wildlife survey!

Christmas might be over for another year but the folks at RSPB NI haven’t got the January blues because one of their favourite weekends is just around the corner!

The Big Garden Birdwatch is a simple concept – the charity asks people to spend one hour counting the birds which visit their garden over the weekend of 24/25 January 2015 and then report what they see.

The survey, now in its 36th year, provides information about the changes in numbers of birds using our gardens in winter and helps alert conservationists to species in decline.

Last year more than 12,000 people in Northern Ireland took part and, of the 127,700 birds counted, house sparrows were the most commonly seen here.

Despite the wet and windy conditions during the two-day Birdwatch, these cheeky little birds were spotted in 66 per cent of gardens.

Starlings and chaffinches were the second and third most spotted birds, but overall sightings fell by six and 20 per cent respectively since 2013.

Don’t worry if it’s too chilly to venture outdoors – this citizen science works just as well if you’re cosily watching from indoors with a cup of tea in hand!

If you’d like to get involved this year, it couldn’t be easier - you can even take part in your local park if you don't have a garden.

When the Birdwatch kicks off you'll be able to use the online bird counting tool to record the birds as you see them directly on your laptop, tablet or smartphone. You can, of course, still take part with pen and paper and then enter your results on your computer or by filling in a paper survey form and posting it to the charity.

The survey is part of the RSPB’s Giving Nature a Home campaign, aimed at tackling the housing crisis facing the UK’s threatened wildlife. The charity is asking people to provide a place for wildlife in their own gardens and outside spaces – whether it by planting pollen-rich plants to attract bees and butterflies, putting up a nestbox for a house sparrow, or creating a pond that will support a number of different species. To find out how you can give nature a home where you live visit www.rspb.org.uk/homes.

You can register to take part in Big Garden Birdwatch 2015 at www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.

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38

VISION PROPERTY