East Down Advertiser 237

ADHD and ASD Sports Friendly Summer Camp is a Huge

Success

Mournes and Slieve Croob District Electoral Area Forums (DEAs) have collaborated with County Down Rural Community Network, Ark Housing, Arbour Housing, Clanmill Housing and Northern Ireland Executive Housing for All Programme to deliver a successful ADHD and ASD summer friendly sports camp.

Over 40 young people took part in the programme from in early August at the 3G pitch at Castlewellan Community Centre. On the final day, all participants had the opportunity to try new land and water-based sporting, team building and social activities together at Castlewellan Forest Park.

Transitioning into mentors a number of previous summer camp participants shed light on the benefits of taking

Leitrim t ea Dance

Shine S a Spot L ight on c ommunity c onnection

Downpatrick, Rowallane and Slieve Croob District Electoral Area (DEA) Forums once again collaborated with County Down Rural Community Network (CDRCN) and Leitrim Festival organisers, to host a Tea Dance following the success of last year’s event.

The tea dance was organised as part of Leitrim Festival and proved to be a huge success with over 400 local residents enjoying an afternoon of music, dancing and refreshments on Friday 4 August in Leitrim Gaelic Athletic Club.

The event provided an opportunity for more senior members of the community, particularly those living in rural isolated areas to connect, socialise and make new friends. Each year the Tea Dance grows in popularity, and delivery

of events like this is only possible through working with our community partners and volunteers.

Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte said, “It is fantastic to see so many people here today

enjoying themselves. Events such as these are to be welcomed as they provide residents with an opportunity to reconnect socially, have a chat and form new friendships, all of which can have a positive impact on their health and well-being.”

part in the summer sports camps while helping to ensure this year’s young people enjoyed the experience to the full. Summer camps can pose significant challenges for children with ADHD and ASD. The sensory stimuli, unstructured routines and social interactions in an unfamiliar environment can be overwhelming for young people, hindering their ability to fully engage and benefit from conventional programmes.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte pictured with (L to R) Downpatrick ASDA Community Champion Linda Owens, Chris Clarke and Dan Morgan from Leitrim Fontenoys Gaelic Athletic Club

Health and Wellbeing Event Comes to Dundrum

Residents in Dundrum and the surrounding areas have availed of free basic health checks thanks to a visit by Action Cancer’s Big Bus recently.

Slieve Croob District Electoral Area (DEA) joined forces with County Down Rural Community Network (CDRCN) to provide residents of all ages with an opportunity to receive an MOT check including cancer screenings, blood pressure measurements, glucose and cholesterol testing and body composition assessments.

The Action Cancer Big Bus mobile clinic is equipped with stateof-the-art facilities and staffed by trained healthcare professionals offering breast screening, health checks and health promotion services. The event was aimed at empowering residents with valuable information about their health, to equipe them with the tools to make informed decisions and identify any health concerns that may arise from the screenings. The clinics were available for anyone to attend and women between the ages of

40-49 and 70+ could also avail of a breast screening service. All available appointments were fully booked on the day demonstrating the need for health events such as these within rural communities where doorstep access to hospital and clinic screening services are not always readily available.

Newry Mourne

and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte commented, “It is so important that we continue to bring this vital service to the heart of the local community so that everyone, irrespective of where they live have access to health screening services.”

Cllr Harte continued, “Detecting cancer at

an early stage saves lives. The 20-minute interactive health checks help residents to enhance their knowledge of healthy lifestyle choices to reduce cancer and other health related conditions. I am delighted that partnership working has been able to offer what could be a life changing appointment to residents in the Dundrum area.”

Community Coffee m orning marks beginning of Childhood Can C er a wareness m onth

A host of retail teams from across Northern Ireland helped kick off Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with Cancer Fund for Children at the EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA Community Coffee Morning.

The annual event, supported by Barista Bar Coffee and Kingsmill, sees over 90 community supermarkets hold a September coffee morning in aid of their charity partner, Cancer Fund for Children.

While Cancer Fund for Children fundraise all year round, a special focus is placed on Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

This year the charity aims to grow awareness of childhood cancer, grow connections, collaborations and partnerships, and to grow their support services for hundreds of children and families living with cancer across Northern Ireland, such as Niamh Clarke from Castlewellan who says she’ll never forget how the charity

is helping her young family.

Niamh says; “I will never forget the day I was told I had cancer. I’m a single parent of three children and my first thought was - ‘am I going to die, and who will look after my children? I am all they have’. Cancer Fund for Children helped me in so many ways, from calling to my house for a chat, giving me lots of helpful information, and to helping me talk to my children about cancer, while being so kind to them.

“We were invited to Daisy Lodge at Easter and it was a weekend I will never forget. I felt a sense of calm come over me. We played games, we laughed and we ate amazing food. We met other families and shared stories and I am still friends

with them. It is so important that people raise money to support places like Daisy Lodge and the Community Coffee Morning is a great way to do this. We will never ever forget what Cancer Fund for Children has done and are still doing to help us as a family.”

Phil Alexander, CEO at Cancer Fund for Children commented; “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Henderson Group for their invaluable support. The EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA Community Coffee mornings go from strength to strength every year and they are one of the highlights in our charity’s fundraising calendar. The coffee mornings bring local communities together whilst raising vital funds to help hundreds of families, ensuring they feel supported, connected and better able to cope with the emotional impact of cancer.”

Bronagh Luke, Head of Corporate Marketing at Henderson Group, which owns EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA in Northern

Ireland added; “We are so proud to have raised over £1.6 million for Cancer Fund for Children since our partnership began 12 years ago, and it is an honour to host the kick off events for September’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month through our Coffee Morning. “We have over 90 engaged EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA supermarkets in Northern Ireland whose teams have dedicated

their time and energy into initiatives like the Community Coffee Morning, and made them a success for our charity partners and the many families they help throughout the year. Shoppers can visit any EUROSPAR or ViVOXTRA store throughout the weekend, including flagship stores, Creighton’s EUROSPAR Markethill, Swift’s EUROSPAR Lisnaskea, Smyth’s

EUROSPAR Ballymoney, Mulgrew’s EUROSOPAR Carryduff, Lynch’s EUROSPAR Skeoge, Kelly’s VIVOXTRA Castledawson and Mulkerns EUROSPAR Newry, who are all hosting fundraising events on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th September, For all the details on how stores are getting involved and to donate, visit eurosparni. co.uk/community/ cancer-fund-for-children.

New Interpretative Panels in Crossgar

The captivating history of Crossgar has come to life with the unveiling of three interpretative panels strategically positioned throughout the village.

The panels are the brainchild of the Crossgar Area Community Association and have been

funded by the Department of Communities’ Historic Environment Fund Revival Scheme.

Carlisles Petrol Station

105 Belfast Road, Ballynahinch, BT24 8FF

Donard Service Station

76 Crossgar Road, Ballynahinch, BT24 8XS

Maxol Service Station

11a Crossgar Road, Saintfied, BT24 7AS

Todays Local

133 Main Street, Dundrum, BT33 0LX

Brennans Dundrum

12 Main Street, Dundrum, BT33 0LU

Brennans Seaforde

149 Newcastle Road, Seaforde, BT30 8PL

Ballykinlar Filling Station, 75 Commons Road, Ballykinlar, BT30 8DQ

Wilsons Annsborough Stores

44 Ballylough Road, Castlewellan, BT31 9NN

Lennons Spar

1 Newcastle Road, Castlewellan, BT31 9DP

Smyths Centre

12 Railway Street, Newcastle, BT33 0AL

Ballymote Supervalu

40 Killough Road, Downpatrick, BT30 6PY

Costcutters

112 Market Street, Downpatrick, BT40 6LZ Day Today

14a Scotch Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6AQ

Gibney Stores

68 Stream Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6DF Meadowside

25 Church Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6LH

Spar Foodstore Connolly’s 61-63 Edward Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6JH

Tels Confectionary

30 St Patricks Avenue, Downpatrick, BT30 6DW

Connolly’s Vivo Essentials

18 Downpatrick Road, Strangford, BT30 7LZ Mace

2 Downpatrick Street, Strangford, BT30 7LZ

EuroSpar Ardglass,

5 Downpatrick Road, Ardglass, BT30 7SF

Milligans Shop,

3 High Street, Ardglass, BT30 7TU

Supervalu Crossgar

1 Downpatrick Road, Crossgar, BT30 9EW

Unveiling the new panels, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Deputy Chairperson, Councillor Gareth Sharvin said, “The Council was pleased to assist with the project and welcomes the new installations detailing the history of Crossgar and commend the Community Association’s determination to encourage local people to learn more about their history.

I would also like to thank the Department of Communities for funding this initiative through their Heritage Environment Fund and hope that visitors and local people alike enjoy the panels.”

Delving into the village’s rich past, the Community Association researched its history, tracing it back to the late seventeenth century when the area was known as Everogue’s Bridge. The journey unfolds through time, highlighting the emergence of the ‘new’ village of Crossgar as a bustling market town.

Positioned at Lislea Drive Playing Fields, the Square

Car Park and Killyleagh Street, these interpretative panels outline this historical transformation, providing information on some of the key landmarks within the area.

The project not only enriches the villages amenities for local people, but also fosters a deeper connection with their heritage. Additionally, for visitors exploring Crossgar, these panels offer a captivating glimpse into the local history, enhancing their experience.

The Communities Historic Environment Fund Revival Scheme played an integral part in this project. This funding scheme supports heritage work throughout Northern Ireland enabling Community groups and owners of historic properties the ability to access various funding streams. The funds contribute towards stimulating heritage projects which increase public awareness of the heritage value of historic buildings and monuments.

Thousands Attend Wake the Giant Festival

Thousands gathered in Warrenpoint, County Down on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 August to watch Fionn mac Cumhaill, the centrepiece of Newry, Mourne and Down’s Wake the Giant Festival, return to the town in spectacular fashion.

Hundreds of shoreside spectators followed the giant Fionn on his epic journey to Warrenpoint onboard the Carlingford Lough Ferry where he greeted the crowds at Rostrevor, Greencastle, Greenore, Carlingford and Omeath along the way.

The imposing giant Fionn then wowed crowds as he rode into Warrenpoint on top of his gigantic motorcycle coming to rest in the Giants Arena where two giant shows ‘Enchanted’ and ‘The Hex Factor’ took place over the festival weekend.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte said, “Everything about this year’s festival was giant, a visual treat at every turn. However, the real wow factor was of course the giant Fionn mac Cumhaill as he made his sensational return across Carlingford Lough before entertaining visitors all weekend.”

Cllr Harte continued, “Crowds were also treated to two days of spectacular fun at The Land of Giants which featured Giant Family Activities, a Giant Craft Village, Giant Workshops, and a Giant Food Village.

Some of the incredible music from The Unholy Gospel band, Ursula Burns and Stephen Rafferty got

people up on their feet singing along and dancing to the beats at the beautiful bandstand in the Municipal park.

Local businesses added to the event’s resounding success, joining in on the weekend’s fun with incredible offers to treat the many visitors that came to town.

We are especially proud this year that the landscape underpinning our Giant Adventures is part of the recently designated Mourne Gullion Strangford

UNESCO Geopark.

Departing Warrenpoint for another year, Fionn’s lasting legacy will be felt for years, with his tree planting ceremony, beach clean, street performances and the Giant Craft Village.”

The popular Footsteps in the Forest festival will also make a welcome return to Slieve Gullion Forest Park from Wednesday 25 to Monday 30 October.

Families and thrill-seekers will encounter enchanting characters, spine-tingling

surprises, and immersive storytelling.

In addition to the Giant Adventures festivals there will be an exciting programme of summer events that will also celebrate the district’s culture and heritage. These events will add to the fantastic offering already in place for both locals and visitors enjoying their summer in Visit Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion.

Full details on www. visitmournemountains.co.uk

Museu M s s chools Transpor T s che M e 2023/2024

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is delighted to announce the launch of a new Museums School Transport Scheme for 2023/2024.

Available from 1 September 2023, the Council is offering

eligible schools within the district up to £200 towards the cost of traveling to both Down County Museum and Newry and Mourne Museum. The transport scheme aims to support local schools and provide affordable opportunities to learn outside the classroom for their pupils.

At the launch, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte said, “This scheme is a recognition by Council of the severe cost of living crisis in which we currently find ourselves. It’s so important that students can access their local museums and develop their connection to their history and area. This is one way we can reduce the barriers

that schools face in bringing their students into our museums to discover more about this historic region.”

Head of Arts, Culture, Heritage & Events Noreen Cunningham said, “this new scheme follows on from the very successful Recovery Museums Project whereby schools could avail of a similar amount to help their classes to return to museum visits after the prolonged absence due to COVID-19. We took proactive steps in helping the community return to normal. This new transport scheme will build upon this success and help more students to engage with their local collections and ensure they enjoy the many benefits of museum learning.”

The launch of the new Museums Transport Scheme event coincided with the unveiling of NMD Museums’ new online Schools’ Learning Programmes brochure. This colourful and easy to read guide highlights what is

available to local primary school in both Museums. This will give teachers across the district greater awareness of what is available to support their students’ engagement with the curriculum. For further

information about the Museums’ Learning Programmes and the Transport Scheme, please telephone 0330 137 4422 (Newry and Mourne Museum) or 0330 137 4252 (Down County Museum) OR email museums@ nmandd.org.

Summer Splash Youth Initiative

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte, Minister of State for the Department of Justice James Browne TD, Head of Local Youth Services Lyndsey Braniff and Senator Erin McGreehan visited the Dolmen Centre in Omeath recently to meet young people from Omeath and Warrenpoint who were participating in the Summer Splash Youth Initiative.

The Council worked in partnership with the Education Authority (Crotlieve), Omeath District Development CLG -Steering and Sparring Youth Programme to deliver the weeklong programme which is designed to help young people feel safe, through fostering an environment of inclusivity to enable them to become contributors within their communities, rejuvenating their sense of belonging and

purpose.

Funding for the Initiative was provided by the Department of Justice Ireland Community Safety Innovation Fund, Newry, Mourne and Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Community Engagement Department and the Education Authority for the programme.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

Chairperson, Councillor Valarie Harte said, “I am delighted to see first-hand the benefits of working with our partners to deliver the Summer Splash Youth Initiative. As part of the programme our young people had the opportunity to meet with Irish boxing champion and Olympic and Commonwealth medallist Aidan Walsh who presented an outdoor training session and motivational talk.

Programmes like this make a real difference to our communities and I would like to thank all those involved in delivering the sessions and making this project such a success.”

Education Authority Head of Local Youth Services, Lynsey Branniff said, “The

Education Authority is delighted to be involved in this cross-border partnership programme on water safety for young people in the Carlingford Lough area. As a service, we focus our efforts on supporting young people’s learning on the dangers and risks involved. Summer Splash has been a fun-filled week of activities highlighting important safety messages Ms Branniff continued, “Thanks to our partners Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, the PCSP and colleagues in Omeath District Development Association who collaborated with us on the programme, to ensure positive outcomes for young people.”

New Teaching Assistant Course Launches at SERC’s Ballynahinch Campus

SERC Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning student Victoria Magill, has recently helped launch the new course at SERC’s Ballynahinch Campus, urging anyone interested in becoming a classroom assistant to check the course

The new Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning course commences 18 September until 9 June. Students are required to be working or on a practical placement in a learning environment, such as a school or college, during the duration of the course. Speaking about her experience on the course, Victoria Magill said, “I really enjoyed my time on the course and wish I could turn back time to do it again. My tutor and classmates were great and motivated me to try my best while studying. It’s hard to pick out a favourite part of the course, as I enjoyed everything about it so much, but I particularly liked the observations I got to do during my work placement at Harmony Hill Primary School, where I gained practical experience working in a classroom with primary school age children which really helped me develop my teaching skills.

“Other skills I have gained through the course have included teamwork, time management, communication, as

well as learning to make presentations and designing posters, which have really helped prepare me for working in a classroom.

“I’d recommend the course to anyone interested in education within the Ballynahinch area as every school needs more classroom assistants, and working with children is very rewarding – every day is a fresh challenge, and it keeps you thoroughly engaged. I am hoping to go straight into employment now that I have completed the course, and I’m happy

to say that I’ve already received job offers, which speaks volumes on how worthwhile the course was. Please check the course out if you are looking for a rewarding career within a classroom setting.”

SERC tutor Elizabeth Erwin comments, “Whether you are looking to return to work, looking for your first job, or want a career change, this course is fantastic for anyone looking for an exciting and rewarding job within a classroom setting. The Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching

and Learning will help you develop the skills necessary to become a great classroom assistant, through a combination of learning in SERC and practically applying the information learnt through school placements, giving you a stepping stone to employment within the sector. If you live close to Ballynahinch and are interested in becoming a classroom assistant, this is a fantastic opportunity for you.” Visit www.serc.ac.uk to unlock your future #BetterOffAtSERC

Tips T o avoid being scammed on second handmarke T places online

Buying on Facebook Marketplace or Depop can be a great way to save some cash and be more sustainable but it’s important to be aware of who you are buying from and how scammers can target you.

Facebook Marketplace launched in 2016 with a goal of creating a space to allow people to buy and sell goods with their community however, there has been an explosion of recent searches worldwide for “Facebook Marketplace scam” by 268.1%.

Cybersecurity experts from VPNOverview.com have put together some top tips on spotting scams and how to prevent them in hopes of being able to purchase those goods online without any harmful consequences.

1. Check how active the seller is Fake sellers are common to see on Facebook Marketplace and Depop, as it protects the criminal’s anonymity and can easily de-activate their account.

The easiest red flag for spotting a fake seller is by checking how active they have been on their account, if they have very recently created their profile, it can be a significant concern. Other red flags can include strange bios and few or no friends, and no reviews. However, someone could have recently created a Facebook account or Depop recently to advertise on

Facebook Marketplace.

2. Does it seem too good to be true?

Fake designer items, also known as counterfeits, can be sold both offline and online, however, it can be a lot harder to spot the quality and details from a photo online and it also runs the risk of it even being a catfish photo of the product.

Do not believe offers that are ‘too good to be true’ as often it is the case. Popular items include fake watches, clothing, perfumes, makeup and jewellery.

3. Avoid using gift cards

On Facebook Marketplace or Depop, a seller can ask to be paid through a different payment method, such as a gift card. Once they have received the payment, they can block you and never post the item you bought.

This type of scam is extremely hard to get your money back from, as gift cards are classed as anonymous and cannot always be traced. Other payment methods to be wary of, especially on Depop as sellers claim it is to avoid the selling fees, is PayPal’s ‘Family and Friends’ as it is also classed

as a ‘gift’ payment, so it has no ‘buyer protection’. Always use the most trusted payment method and refrain from being convinced to use gift cards instead.

4. nDon’t deposit a large amount of money Facebook Marketplace has become a huge platform to buy and sell various expensive products, including vehicles. With such expensive items like cars, the scammer might ask for a deposit so they can hold the vehicle for you. However, after that deposit is paid, they might delete their account or give a fake address when it is time to meet up and get the car. Always check if the deposit is reasonable to what the product’s total

A Community of Rooks

Rooks are worth crowing about, writes JV Allister.

This bird is only as successful as its community. I like members of the crow family; their intelligence and adaptability has underpinned their success as species, and rooks are possibly the most successful because they live in close-knit communities.

Granted, they’re not pretty….but that large beak, designed for stabbing for prey, is very effective…. and although not as colourful as the shy jay or the inyour-face magpie, in certain light their black feathers are iridescent. But then looks, or singing ability, are not everything.

all areas are explored for insects, leatherjackets and other invertebrates, as they strut around like ancient soldiers armed with a blade. Their nest sites, high in a stand of tall trees, are of course called rookeries, but their communal roosts are known as ‘parliaments’; perhaps their incessant cawing and calling was thought to resemble the noise made by MPs in the House of Commons. And that cawing and almost constant noisemaking, their communications with others, may be critical.

price is and never pay a large or full sum upfront.

5. Don’t trust screenshots Scams do not just come in selling form, they can be a buyer. Meaning if you are selling on Facebook Marketplace or Depop, you can also get scammed. Scammers have found ways of faking payment receipts or confirmations showing you they paid more than the initial price listed. The scammer will then ask the seller to pay back the overpaid amount and then have a profit off the seller, whilst the seller never received any money from the scammer. Refrain from sending any overpaid payment until you have physically seen the money in your bank and do not trust the screenshots the scammer might send over.

They live in communities, colonies if you like, roosting together, nesting together, because as we all know there’s safety in numbers. You will seldom see one feeding on its own, and indeed group feeding in a field or on my lawn ensures that

Beginning in 1927, the famous zoologist, Konrad Lorenz, studied a group of jackdaws (rook cousins), and eventually was able to understand many of their calls, to go off to feed, to return to their roost, to court and particularly to convey control, or leadership, by the

dominant birds. Given that rooks are much noisier than jackdaws, it seems likely that they’re even better at communicating.

There is no doubt that rooks rapidly pass on information about new locations of discovered food to one another, and they also have a hierarchy, a pecking order, which plays an important part in their lives. In their roosts, the elders claim the

best protected positions, while juveniles make do with exposed outer branches, and it is thought that this is where the informationexchange takes place, bird to bird, branch to branch. When I was a kid, being called ‘birdbrain’ was an insult. Because of what we’re starting to understand about rooks, and indeed other smart birds, it may be more of a compliment.JVA

recovery for northern ireland tourism

The number of hotel rooms sold in Northern Ireland last year rose by 62% on the previous 12 months, new figures have revealed.

Statistics released by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) also show the number of beds sold in Northern Ireland 2022 rose by 43%.

In total, there were more than 2.1m rooms and 3.7m beds sold in hotels in 2022.

The figures, while still slightly down on 2019, show signs of a stronger than expected recovery.

In addition, the NISRA figures show there were more than 512,000 rooms and 941,000 beds sold in guesthouses, guest accommodation and B&Bs last year in Northern Ireland.

Compared to 2021, this represents a 67% increase in room sales and a 70% increase in bed sales. Furthermore, self-catering occupancy also saw positive performance in 2022 with a 10 percentage point increase in annual occupancy and an

8 percentage point increase in peak occupancy, compared to 2021.

During 2022, 62% of annual weeks were sold to visitors from outside of Northern Ireland. This is compared to 69% in 2019, reflecting the downturn of out of state visitors.

During 2022 the percentage of annual weeks sold to Republic of Ireland visitors was 10%, a 2 percentage point increase, compared to pre-pandemic levels. The number of weeks sold to Northern Ireland residents increased from 31% in 2019 to 38% in 2022.

Excluding country parks, parks, forests and gardens, Titanic Belfast was Northern Ireland’s most visited attraction last year followed by the Derry Walls and the Giant’s Causeway.

Both Titanic Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway

showed significant growth on 2021 figures with an increase of 173% and 298% respectively. However, these have not yet recovered to pre-pandemic 2019 levels, with cost of living and inflation also playing a significant role in lifestyle spendability.

Commenting on the figures, John McGrillen, CEO of Tourism Northern Ireland, said:

“The latest NISRA tourism statistics represent a comprehensive insight into the recovery of our industry across a number of sectors.

Northern Ireland’s attraction sector was severely impacted by the pandemic, and the significant reduction in overseas visitors, but signs of recovery are evident in the survey findings”.

“I am also encouraged by the fact that the hotel sector performed better

than anticipated in 2022. Despite the impact of the Omicron variant in the early months of the year, hotel occupancy rates got close to pre-pandemic levels, while sales didn’t quite meet those achieved in 2019.

“Our guesthouses, guest accommodation and B&Bs had a very positive 2022, with figures indicating that this sector is further along in its recovery than the hotel sector.

2022 was also a strong year for the self-catering sector, with annual and peak occupancy exceeding prepandemic levels in 2019, and increases evident for the proportion of weeks sold to island of Ireland residents”.

For a full breakdown of the latest NISRA statistics please visit; Tourism Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (nisra. gov.uk)

East B E lfast D E ntal puts th E spotlight on a ssociat E D E ntist l ia!

Do you have a gap in your teeth? An ill-fitting denture? Difficulty enjoying your food as you can only bite using one side of your mouth?

Come and meet Lia, one of our lovely dentists. Lia joined our team in July 2019. She qualified in 2013 in Thessaloniki.

Since graduating, Lia’s passion for furthering her knowledge has led her to complete a Masters in Prosthodontics in King’s College London, for which she attained a Distinction. She prides herself on building her reputation here at East Belfast Dental, where she can provide pain free general, family dentistry and more specialised, complex solutions for her patients.

Lia is committed to providing her patients with the highest standards of dental care using latest technology and materials available.

She puts you at ease in a relaxing gentle manner to help you feel comfortable at all times.

In addition to family dentistry

East Belfast Dental & Implants offers Composite Bonding, White fillings, Porcelain fillings, Metal free Crowns, Beautiful bridgework, Facial Aesthetics all with Lia. Dental Implants and Mini

Dental Implants are provided by Peter. Pat also makes beautiful, custommade dentures. He has been making them for 40+years - there is nothing he doesn’t know!

Ring 02890451966 to book your New Patient Exam. Come to East Belfast Dental & Implants for all your family dental

Tullywest Manor is celebrating over 30 years in business!

Tullywest Manor is situated in a beautiful rural setting, overlooking the hills, lakes and farmlands of the Co. Down countryside.

It opened its doors to its first residents on 17th March 1989. The aim is to provide high quality services catering for the individual needs of each resident, ensuring that privacy, dignity and respect of each resident is maintained at all times.

Residents coming into care here encouraged to maintain their normal social interests, hobbies and outings with relatives and friends as well as participate in activities and outings arranged by the home

where residents can circulate and meet with each other and relatives.

needs. https:// eastbelfastdentalclinic. co.uk/

Residents views and suggestions for social activities, outings are sought at Resident meetings and actioned if appropriate Tullywest Manor features a large lounge, dining room, entrance hall with seating area and a spacious conservatory,

Each tastefully decorated bedroom, most with en-suite, offers complete privacy where residents are encouraged to express their own personal tastes.

Tullywest recognises the need for a person-

centred approach to care. Encouraging staff to learn more about the Residents lives helps us tailor our care to each individual need.

Tullywest Manor recognises that residents are individuals with family and relatives of their own and encourage this bond to continue. They aim to

create a comfortable atmosphere of homeliness happiness and caring.

12 Tullywest Rd, Saintfield, Ballynahinch BT24 7LX

Telephone: (028) 9751 1234

Email: tullywestmanor@ googlemail.com https://www. tullywestmanor.com/

East Belfast Dental & Implants is at 65 Cregagh Road, Belfast, BT6 8PX.

Benefits for children with disa B ilities or additional needs

Many parents of children with additional needs are unaware that they may be entitled to financial support.

Disability Living

Allowance and Personal Independence Payment Children under 16 with a disability or additional needs may be entitled to Disability Living Allowance (DLA), while those over 16 can receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The amount received will depend on the condition and how it affects the child.

Depending on household circumstances, entitlement to DLA or PIP can also have a positive effect on entitlement to other benefits such as Universal Credit, Tax Credits and Carers Allowance.

Higher payments of other benefits

As soon as possible after receiving a positive

DLA or PIP decision you should contact whoever pays your current benefits to tell them you’re now getting DLA or PIP, as this could result in you getting higher payments of the following:

• Universal Credit

• Child Tax Credit

• Housing Benefit. Inform Universal Credit of the change of circumstances through your Universal Credit account. If you are receiving Tax Credits, inform HMRC via their online portal or the Tax Credit helpline 0345 300 3900. When you contact them ask if there is any additional support DLA or PIP entitles you to. They may need details from the decision letter so you should have it available when you call.

You’ll be exempt from the ‘benefit cap’ which limits the amount of benefit payments a household can receive, and also may be eligible for help towards your household rates if you have made any adaptations to your home to meet the needs of the person with the disability. If you do not currently receive any benefits The awarding of a disability benefit is a significant change in circumstances. The entitlement to DLA or PIP has the effect of increasing the income threshold for meanstested benefits. This means that households with a higher income, and who would not otherwise be eligible, can qualify for support. You should contact an independent benefits advisor who can check if this change means that your household has now become entitled to any other benefits, such as Universal Credit.

Carer’s Allowance and

Carer Element

Parents and others who care for someone in receipt of DLA or PIP could be eligible to receive Carer’s Allowance, which is paid weekly at a rate of £76.75. Eligibility depends on both the circumstances of the carer and those of the person being cared for. If the carer is in receipt of Universal Credit and is in receipt of Carer’s Allowance, or would be in receipt of Carers Allowance if it weren’t for their income being too high, they may be eligible for an additional Carer Element

of Universal Credit of £185.86 per month. For a couple with one partner working and the other not working but in receipt of Carers Allowance they can meet the criteria for financial support with their registered childcare costs which otherwise require both members in a couple to be working. Further information For personalised advice on what support your family may be entitled to, contact the Family Benefits Advice Service on Freephone 0800 028 3008 or email hello@ employersforchildcare. org.

Top jobs T o keep your garden ship shape T his a u T umn

Now that autumn has arrived, it’s time to do a little bit of outdoors housekeeping to leave your garden looking neat and tidy over winter and make it all the easier to resume gardening again come the spring.

So get started with our easy overview of autumnal activities - from trimming to pruning, mowing to cleaning – to get your garden prepped for the season ahead.

Trim and Prune away dead or broken branches on woody shrubs and trees before the worst of the winter weather hits.

You don’t need to prune everything in the garden though. Leaving plants with seeds and berries

adds some interest and colour to the garden, as well as providing a feast for birds and insects.

Mow your lawn with the height of the blades raised a little so it skims the grass.

Clearing autumn leaves can seem like a tiresome job but by gathering fallen leaves from around the garden you can start your own compost pile. Over time you will start to create rich

compost called leaf mould which is a wonderful source of nutrients to add to your plants in the spring.

Give your tools a good clean and store them in a dry location. Empty soil from any pots that are no longer in use and store them in a shed/garage so you have them for spring.

And finally, when the weather starts to turn and you have to succumb to it being

too cold to enjoy a leisurely lunch in the garden, clean down and store away your garden furniture for winter. Storing it away in a dry place over winter means it will be in good condition for coming out again next year and won’t have suffered outdoors over the winter months. Fancy a more practical approach to the Autumn garden tidy up? Hire a professional!

Make yours a Cosy Ho M e T H is a u T u M n

Here are some ways to add the Glow factor to your home

Add warmth with seasonal colours. One of the easiest ways to up the cosiness factor is to add a dash of autumn colour – and if you’re up for the challenge, then a single statement wall or panel can make all the difference. Some of the top trending paint colours include India Yellow, Setting Plaster and Sulking Room Pink by Farrow & Ball, and Honey Mustard and Copper Blush by Dulux. Green is also a great paint colour for fall. It is earthy and peaceful. Green paint

colours are cool colours. Cool colours tend to be calming and relaxing.

To pick a green that’s a good green for a fall colour scheme, try to choose one that has a bit of grey in the blend.

Learn to love layering. Layering is key when it comes to creating a cosy home. Think about adding throws and blankets to your sofa or bed, and layering up your rugs.

Layering is key when it comes to creating a cosy home.

Here are some tips on how to layer your

home for comfort and functionality

Start with a solid foundation. When designing a cosy home, always start with the foundation of a room.

Whether you have carpeted floor or a hard surface topped with area rugs, make sure to begin your cosy home design with something soft underfoot.

The next step is to layer truly comfortable furniture. Luckily, these days there are many affordable options for large pieces of furniture that are both

pretty and practical. Add texture with throws and pillows. Layering is all about adding texture and depth to your space. Throws and pillows are an easy way to add warmth and cosiness to any room.

Use lighting to create ambiance. Lighting is key when it comes to creating a cosy atmosphere. Think about adding some warm-toned bulbs or candles. Add some greenery. Plants are an easy way to add life and warmth to any room. They also help purify the air and

reduce stress. Get arty. Artwork can be a great way to add some personality

and warmth to your home. Consider adding some autumnal prints or paintings.

Add an autumn garland. Garlands are a great way to add some seasonal

Amp up the ambience In Your

charm to your home. Consider making one out of autumn leaves or pine cones.

Bedroom

Often underestimated in the overall design plan table lamps have the power to add just the right amount of charm. It illuminates the room, sets the mood right and provides soft task lighting for bedside reading.

How does one lamp change your life you ask?

Get better sleep: Using your phone in the dark is bad for your eyesight, but it is too bright with all the lights on. With a table lamp, you can dim

the room to induce a more cosy feel, which allows you to catch more ZZZs.

General Lighting Purpose: Of course, one must not forget that only adding tube lights or bulbs wouldn’t brighten up the

bedroom. So, one must have another option to illuminate the entire portion of the bedroom, and that’s where bulb-fitted lamps come under rescue. Focus on specific objects: When engrossed in

any work such as study or projects, then the usage of these lamps will not only ensure to provide you with the standard lighting, but it will also throw light on the object of concern such as a book.

Mood: Bright and catchy light always enlightens the spirit of the individual. Colourful lights have a positive influence on the surrounding area.

Thus, these everlasting lamps fill this spot in a much efficient manner. Thus, bringing the desired jovial mood altogether.

Night torch: One can say that lamps can act as a night torch as dimming its intensity can be useful for those individuals who

do not sleep without light.

So, one can say that it acts as a night lamp.

As a piece of sculptural art. There are thousands of variations of lights out

there for your specific needs, wants and style, so make this a starting point rather than an afterthought to create your dream bedroom!

Natural Vibes – add pla N ts to get some breathi N g space!

Plants have a myriad of benefits that go beyond their aesthetic appeal. They purify the air by removing toxins and releasing oxygen, promoting a healthier indoor environment.

Additionally, home plants have been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase productivity.

Incorporating plants in interior décor allows us to connect with nature and create a more balanced and serene living space.

Maintaining Indoor Plants

Caring for indoor plants is essential to ensure their health and longevity. Some key tips include providing adequate sunlight, watering appropriately, and regularly dusting the leaves. It’s important to choose plants that align with your lifestyle and level of commitment to

maintenance. If you have a busy schedule, opt for low-maintenance plants that require minimal care.

Health Benefits Of Indoor Plants

Beyond their decorative appeal, indoor plants offer several health benefits. They help improve air quality by reducing pollutants and increasing

humidity levels, which can alleviate respiratory issues and allergies. Plants also emit oxygen, promoting better sleep quality and overall wellbeing. Incorporating plants into your interior decor can create a healthier and more invigorating environment for you and your family.

Stress Reduction And Improved Mental Well-Being

The presence of plants in your living space positively impacts mental health. Research suggests that being around plants can help reduce stress levels, promote relaxation, and improve overall mental well-being. The greenery and natural elements create a sense of calm and tranquillity, making your home a sanctuary from the stresses of daily life.

Versatility In Design

Indoor plants offer endless versatility when it comes to design possibilities. You can

choose plants that complement your existing interior design style, from small succulents on windowsills to large statement plants in corners. Whether your home has a modern, minimalist aesthetic or a cozy, bohemian vibe, some plants can effortlessly blend in and enhance the overall look and feel of the space.

Benefits For Small Spaces

Indoor plants are

particularly beneficial for small living spaces such as apartments or studios. They add a refreshing touch of greenery without taking up too much floor space. Hanging plants, wallmounted planters, or vertical gardens are excellent options for maximizing the use of limited space while still enjoying the benefits of plants in your home.

Connection To Nature

Incorporating plants

into your interior décor allows you to establish a stronger connection with nature, even if you live in a bustling city. Surrounding yourself with plants can evoke a sense of serenity and bring a slice of the outdoors into your daily life. This connection to nature can help reduce feelings of anxiety and improve overall mental and emotional well-being.

Eco-Friendly Design Choice

Choosing indoor plants for your interior décor is an eco-friendly design choice. Plants act as natural air purifiers, reducing the reliance on artificial air filtration systems. They also contribute to reducing carbon dioxide levels and help combat indoor air pollution. By opting for plants instead of synthetic décor elements, you contribute to a healthier environment for yourself and future generations.

The many benefits of a kitchen re-spray with Cameron!

If you’re looking to renovate the whole of your kitchen but don’t want the expense of replacing it, then a kitchen re-spray might just be the answer you are looking for.

You’ll be surprised at what a new coat of paint can do to transform your kitchen from a tired, dull space into a vibrant, modern place where you can relax, cook and entertain. With that in mind, what are some of the major benefits of a kitchen respray? Here are just a few!

Cost-effective

Kitchen spray painting has becoming increasingly popular and with interest rates remain high – we all want to make the most of an increase in the number of kitchen respraying enquires in recent times.

Most people would like to keep their old kitchen and, if it’s in good condition, you don’t need to be

concerned about budget; spray painting is usually a lot cheaper than replacing your kitchen, which can cost up to thousands of pounds in supply as well as installation costs and removal of the old.

Time-saving

Imagine the upheaval of having to remove cupboards, sinks, and

appliances for extended periods of time if you were to decide on getting a brand-spanking new kitchen. Kitchen respraying offers the same fantastic finish in rapid time, without cutting corners on preparation, quality, or final result.

It only takes a few days to coat even the most complex kitchens.

Limitless kitchen paint colours

Finally, when it comes to choosing what colours suit the style of your kitchen, there’s a limitless number of kitchen spray paint colours and finishes available.

With our fully trained, experienced team on hand and using the best spray paint equipment, we can give you the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of!

For a free quotation call Cameron on 07765 256700

Table Manners

Looking for a new restaurant to love? Whether you are seeking somewhere family friendly or a romantic table for two, somewhere where the family pet is accommodated or somewhere that earns four stars for looking after lone diners – The East Down Area is overflowing with great eateries. Here are just a few ways to find a good restaurant!

Research restaurant options ahead of time.

If you’ve heard of it – you can google it! Compare menus and pricing between alternatives online. You can often check additional facilities offered such as bar service and even onsite car parking if these are important to you. Are there any unique features that stand out in a customer’s mind and give it a competitive advantage over others?

Décor and ambiance are also importantyou’ll want somewhere where you will feel good and that obviously has pristine standards of cleanliness.

Of course Highquality ingredients and an experienced cook are important to serving good food con sistently. Look for positive customer experiences in any online reviews. The main factor to bear in mind is that you should enjoy the food without having to regret the expense.

We generally go to restaurants to enjoy a dish that we normally wouldnt cook at home.

The menu should offer a variety of dishes to satisfy the taste of any guest we choose to bring with us.

The staff who interact with you and or/ your guests should be courteous and maintain a positive attitude. You can read blog posts online or flip through a physical guidebook to find out what restaurants are serving great food for you to check out.

Search “restaurants

near me” and filter for best rated, but don’t just take the rating as true – some places game the review system with fake reviews. Look out for those places with a good number of reviews and a high average rating.

When it comes to the most sought after qualities customers seek from a restaurant – the following is a useful guide! “A pleasant and comfortable

atmosphere without unwanted disturbances. High-quality food that sits at par with the standards of the restaurant. Kind & cordial treatment by the restaurant staff throughout your dining experience. Easy payment methods” Check out restaurant review sites like TripAdvisor or OpenTable. They have millions of restaurant reviews and photos from their global travel

French’s Café and Bistro

Frenchs Café & Bistro is a popular stop at Clough, whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

This is a family business which has evolved over many years. The menu reflects top quality seasonal produce, beautifully cooked and well prepared. The licensed Bistro area is well worthy of special occasion dining with a choice of boothed or open table seating in a

modern well designed restaurant area. There’s also a takeaway menu of up to three courses available some evening s and on Sundays. There is a cocktail menu and a range of speciality drinks including coffees, ales, gins and whiskies. The staff are well trained and

customer service is excellent.

There is a private function room available for hire and Outside catering service is also available.

A coffee and scone or traybake, or simply delicious Morelli’s ice cream are also available from their

doorstep ’Food pod’, which also has outdoor seating! Hot food options such as toasties are also sometimes available.

Call in and Try French’s Café and Bistro for yourself!

2 Castlewellan Road, Clough BT30 8RD.

For bookings Tel: 028

44 811703

community. Also remember to check out the restaurants social media pages for current information such as menus, and even daily specials. Ask friends and relatives for recommendations!

Autumn He A lt H H A cks

Autumn might be one of the most picturesque seasons of the year, but few will deny that the colder, darker and wetter weather makes it harder to stay motivated to exercise.

Exercising in this season can be somewhat daunting. Dragging oneself from the comfort of their warm and comfortable bed to battle the elements during a morning run is the stuff of nightmares for many – however you can reap serious rewards when bracing the weather to get out and about this autumn season.

Seasonal adjustment disorder is but one condition that can be alleviated by regular exercise. Numerous studies have shown that incorporating exercise into your daily routine can boost one’s mood as well as decreasing stress, anxiety and depression.

So getting up and out will not only benefit your physically, but also mentally.

Changing up your routine is one way of staying motivated to exercise this autumn. Whilst going for a morning run might have seemed attractive when the weather was dry and warm, the colder and wetter mornings might be better suited for an indoor swim. Perhaps joining a gym is the best way to stay fit over the winter, providing an indoor environment that can encourage exercise no matter the weather.

In the same way, mixing up your diet is important to staying

healthy this autumn.

Salads and fruit might have been the order of the day during the summer months, but your body will need more sustenance to fight off the flu and keep you warm during the winter season. Mixing some soups, chowders and shakes

into your diet can be a great way of diversifying your diet and making sure that you do not get bored eating the same old meals time and time again.

One benefit of the nights getting longer is that many find it significantly easier to

get a long night sleep. As it gets dark earlier, it is often easier to get into a night time routine and securing those essential 8 hours rest per night – studies have found that those who get less than 6 hours sleep per night tend to have a higher than average BMI.

Why make a break for Ballina Manor Hotel, Mayo this Autumn?

Great bedrooms, beautiful food and an instagrammable location are just three reasons to consider!

The bedrooms are just awesome! There are 89 luxurious guestrooms including 12 river view rooms - overlooking the river Moy and the picturesque town of Ballina which is on the doorstep.

There are 8 Junior Suites, offering a world of relaxation and guaranteeing a great night’s sleep.

All rooms come equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, tea/coffee making facilities and (should you need it!) a workstation.

The yummy Food!

Ballina Manor Hotel, Mayo offers a varied menu that has been compiled by the talented head chef and features a wide range of dishes made with locally

sourced ingredients. The Ridgepool Restaurant boasts more stunning views of the River Moy.

Ballina Manor Hotel is perfectly situated in the centre of town close to all amenities such as tourist attractions, shops, and pubs. Take in the stunning coastlines and fresh sea air on Lacken Strand or Ross Beach. Bingo takes place in Ballina and the surrounding local areas most nights of the week!

A location to Love!

Ballina Manor Hotel is the perfect location and base for a fun-filled break in Mayo, situated in the heart of Ballina and only a 1-minute stroll to the town centre, this is the perfect base for exploring and enjoying all that North Mayo and the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way has to offer!

Mayo is full to the brim with attractions, wonderful scenery, and activities to keep all ages entertained. Explore Belleek Woods, where you can wander around the Fairy Trail, discover Ceide Fields, go back in time with a visit to The Jackie Clarke Collection, burn off energy at the spectacular Tom Ruane Park or local playgrounds and even if the weather isn’t on your side the kids will love a few hours at Waterpoint Aqua Park in Enniscrone. In addition to Lacken Strand, Enniscrone Beach or Ross Beach you can choose to enjoy a fun day out

at Westport House, visit Achill Island or set a family challenge to climb Croagh Patrick or Nephin. Ballina Manor Hotel is also an ideal location for corporate guests travelling regularly for business and for those travelling to and from Sligo, Killala, Belmullet, Foxford, Swinford, Castlebar, Westport and the surrounding areas. Ireland West Airport, Knock is located just 40 minutes away and there are also daily buses and trains from across the country with both stations only a 7-minute walk from our hotel!

Book your break today at www.ballinamanorhotel.ie or contact the reservations team on T: +353 (0)96 80 900

Pum P kin Patch – everything you need to know!

the earth for eternity. In Ireland, people started to carve demonic faces out of turnips to frighten away Jack’s wandering soul. When Irish immigrants moved to the U.S., they began carving jack-o’-lanterns from pumpkins, as these were native to the region.

Little known Facts

about Pumpkins

Pumpkins are technically a fruit because they contain seeds. They are a type of winter squash and are closely related to cucumbers and melons.

Pumpkins are packed with nutrition. One cup of cooked pumpkin is only 49 calories, but

contains 49 percent of your daily needs for vitamin K, along with vitamin C, potassium, vitamin E, iron, folate, and niacin.

We all know that pumpkins make great Jack O’Lanterns – but who was the mysterious Jack? The association of pumpkins with Halloween comes from an Irish myth about Stingy Jack, who tricked the Devil for his own monetary gain. When Jack died, God didn’t allow him into heaven, and the Devil didn’t let him into hell, so Jack was sentenced to roam

Pumpkins contain plenty of the antioxidant beta-carotene. Betacarotene is converted to vitamin A in the body and is shown in studies to help fight off infections, prevent some age-related vision problems, and may help protect the skin from harmful UV rays.

Each pumpkin produces about 500 seeds. Unhulled pumpkin seeds can be roasted and eaten, and provide antioxidants, magnesium, zinc, iron, and fatty acids.

Where can I pick my own Pumpkin in Northern Ireland?

Laganvale Farm,

Lisburn: This farm has a pumpkin patch where you can pick your own pumpkins and then carve them into spooky lanterns. There’s also a

haunted house, witches maize maze, farm walk and pumpkin themed games.

The Ark Open Farm, Newtownards: This farm

holds annual Halloween and pumpkin picking events where families can pick their own pumpkins before carving them.

Fermanagh Fun Farm,

Enniskillen: This farm has a ghost train that takes you to the pumpkin patch where you can pick your favourite pumpkin for carving.

Get Luxury for Less with the

Bathline BIG Sale!

Searching

Senory play idea S for S mall children

Discover the Beauty of Monaghan this Fall

The four-star Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club, Monaghan! Established in 1970 this family-run haven is ready to host your Autumnal retreat this year.

and tailorable service while offering fresh, wholesome and locally sourced dining options throughout the hotel. The perfect getaway no matter the Season!

Outdoor activities like pumpkin picking and carving, walking in the falling leaves are great sensory

play opportunities for pre-schoolers in themselves.

Leaves, berries and other materials can also be used to springboard other play and crafts such as painting or costume making.

How do you carve a

pumpkin?

Cut off the top of the pumpkin at a 45-degree angle.

Scoop out the seeds and flesh carefully (this is a task that kids can get hands on with themselves!)

Draw out your design on the pumpkin

with a washable marker.

Use a small serrated knife to cut out the eyes, nose and mouth.

Got a small plastic or inflatable paddling pool? Maybe don’t pack it away just yet! It could be the perfect thing for your child to store or play with treasures picked up on autumn walks such as leaves, shells and stones. Try spotting seasonal favourites such as blackberries, conkers, chestnuts and acorns – keep it covered and your child will be able to revisit and play with their hoard over the coming season. You could add sand or other household staples such as pulses lentils or dried pasta shapes to the mix for even more interest and adventure. They may choose to create landscapes for playing with other toys and dolls too so just watch the creativity grow.

Neaten up your design with rubbing alcohol.

Pop a tea light inside the pumpkin, light it and replace the crown.

Your visit to the hotel is the ideal opportunity for you to indulge in the luxurious yet cosy atmosphere just 1km outside the charming Monaghan Town in Ireland’s Ancient East. Co. Monaghan is filled with treasures to discover and all types of experiences for inquiring minds. A county rich in natural beauty; walk its forest paths and explore the drumlin dotted landscape that inspired the

poetry of Patrick Kavanagh. Accommodation rates are available from only €60 per guest sharing for 2023 dates for our immaculately designed and comfortable Guest Rooms, including full use of the hotel’s awardwinning Leisure Club, which boasts some of the most innovative equipment, accompanied by a breathtaking 18m swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, kid’s pool & steam room. The grounds

Department urges all users to take personal responsibility to travel safely on our roads

The Department for Infrastructure made an appeal recently to all road users to redouble efforts to travel with due care and attention.

The appeal comes as statistics published in early July revealed that 57% of all people who were killed or seriously injured on Northern Ireland roads in 2021 was due to careless driving; a trend that has been steadily increasing over a number of years.

While the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads due to careless driving is down 17% from the 2004-2008 baseline, there has been an increase in the number of people killed or seriously injured due to careless driving from 2016 onwards.

The Department is responsible for road safety and last October the draft Road Safety Strategy to 2030 was published. This strategy contains a renewed focus to make our roads safer for all. The Department also recently introduced a new fixed penalty notice of

ALFA ROMEO DEBUTS IN TOP

FIVE IN 2023 AUTO EXPRESS

DRIVER POWER SURVEY

Alfa Romeo has debuted in an impressive fifth place in the annual Auto Express 2023 Driver Power survey.

£100 and three penalty points to specifically help tackle careless driving.

The evidence shows that more than 95% of road traffic collisions, where someone is killed or seriously injured, is due to human error such as a choice to speed, drink or drug driving or driving carelessly or while distracted. People driving or riding carelessly is the cause behind the majority of deaths and serious injuries on our roads here.

Most collisions are avoidable. Careless driving is made up of many behaviours including inattention or distraction, wrong course position and driving too close amongst others and is the biggest cause of deaths and serious injuries.

As we use the roads as drivers and riders, we need to be extra vigilant – pay attention to our surroundings,

ignore in-car distractions, give extra consideration to more vulnerable people, such as those who walk or ride and children and older road users. Every one of us has a role to play in preventing deaths and injuries on our roads. Just as with speeding, drink or drug driving or failure to wear your seatbelt, if you drive carelessly, you run the very real risk of killing or seriously injuring yourself, your passengers or some other innocent road user.

As part of the Road Safety Strategy, the Department invites people to support ‘Share the Road to Zero’, which encourages all citizens to take a road safety pledge to be the best road users they can to help reduce road deaths. Signing up is easy, it’s quick and it’s free, and you can do so by clicking here www. sharetheroadtozero.com/

It comes as the brand adds the new Tonale Plug-In Hybrid, and new Giulia and Stelvio models to its vehicle range.

The survey results serve as an acknowledgment of the commitment from Alfa Romeo to provide quality cars true to the Italian design and sporting heritage of the brand.

The Auto Express annual Driver Power survey counts the opinions of more than 60,000 owners who score their cars across a range of features, including performance, technology and running costs. These independent perspectives from real owners indicate how drivers honestly feel about their cars.

Alfa Romeo received particularly high scores from owners for style and driving performance, with road handling, steering and ride quality ranking particularly

highly. Practical features such as cabin storage and child-friendly features were also highlights for owners helping to push Alfa Romeo into the top five best car manufacturers.

2023 continues to be an exciting year for the brand, with the launch of the Plug-In Hybrid version of Tonale, and the addition of new Giulia and Stelvio to the range.

The Tonale is the first electrified Alfa Romeo ever. Plug-In Hybrid variants are capable of up to 49 miles of electric-only range (WLTP) while new Giulia and Stelvio models feature revised design and the highest levels of efficiency.

The 2023 Driver Power survey result follows a record first quarter for Alfa Romeo.

Registrations are up 136% in Europe, with market share doubled compared to 2022, and registrations up 64%

globally, year on year.

Record Q1 results serve as an acknowledgment of the brand’s commitment to an uncompromising focus on quality.

Julie David, Managing Director Alfa Romeo UK, said: “To have placed so highly in the 2023 Auto Express Driver Power survey demonstrates that customers recognise the

commitment that Alfa Romeo has to providing uncompromising quality across our range, while maintaining the Italian sporting heritage that they love. To feature this highly in the year we have introduced the brand’s first electrified vehicle to the range makes it even more rewarding.”

This news comes as

Alfa Romeo also ranks third overall in the US J.D. Power 2023 Internal Quality Study (IQS). Alfa Romeo soared 24 places, the greatest jump in this year’s IQS, to finish first among premium brands and third in the industry. Furthermore, The Alfa Romeo Stelvio also claimed top honours in the study’s compact premium SUV segment.

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

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 7100 1279

How to C H oose Your Paint Palette

Dreaming of the perfect paint palette? Here’s the inspiration you need.

Knowing how to choose paint colours seems easy at first, until you’re faced with decision paralysis from so many choices. Dr Dulux is a firm believer in one very important rule when it comes to colour scheme ideas.

That is, there are no rules! Having said that, we’re always here to help answer your questions and offer inspiration towards your dream home designs.

How to choose paint colours you love

Think about the colours you love to wear, the environments you like to spend time in and the hobbies you enjoy. Which colours do you associate with the

things you love? These are the shades that’ll add personality to your space while enhancing the mood you want to create. Now, if you’re thinking you love green for the garden, blue for the ocean and the riot of bold hues you choose for clothes, there’s an easy way to try them all out before committing to house colour schemes. Make the most of memories

You never have to pine for the beach or the peaceful countryside, when you capture the spirit of it at home. Draw on your cherished experiences for colour scheme ideas that evoke what you adore, each and every day. For

example, if you love that coastal holiday feel, consider a light, airy scheme with fresh neutrals and a splash of dreamy blue, like the Dulux Considered Luxury palette.

Can’t wait to escape to the forest?

Combine tonal shades of green with deep, earthy neutrals, textured materials for soft furnishings and accessories literally plucked from nature. Add pops of yellow or orange to remind you of the sun peeking through the trees. Remember that there are no rules, so if you simply can’t choose one favourite, use different rooms to highlight an array of

memories and moods.

Embrace accent colours

It’s easy to add personality to your home without overpowering it with colour. Consider combining a main, neutral shade with an accent colour, whether it’s bold or subtlety striking.

Neutral shades can appear both warm or cool, depending on what they’re paired with, so you can go as bold as you like with accent colours. For example, consider a deep grey. When combined with rich blue you’ll achieve a serene, oceanic feel. However, blend it with pops of yellow or orange and

you’ll find that instant energy and warmth fills a space. Feature walls offer a great way to embrace accent shades and

Dulux Feature Wall Matt comes in a range of exciting paint colours. Highlight fixtures such as fireplaces or doors with Spiced Honey for

warmth or try greengreys for a cool, airy feel.

If painting the main walls isn’t an option for you, use accent colours

on photo frames, chairs, drawers or cupboards, with Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood for a lovely, mid-sheen finish. Don’t overlook window

Using Colour to Create Feng Shui in Your Home

Feng Shui can be exactly what you need to create an environment that will aid you in achieving a stylish sanctuary.

Unlike traditional interior design, Feng Shui is aimed solely at creating a vibrant feeling of joy and harmony that will bolster your energy..

Similar to other design trends, each space must be designed in a unique way for its individual purpose.

Designing a home

office using Feng Shui will mean dispelling traditional ideas that focus purely on functionality and focusing on creating a space that exudes positive, vibrant energy.

Achieving these desired energies can be done by following basic feng shui principles, starting by clearing out old energy before beginning to redesign.

In a practical sense, this means decluttering. Decorating a cluttered

home makes little sense from a feng shui perspective and the process of decluttering has been shown to have clear cathartic properties. It is therefore imperative that you have a blank canvas to work from when beginning to create positive energy through interior design. Air and light are both essential elements for creating positive energy (or Chi) in your home.

Once your home is clutter-free your air

quality will greatly increase and your feng shui decorating can begin.

It is important not to underestimate the power of colour to change the energy of a room and the mood of all those who enter.

Have a balanced pallet throughout your home is vital and using the Bagua map, you can decide what kind of energy you would like to promote in each room.

Feng Shui has relatively

strict symbolisation for colour, with red/ purple-violet inviting abundance, passion or royalty, green promoting restorative energy, black evoking wisdom and whites symbolising purity or precision. Fundamentally, each room must serve a purpose and through colour, you can promote the creation to positive energies – the perfect pick me up as we lean into a new autumn season.

Home furnis H ing ex P erts reveal H ow to arrange your ideal living room

A living room is often said to be the heart of a family’s home. As it is the room that pumps life into both your private and social life, many wish for it to feel and look as special as it possibly can be.

However, achieving that perfect balance of comfort and aesthetic is no easy task. With that in mind, home furnishing experts Englanderline have provided some specialist tips around the topic of arranging your dream living room.

Think about what furniture is best for you. Do you need cosy, modern living room furniture or would you prefer something fun and vibrant?

Preferences will inevitably change from family to family, but it is important to accommodate what you partly envision before anything else.

Consider spacing

- According to how big your living room space is, agree on whether you will need a big, small, or square couch in your living

room. For example, if your room is large, it is obviously best to search for large living room ideas.

What we ultimately learn from this is that spacing is imperative to your plan. There are two types of spacing to be aware of: positive and negative. Positive spacing is where your furniture will go, whilst negative spacing is the empty space left in the room. Considering spacing is ultimately beneficial because it allows you to visualise what should go where.

How should you arrange your living room furniture?

Avoid facing everything towards a television. One way to do this is by arranging your seats in either a U-shape or an L-shape. These types of arrangements

work well for directing one’s eye to another prominent part of your room – a fireplace for instance.

Do not let technology dominate – As we live in the 21st century, technology is pretty much unavoidable everywhere we go. Most family living rooms tend to include a television or other technological devices. The advice here is to include technological devices in your living room if that is what you want, but do not allow them to dominate your spacing. Instead, if you have the spacing to allow for it, arrange for some builtin shelves to put your devices on.

Cabinets and sideboards – what to consider

Grab your guests’ attention – Of

course, we agree that comfort comes first. However, if you want to grab your guests’ attention from time to time, and you do not own the luxury of a fireplace or another architecturally attractive feature, you can turn to custommade cabinets or sideboards. Perhaps they can help to hold a collection of ornaments, or indeed any objects of personal importance. Either way, with them being there, you have added that little bit extra to your ideal living room. Always consider measurements –Remember to bear in mind that if you are planning to add specific objects to your cabinet, you need to make sure that they will fit. Measuring said objects is a very simple

Planning to landscape your garden?

When landscaping your garden, there are several things you should consider. Here are just a few of them:

Begin by defining how your garden will be used.

Common uses for outdoor spaces include entertaining, cooking and dining, playing and relaxing

It’s important to analyse the site before you begin landscaping. There are many key elements that could affect your design, such as slopes, peaks, drainage patterns, and the type of soil.

The ideal soil is 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay. Some people choose to build towards the ideal over several years and develop their garden plan in sections

Design - You may have a good head for design- you may not, you may even have something drawn up already! Know your garden: Think about your own little micro-climate, drainage and the sun position at the times of day when you will want to use your garden most. You will also want to consider the topography of your site, and your soil type when planning your landscape.

Who will be using your garden? Is it just you or will children or animals be sharing the space? What about access and also security of the space – both when you are at home and when you aren’t? Think about themes, how to create zones and link spaces. You will want to make your plants work for you and

consider how to emphasize and enhance them - through placement, reflection (in a water feature for example) or with lighting.

Structure - When designing a landscape garden, it’s important to consider what structure you are going to use. Consider your products and materials in terms of affordability, function, investment value and longevity. How will your lawn be edged? Do you want to have flowers or shrubs in borders, beds and/ or containers.Would you like an outdoor kitchen? Is artificial grass a good option?

Soft landscaping is the process of designing the elements of a landscape that do not involve construction. These elements include trees, shrubs, and flowers, as well as container gardens, potted plants, and hanging baskets. Perennials and shrubs (which flower year after year) may lack 1st year impactbut will build and bulk out for the future.

When considering soft landscaping for your garden, you should think about the following:

The type of soil in your garden, The amount of sunlight your garden receives, The climate in your area, The amount of maintenance you are willing to do. If you are a gardening novice check out which types of plants thrive

in your neighbours gardens as this can make choosing your own plants easier!

Above all know when

to call a professional, they will be able to handle and develop your project with your vision in mind!

step, but it is one that many people forget. Also, be sure to note the difference in height between the shelves of your cabinet.

Do not worry about size proportion – Do not panic if you feel that the cabinet’s size is not proportionate to the rest of the room.

Woodworks often tend to look bigger when they are empty. When placing objects on your cabinet, try not to place items of

the same scale beside one another. By doing you will create a stimulating effect that both you and your guests will love.