Bloom Magazine Newtownards - sept15

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NEWTOWNARDS ISSUE 04 SEPTEMBER 2015

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Welcome to

CONTENTS 10

04

08

LATEST NEWS

MADE WITH LOVE SHOWCASE OF LOCAL PRODUCERS

OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LOVES

12

14

16

LOCAL EXPERT

WHATS ON LOCAL EVENTS

LOCAL EXPERT

JUBILEE VETS

18

20

22

LOVE OUR BEACHES

DEKKO BIRD

THE GOOD LIFE

24

26

28

LOCAL EXPERT

THINK PINK

CREATIVE PENINSULA

FROM YOUR LOCAL AREA

NATIONAL TRUST

BLOOM SOCIAL

ROAMER HOLISTIC BEAUTY

STYLE BLOGGER

WORTHINGTONS SOLICITORS

GROW YOUR OWN

ACTION CANCER

WHAT NEXT?

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News ANY NEWS? GET IN TOUCH!

SEPTEMBER 2015

angela@bloommagazine.co.uk

Bloom Magazine Belfast

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EVENTS

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BloomMagBelfast

BATTLE OF BRITAIN AT 75: COMMEMORATIVE EVENT ANNOUNCED AT ARDS AIRFIELD 2015 marks the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain – the greatest aerial conflict of the Second World War, which turned the tide in the war against Germany. In recognition of this important anniversary, Ards and North Down Borough Council is holding a special commemorative event featuring a spitfire and hurricane fly-past, jazz picnic and vintage fair at Ards Air Field on Saturday 19 September. The sounds of the 40s will be recreated by headline act the Syd Lawrence Orchestra, known as the ‘Best Big Band in the Land’.

Dave Martin and The Casino Cats will start the stage programme at 2pm. Led by the charismatic Dave Martin with his smooth velvety vocals, the band offer authentic smooth sounds from the 40s era with a set list of popular big band tunes.

Next up at 4.15pm is the fabulous Syd Lawrence Orchestra. Founded in 1967 by trumpeter and arranger Syd Lawrence, the orchestra has been thrilling audiences in concert halls, theatres, TV shows and music festivals all over Great Britain and Europe for over 40 years. Renowned for its exciting blend of high octane big band swing and classic dance music, the orchestra’s repertoire ranges from the wartime million sellers of the legendary Glenn Miller through the era of the great Count Basie Orchestra to the hit songs of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.

At 6.30pm spectators will be invited to look to the skies as a genuine spitfire and a hurricane aircraft perform a special fly-past over the air field. Both of these famous aircraft were typical of the planes that fought in the Battle of Britain and these restored versions are very rare examples that will lend authenticity to this commemorative event.

Also on site throughout the day will be a vintage fair from Frock Around The Clock. Guaranteed to delight the vintage lover and shopaholic like, the fair will feature a fabulous line-up of around 30 hand-picked local vintage dealers and creative designers offering a huge array of vintage and handmade fashion, jewellery, furniture, home-wares, collectables, gifts, sweet treats and so much more.

A display of military vehicles, street theatre, vintage dancers and a food-fair will make this commemorative event a day out for all the family.

Gates to the venue are open at 11am and car-parking is available on-site.

For further information on this event please contact Ards Visitor Information Centre on (028) 9182 6846 or email ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

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News angela@bloommagazine.co.uk

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OLD DOG, NEW TRICKS! Ards and North Down Borough Council is encouraging pet owners that even an older dog can learn new ‘tricks’ at its Good Citizen Dog Scheme starting on Wednesday 9 September.

Two classes are being run as part of the Kennel Club’s accredited training course: a puppy foundation course for dogs aged 3 - 6 months and a Good Citizen bronze award for pets aged six months or more.

The puppy foundation course deals specifically with basic commands such as sit, and stand, walking in a controlled way and food manners, as well as how to overcome and avoid problems with teething, sleeping and feeding that are common among young dogs.

The bronze award aims to produce a dog that will walk and behave in a controlled manner as well as promoting responsible dog ownership. It teaches correct handling and covers everything from obedience training to sound advice on grooming, exercise and diet. The course also requires that owners show that they have a means of cleaning up after their dog and that their pet is wearing a lead and collar with the name and address of the owner inscribed on the collar or disc.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Alan Graham, is encouraging local dog owners to sign up for the class.

He explained: “The Council is proud to deliver Kennel Club accredited dog training. The Good Citizen Dog Scheme is the largest programme of its kind in the United Kingdom and it provides a recognised, quality standard of training for dogs and owners. A well-behaved dog makes for a more enjoyable pet and I would encourage local owners to consider participating in one of the upcoming classes. The scheme is open to all dogs, young or old, pedigree or crossbreed, whether Kennel Club registered or not. Dog owners of any fitness level or with a disability can take part too.

The Good Citizen Dog Scheme is just one of the measures that the Council has in place to promote responsible dog ownership and tackle dog fouling. It will also continue to take enforcement action, deliver its school education programme and provide dog poop bins and dog fouling signs as well as administering its street cleaning service.”

The Good Citizen Dog Scheme begins on Wednesday 9 September and runs for seven weeks. The adult dog programme costs £35 and the puppy socialisation class costs £25. The courses take place in the Queen’s Hall, Newtownards and are open to all dogs that have completed their vaccination programmes.

For more information or to book a place contact Dawn Phillips on 0300 013 3333 or email dawn.phillips@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk.

103 Airport Road West, Belfast, BT3 9ED Tel: 02890 454 599 Email: info@ridgeway-online.com

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News angela@bloommagazine.co.uk

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NDCC AUTUMN FOODFEST Join the North Down Craft Collective on Saturday 12th September at Holywood Old School, Church Road, Holywood for their annual Autumn Foodfest!

As well as the regular collective members all the guests this month will be local food producers! Miss Maud will also be there in her new tearoom serving teas and coffees, scones, traybakes, sandwiches and soup…. all homemade of course!

September is the time of year associated with harvest celebrations and thanksgiving and the NDCC will be encouraging visitors to support local charity Storehouse this month.

‘Storehouse exists to encourage dignity and significance in those living in poverty, in and through the provision of the basic essentials of life’ The £1 entrance fee will go directly to Storehouse or alternatively visitors can donate food or clothing.

Debbie and William from the NDCC would like to thank Bloom readers for their continued support and hope to see you all at the Old School on Saturday 13th (10am-4pm) to welcome in the Autumn season.

More information on storehouse can be found at www.storehousebelfast.com

THOMPSON FAMILY TEA LAUNCHES NEW RANGE IN TESCO Belfast tea blenders, Thompson Family Teas, make Northern Irelands’ favourite tea, Punjana.

Lindsay Skinner, Punjana Ltd Sales Director, commenting about the company’s new tea products said, “ We are very excited about our newly designed “ foil-fresh “ Green teas. Now available in 80’s packs, these award-winning teas have great shelf appeal, and we are delighted that Tesco have featured them in all stores.

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Showroom opens early September 220 Lisburn Road (opposite Tesco) Find www.dreamdoors.co.uk us on

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We know your love for all things handcrafted, so each month we’ll be sharing our favourites found while browsing markets and local boutiques. “

We are scent builders and wax pourers, we love to explore scent and use memories, places we love and books as inspiration. Sustainability is a big part of what we do and only use 100% natural soy wax from sustainable farms and source all our supplies as locally as possible.

We can be found in St Georges Market every Sunday, the ND Craft Collective in Holywood the second Saturday of each month and at the Fine and Dandy market the last Sunday of each month. For all other fairs check out our social media. #thebeardedcandlemakers

”

Wee Yarn Designs is a contemporary range of knitted accessories for women, men, children and the home. Each piece is designed and hand knit by Debbie McCann who uses locally sourced yarns such as Donegal tweed and Aran wool as well as cashmere, merino and silk. She also designs and makes Dorset buttons which she uses to make jewellery and embellishments and she holds workshops and demos in this historic craft.

Contact Wee Yarn Designs at: debbie@weeyarndesigns.com, 07718924166 or follow Wee Yarn Designs on facebook, twitter, instagram and pinterest.

Debbie is a member of the North Down Craft Collective which meet in Holywod Old School on the second Saturday each month and The Fine & Dandy Market at the Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast on the last Sunday each month. She also has work in Kiln & Loom and Studio Souk, Belfast and The Old Post Office, Lisbane.

“ I started “The Local “3 1/2 years ago, with the

aim of producing superior jams and chutneys using traditional techniques. You can taste our products at regular monthly markets, including The North Down Craft Collective and The Fine and Dandy and Comber Farmer’s Markets. For more information on where you can source our products contact us at thelocalni@gmail.com, or follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with new events and retailers.

”

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what’s on

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

september EVENTS Saturday 19 September Battle of Britain Ards Airfield FREE EVENT, 12NOON – 7PM 2015 marks the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain – the greatest aerial conflict of the Second World War, which turned the tide in the war against Germany. In recognition of this important anniversary, Ards and North Down Borough Council is holding a special commemorative event featuring a spitfire and hurricane fly-past, jazz picnic and vintage fair at Ards Air Field on Saturday 19 September. The sounds of the 40s will be recreated by headline act the Syd Lawrence Orchestra, known as the ‘Best Big Band in the Land’.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre (028) 9127 0069, Ards Visitor Information Centre (028) 9182 6846, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Wednesday 23 – Sunday 27 September, Aspects Irish Literature Festival Bangor, various PRICES VARY As Aspects celebrates its 24th year, they will present a diverse and exciting programme showcasing the wealth of local talent along with Aspects favourites and special guests.

Enjoy a celebration of the written word through poetry, prose, journalism, comedy, song writing and more.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre (028) 9127 0069, info@aspectsfestival.com, aspectsfestival.com

Saturday 26 September, Bangor Aurora 10k Race starts at Castle Park Avenue

Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages Groomsport Harbour

ENTRY FEES VARY, ENTER BEFORE 20 SEPTEMBER FOR EARLY ENTRY DISCOUNT

FREE ENTERTAINMENT, 2PM-4PM.

On Saturday 26 September, the Bangor Aurora 10K Road Race will hit the streets of the town attracting 100’s of athletes

Sat 5: Party Animals NI Sun 6: Re-enactors, Live Music, Clayrazy, Children’s crafts and Glitter Tattoos Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission

Info: Bangor Aurora 028 9127 0271, www.bangoraurora.com

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ALL THESE EVENTS, VISIT WWW.visitstrangfordlough.CO.UK |

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LOCAL

EXPERT

JUBILEE VETS

Dental Care for your Pets Dental disease is one of the most common problems in our pets, this affects around 80% of cats and dogs over the age of three.

Periodontal disease begins with plaque (a mixture of bacteria and food debris) build up of the tooth surface which in turn becomes tartar. This bacteria then leads to gingivitis ( gum inflammation) this can lead to the loosening of the ligament surrounding the teeth so the tooth will need extracted.

The bacteria in the mouth is able to gain access to the bloodstream and can invade other organs e.g heart, liver and kidneys.

Signs of dental disease:

Prevention

• • • • • • •

• There are a number of ways to prevent dental disease:

Bad breath Tarter/plaque Bleeding gums Discomfort around mouth Not eating Weight loss Salivating

During the month of October we are offering FREE nurse check ups and 20% discounts on dentals

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to avoid disappointment.

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• Feeding a good quality dry food – some brands are designed especially with teeth in mind e.g a larger kibble • Tooth brushing – using specially shaped toothbrushes or finger brushes and toothpaste.

Chews • Regular check ups with your vet or nurse to detect any early signs.

Tel : 028 9181 2226 3 Jubilee Road, Newtownards Co. Down, BT23 4YH

Sugar Cube bringing you a fresh fun twist on the coffee shop scene.

Serving fresh made sandwiches, subs, paninis, bubble tea and Mullins ice cream

2 Conway Square, Newtownards

Telephone: 028 9182 2334

Social @bloommag

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et ark sM e rg

Dekko Bird Home making & styling blogger. Keira is a Belfast girl who bloggs about her love for interior design, home styling handmade projects and things that make her smile. This stylish bird is one to watch!

Doris and Jeannie Interiors retail shop stocking the infamous Annie Sloan ™ Chalk Pain ™. Inspiring Belfast and beyond to fall in love with making your home beautiful.

St. Georges Market The official St Georges Market page, run by the traders committee and supported by BCC. (Great pictures of all the stalls)

Twitter @BelfastGiants Official Twitter home of Stena Line Belfast Giants. News, fixtures and everything Giants related!

Facebook

@tqeventsbelfast

Wardens Department Store

For all the latest info on TQ events, festivals, activities and entertainment.

The heart of Newtownards shopping for over 130 years. Keep up to date with product lines, offers & events.

ctive olle tC f a

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ND

The North Down Craft Collective is a select group of enthusiastic, inspired crafters and food producers, committed to producing high quality, affordable, handmade products. We aim to provide excellent customer service and support small businesses and the local economy through our monthly artisan food and craft market and via individual projects. Find us on the second Saturday of each month at Holywood Old School, 92 Church Road, Holywood.

Cr

ND Craft Collective

Chef & Manager

20% OFF

FROM THE ENTIRE BILL AVAILABLE TUE - THURS 6.30PM - 9.00PM A LA CARTE MENU ONLY

OPENING HOURS MON CLOSED

TUE TO SAT 12NOON TO 10PM

SUN 12NOON TO 8PM

23 HIGH STREET | NEWTOWNARDS, BT23 4JN | TEL: 028 9180 0932

LOCAL

EXPERT

ROAMER HOLISTIC HEALTH & BEAUTY

WHAT IS MASsAGE? Massage is a general term for pressing, rubbing and manipulating your skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Massage therapists typically use their hands and fingers for massage, but may also use their forearms, elbows and even feet.

Massage may range from light stroking to deep pressure. There are many different types of massage, including Aromatherapy, Swedish, Deep Tissue and Sports Massage.

Massage isn’t simply a ‘treat’. Just 10 minutes can reduce inflammation, which can help your body recover. The health benefits of touch extend beyond simply soothing aches and pains. Of course, the stressed-out have been proponents of the anxiety-busting procedure for decades. But a growing body of research suggests that a rubdown is even better for you than you think. Below are some surprising health benefits of massage.

Manage Anxiety & Depression

Raise Alertness

Boost Immunity

Improve Sleep

For the same reasons that a massage is relaxing, it can also soothe anxiety and depression. Studies also show that it is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension, for example, osteoarthritis.

Multiple studies have linked massage to better functioning of the immune system.

Save Face

A little prodding in the right places can even have beauty benefits. Massage increases blood flow, which plumps up slack skin, encourages lymphatic drainage and adds vitality to a dull complexion.

Want to boost your brainpower? Adults who were given a 15-minute chair massage in a small 1996 Touch Research Institute (TRI) study were more alert and completed a series of math questions faster and more accurately.

If you've ever dozed off on a massage table, you don't need to be convinced that a massage can promote healthy sleep.

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Just like muscle and back pain, headaches can also be alleviated thanks to massage. A regular rubdown can reduce a person's number of migraines.

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Most people can benefit from massage. However, massage may not be appropriate if you have certain conditions or injuries. Some forms of massage can leave you feeling a bit sore the next day. But massage shouldn't ordinarily be painful or uncomfortable. If any part of your massage doesn't feel right or is painful, speak up right away.

At Roamer Holistic Health & Beauty we offer Aromatherapy, Swedish, Hot Stone, Warm Lava Shell and Sports Injury Massages. Book online at www.roamerholistic.co.uk or on (028) 9181 5777

17 Frances Street, Newtownards, Down, BT23 7DW

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Tel: 028 9181 5777 Email: info@roamerholistic.co.uk Web: www.roamerholistic.co.uk

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Beaches to

Love

Spend some time falling back in love with Northern Ireland’s beautiful coastline this summer. With fantastic beaches close to home why not pack a picnic and towel, or wellies and a rain coat, and enjoy a coastal walk along golden sands.

Phil Davidson, Wildlife and Countryside Advisor for the National Trust, Northern Ireland’s largest conservation charity, shares her top five beaches to explore.

whatever the weather

Portstewart Strand, County Londonderry Sweeping along the edge of the North Coast, this two-mile stretch of golden sand is one of Northern Ireland's finest beaches and offers views of Inishowen headland and Mussenden Temple perched atop the cliffs. It is an ideal place for lazy picnics, surfing, slacklining and long walks into the sand dunes where wild pansy flowers dance in the breeze and common blue and dark green fritillary butterflies abound.

White Park Bay, County Antrim This spectacular sandy beach forms a white arc between two headlands on the North Antrim Coast.

Its secluded location means that even on a busy day there is plenty of room for quiet relaxation. The beach is backed by ancient dunes that provide important habitats for birds, animals and plant life.

Cushendun, County Antrim Nestled at the mouth of the River Dunn (the Brown River), Cushendun has a lovely beach backed by species rich grassland. Explore the circular walking trail and admire the beautiful white Cornish-style houses designed by Clough Williams-Ellis. The woodlands around Glenmona are also a great place to spot the increasingly uncommon red squirrel.

Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down Murlough National Nature Reserve is an extraordinarily beautiful dune landscape overlooked by the rounded peaks of the Mourne Mountains. It is a fragile 6000 year old sand dune system and managed as Ireland’s first Nature Reserve since 1967. It is an excellent area for walking and bird watching due to its spectacular location at the edge of Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains. The views are spectacular at any time of the year.

Kearney, County Down This is a real hidden gem. On the Irish Sea coast of the Ards Peninsula, a long narrow road takes you through green drumlins to the charming village of Kearney with its sandy beach. The village dates back to the early 18th century and stunning walks take you along the coastline with rare plants such as yellow horned poppies. From here you can see Mull of Galloway and Isle of Man on a good day.

The National Trust looks after 108 miles (22%) of the Northern Ireland coastline and the conservation charity is encouraging everyone to enjoy our incredible coast this summer. #lovethecoast

Home Styling & Decor News

Dekko Bird

Hi! My name’s Keira and I write a little home styling and decor blog called Dekko Bird. Welcome to my new monthly interiors feature where I hope to inspire you with the latest homeware trends and decor ideas.

Grey pouffe / George Home / £39 Felt fox cushion / Dunelm Mill / £7.99 Stag table lamp / M&S / £49.50 Winterberry throw / M&S / £79 Annie Sloan chalk paint in Napoleonic Blue / Doris & Jeannie, Belfast

As a local mum, I’m only too aware of the back to school hustle and bustle that September brings upon us, however it’s also the time of year when we notice that chill in the morning air, so it’s the ideal time to turn your thoughts to the comfort of your home with a view to the long winter months ahead. There are plenty of exciting new decor trends emerging this coming A/W season, so to help inspire you, here’s what’s hot for your cosy autumnal abode.

This season, grey is still huge in the decor department, working effortlessly well as an ambient neutral in any shade from smoke to pale ash. Think frosty winter mornings and you get the picture. For one of the best paint palettes of grey, check out the range of shades at Little Greene, available from Alan Espey Interiors (www.alanespey-interiors.co.uk). The other key colour trend around this A/W is dark blue. In particular, look for indigo and

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midnight blues in textiles, ceramics and bedlinen.

Alternatively, update old wooden bar stools or chairs in a lovely inky shade, such as Napoleonic Blue from the Annie Sloan chalk paint range, available from Doris & Jeannie, Belfast (tel: 028 9543 8177).

Boldly big, chunky knits are in, with the pouffe being the ‘must-buy’ of the season; and in typical autumnal fashion, traditional tartan checks are back this year - try on cushions and throws for an easy, cosy update. Other key trends include Woodland Animals, a look that will blend seamlessly into the festive season with stags, owls and foxes on everything from bedlinen to lampshades; Vintage Botanicals, taking a nod to old style colonial exploration, with maps and botanical prints adorning soft furnishings.

Happy shopping!

Follow my blog at www.dekkobird.com

CALL US ON: 028 9181 4711 96-98 Frances Street, Newtownards BT23 7DY

NOT AVAILABLE ON BANK HOLIDAYS OR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. MANAGEMENTRESERVE THE RIGHT TO WITHDRAW OFFERS AT ANYTIME

THE GOOD LIFE FINAL OF A FOUR PART SERIES ON HOME PRODUCE BROUGHT TO YOU BY LOCAL BOY STEPHEN MOORE

PART 4:

GROW YOUR OWN For this last instalment I would like to leave you all with encouragement to grab hold of a little bit of the Good Life, no matter where you live! It is quite simple to grow a selection of edible delights in the smallest of spaces, even a window sill or balcony can be used to great effect for this purpose. Also, if you have a bigger garden it may not suit you to dig up the prize azaleas or plough drills for potatoes in the lawn, and so cultivating crops in containers might be a good use of space.

There are plenty of sites on the internet and books in the library instructing you how to grow different varieties of fruit and veg, so I will not go into those details here. Instead I will tell you of a few mistakes that have been made and how to avoid them.

Don’t go mad and plant all the seeds you have on your window sill; in reality you will not have the space for 40 tomato plants once they grow and need transplanted into pots or growbags. Instead plant a small number of a few selected plants and once you move these seedlings on you can plant more for a continuous crop throughout the season, this is particularly true of leafy greens which you want a steady stream of for summer salads.

Take note of daily conditions where you plan to plant (or place your containers). It is no good planting chillies in a shady spot in the garden where the wind cools them down, they need heat to produce a good crop. Likewise some plants do not tolerate full sun for long periods during the day, so you need a little bit of preplanning to grow crops that are suited to your site.

To deter pests and mutually benefit different plants then utilise companion planting techniques. For example, planting onion with carrot works to confuse pests due to their strong scent. Also, planting flowers that encourage beneficial insects will prevent an imbalance and serve to keep pests to a minimum (if you read my article on beekeeping you may already have implemented this). If you have an existing flower bed then perhaps you can plan to plant your produce in amongst this or in containers that can be placed nearby.

For successful growing then plant things you like to eat! There is no point in planting something you aren’t too keen on munching down as you will not take as much care of it and you won’t feel that satisfaction of eating your own produce in the end. Grow perennials for a crop that comes back year on year. Raspberries, strawberries, asparagus and rhubarb are classic examples of this which also offer a significant cost saving for the minimal work required to get good produce!

Start out slow this year with one or two plants in a few containers or in a raised bed. Get a feel for growing your own and next year introduce another couple of plants into your plan and let your urban farm evolve from there.

Perhaps you live in a flat or an apartment and have no ground space? In that case your window sills are your fields to labour in. An indoor herb garden in a window box is invaluable, especially if your kitchen window has a good sunny aspect you can have the freshest of herbs on hand for cooking up a storm. And that is the point of growing your own - what can be better than wholesome, nutritious fruit and vegetables nurtured by your own hand from your own garden right to your table!

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LOCAL

EXPERT Back to School!

Nikki McConnell, Partner

As you may have noticed from the recent increase in early morning traffic, children are back to school after their long summer break.

Morning routines involving hair plaiting, buttering sandwiches and searching for lost gym shoes have been re-established and children are settling into new classrooms with new teachers and for some, brand new schools.

We all hope that our children’s educational experience in school is a happy and positive one, and that their school journey will result in not only the fulfilment of each child’s own academic potential, but also assist our children to grow into confident and well-adjusted adults. Sometimes however, for various reasons, this does not always happen.

WORTHINGTONS SOLICITORS

such as bullying or harassment. A Court in Northern Ireland recently awarded a child compensation for the psychiatric damage caused by his school’s failure to protect him from a serious and lengthy campaign of bullying.

If you have concerns about how your child’s school is managing pupil behaviour or about the educational assistance being provided to your child, you should always raise them initially with the teacher involved, and Head teacher if necessary. They will investigate and consider the issues and should take action to address the problem in accordance with the School’s policies and procedures, where necessary.

Fortunately, we in Northern Ireland have some of the best schools in the UK with fantastic, caring, and supportive teachers. However, if you do not feel your child’s school is doing enough to help, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice. All initial advice is free of charge, and Legal Aid is often available to support cases taken on behalf of children, if necessary.

Some children have special education needs, which require to be individually assessed and assisted accordingly. Schools have a duty to ensure that pupils are provided with the help that they need to support learning difficulties and research has shown that early intervention provides the most successful outcomes.

Schools also have a duty to ensure that appropriate action is taken to address any anti-social type behaviour amongst pupils,

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2 Court Street, Newtownards, BT23 7NX Telephone: 02891 811 538

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BELFAST 8 Grand Parade Belfast BT5 5HH

DUNDONALD 977 Upper Newtownards Road, Dundonald BT16 1RL

www.visionpropertyagents.co.uk

DUNDONALD

Think Action Cancer Ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, local women Cathy Martin and Claire McCollum help Action Cancer launch their ‘Think Pink’ campaign to encourage local hairdressing salons and beauticians across the country to host a pink themed fundraising event during the month of October. ‘Think Pink’ is in aid of Action Cancer’s unique breast screening service, which is available free of charge to women aged 40-49 and 70+ and is the only service of its kind in the UK and Ireland.

Cathy and Claire both fall within Action Cancer’s free screening age bracket, and would encourage all women in their 40s to book themselves in for a mammogram at Action Cancer House in South Belfast or onboard The Big Bus. The whole procedure takes five minutes and could save your life. Also backing the campaign is Belfast City Centre Hair Salon Michelle International who are one of the first business to sign up to hold a charity fundraiser in October, to help raise awareness and much needed funds for the free breast screening service.

A ‘Think Pink’ event can be anything that you want it to be, from a pink tea party in the salon to a pink pamper evening, anything will appeal to clients to come along and support you in your fundraising efforts. It doesn’t matter how big or small your event is Action Cancer would be delighted to have your support.

Action Cancer’s Fundraising Events Officer Sarah-Jayne Cassells said: “Unfortunately there are still far too many of our female friends – whether that be family members, close friends or colleagues, being diagnosed with breast cancer in Northern Ireland. As a local charity we are delighted to be able to offer our early detection breast screening service to ladies aged 40-49 and 70+. Last year we screened a total of 10,000 ladies all across the province. This was a record breaking year for the organisation and we want to do the same in 2015/16, but we need your help! The fact the charity screened more women than ever last year proves our reach is greater than ever.

“It costs us approximately £80 per mammogram so for every £80 raised this can potentially help us to save a life. This is your chance to take part in something fun-filled and pink this October and support your local charity during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”

To help you with your pink themed event Action Cancer will supply all those wanting to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a superb fundraising pack. Now all you have to do is get creative and decide what exciting event you would like to hold and when.

For more information on how to hold a ‘Think Pink’ event or on how to book yourself in for a free mammogram at Action Cancer House or on board The Big Bus please call Sarah-Jayne or Stacey on 028 9080 3349 or email stacey@actioncancer.org.

‘Think Pink’ is in aid of Action Cancer’s unique breast screening service, which is available free of charge to women aged 40-49 and 70+ and is the only service of its kind in the UK and Ireland. For further information call 028 9080 3349 or visit www.actioncancer.org.

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A celebration of art and craft throughout Ards and North Down

www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

‘Ards and North Down is home to a very large number of Artists and Craftspeople and their creativity is celebrated in the now infamous Creative Peninsula event which took place at the beginning of August this year. For one week there were Open Studios, Creative Coach Tours, Workshops, Creative Cafes, Demonstration’s, Open-air craft fairs and exhibitions.

“First time but not my last”

“This was a brilliant workshop”

was one comment from an enthusiastic visitor on one of the Creative Coach Tours

said another on a craft workshop

Well, if you missed this year’s event, don’t despair!

There are lots of exciting events planned in the coming months, both in Ards and in Bangor. Watch out for Craft in the Hub taking pace in November and December in the Hub at Project 24. Queens’ Parade, Bangor (www.project24ni.com); visit the wonderful Creative Peninsula Christmas Craft Fayre, taking place in Ards Arts Centre from 3rd – 5th December; make a trip any time throughout the year to Ards Crafts, Craft and Design Centre in Newtownards for the chance to buy something local, unique, handcrafted and inspired or take time out to visit and absorb the regular exhibitions in Ards Arts Centre, the Loft Gallery in Portaferry, The Long Gallery at North Down Museum and of course the funky bright Art Pods at Project 24!’

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