South Side Advertiser 165

NI D I g I tal a ware N ess w eek 2022 retur N s to Belfast

NI Digital Awareness Week, aimed at getting young people across Northern Ireland excited about a career in tech, kicked off at the W5 in Belfast recently.

Now in its second year, NI Digital Awareness Week, an initiative by locally based, global public software provider Civica and partners across the worlds of industry and education, gives 11-18 years olds the chance to try coding and hear firsthand from experts

in the worlds of AI, cybersecurity and cloud technologies.

Running from 24-28th October, NI Digital Awareness Week featured over 18 virtual talks, panel discussions and live demos from organisations including Microsoft, Allstate, Instil and Datactics.

Speaking at the 2022

event launch Civica Managing Director (Northern Ireland) Mark Owens said: “Northern Ireland has one of the fastest growing tech sectors in the UK, with both home-grown and global digital technology companies now accounting for one in every seven job

vacancies. To keep our edge however, we must double-down on skills, with carefully targeted investment in our education system - encouraging more school pupils to take up STEM subjects.

Over 70% of Tech Employment Academy graduates secure jobs immediately!

More than 70% of those completing Belfast City Council’s first ever Tech Employment Academy immediately secured employment in the sector.

Demand for skills in Belfast’s booming tech sector is significantly outstripping supply – so Belfast City Council has joined forces with the city’s private sector to help meet that need. The first ever Tech Employment Academy was co-designed and delivered with Allstate and Citi, with support from the Belfast Labour Market Partnership and the Learning & Work Institute. As well as investing in and tailoring the programme design, these major employers have offered valuable work experience and guaranteed job interviews for those who successfully completed the 16-week course.

Academy participants were immersed in the

essentials of software development, product management, gained vital employability skills, including employer coaching and mentoring – and most importantly, have secured – or are in the process of securing - high quality jobs, with the help of Belfast City Council’s Employability and Skills team.

Belfast based businesses and organisations interested in working with Belfast City Council on the second cohort of the Tech Employment Academy are being encouraged to email developmente@belfastcity. gov.uk.

For more information, go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/ takethenextstep

Gordon Lyons (Economy Minister), Mark Owens (Civica NI Managing Director) and students from St. Patrick’s College, Dungannon celebrated the return of NI Digital Awareness Week to Belfast recently.

Artwork helps to brighten up r oy A l Avenue

Royal Avenue has been brightened up this autumn thanks to a joint Cathedral Quarter Trust and University of Atypical project, funded by Belfast City Council.

The project features a combination of specially commissioned street art and a bespoke LED lighting scheme.

Funded by Belfast City Council’s Community Cluster Grant Scheme, the theme for the project was ‘A year in the life of the Cathedral Quarter’ and the final works, by talented local artist James Ashe, feature a range of playful scenes and moments familiar from

the Cathedral Quarter area.

Councillor Ryan Murphy, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee said: “It’s great to see Royal Avenue and the Cathedral Quarter Area being enhanced through our Business Cluster and Community Grant Programme. We’re committed to stimulating footfall in the city centre, boosting businesses and making the area more attractive and enjoyable to spend time in. Cathedral Quarter Trust and the University of Atypical’s decision to commission Belfast based artist and illustrator James Ashe brings a real authenticity and energy to the project. We’re looking forward to making city centre more accessible for those walking, wheeling and cycling, creating greener and more vibrant streets, making connections with surrounding communities and encouraging city centre living through

A Bolder Vision for Belfast.”

In addition to bespoke LED light installations and shutter art, a series of specially designed window vinyls featuring iconic buildings from across Belfast have been installed in the windows of MACC Hair on Royal Avenue.

Lead artist James Ashe said he was delighted to have been selected for the

project.

“I’m thrilled to have been chosen, it’s a big step up as I’ve never had my work utilised in a public domain setting before. There’s going to be lots of colour and buzz whenever the work is finished”

“It’s been very positive to see University of Atypical and Cathedral Quarter Trust put the arts at the forefront for their

vision for Royal Avenue.” Also joining in the project is Lebanese restaurant Deerah. Saeb Shaath, the manager, said he is thrilled to be taking part and believes that the entire project has helped enliven and brighten the area: “I think the design on our shutter is amazing; it will attract customers to us and help in creating a positive image for this part of Royal Avenue.”

School Pollinator Scheme has Belfast buzzing

The School Pollinator Garden scheme launched in spring 2022 and is delivered on the ground by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and offering grants of between £3,000 and £12,000 to successful applicants.

The £2.4million scheme is specifically for schools to improve the health of our bees and pollinators and help protect our eco-systems.

Minister Poots said: “Yet again we see the Schools Pollinator scheme bear fruit with our young people applying their environmental dedication to help improve the future environment at their schools. To date

302 schools have received offers from the Schools Pollinator schemes. Earlier in the year I saw early on the high levels of demand in the scheme and its potential so I increased the budget

from £1.9-£2.4million so more schools and school children could benefit for years to come.

“I saw firsthand the benefits in action today at Fleming Fulton, Arellian Nursery and Wellington College which illustrates how a range of agegroups of school children from tots to teens are enjoying an

enhanced education environment thanks to new pollinator garden facilities under the scheme at their schools.”

He added: “I was struck by The level and dedication of the pupils’ pollinator garden plans at Wellington and how the school has been able to integrate the scheme with many aspects of

the curriculum. The students have designed their own pollinator school garden which will create a new biodiverse outdoor green area for students to eat, break and lunch. Pollinator gardens are a fantastic asset to our schools and community alike and I’ve no doubt our young pollinator champions will make great use of them.”

Environment Minister Edwin Poots has visited several schools in Belfast which have benefited from his Schools Pollinator initiative.

Environment Minister Edwin Poots helps Georgia Aiken and Charlie Patrick with their pumpkin carving during a visit to Arellian Nursery School in Belfast.

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Belfast Blooms in gardening competition

Ben Madigan’s Bar and Kitchen on the Cavehill Road, Zuni Hairdressing in University Street and the Europa Hotel have scooped top honours in this year’s ‘Belfast in Bloom’ competition, run by Belfast City Council.

Residents from across the city have picked up awards for ‘Best Front Garden’, ‘Best Hanging Basket’ and ‘Best Window Box’. While residents and communities have also celebrated wins for transformational, greenfingered projects – among these Eden Alley and Rainbow Alley.

A special awards ceremony took place at Malone House on Thursday (20 October) for the winners and runners-up of the competition.

Presenting the awards, Lord Mayor Councillor Tina Black, said: “I want to thank all the residents, communities, businesses and schools in the city who took part in our popular Belfast in Bloom competition, which has been running for 29 years

now.

In the commercial category of the competition, Ben Madigan Bar and Kitchen won the ‘Best Public House’ award, Zuni Hairdressing won for ‘Best Commercial Premises’ and the Europa Hotel won the ‘Best Hotel’ category for the second year in a row.

Eden Alley, a previously overgrown alleyway in north Belfast now transformed into a colourful haven for nature, scooped the ‘Best Community Street’ award.

While Rainbow Alley which was created and transformed into an urban garden last year by residents living on Reid Street, off the Cregagh Road, won the ‘Best Community Group’ award.

Belfast in Bloom Magpies in north Belfast won the ‘Best Community Gardens’ award.

Belmont Allotments’ plot holder, Robert Mudd, picked up the ‘Best Allotment’ award and Dundela Infants School in east Belfast won the award for ‘Best School Garden’.

Among residents who

Continued from page 1

“The tech sector must also do its bit and get more young people excited about a career in digital tech and that’s what NI Digital Awareness Week is all about. Over the course of the week, we hope to inspire as many young people as possible to follow in the footsteps of the innovators

received awards were Matt McCarthy who scooped two for ‘Best Front Garden’ and ‘Best Hanging Basket’ in north Belfast.

Anna Albrzykowska picked up the award for ‘Best Window Box’ in east Belfast and Carmen Coggin and Kerrie Tuner won the award for ‘Best

who created the digital technologies we now take for granted and which have transformed our lives for the better.”

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said: “Our digital sector is globally recognised and continues to show huge potential for future growth. I’m delighted to support the Northern Ireland Digital Awareness Week 2022 from Civica and

Front Garden’ in the west of the city.

The winners received certificates, a garden centre gift voucher and a handmade garden trug created by the Half Moon Lake Men’s Shed group.

The full list of awards winners is available at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/ belfastinbloom

partners. This event will make a real difference in raising awareness of the importance of digital skills and their value in the workplace.

“It’s vital that we encourage our young people into technology careers and increase qualifications in computer science and software to offer exciting opportunities and meet the needs of our future workforce.”

Belfast is most social media obsessed area in Northern Ireland

Belfast is the most social media-obsessed area in Northern Ireland, according to new research.

The study conducted by NewCasinos, analysed the last 12 months of Google Trends data for the areas with the highest search interest for the top ten social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to see which areas had the highest levels of search interest out of 100 across the UK, relative to the total searches in that region.

Search interest for each platform was totalled to find out which areas had the highest combined search interest to find out which areas are the most obsessed with social media.

Belfast, is the fourth most social mediaobsessed area in the UK and takes the top spot for Northern Ireland. Research reveals that Twitter is the top search for Belfast, in which the city also shows the highest search interest

for the social media platform amongst any other place in the UK. Belfast also showed the third highest level of search interest in Reddit, behind Long Ashton and Cambridge. It also ranked high for Instagram searches.

Barking was revealed to be the most social media-obsessed place in the UK, with high levels of search interest in TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp, Pinterest and Snapchat.

Barking ranked second highest among Google searches for TikTok, behind Oldham in Manchester. It also ranked high for Google searches for Instagram, third to London and Beckenham, respectively.

WhatsApp, Snapchat and Pinterest were other social media platforms in which Barking showed high levels of search interest.

Lurgan, was the only

other NI area to make the list in seventh most social mediaobsessed area in the UK. It has the fourth greatest level of search interest in Twitter in the UK. Lurgan also shows high levels of interest in Snapchat and Reddit. It is the second area in Northern Ireland to make the top ten list.

A spokesperson for NewCasinos said: “Social media is a part of our daily lives. This data reveals which places in the UK can’t get enough of social media, and what the most popular

apps in each area are over the last year.

Despite being one of the biggest social networks, Facebook didn’t appear as a top search for any area.

Rather, apps such as TikTok, Instagram, and WhatsApp had the highest levels of interest on Google search.”

The study was conducted by NewCasinos, who specialise in helping people find and compare new casinos.

They aim to review new casinos before all the competitors and place safety above all else.

Lyons announces £2.6m additional funding for ESF projects

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced an additional £2.6million funding has been secured to ensure that projects funded under the European Social Fund (ESF) programme can continue to operate until March 2023.

The Minister made the announcement at the ESF showcase event recently in Belfast which was held to highlight the successes and impacts of the 2014-2020 ESF programme.

The ESF is designed to combat poverty and enhance social inclusion. It supports participants to progress into further education, training and ultimately employment through funding organisations

to deliver programmes for the unemployed and the economically inactive, as well as people with disabilities, and young people not in education, employment, or training.

It has helped over 80,000 people to date with over 15,000 participants moving into employment and another 14,000 into further education and training.

Minister Lyons said: “It is evident that ESF projects have had a transformational impact on a huge number of people across Northern Ireland. The intervention, support and flexibility these

projects provide to participants allows them to overcome the many barriers to education and engagement that mainstream approaches to learning and employment can create.

“The funding shortfall had created a cliff edge for these projects, however I am pleased to announce an additional £2.6million to cover a funding deficit for ESF projects, which will now remain open until March 2023. I made a commitment previously to ensure that no existing project would be left behind and I am pleased to say I have delivered on that promise. Now with an additional £2.6million these ESFfunded projects can

continue to support thousands of people on their employability journey and ensure their employees remain in post until next year.”

Turning to how ESF projects will be funded beyond 2023, the Minister said: “I have provided security until March 2023, but beyond this date my Department does not have the financial resources, nor the legal powers, to continue funding the programme. I do however hope that the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities will fulfil its commitment to offset the EU funding gap through the delivery of the Shared Prosperity Fund’s Investment Plan for Northern Ireland.”

Countdown to the Harness Friendship Four 2022

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Christina Black has begun the official countdown for one of this winter’s most anticipated sporting events.

The popular Friendship Four ice hockey tournament returns to Belfast this November.

The tournament has a new headline sponsor for 2022 – U.S. software delivery platform, Harness, which has an office based in Belfast, has secured the naming rights for the event, which will be known as the ‘Harness Friendship Four 2022’.

The high-profile tournament, organised by The Odyssey Trust will bring four top U.S. college hockey teams - UMass Lowell River Hawks, Massachusetts Minutemen (UMass), Quinnipiac Bobcats and Dartmouth Big Green - together to compete for the coveted Belpot trophy at The SSE Arena, Belfast over Thanksgiving weekend (Friday 25 and Saturday 26 November 2022).

The first and only NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Division One tournament to take place outside the United States, the Harness Friendship Four 2002 promises two packed days of high energy, fast-paced hockey in the heart of Belfast.

Supported by partners, Harness, Department for Communities, Belfast City

Council and Northern Irish Connections, The Odyssey Trust is providing local schools and community groups the opportunity to apply for free tickets across the four games, with the college teams also scheduled to conduct a select number of school visits when they are in town.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Christina Black met the Hockey East, ECAC Hockey Commissioners and delegates from the four college teams during their recent planning trip to the city. The Friendship Four was born in Belfast in 2015, marking the

start of a highly popular international ice hockey tournament that continues to grow to this day. The tournament was devised and has been developed by The Odyssey Trust, to promote education, social welfare, and community integration in Northern Ireland, building on the Sister Cities agreement between Belfast and Boston. The tournament last took place in Belfast in 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The UMass Lowell River Hawks were the first winners of the tournament back in 2015, while the UMass Minutemen and Quinnipiac played here in 2016. Dartmouth will make

their Belfast debut at this year’s tournament.

Tickets for the Harness Friendship Four 2022 are on sale now, via FriendshipFour.com and Ticketmaster.ie.

Schools and community groups wishing to avail of free tickets to the Harness Friendship Four, should email arenaevents@ ssearenabelfast.com, with their school/community group name, noting the number of tickets requested and the preferred date/ game. Complimentary school/community group tickets are subject to availability and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

SAINTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL

‘Individual success for all pupils – learning and achieving together’.

Saintfield High School is a vibrant and

thriving post-primary school, welcome to

all pupils aged 11-16. Our school community is committed to delivering exciting educational experiences and personalised pathways for each individual pupil. Every single child in our care is supported fully in their learning and in their personal development to prepare them as citizens of the twentyfirst century. We are a community school. We are a family school. Established in 1958,

our reputation within the local and wider area is founded on our belief that a successful school is one which celebrates and nurtures the whole child, inside and outside of the classroom. Our rich history of delivering high quality learning alongside exceptional pastoral provision, cements our key position at the heart of our community. We encourage all of our pupils to take an active interest in their

learning, to work hard, and to exemplify our school ethos. Our highly motivated and talented team of teachers, alongside our professional non-teaching staff and affirmative family support, ensure that each pupil achieves their true potential.

In addition to a varied and balanced curriculum at both Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, Saintfield High School offers a wide and varied extracurricular programme to enhance life skills, and to encourage and promote our pupils’ broader perspectives.

We are immensely proud of our long tradition of excellence,

and of growing and transforming to meet the needs, aptitudes

and ambitions of all of our pupils. As we approach the end of 2022, our learning community continues to go from strength to strength. 92% of our Year 12 pupils who left in June 2022 achieved five or more GCSEs at Grade C or above, with 85% achieving five or more GCSEs at Grade C or above, including English and Mathematics.

Additionally, we were

delighted to receive a temporary increase to our Year 8 enrolment for the current academic year of 24 pupils. The level of demand for places at Saintfield High School is testament to the quality of education we provide of which our pupils, members of staff, and parents and carers are extremely proud of.

A very warm welcome awaits you at Saintfield High School.

Head Boy and Girl with Saintfield High School

Principal Miss Sarah-Lucy Hynds

Hospital Rooks

Back in October, I spent a few days in the Ulster Hospital for tests (I’m now doing OK, thank you, and the staff were wonderful) where I was privileged to watch how rooks, possibly the ugliest of crows but also possibly the smartest, carried out their communal practices in preparation for overnight roosting.

I was on the 6th floor of the new building with a fantastic picture window view over the old hospital buildings to the Castlereagh Hills, and it was on my second morning that I noticed the rooks flying off from somewhere out of sight, possibly in the grounds of Knock Golf Club or the lower Stormont Estate, obviously their overnight roost.

Remembering how Mark Cocker in his brilliant book, Crow Country, described how rooks prepare for roosting, I decided to keep watch, but it wasn’t until two days later that I was able to see the spectacle, from about 5.30pm.

First, a few, maybe 20 or 30 gathered on a small car park, a strange

place to just stand or strut about, before rising up together, clearly knowing their destination, to head for a stand of mature trees below the Maternity Wing, settling in the high branches, and soon to be joined by others, more and more, until, as though signaled, again, they flew up and away from the trees to land on the old hospital roofs and railings.

Time passed as more flew in, singles, couples, small groups, until there were hundreds, just standing or perching, almost blacking out some small roofs, and waiting.

For what? I had this image in my head of a Sergeant Major Rook, an Officer Rook, a

Head of the Clan Rook getting ready to order the troops forward, but initially the movement towards the roost was slow, but steady, one roof to another, and it wasn’t until the very edge of darkness

that somehow, from somewhere, came the moment, and the huge flock rose as one, a black on black spectacular, chaotic but preordained, and purposefully headed to the place where they’d

roost overnight in safety, ready to disperse at dawn to feed and later do it all over again.

Thank you, Ulster Hospital; thank you, rooks. You both made my stay a pleasure.

JVA

Applying for a Primary One School Place

Visiting a school is an important step in choosing a school, and this personal touch reflects Leadhill’s approach in supporting families.

As a growing school in the Castlereagh area, working to support parents and children is central to what Leadhill has to offer. Leadhill parents recognise the value of a primary school setting where every adult knows every child. Our school welcomes and supports children from all backgrounds and promotes inclusivity and child-centred approaches.

This year, Leadhill are offering a range of flexible opportunities to visit. Come along to the Open Day on Thursday 8 December 2022 between 8am and 6pm or book an appointment to visit throughout January 2023 at a time that suits your family.

Our wrap-around

care runs each day from 8am to 6pm, providing Breakfast Club and Afterschool care during term time. The club is organised to provide flexibility to parents, allowing them to book the sessions they need on a weekly basis.

The Pre-School Playgroup facility provides places for children from the age of 2 years and 10 months.

We are now taking enrolments for 202324 and have limited spaces remaining for 2022-23.

Toddle Time, Leadhill’s new toddler and adult group, meets every Wednesday during termtime from 9 - 11am. Come along and enjoy Babynastix activities, refreshments, and

for a suitable date and time.

friendship! Leadhill would love to welcome you for

a visit. Contact the school office on 028 90401101, to arrange

Christmas Facts

You Probably Never Knew

There are many Christmas traditions we all generally know of but there are also a number of lesser known Christmas facts which you never heard of. The following are a few interesting and bizarre facts.

Christmas trees are put up in many houses every year but did you know that there are around 60 million Christmas Trees grown in Europe every year?. They are usually grown for fifteen years before they are sold. The tallest Christmas tree was 221 ft which was placed in a Washington shopping Mall in 1950.

Parts of the Christmas tree can actually be ate they contain a high source of vitamin C. The first artificial tree was made in Germany using dyed goose feathers.

During the First World War troops sang Christmas carols on Christmas Eve even coming out

of their trenches to wish each other a ‘Merry Christmas’ and sharing gifts which became known as the Christmas Truce of 1914. Christmas dinner consisted previously of a Pigs head instead of Turkey which was the result of Turkey once being a much cheaper alternative.

Rudolph was created in 1938 as a part of an ad campaign, the supposed misfit of all the reindeer-just look what a bit of publicity did for him. Jingle Bells was the first Christmas song to be broadcast in space in December 16 1965 after it was sang by the astronauts Tom

Stafford and Wally Schirra. Scientists took it upon themselves to create the worlds smallest Christmas card in 2010 at 200 x 290 micrometers in size, its small enough to fit on a postage stamp over 8,276 times.

The abbreviation Xmas came from the Greek letter X which is also an abbreviation for Christ.

Scientists have calculated the number of houses Santa Claus would have to visit a second in order to deliver every child their presents, the number per second is 822 and he pulls it off every year now that truly is magic.

With ‘Bags go Free’ HANNON Coach & Sail is perfect for Christmas shopping in Glasgow!

An award-winning service offering hassle-free travel with very generous baggage allowance, HANNON Coach & Sail is ideal for Christmas shopping in Glasgow and the perfect antidote to flying! Already hugely popular with those in the know, the Belfast – Glasgow Express Coach Service is rated 5-Star on TripAdvisor.

A shopper’s paradise, Glasgow is recognised as having the best retail therapy in the UK outside of London. Consistently voted ‘top of the shops’, the city is Scotland’s premier shopping destination.

Not just shopping, Glasgow is also famous for its fantastic nightlife, and great choice of restaurants and bars. Glasgow is the perfect choice for your next break and getting your Christmas shopping off to a great start.

With a simple flat

fare of £39 which includes the cost of the ferry and a very generous baggage allowance the Belfast – Glasgow Express offers a really attractive, convenient and low-cost alternative to flying.

The service is operated by HANNON Coach and leaves twice a day from Belfast City Centre and drops visitors right in the heart of Glasgow’s ‘Style Mile’. The simple flat fare allows passengers to pick and mix dates and times of

travel to suit and with no luggage charges it makes a perfect travel option for city shoppers bringing gifts home for Christmas. There are also a great range of hotels just minutes from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station.

Company director Aodh Hannon says people seem to really love the convenience of the service as we take you right into the heart of the city centre.

“People love the fact that it’s so hassle-free compared to flying, no airport transfers

and with no extra charge for luggage it is a massive help with keeping the cost of a break down.” said Mr Hannon.

The service can be booked online at www. hannoncoach.com

up to 1 hour before departure over by phone using the very friendly telephone booking service.

Call 028 9265 0700 (Mon – Fri) or visit www.hannoncoach. com

Saintfield d ental Care C elebrate S 21 year S in bu S ine SS!

New NHS patients are welcome!

Stuck for present ideas? Christmas vouchers for teeth whitening £199 are available.

We took over the practice in November 2001 and are celebrating our 21st Anniversary this month. The dentists at our practice have been working hard during the pandemic treating their patients and have cleared their covid treatment backlog so have capacity at the moment for new NHS patients to join the practice with minimal waiting times to be seen.

Regular dental visits are essential for the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums. The dentist can check for problems

that you may not see or feel as many dental problems don’t become visible or cause pain until they are in more advanced stages e.g. cavities, gum disease and oral cancer. It is important for everyone to be seen regularly but especially children to help potentially avoid preventable fillings and extractions.

In addition to NHS treatments Saintfield Dental offers a wide range of cosmetic treatments at competitive prices including teeth whitening, Invisalign teeth straightening and composite bonding.

Invisalign braces are similar to clear gum shields and are a quick

and subtle way of straightening your teeth. Composite bonding is a minimally invasive technique used to disguise minor

imperfections in the teeth, closing small gaps and hiding minor tooth rotations.

New patients are welcome. If you

would like to register with the practice please call 02897 519055 or email us at saintfielddentalcare@ gmail.com

Dressing Your Christmas Tree Professionally

As the focal point of your Christmas display, you need to make sure that your Christmas tree is eye-catching and beautiful.

When it comes to colour scheme, the options are seemingly endless. It could be red, gold, silver, green, pink or white – you can choose what is best for you! The colour scheme should compliment the existing colour scheme of your home, rather than clashing and causing a dazzling display of colour.

Thematic Christmas tree displays are becoming more and more popular. The options are limited only by your imagination – from Disney characters to the nutcracker and stars to minimalism, you can

do just about anything. As a general rule, many would recommend 10 large ornaments per square foot height of tree; however this is down to taste. Some will prefer a tree to be covered head to toe in lights and decorations whilst other will prefer a simpler, minimalist approach. Evenly distributing the decorations is an important factor to consider. The human eye is inclined to appreciate symmetry – something to consider when placing decorations.

Be sure to place the heavier decorations on

the interior branches as these will be better able to bear the weight, leaving the lighter decorations on the exterior – keeping branches from stooping with heavy décor.

Christmas lights are another troublesome consideration. These come in the traditional yellow, contemporary white or alternatively they also come in multi-coloured. Whichever you decide to go for, make sure that they are placed evenly across your tree. This is a mistake that is often made and can make a tree appear uneven and will seriously hinder the aesthetically pleasing nature of your tree.

EUROPEAN TAEKWON-DO CHAMPIONSHIPS TO BE HOSTED IN NORTHERN IRELAND

This major sporting event will showcase Taekwon-Do in Northern Ireland and attract competitors from all across Europe. We are now looking for sponsorship by local companies and businesses to join us in the promotion of Northern Ireland through this prestigious sporting event.

Taekwon-Do has become the fastest growing Martial Art in Northern Ireland, as a sport it is graceful and powerful yet dynamic, exciting and fun. It is suitable for both males and females, children and adults from the age of 3 years upwards. The UKTC (N.I.) offers a three tier system for students depending on age and ability, which presents a step-by-step approach to learning this particularly popular style of Martial Art.

To promote the advantages of TaekwonDo and sport in general to younger children, our ‘Little Tiger Cubs’ programme has been specifically designed to cater for children 3-5

years old. Its aim is to introduce basic martial arts skills through a mixture of simple games, fitness drills, and Taekwon-Do training. This training programme aims to assist in the physical development, improved health, and increased fitness of each child. The programme will encourage the development of motor skills, balance, endurance, flexibility, strength, and the coordination of eye, hand and foot. Through this development, each student, junior and adult, should find greater self-confidence and self-esteem.

Our Little Tiger Cubs syllabus has a structured grading system to teach our young members that good attendance, good effort, and good behaviour will help them to achieve their goals in life. Our youngest members are awarded certificates, award stickers, and promotional badges to be worn on their suits. To check it out and get an idea of what we do, follow the link below. http://www.uktc.

aspx

For students aged 5-8 years we have ‘Active Tigers’ which will allow students to develop their Taekwon-Do skills at a more relaxed pace while retaining some of the fun elements of’ Little Tiger Cubs’. It will also allow children to progress through the grading system in a more ‘Bite-sized’ fashion, while our more formal Taekwon-Do classes and the white suit which goes with it, is something for our younger students to aspire to.

In Northern Ireland the largest Taekwon-Do group is Leo Maguire Taekwon-Do Schools. Leo Maguire, as the Northern Ireland National Coach and President of Northern Ireland ITF, he has brought the N.I. National Team to victory at both National, European and World levels. This level of expertise is now being passed on to the group’s current students as the fully qualified instructors are all national team members and dedicated

to encouraging each child to achieve his or her full potential. For adults, our structured training program offers fitness, friendship and self-defence.

The group runs classes for Little Tiger Cubs, Active Tigers and Taekwon-Do in over 100 classes at various locations across the province. To find out more please visit our website at www.taekwondo-ni. co.uk or our Facebook page, alternatively, contact Leo Maguire directly on 07891191494.

After a very successful WITC UK Open Taekwon-Do Championships held on the 25th of September in the National Badminton Centre in Lisburn, we are delighted to announce that Northern Ireland has been invited by the WITC Committee, to host the European Taekwon-Do Championships in June 2023.

co.uk/LittleTigerCubs.

https://youtu.be/ JKJR_y337aQ

Relaxed theatre performances this Christmas at the MAC

Cregagh Primary School: a primary school at the heart of its community

Cregagh Primary has been a school at the heart of its South East Belfast community since 1939.

The MAC’s relaxed performances of this year’s

show, Cinderella, are specially designed

make sure

Before the show starts the actors introduce themselves and the character they’ll be playing. The performers might give an example of the loudest part of the show so when the show starts it won’t surprise or frighten anyone. The lights are at 50 per cent of their usual brightness. The audience can make noise or walk around during a relaxed performance.

Before coming to the MAC, you will receive a visual story in your preshow email so your child will know what to expect. This includes photographs of the Front of House staff who will welcome you when you

visit

is

arrive and be on hand for your entire visit. If you’re bringing children to see a relaxed performance you can ask staff for ear defenders and tactile toys on the day.

You can also visit a dedicated quiet room at any point during the show to take some time out. You won’t miss out on the show as it will be shown at a low volume on a screen in the quiet room.

Tickets for relaxed performances are available on the following dates: Fri 16 Dec @ 6pm (relaxed, signed and audio described) Sat 17 Dec @ 6pm

performance) Sun 1 Jan @ 1pm (relaxed performance)

We have modern stateof-the-art school buildings and are proud to be the only primary school in NI with a specialist unit for deaf children. Principal Mr Heggarty, a former pupil of the school, explains: “Our school is a caring, friendly, family-based school where every member of staff works to provide the best educational experience and pastoral care for each individual child. Our school motto, ‘Together, we make a difference’ reflects the importance we

place on working together in partnership with whole families and our local community.”

Along with offering excellent standards of teaching, learning and pastoral care, Cregagh Primary School provides a breakfast club and a wide range of after school activities. Generations of families have entrusted the education and welfare of their children to CregaghPrimary School. Our pupils go on to achieve success in a variety of local schools including:

Grosvenor Grammar, Breda Academy, Ashfield schools, Wellington and Lagan Colleges. At the core of our school is the fundamental belief that

every child is important and every child can improve and experience success.

For more information see www.cregaghprimary.org. uk

Keep it local by shopping with small businesses this Christmas

Buying gifts and preparing for this magical time sometimes doesn’t seem so magical, it can actually be quite stressful!

But don’t worry, Christmas preparation can be fun if you’re looking in the right places. It can be easy to shop last minute in major shops and supermarkets but by digging a little deeper, you could find an absolute gem.

During Christmas,

we think it’s really important to support small businesses. You are often receiving a more personal service, with more thought and love going into what you are receiving. With some small businesses being run by just one person, you could be making a huge

difference to their business and by shopping from them, you’ll be putting a smile on their face too! We want to share with you many ways you can support small businessesit’s time to give something back.

ATTEND CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIRS

You’ll find a Christmas craft fair wherever you go, whether it’s at a small village church or it’s a huge show with hundreds of people. Each one with small businesses, great local products and a friendly service. Take a look at what’s happening near you and get involved, chat to small businesses and show your support.

DO YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN YOUR LOCAL TOWN

Supporting your local small businesses is a great way to connect with your community and give something back.

From delicious food to enjoy over the festive season to discovering amazing handmade gifts. Search online for local businesses, see when the next Christmas fair is or head to town to discover something new. You can always talk to your friends and family for recommendations too.

Christmas markets are always a great way for the community to get together and enjoy shopping, music and local produce from stalls and shops.

SHARE THE LOVE AND SPREAD THE WORD

So you’ve found an amazing small business who has offered quick and friendly service with a wonderfully unique product. Now it’s time to shout about them! Share your photos and thoughts on social media, leave a review, tell your friends about your new discovery and help others find this small business!

Picking the Best c hristmas t ree For

Your h ome

The traditional Christmas tree is the focal point of any festive home display and it is therefore vital that you make the right decision when it comes to picking from the vast stock available.

But with all of the different styles of tree available, it is hard to get the decision right. But first things first, you will need to have an idea of what size of tree you want. This will come down to the size of space available in your home to place the tree. Measure the height of your ceiling - remembering to subtract the height of your stand – and this will give you a start when it comes to selecting the tree that is perfect for your home.

You will also have to measure the depth of the space which will house the tree – allowing you to gauge what width of tree you can accommodate.

Different species of tree offer certain characteristic

dimensions and you certainly do not want branches squished up against the walls of your home.

For the freshest and most vibrant trees, it is essential to shop locally. You should buy at an established tree farm or perhaps a tree nursery that brings Christmas trees from local farms. The trees grown on farms

are grown specifically to retain their needles and remain vibrant for as long as possible.

Be sure to test your tree before you buy. Running your hand gently down a branch will test the needle strength – if you end up with a handful of needles then the tree has already past its prime and you should keep

shopping! Similarly, by bouncing the tree – dropping it from a few inches off the ground – you will be able to tell if it is still appropriate. If needles fall off from the exterior, then move on.

Cutting the end off a tree truck is critical to opening up the veins that will allow for a greater amount

of water to be taken up – increasing the longevity of your tree. Be sure to take at least an inch off the bottom to make this as beneficial as possible.

Gift Wrappin G: a Waste or n ot?

If you’re wondering whether you should gift wrap your presents this year then here are a few points to consider.

Every year gifts are wrapped simply to be ripped open by any giftreceiver the after-math of the wrapping paper essentially hurts the environment. Ways to reduce the effects on the environment are making use of recyclable paper also making sure to recycle your own waste paper or simply not wrapping presents .

Instead of using wrapping paper for every individual gift you could choose to wrap up familiy as a gift bundle or simply re-using a gift bag. With your gift savings you find yourself having extra money for your own Christmas treat or you may wish to donate to

your favourite charities. The major perk of wrapping paper is ease of use, its handy to be able to wrap presents at home with it wrapping paper relatively cheap its hard to avoid. At Christmas there are companies who provide wrapping services alternatives to that of a normal paperwrapping service, take this option up and you’re sure to have a uniquely wrapped present, sure to be pleasing on the eye. Another idea is to get the family involved and have fun crafting your own form of giftwrapping your gifts are certain to stand out from every other gift under the Christmas tree.

MASSIVE BLACK FRIDAY SAVINGS ON Bathrooms at Bathshack Boucher Road this November

Come and visit the Bathshack showroom on Boucher Road, conveniently located a short distance from the M1 motorway.

You can find a fantastic range of products on display in the showroom and you can view a selection of bathroom suites, showers, furniture, mirrors, lighting, flooring and more. Prices are cut across all ranges for the month of November.

In addition to bathroom ware and flooring, Bathshack has also expanded into the tile market. You can view their wall and floor tiles on display at Boucher Road, which come in a huge variety of colours, patterns, shapes, and sizes. Their tiles are suitable for any room of your home – not just the bathroom.

The showroom team at Bathshack Boucher Road will be on hand to help you with any questions you

have about design ideas, measurements, product maintenance and more. All staff have extensive knowledge of the bathroom

market and have undergone training on all available products.

Don’t miss out on their massive Black Friday sale.

The showroom is open 9-5:30 pm Monday-Friday and 9-4 pm Saturday. To book an appointment, call 028 9544 2850.

Shop

1. Local shops sell a wide range of great products at affordable prices.

Many people get out of the habit of shopping locally and are then surprised by the range of products and gifts available.

2. Shopping locally saves you money.

Out of town shops have done a good job of convincing us all that sole traders = expensive, but the evidence just isn’t there to back this up. If you add in travel, parking costs, fees to transport larger items home and customer time, the overall cost is often much greater.

3. Shopping locally retains our communities.

People don’t like losing shops and services in small towns and villages but don’t equate this to how they spend their money. Shops will only

10 reasons to s hop Loca L!

communities

survive if customers spend locally - so if you want a vibrant town centre, where people can socialise as well as shop, we need to encourage people to shop locally.

4. Shopping locally retains our distinctiveness - avoid clone towns!

Many town centres in Britain look the same with franchises and multinationals.

Independent shops create distinctive shopping experiences and stock different products. Independent shops keep traditional local products alive. They respond more quickly to the needs of local customers, stocking products to meet the changing population needs.

5. Shopping locally saves the environment. We are all aware of CO2 emissions and our environmental

impact. Local shops often stock a higher percentage of locally sourced goods for which distribution time and customer journey times are reduced. This helps reduce our global footprint.

6. Shopping locally creates jobs.

Shops in our town centres and villages create local employment and self employment. These people in turn spend in the local economy. Evidence shows that for every £10 spent in an independent shop, £25 is generated for the local economy compared to £14 spent in multinationals.

7. Local independent shops invest more in our communities.

Sole traders and independent stores are proportionally more generous in their support for local charities, carnivals, schools and

community.

8. Local shops are for everyone.

Most people can get to their local shops easily. This is especially

your shops open by buying locally helps the whole community.

9. Local shops value you more.

Evidence from numerous

surveys shows people receive better customer care and service in local shops. Traders survive by their reputation and repeat business - so shopping locally means that you get a higher standard of service.

10. Shopping locally

FESTIVAL OPENS WARDROBE DOOR INTO THE CREATIVE WORLD OF C.S. LEWIS

The EastSide of the City is getting ready to celebrate the creativity and imagination of one of its literary greats – C.S. Lewis. From 18th – 20th November, EastSide Partnership will present the 10th C.S. Lewis Festival.

Everyone is invited to step through the wardrobe door to explore their creativity and imagination and find out more about C.S. Lewis’ strong connections to his childhood home of east Belfast.

The 10th C.S. Lewis Festival, funded by Belfast City Council, will feature a range of exciting new events and firm festival favourites including, C.S. Lewis themed guided walking tours of Strandtown and Belfast City Cemetery, Tumnus Tales, Lewis inspired talks and children’s storytelling. Other festival highlights include; Outdoor Cinema

Screening of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe –C.S. Lewis Square, a space dedicated to the world of Narnia in east Belfast, is the perfect place to watch The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, the film based on C.S. Lewis’ bestselling book. Popcorn and hot chocolate will be available; you just need to wrap up warm!

Christmas at C.S. Lewis Square – this annual event is even bigger this year and includes: Christmas Urban Market, featuring home-grown produce and locally made products; Narnia Imagination Snow

Globes -decorated pods hosting sensory play and storytelling; Arts & Crafts; Face Painting; Character Walkabouts; Street Performers; EastSide Choir performance, culminating with the popular Christmas Tree Light Switch On.

Narnia Minecraft Adventure Workshops – these workshops, specially commissioned for C.S. Lewis Festival, will encourage children to use Minecraft technology to build their very own Narnia – inspired creations from Lewis’ ‘The

Chronicles of Narnia’. Narnia Feast at The Lamppost Café – this evening of Narnia themed food is back by popular demand having sold out during last year’s festival. Guests will enjoy a 5-course tasting menu, inspired by the food described in ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’, in Belfast’s only Narnia inspired café.

Alternative Protestants: Identity and Imagination in east Belfast – this thought provoking panel discussion, taking place at EastSide

Visitor Centre, will explore the diverse ways in which Protestants from east Belfast approach cultural, religious and political identity.

Looking forward to the 10th C.S. Lewis Festival

Michele Bryans EastSide Partnership said: “EastSide Partnership has been committed to celebrating C.S. Lewis’ special connection to east Belfast for many years; this has included the creation of C.S. Lewis Square and the delivery of an annual C.S. Lewis Festival in

east Belfast for the last ten years. We would like to encourage everyone, especially local families, to come along and get creative at the events taking place from 18th - 20th November. We would like to say thank you to Belfast City Council for supporting this year’s festival”.

For full event listings and ticket information visit: www.VisitEastSide. com Follow C.S. Lewis Festival on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ CSLewisFestival #CSLewisFest

saves services. Private, voluntary and public sector services cluster around shops.

loss of the high street

often corresponds to a reduction in these services. As shops disappear, so do hairdressers, vets, dentists

really done

about keeping

local

local

Help c H ildren ‘Speak Out Stay Safe’

It’s estimated that in the average UK primary school class, at least two children have suffered abuse or neglect.

NSPCC Northern Ireland is calling for volunteers to join its Schools Service and visit primary schools to help children understand how to spot and speak out about the signs of abuse.

Last year (2021/22), across the UK, NSPCC’s Childline service held more than 14,000* counselling sessions about emotional, physical, sexual abuse and neglect, but counsellors can only provide help and support if the children have knowledge and confidence to speak out in the first place.

That’s why the Schools Service Speak Out Stay Safe (SOSS) campaign is so important and why volunteers are vital to help ensure that every child in Northern Ireland knows how to Speak Out and Stay Safe.

With the help of speech bubble mascot, Buddy, SOSS volunteers visit primary schools and deliver fun and engaging childfriendly and age-appropriate

workshops to help pupils understand and identify the different types of abuse and how to speak out about any issues so they can get help if they need it.

The workshops cover these difficult subjects without using any scary words or adult language and help children identify a trusted adult they can talk to if they are ever worried about themselves or a friend.

They also learn about Childline and how it can support them.

Last year, more than 55,000 children in Northern Ireland primary schools took part in the Speak Out Stay Safe programme.

“The Speak Out Stay Safe programme began in 2011 and we currently deliver the service to 95% of primary schools in Northern Ireland,” says Karen Walker, NSPCC Northern Ireland Schools Service Manager.

“Our aim is to have SOSS in all schools.

“You don’t have to have

had previous experience working with children to become a volunteer, but we do ask that you are over 16, have good communication skills and that you are passionate about children’s rights and letting children know about their rights.

“We are looking for volunteers from all over Northern Ireland.

“Full training is provided and all we ask is that you commit to at least two workshops a month in schools that are convenient to you.

“The workshops mostly take place in the mornings and last about an hour.

“We know the workshops can have a real impact, because after sessions some children have spoken up and disclosed abuse. That’s why it’s vital that

the service operates at full capacity and why we are appealing for more people to get in touch and find out more about becoming one of our volunteers.

“We are currently running no-obligation online information sessions where you can hear about the work of an SOSS volunteer, the training and support we offer and ask any questions you may have.

“If you would like to find out more information and/ or attend an information session go to: www.nspcc. org.uk and search ‘volunteer in schools’ or email: karen. walker@nspcc.org.uk

NSPCC Adult Helpline: 0808 800 5000/www.nspcc. org.uk

Childline: 0800 1111/ www.childline.org.uk

Are you cl A iming A ll the support your f A mily is entitled to this winter?

Rising costs for energy, heating, electricity and especially rises in the cost of the normal weekly shop are all squeezing household budgets.

than ever before.

Coupled that with many homeowners having had an increase on their mortgage payments and landlords increasing rents, most households are really feeling the financial strain this winter, more severely

While the government has announced some support towards energy costs through this winter, it is only going to make a small difference when compared to the substantial

increases in outgoings that families are facing. All households should receive a £400 discount on their electricity bill through the Energy Support Scheme with homes which use home heating oil to receive a further £100 which will be paid as a discount to their electricity bill. These payments will be made automatically and do not need applied for.

Households in receipt

of means tested benefits should also automatically receive the second instalment of the £650 cost of living payment that was announced back in May.

With costs rising across the board, including for childcare, we are urging all families to make sure they are receiving all the financial support they are entitled to this winter. A change in circumstances, whether that’s moving

into work, using additional childcare or costs increasing may mean you are now eligible or support that you wouldn’t have been able to claim previously. This additional income, no matter how small, could make a significant difference to your household budget at this difficult time.

Our advisors know just how busy this time of year can be, so why not

call our Family Benefits Advice Service to ensure you know exactly what support you are entitled to, and how to apply for it. Our skilled advisors are available on Freephone 0800 028 3008 or email hello@ employersforchildcare. org. We provide advice and guidance on a wide range of support including TaxFree Childcare, Universal Credit, Tax Credits

and disability or social security benefits – and the additional support that the

government is providing during this cost of living crisis.

Causeway Hotel – where winter is wonderful

The thought of winter does not have to make your heart turn cold if you have something wonderful to look forward to.

Banish all images of darkness, long evenings and chills by imagining yourself wiling away the twilight hours in contented reflection, wrapped in a cosy blanket and gazing directly into your very own live seascape.

A stay in the multiaward-winning historic Causeway Hotel is the perfect tonic for a mind pining for summer or two little feet desperate for heat.

Coastal Escape of the Year, 3* Hotel of the Year and Great Place to Stay, All Ireland Hotel Receptionist of the Year are among the prestigious accolades awarded to the hotel by The Irish Hotel Awards.

These award certificates are proudly displayed in our beautiful reception area because we want everyone to know how proud we are of our dedicated staff and our thriving legacy within the industry.

After such a difficult

year, followed by a hugely successful summer season, our vision of becoming a world-class foodie and hospitality destination is well within sight.

The standard of menus offered in our exquisite 1836 building are second to none, with its produce proving as much of an attraction as the UNESCO world heritage site that we sit on.

Our exquisite Winter

Warmer package guarantees to take the edge off the academic year blues by offering an escape into a comforting palette of nature’s rich hues, only found in locations as unique as ours.

The two-night offer costs £280 midweek and £300 at weekends. This is based on two people sharing, two night’s

accommodation, three-course meal per person per night, breakfast both mornings and free entry into the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Experience.

This offer excludes holidays and special event periods.

So, maintain your happy summer glow this Autumn by booking a luxurious

stay in our quaint, quirky and cosy hotel. Famous for its eclectic yet charmingly traditional décor a stay in this dramatic cliff -edge hideaway is certain to lull your mood from magic beach walks to mellow fire-side talks.

To book your stay contact our friendly reception staff on 028 2073 1210.

Petrol-fuelled vehicle owners encouraged to check vehicles ahead of fuel change

The Consumer Council is encouraging owners of petrol-fuelled vehicles to check their vehicle’s compatibility with E10 petrol ahead of its introduction from 1 November.

E10, which will become the standard petrol grade, is petrol blended with up to 10% renewable ethanol.

It is expected to help Northern Ireland to decarbonise transport as

it is less polluting than existing petrol.

Richard Williams, Head of Transport at the Consumer Council advises “While 95% of petrol cars will be compatible with E10 fuel,

motorists should check compatibility of their vehicle using the online compatibility checker available at www.gov. uk/e10checker. Vehicles that are not compatible, typically older vehicles

and classic cars, will continue to need E5 petrol, which will be available in the UK as a super grade petrol. E5 and E10 petrol will be clearly labelled at fuel stations.”

E10 petrol will be rolled out across Northern Ireland from 1 November. It is already available in GB, and the Republic of Ireland plans to introduce it by 2023, subject to legislation. The change in fuel applies to petrol only.

Winter motoring: How to stay safe and avoid a breakdown this winter

Breakdowns and accidents are more common in the winter when road conditions are challenging. Here are the AA’s top tips for driving in winter and staying safe on snowy and icy roads.

Top up your antifreeze in cold weather

Antifreeze only costs a few pounds, but a frozen and cracked engine costs hundreds to repair. You need a 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water for the winter – this protects your engine down to -34C.

Most modern cars use long-life antifreeze but some types of antifreeze need changing after only 2 years. Make sure you use the right type and check your service schedule.

How to drive safely in snow and ice

The roads can be dangerous in winter when there’s snow, ice or sleet. Our top tip is to take it slow. Stopping distances can be 10 times longer when it’s icy. Gentle manoeuvres and slow

speeds are the key to safe driving in ice and snow.

In the season of winter colds, don’t drive with a cold if you’re feeling unwell and are on any medicine that could make you drowsy. It could affect your reaction times.

Before you set off Allow extra time for winter journeys.

Plan routes around major roads, which are more likely to be cleared and gritted.

Try to get up at least 10 minutes early to give you time to de-ice the car.

Wear comfortable, dry shoes for driving so your feet don’t slip on the pedals.

Check fuel levels – have at least a quarter of a tank in case of unexpected delays.

Clear all windows using a scraper and

de-icer and wait until the windscreen’s fully demisted.

If you drive an automatic, check the handbook – some have a winter mode or recommend selecting ‘2’ in slippery conditions.

Driving on winter roads

Pull away in second gear, easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel-spin.

If you have to use your

brakes, apply them gently.

Driving uphill – leave plenty of room between other cars or wait until it’s clear so you don’t have to stop part way up. Keep a constant speed and try to avoid having to change gear on the hill.

Driving downhill – slow down before the hill, use a low gear and try to avoid braking. Leave as much room as you can after the car in front.

Searching for roller garage doors that offer unmatched quality at unbeatable prices?

Then look no further than Garolla, the UK’s first nationwide roller garage door installer.

Transform the appearance of your exteriors and improve the security of your home all in one by updating to a Garolla garage door. Handmade by a team of skilled craftsmen, every Garolla garage door is made from only the very best materials and to your home’s exact specifications. From start to finish you will only work with your own local installer, guaranteeing no pushy salesmen in sight. As well as installing your garage door, your local installer will also conduct the initial survey

of your property and will always be on hand to answer any questions you might have. Offering style as well as substance, Garolla electric garage doors are available in 21 colours and come in two different slat sizes to perfectly fit any opening. Avoid any hidden charges with Garolla, where an instant quote comes inclusive of measuring, fitting and VAT. For more information visit their website www.Garolla. co.uk or, alternatively, give them a call on 028 9246 0024 or mobile 07537 149 128

Is Your House o lder T H an 1970?

T H en You M I g HT Have l ead Wa T er P IP es

NI Water is urging customers to check for lead pipework within their home if it was built before 1970.

Having lead pipework is likely to result in lead levels in your drinking water, which are above the limits set out in drinking water regulations, and may be harmful to health. It is therefore important to check if you have any lead pipework in your property.

Head of Drinking Water Regulation, Dymphna Gallagher explains, “There is almost no lead in drinking water when it leaves our water treatment works or in our water mains. Any lead in drinking water usually comes from lead service pipes in the home.

“Lead pipe is predominantly present in older properties built before 1970. If your property is built prior to 1970 we recommend that

you check for the presence of lead pipework and if it is pr esent that you consider replacement of the lead pipework in your property.

“NI Water is dealing with this problem two ways, by chemical treatment, using Orthophosphoric acid, and the replacement of NI Water owned lead communication pipes. Orthophosphoric acid is added to the water supply at our water treatment works across Northern Ireland which helps to reduce the amount of lead which dissolves into the water from contact with lead pipework.

“NI Water commenced a proactive lead pipe replacement programme in 2013. Since 2015, we have replaced an average of 1,844

lead communication pipes per year. A similar programme is continuing in the current Price Control period, PC21 (April 2021 to March 2027). As part of this programme, customers are informed when lead communication pipes (NI Water’s responsibility) have been replaced and are encouraged to replace their lead supply pipe (customer’s responsibility).

If we are not currently working in your area and you decide to replace your lead supply pipe within your property, you can request us to replace our communication pipe, which we will do free of charge.”

Some simple checks include:

• Look in or behind the cupboards in your

kitchen. You may also need to look in other places, such as the cupboard under the stairs.

Find the pipe leading to the kitchen tap.

Check if it is lead along as much of its length as possible.

Unpainted lead pipes

are dull grey, and the surface feels soft. If you scrape the surface gently with a kitchen knife, you will see the shiny, silver-coloured metal beneath;

• Open the flap of the stop valve outside your property.

Examine the pipe leading from the stop valve to your property.

If you can, scrape its surface gently;

• Some other pipe materials which you might come across which are normal and don’t need replaced include copper, iron

and plastic;

• If you are still unsure, ask a plumber for a second opinion.

If you find lead pipes, you should have these replaced as soon as possible.

Visit www.niwater. com/lead-pipes/ for further information and advice on how to do this.

Short-term precautions if you have lead pipes:

• Run the water: when you wake up in the morning, run the cold tap in the kitchen to flush out any water that has been standing in the pipes overnight.

A sink full should do it. You can always use this water for your plants;

• Use the kitchen tap: only use water from the cold tap in the kitchen for drinks and food preparation;

• Bottled water: if you decide to give

babies and infants bottled water, or use it for preparing infant formula, check the label to make sure it contains less than 200mg per litre of sodium (Na);

• Try not to disturb or knock lead pipes as this can increase the lead in your water;

• Be aware that boiling the water doesn’t remove lead content;

• If you have more than 40 metres (132 feet) of lead pipe, you will need to run more than a bowlful of water and give serious consideration to replacing these pipes;

• You can then use the water from the kitchen tap as usual.

If you are worried about lead in your drinking water, we can test a sample of your water. Contact us on 03457 440088 to arrange a test.

Tradespeople: Who does what?

what on site.

Groundworkers

Groundworkers often work in gangs run by a foreman.

They will do the hardest physical work on a site - such as the digging out of the ground for the foundations.

They will also be the group to call on for the drainage channels, trenches for utility supply pipes/ wires and the ground preparation for hard landscaping and driveways.

Bricklayers

On the majority of UK homes, the brickie follows hot on the heels of the groundworks team.

If you’re building with SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) or a

timber frame, the shell of the building will be put up first and then the brickie will clad the exterior with brick.

Carpenters

As timber frame building begins to gain ground on brick, the role of a good carpenter is becoming more important on many sites. The carpentry team will be responsible for the building of suspended timber floors and either the installation of factory-made roof trusses or constructing a hand-cut roof-frame. They will work with the bricklayer on the installation of the doors and windows.

Roofers

Once the timber

roof structure is complete, the roofer will be responsible for covering the surface with the appropriate membrane and battening ready for the fitting of the roof tiles or similar.As a rule of thumb, the roofer will be responsible for everything on the roof (except chimneys), from the outer surface of the roof trusses outwards.

Electricians Leave anything with wires to the electrician, as all the work should be certified and this can only be done by a qualified electrician. Timing of the electrical work can be crucial as these are some of

the most highly-paid and difficult to find tradespeople.

Plumbers Plumbers will lay the pipework for

your water supply and install central heating systems.

They will connect up the sanitaryware that you supply but don’t normally get involved

in building wet rooms or the constructional side of bathroom or kitchens