North Down Advertiser 194

Local students’ achievements recognised at UU Business School Class of 2022

North Down and Ards students won an impressive four awards at the Ulster University Business School Excellence Awards recently , held at the university’s impressive new Belfast campus and led by the Department of Management, Leadership and Marketing.

Alongside their fellow students, the North Down and Ards students who picked up awards were:

- Hannah Wilding, Newtownards - Highest Marketing Communications Mark (BSc Hons Business Studies)

- Meghan Downey, Newtownards - Highest Applied Marketing Project Mark (MSc Marketing)

- Caitlan Scollan, Bangor

- Highest Performing Student in Final Year (BSc Hons Business Studies)

- Lena Martin, Holywood

- Highest Entrepreneurial Marketing Mark (MSc Marketing)

Five Aw A rds F or Coun C il’s Best-Kept Be AC hes A nd M A rin A s

Top prizes handed out for excellent environmental management

The local winners of the international Blue Flag Award and the UKwide Seaside Award have been revealed for 2023.

Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful announced that Ballywalter South Beach, Cloughey Beach, Groomsport Beach and Millisle Beach received their Seaside Awards for ensuring that visitors

are guaranteed to find a clean, safe, attractive and well-managed coastal stretch at each location. There was also a Blue Flag Award for Bangor Marina, which is managed by the independent operator boatfolk. Northern Ireland’s largest marina earned the prestigious distinction after reaching

world-class standards in criteria that includes water quality, safety, accessibility, cleanliness and environmental education.

27 quality markers for blue spaces were shared across councils, with Causeway Coast and Glens claiming 12 awards and Mid and East Antrim landing three

Blue Flags and three Seaside Awards.

There were a further three Blue Flag wins for beaches in Newry, Mourne and Down, while Ballyronan Marina in Mid Ulster retained its Blue Flag status for the 14th consecutive year.

Continued on page 4

Now in their twelfth year, the awards are an opportunity to showcase the outstanding talent in students across a range of subjects in Ulster University’s Business School across Management, Leadership and Marketing. A total of 29 awards were presented to top students in these areas including the Highest Achieving Final Year Student, Highest Mark in a programme and Best Dissertation. The awards were held at Ulster University’s Belfast Campus on Tuesday 9th May 2023.

Representatives of Ards and North Down Borough Council, including the mayor, Cllr Karen Douglas, pictured with Dr Ian Humphreys, CEO of Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.

Dog Fouling Fines Increased from 1 June

Ards and North Down Borough Council is cracking down on dog fouling in the Borough, with fines for failing to remove dog poop increased from £80 to £200 from 1 June.

The move comes as the Council aims to improve the cleanliness and overall environment of the area, as well as promote responsible dog ownership.

The Council’s Neighbourhood Environment Team is responsible for enforcing laws related to dog fouling. Under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 and relevant dog control orders, it is a criminal offence to fail to remove dog faeces unless exempted by the legislation.

It is important to note that as stated by the regulations, being unaware of a dog’s defecation or not having a device or other suitable means of removing the faeces is not a reasonable excuse for failing to comply with the order.

Council officers also have lawful powers to obtain the names and addresses from individuals after an offence has been committed. The failure or refusal to provide this information constitutes a further offence.

Officers are continuing to actively patrol areas and investigate complaints with a view to gathering evidence and enforce

the legislation through the issue of a £200 fixed penalty notice (reduced to £150 if paid within 14 days). It should be noted that if the fixed penalty fine is not paid, a court summons will be issued where, if convicted, a maximum fine of £1000 could be imposed.

If the dog poop has been left in a bag, this is treated as littering, and a maximum fine of £2500 could be imposed if convicted in court.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Karen Douglas, said:

“This increase in fines is intended to act as a deterrent to those who continue to flout the law and not pick up after their pets. We all have a responsibility to keep our streets and public spaces clean and safe for everyone to enjoy. Dog owners, in particular, have a responsibility to clean up after their pets. We want to create a Borough that is clean and welcoming for everyone. It is not only the law, it is the right thing to do.”

The Council is working hard to promote

responsible dog ownership and encourage people to clean up after their pets. This includes running educational campaigns on an ongoing basis to raise awareness of the issue.

The increase in fines for dog fouling is just one part of the Council’s broader efforts to improve the cleanliness and overall environment of the area. By working together, we can create a cleaner and safer environment for everyone to enjoy. For more information, visit ardsandnorthdown. gov.uk.

Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Neighbourhood Environment Team patrolling the Borough. (Image: Graham Baalham-Curry.)

Bangor Family experience m agic o F Disneylan D p aris

Twelve children living with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions experienced the memorable trip with Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust.

The Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust, a charity that makes dreams come true for children living with serious conditions that are either life-limiting or life-threatening, has taken 12 local children to Disneyland Paris recently where they will spend three days.

The trip, which was last organised in 2015, has been brought back by the charity to accommodate children whose conditions would not allow them to face the harsh temperatures of its annual Lapland trip.

Instead, the very deserving children, their parent/s and sibling/s, are being accompanied by health professionals and support workers to absorb the magic of Disneyland Paris.

The trip has been made

possible by the charity’s continuous fundraising activity including a recent abseil down the Europa Hotel and through its much-valued corporate partnerships as well as its treasured individual donors.

The trip to Disneyland Paris makes up the

‘Get Wet Stay Safe’ continues to keep public safe in open water

The ‘Get Wet Stay Safe ’(GWSS) programme is offering FREE on the water sessions to help you stay safe when out in open water.

‘Days to Remember’ element of the Lapland charity, which was introduced in 2015 to ensure all vulnerable children could experience extraordinary moments despite the challenges they and their families live with.

While in Paris, the 12 children and their parties will have full access to the theme parks, meals, accommodation and travel.

NICLT supporters recently raised £10,000 by abseiling down the Europa Hotel in Belfast. The charity has more events planned to help generate even more funds including a Gala Ball this month.

Set up 12 years ago, Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust, takes 100 local children to Lapland every winter, chartering an exclusive flight for the experience. The children benefit from a huge support team made up of Trust medics, nurses and carers, as well as parents. In 2022, 100 NI children travelled to Lapland with the charity, the first flight since the pandemic. For further information on NI Children to Lapland and Days To Remember Trust please visit www. nichildrentolapland.com

The GWSS programme is a joint initiative between Local Authorities, including Ards and North Down Borough Council, Sport NI, Canoe Association of Northern Ireland, Swim Ulster, Maritime Coastguard Agency, Royal National Lifeboat Institute, Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland and The Outdoor Partnership. GWSS provides a series of training sessions in each council area on the impacts of cold water and basic safety messages for Stand Up Paddleboard and Sit On Top Kayak users as well as open water swimmers. The second year of the programme was

Continued from page 1

Dr Ian Humphreys, CEO of Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful said:

“We are extremely pleased that Ards and North Down has achieved four Seaside Awards and a Blue Flag Award at Bangor Marina. Each flag is a symbol that these special places

recently launched at South Lakes Leisure Centre in Craigavon where those in attendance also had the opportunity for to take part in a Get Wet Stay Safe session on the water.

Chief Executive of Sport NI, Antoinette McKeown said: “It has been brilliant to see the increase in people taking part in water sports and taking advantage of the many accessible locations on our doorsteps across Northern Ireland.

“Water sports are a great way to stay active during the summer and being outdoors has many benefits for our mental health

are managed to an excellent standard and an important trust signal to the public that they can expect a high-quality experience when they visit one of these awardwinning sites. “At a time when budgets are tight and difficult decisions are never far away, we want to thank the council and boatfolk for continuing to invest in our beaches

and wellbeing but open water also has significant risks.

“We want to ensure that water sport is enjoyed but is done so safely. The Get Wet Stay Safe programme will educate users on the risks of open water and how to look after themselves to avoid situations but also how to help themselves if a problem should arise.

FREE water safety sessions are being held in all 11 council areas until September. In Ards and North Down, these sessions are being held at:

Donaghadee Slipway - 21st June 6.30-8.30pm - SUP &Sit-On-Top kayaking Session

and marinas that are much loved and valued by tourists and people at home alike.”

Council staff, including Mayor Karen Douglas, were invited to collect the awards at a presentation ceremony in The Arcadia, Portrush on Thursday 25 May. The occasion was organised by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, who manage

Ballywalter Beach - 24th June 3.304.30pm - Get Wet Stay Safe Open Swimming Session

Cunningburn Picnic Area - 14th July 6.30-8.30pm - SUP & Sit-On-Top kayaking Session

Millisle Beach 15th July - 10am-6pm - SUP & Sit-On-Top kayaking Session

Ballywalter Beach 16th - July 10am-3pm - SUP & Sit-On-Top kayaking Session

Ballyholme (Helens Bay Slipway) - 17th August 6.30-8.30pm - SUP & Sit-On-Top kayaking Session

If you are interested in attending a session, please book online at: www.getwetni.com

the accreditations locally. The award-winning locations will now have their respective flags in place for the duration of the Northern Ireland bathing season, which runs from 01 June to 15 September.

To see the full list of Blue Flag Award and Seaside Award winners, visit www.keepnorthern irelandbeautiful.org

The Spence family from Bangor went to Disneyland Paris recently. Mum and Dad (Susan and Brian) and their two daughters Lucy (7) and Chloe (7) were nominated by the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.

SAFEFOOD SAYS LOCAL FAMILIES STRUGGLE TO AFFORD FOOD

Lower-income households in Ards and North Down are struggling to buy healthy foods as the impact of inflation sees the cost of their weekly food shop eat up almost half of their total income

A new report¹ by safefood on the cost of a healthy food basket has revealed some families in Ards and North Down spend up to £169, almost half (45%) of their take-home income, on food, with families with teenage children paying an extra £40 per week on food than those with younger children.

Inflation, soaring energy costs and the increased price of food over the past few years have been attributed to the pressure placed on low-income households and subsequently a more pronounced nutritional inequality among the Northern Ireland population.

Recent data²shows that grocery price inflation rose again and now stands at 15%, up from 13.8% in January.

The report “What is the cost of a healthy food basket in Northern Ireland?” report found that a two-parent household, who rely on benefits,

with two children in primary and secondary school, their weekly food shop is £169 or 45% of their income.

This represents an increase of 4.3% in their total food basket costs since the research was last conducted in 2020.

A food basket for a single pensioner living on their own has increased by 4.9% in the same period and costs them £64 per week, which is 29% of their income.

For 20 year-old single mother and full-time student, Lori Armstrong, the challenge to balancing buying an affordable food basket with other rising household expenses on limited financial resources is a struggle.

“I find it’s a constant trade-off between providing my daughter with a healthy diet and prioritising other household essentials such as gas and electricity. Sometimes, I would sacrifice our comfort by limiting heating our home to

make sure she has everything she needs to thrive.”

The contents of the food baskets in the safefood survey were based on menus put together by the households themselves. People selected an acceptable food basket in terms of taste and menu choices, while also meeting the social needs of a household, for example hosting

visitors or special occasions like birthdays. The food baskets were reviewed by nutritionists to ensure they met the nutritional guidelines and then price-checked accordingly.

A summary of the report “What is the cost of a healthy food basket in Northern Ireland?” is available to download from www.safefood.net/ news

Sporting stars from Ards and North Down team up to tackle youth mental health

An innovative educational programme aimed at equipping school students across Northern Ireland with invaluable tools to manage and improve their mental health through sport has been launched, supported by a stellar line up of some of the country’s most successful sporting stars.

Following on from Mental Health Awareness Week which ran from 15-21 May, Lidl Northern Ireland’s Sport for Good Schools Programme, in partnership with the UK’s leading children’s charity the Youth Sport Trust, and championed by six-time Paralympic gold medallist swimmer Bethany Firth OBE, European Championship 1500 metre silver medallist Ciara Mageean, and World Champion gymnast Rhys McClenaghan, launched at a special event held at Queen’s University Malone Playing Fields in Belfast.

Nominations are now open for the 2023/24 programme which will see 25 secondary schools across the region receive £1,000 in funding for new sports equipment and delivery of a series of mental health workshops, led by the Youth Sport Trust’s specially trained athlete mentors.

The esteemed group of athlete mentors help young people to think like an athlete to tackle declining emotional wellbeing and resilience, and attitudes to learning. The team, which includes Paralympics athletics champion Michael McKillop MBE,

Olympic hockey hero Shirley McCay MBE, and Olympic steeplechaser Kerry O’Flaherty, joined the programme’s ambassadors to launch this year’s initiative.

Feedback survey results from last year’s programme revealed that 83% of participants felt that the programme had boosted their overall confidence, 75% reported an improvement in resilience and selfbelief and two thirds said it increased their enjoyment of exercise. All teachers participating in the programme confirmed their commitment to making improvements to

their school’s mental health curriculum as a result of the initiative.

Speaking at the launch of the 2023/24 programme,

Lidl Northern Ireland Sport for Good ambassador, Rhys McClenaghan said;

“

Sports participation can be truly life-changing in building confidence, developing resilience and managing mental health challenges and I hope my experience can inspire students right across Northern Ireland to get into sport”

Lidl Northern Ireland shoppers can nominate their local secondary school to win a place on the Sport for Good programme, as well

as £1,000 worth of brandnew sports equipment, by visiting their local Lidl store and making a purchase using the Lidl Plus Rewards App to receive a qualifying Lidl receipt containing a 10-digit code. Receipt codes must be submitted online along with the secondary school nomination for a chance to win. Entries can be made via the dedicated Sport for Good online entry form at lidl-ni. co.uk/lidl-communityworks. The competition is open now until Sunday 25th June 2023. For more information, please visit www.lidl-ni.co.uk/ lidl-community-works.

Please garden for nature & wildlife: it’s not difficult… or messy!

Despite the appearance of ours being a green and pleasant land, it is not, and our wildlife is in serious decline.

But until we change the big things, the ways that we do things, our use of chemicals, farming practices, development, how we maintain public green places, and so on, we can all help. Just to give wildlife a breathing space, some opportunity to survive, until there is widespread positive change to the processes which have caused the damage.

Some call it wildlife gardening or naturefriendly gardening.

Whatever the title, it’s important, and doesn’t have to be difficult, messy or unsightly.

I have in mind a retirement community where the average age of the residents is about 80. A few years ago, they decided to make their place a haven for wildlife, and with the cooperation of their landlord have largely succeeded.

It took time, and a little effort, but actions great and small, stopping the use of pesticides

and herbicides, sowing wildflowers, planting native trees, making relatively small changes to mowing practices, and allowing a few places such as around the bases of trees or obscure corners to grow naturally, has resulted in flourishing wildlife.

If a bunch of oldies can do it, so can we all.

Bear in mind that these are people born in the 1930s, 40s and 50s, who grew up with the idea

Making Smiles Brighter across North Down

that all gardens must be neat and tidy, otherwise they might be regarded by neighbours as neglected, a shaming word. But with careful planning and some ingenuity, they have gardens and grounds which look pretty, and certainly not neglected, but which benefit birds, bees, butterflies and all the rest.

We can all help our wild plants and creatures to survive by doing gardening with the needs of nature in mind, and, as has been

demonstrated in that retirement community, it can also be pleasing to the eye. Want to help? These days it’s not hard to find wildlife gardening ideas and advice online or in newspapers and magazines. Ulster Wildlife’s site might be a place to start: https:// www.ulsterwildlife.org/ let-nature-in. When you see the insects and birds, you’ll be glad that you did.

JVA

Nigel Smith Dental Care is an independent family dental practice located in Bangor. They offer general and cosmetic dentistry as well as facial line softening. They have experienced and friendly dentists who provide quality dental care to their patients.

Holywood Dental Care also offer a wide range of dental services including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, and facial aesthetics. Their team of experienced dentists provides quality dental care to their patients. Both practices offer flexible payment plans to help patients manage the cost of their dental care.

The practices are members of the MiSmile Network, one of the largest providers for UK’s most trusted clear aligner; Invisalign! A treatment coordinator offers consultation and digital scan simulations for predicted outcomes; this is complimentary and there are appointments available every day! All of the dentists are Invisalign Providers and as such there are no long orthodontic waiting lists!

Both practices welcome patients to a friendly independent family clinic. Personal service is at the heart of what they do and both teams are always happy to welcome new

patients.

Both practices are Denplan and Private practice and offer NHS treatment for children. Payment plans help spread the cost and start from £12.50/month to include two exams and cleans a year with a dentist!

The clinic in Bangor has recently been awarded 5-Star accreditation from Curaden for their success in educating patients about importance of oral health. All of the hygiene appointments comprise of air flow polish method, a pleasant procedure as an alternative to traditional hygiene methods and patients are providing great feedback. Both practices offer direct access hygiene appointments, meaning you do not need to be registered to access this service.

Either team would be delighted to care for you and your smile and look forward to welcoming you into their digital dentistry clinics. For more information contact the front of house teams, by phone or email!

Both practices were Finalists for the Northern Ireland Beauty Excellence

Awards 2023! Nigel Smith Dental Care was nominated in two categories – Cosmetic Dental Practice of the Year and Team of the year! Holywood Dental Care was nominated for Cosmetic Dental Practice of the Year! The aim of the NI Beauty Excellence awards is to celebrate achievement across the entire aesthetics, beauty and hair industries in Northern Ireland so becoming finalists was a huge achievement in

the industry! Check out their websites below to see recent smile transformations in your area!

Nigel Smith Dental Care is at 107 Hamilton Road, Bangor BT20 4LN Tel: 028 91270657 www. nigelsmithdental.com Holywood Dental Care is at 128 High Street, Holywood BT18 9HW Tel: 028 9042 3306 www.holywooddentalcare. co.uk

Excel Dance Company

Excel Dance Company is one of Northern Ireland’s biggest and best dance and performing arts schools for children and young people.

Creative Directors, Brooke Porter and Lynda Spiers, have many years of experience, and are fully qualified and registered with both the British Theatre Dance Association and the Associated Board of Dance.

Based in the Crawfordsburn Road Industrial Estate in Newtownards, Excel Dance Company has a brand new studio space comprising four large purpose built studios.

Three of the studios are dedicated to dance and performing arts, whilst one of the studios is highly equip for dance acro training. Excel Dance Company is also an official AcroPad centre.

Classes are on offer for children aged 15 months and upwards. Training is offered in Classical Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Musical Theatre, Lyrical, Contemporary, Acro, Hiphop, and more. Specialist classes are also available for boys, as well as children and adults with additional needs. All students are offered examination and award opportunities,

Have you planned your summer childcare?

With brighter nights upon us, many working parents are starting to think about their summer childcare plans.

all the financial support you are entitled to.

Increased support with childcare costs through Universal Credit

Many parents will rely on formal childcare - such as day nurseries, childminders or summer schemes - to cover the time that children would normally spend in school. This additional childcare can put a significant strain on household finances, this year more than ever as the cost of living crisis continues to bite.

Don’t let cost prevent you from exploring an option

There is help available

Another

festival and competition opportunities, and the chance to perform on stage twice a year in our fantastic annual showcases.

Our highly award winning competition troupe has won many local, regional and national competitions, as well as winning medals at the prestigious Dance World Cup. Excel Dance Company will be opening the doors to their brand new studio

on Thursday 29th June from 5 - 8pm. This is the perfect opportunity to have a tour, speak to staff and register for summer programmes or for classes commencing in September 2023. For more information or to register for classes, check out our website - www. exceldancecompany.co.uk

We’re also on Facebook ‘Excel Dance Company NI’ and Instagram @ exceldanceco

with the cost of registered childcare, which can include some summer schemes, as well as year round providers such as registered childminders, out of school clubs and day nurseries. For example, parents may use Universal Credit, Tax-Free Childcare, Childcare Vouchers or Tax

Credits to help meet their bills. Ahead of the summer now is a good time to make sure your family is receiving

In the Spring budget the Chancellor announced an increase in support for childcare costs through Universal Credit that applies for families across the UK from summer 2023. The maximum support that can be received towards childcare costs from this summer onwards will be £951 per month for one child and £1630 for two or more children. This represents an increase of 47% over the current maximum support. Finding suitable childcare

The Family Support NI website www.familysupportni.gov.uk is a key resource for families looking for registered childcare and includes a search function for all registered childcare providers across Northern Ireland. Local councils and the Education Authority may also provide additional information over the coming months regarding the summer schemes that they are running for school age children.

Alternative working arrangements

In order to manage holiday childcare parents often need to request additional time off, paid or unpaid, or request to change their

working pattern. Flexible working arrangements can take various forms for example part-time working, compressed hours (working your agreed hours over fewer days), job sharing or term-time only working. Discuss these options with your employer to try and find an arrangement that suits you both.

Further information

To find out more about what financial support you are entitled to with your summer childcare, contact our Family Benefits Advice Service for free, impartial and confidential advice on Freephone 0800 028 3008 or email hello@employersforchildcare.org.

5 star review for Helens Bay Dental

Hannah attended Helens Bay Dental as she had been considering cosmetic dental work for some time but was worried she wouldn’t be able to achieve her desired result.

On Hannah’s first appointment she had a digital 3D scan and was able to look at this discuss what changes she would like to make. In Hannah’s lovely words she “felt in excellent hands with Glenda and Sarah as their professional manner put me at ease and they kept me informed at each step of the way, they also gave me all the options available and went through what each would mean”.

Hannah decided to go ahead with composite bonding on her upper front teeth.

“I can only say that the attention to detail was

more than present, and I am overjoyed with my new smile! This has totally uplifted my confidence, I am no longer self-conscious and covering my mouth to laugh or smile, I’m proud of my big grin and amazing new teeth and the compliments from friends and family who are stunned by the difference and how natural my smile looks. I cannot give enough thanks to Sarah and the team for all their hard work”.

The team at Helens Bay Dental has grown and now consists of 24 highly trained and caring, clinicians and support team utilising

5 beautiful newly fitted treatment rooms

Helens Bay Dental offer bespoke membership plans to allow patients to maintain optimum dental health for life.

If you would like to know more, they offer a complimentary visit to see all this for yourself and to discuss how modern digital dentistry can change your smile!

Contact the local highly experienced team on 02891853304, info@ helensbaydental.co.uk or on social media, Instagram and Facebook

HANNON Coach & Sail is perfect for a city break in Glasgow!

Direct Belfast – Glasgow Express now departing from Belfast, Europa Bus Station. An award-winning service offering hassle-free travel with very generous baggage allowance, HANNON Coach & Sail is ideal for a Summer city break in Glasgow. The HANNON Coach Belfast – Glasgow Express Service is the perfect antidote to flying and airport stress!

Already hugely popular with those in the know, the 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, perfect for your next city break away.

With a simple flat fare of £44 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, Europa Bus Station and drops visitors right in the heart of Glasgow City Centre. The simple flat fare allows passengers to pick and mix dates and times of travel to suit and with no luggage charges

Discover the Power of Pilates: Join Our Open Week! Discover the Power of Pilates: Join Our Open Week!

Are you ready to embrace a healthier and happier you?

Look no further than our Pilates Open Week at Active Health! We invite you to dive into a week of invigorating taster classes designed to help you take an active role in looking after your body and overall health.

proper alignment, mindful movement, and the mindbody connection and ultimately helping you find your new favourite way to keep active.

it makes a perfect travel option for city shoppers.

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 or by phone using the very friendly telephone booking service. Call 028 9265 0700 (Mon – Fri) or visit www. hannoncoach.com

At Active Health, we believe that a strong and flexible spine is the foundation of a balanced life. Join us from Monday 14th August to Friday 18th August as we unlock the secrets of Pilates and guide you on a transformative journey towards total well-being.

During our Open Week, we offer a variety of Mat, Reformer, Barre and Active Ageing FREE 30 minute taster classes suitable for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. Our highly trained and passionate instructors will introduce you to the core principles of Pilates, focusing on

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, our welcoming and friendly environment will make you feel right at home.

Experience the benefits of Pilates first-hand as you improve your posture, enhance your flexibility, and build a strong, resilient core. But it doesn’t stop there! Pilates is not just about physical fitness; it’s a holistic approach to wellness. It empowers you to take charge of your health, not only in the studio but also in your everyday life.

With regular practice, you’ll notice increased energy, reduced stress levels, and a heightened sense of well-being.

So mark your calendars and join us for a week filled with laughter, inspiration, and rejuvenation. Take this opportunity to prioritize yourself and discover the wonders of Pilates. Spaces are limited, so make sure to reserve your spot in advance! Get ready to unlock your full potential and embrace a healthier, happier body with

us at Active Health. Together, let’s create a stronger, more balanced you!

To secure your place in our Pilates Open Week, visit our website at www. activehealthsolutions.co.uk or call us at 028 90421188. We can’t wait to welcome you to our studio and guide you on your path to well-being.

10 facts about summer

When does summer start and other summer facts you should know.

1. Dog days of summer

The phrase ‘dogs days of summer’ used to refer to sweltering summer days has more to do with the stars than dogs.

The Roman’s ‘dies caniculares’ began towards the end of July when the star Sirius (known as the “Dog Star”) began to rise in the sky just before the sun. The star was so bright that the Romans believed it gave extra heat to the sun and was responsible for hot days in summer.

2. It’s the most thundery time of the year

More thunderstorms occur during the summer than at any other time of the year. The warmth of summer often provides the perfect conditions of rising air and moisture required for the creation of thunderstorms. They are most likely to occur in the south east of England.

3. Crickets get chirpy

Next time you hear the sound of crickets chirping on a balmy summer evening, why not try this simple trick to find out the temperature. The frequency of a cricket’s chirps is consistent with air temperature so you simply need to count how many chirps there are over 25 seconds then divide by 3 and add 4 to tell you the temperature in Celsius.

4. Snow in June

On 2 June 1975 snow showers forced the abandonment of several cricket matches across the country. The coldest temperature ever recorded in summer in the UK is -5.6 C recorded on the 9 June 1955 in Dalwhinnie and again on the 1 and 3 June 1962 in Santon Downham in Norfolk.

5. Height of summer

Did you know that on a hot day in Paris, the Eiffel Tower grows taller?

The tower is constructed from iron and when this is warmed it expands causing the structure to grow by up to 17 cm.

6. Midnight match

Every year on the summer solstice, a unique baseball game is played at the Growden Memorial Park known as the Midnight Sun Game.

Taking place in Fairbanks, Alaska, the sun is out for almost 24 hours on the solstice and so the game begins at 10.30 pm and ends around 1.30 am without any artificial lighting.

The tradition

originated in 1906 and has been played every year since 1960 by the Alaska Goldpanners.

7. First day of summer

This year the astronomical summer begins on 21 June. The astronomical calendar determines the seasons due to the 23.5 degree tilt of the Earth’s axis in its orbit around the sun.

The meteorological summer begins on 1 June.

The meteorological

seasons are split into three months each. They coincide with our Gregorian calendar making it easier for observing and forecasting to compare seasonal and monthly statistics.

8. Manhattenhenge

Twice a year around May 28 and July 12 the sun New York is home to a fascinating sunset phenomenon.

Owing to the city’s design on a grid rotated 29 ° clockwise from true eastwest, twice a year the sun sets directly at the end of the of many of New York’s major streets to create a spectacular sunset to see the sun slightly above the horizon and nestled between the rows of buildings.

9. Top temperatures

The warmest ever summer in the UK was in 2006 when daytime temperatures averaged 15.8 °C.

The hottest temperature ever recorded in the UK was on 10 August 2003 when Faversham in Kent recorded a sweltering 38.5 °C 10. The longest day of the year is in summer

The equilux marks the point when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky.

This is the longest day of the year and after this point the days slowly begin to get shorter until the winter solstice which occurs around 22 December.

At the same time the Northern Hemisphere experiences summer solstice, the Southern Hemisphere has a winter solstice marking the shortest day of the year.

Family and Ent E rtainm E nt Br E aks in k illarn E y

The Gleneagle Hotel has just announced an incredible line-up of summer entertainment as well as a fantastic selection of family-friendly breaks

Check out their great added value family offers including solo parent breaks and three-generation family holidays. There’s also an extensive kids club activity programme including an entertainment show every evening during the school holidays.

The Gleneagle offers a great selection of room types from double, twins and triples to large family rooms, suites and balcony rooms. They also have self-catering apartments with two bedrooms. For something different check out Hote67, a boutique-style hotel located within The Gleneagle. All accommodation options and public areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Onsite leisure facilities include swimming pools, tennis, squash, pitch and putt and a gym. While the nearby National Park

features miles of tracks, trails, garden walks, cycle routes and lake cruises. The Gleneagle is the perfect basecamp for exploring Kerry’s beautiful beaches, the Ring of Kerry and Dingle and Slea Head. This hotel offers ample free parking and also has a daily shuttle bus service between Killarney’s town centre and train station. It also has a hair and beauty salon; ATM machine and a gift shop all onsite.

Summer entertainment highlights in the Gleneagle INEC Arena include performances by Hozier, Christy Moore, Cian Ducrot, The Whistlin’ Donkeys, Ireland’s biggest ballad fest – An Seisúin Mór, The Wolfe Tones and world-renowned Neil Diamond and George Michael tribute acts. The more intimate INEC Club hosts tribute band

– Live Forever Oasis, Martin Kemp – Back To the 80’s DJ Set, Lisa Hannigan, Up in Smoke and comedians

3 Bucks Left and Conal Gallen. In the Gleneagle Ballroom, the annual

‘Live in Killarney’ series of summer shows and dances includes Michael English, Cliona Hagan, Mike Denver, Derek

Ryan, Stuart Moyles, The Kilkennys, Rebel Hearts, The Dublin City Ramblers, Ceol, Gina and the Champions, Jimmy Buckley, Mick Flavin, Keith Lorraine and Frankie McDonald, The Joe Dolan Show, The Ronin Collins Show, All Folk’d Up and George Murphy & the Rising Sons. Tribute

acts include The Beatles for Sale, Abbaesque, Tom Jones Tribute Show, The Legend of Luke Kelly, The Dubliners Experience, Springsteena tribute, The Bee Gees Story and Friends in Low Places. Visit gleneaglehotel. com, call (064) 6671550 or email info@ gleneaglehotel.com

Helping C H ildren Survive Jet l ag

Travelling long distances can be extremely difficult with children, and unfortunately the troubles don’t end once you arrive at your holiday destination.

Children and jet lag are a difficult combination, and helping your children adjust to a new time zone as effortlessly as possible should be top of your travel priorities.

Children who get over jet lag quickly are happy children: those who find it difficult adjusting to a new time zone can often make the first few days of your long-awaited holiday miserable, and also find it hard to readjust once you get back home.

What is Jet Lag?

Jet lag is the fancy term we use to define a disruption of the body’s sleep patterns, or circadian rhythms.

General rules dictate that every time we cross one time zone, we can suffer a day’s disruption

in sleep. That means that if you travel from London to Los Angeles, which is an eight-hour time difference, it may take you eight days to get acclimated to the new time zone. Nobody wants to spend over a week adjusting however, especially if you are only on holiday for ten days! And while adults may have special ways to help them adjust quicker, such as alcohol, sleeping pills and melatonin, children have no such things at their disposal.

Avoiding Jet Lag

While there are no foolproof ways to avoid jet lag completely, especially on long-haul journeys, there are some tried-and-tested methods

to help your children –and you - experience a minimum of discomfort. These tips should help...

Keep the kids hydrated. Give your kids plenty of water throughout the flight to avoid illness, headaches and tummy upsets later, exacerbated by lack of sleep. YOU should stay away from the alcohol.

Keep moving. Don’t let your kids be complete zombies on the plane. Instead, encourage them to move about as much as possible – good advice for you as well!

Stick to the new time zone. Don’t let your children sleep the night away on the plane, if they are going to arrive only to discover it’s night-time – again. Keep them up if necessary,

so they’ll sleep better when you arrive at your chosen destination. Setting new sleep schedules a few days before your trip can help.

Eat healthily. Loading up on sugary food will give your children a quick high, then a deep low. In other words, it may eventually have the opposite effect you are hoping to achieve. Plenty of fresh fruit, veg, proteins and carbs is much better.

Coping with Jet Lag

Don’t let jet lag ruin your holiday. If you and your children are finding adjusting to a different time zone difficult, these tips should help.... Get them up at the “right” time. Don’t allow them to sleep in,

even if they have had only a few hours’ sleep. You’ll be paying for it later, when they are wide awake and raring to go –at 4am.

Put them to bed at the “right” time. And that means even if that means keeping them up, or putting them to bed “early”. Adhering to the new schedule will make all the difference.

Keep them outside in the sun. If they’re sleepy and lethargic, take them for a walk outside in the bright sunlight. Don’t let them laze in front of the telly in a darkened hotel room. Keeping them out and about enjoying the bright rays of the sun will make the adjustment easier.

Be strict. If your child

is wide awake in the middle of the night after you arrive, be strict. If you allow them a full night’s entertainment –complete with television programmes, Nintendo games and yummy snacks – you can be

sure they’ll wake the following night. Make things as boring as possible.

Plan Ahead

Jet lag is never fun, and when it comes to children, it’s even less enjoyable. In fact,

Dog walkers encouraged to take the lead at NI Water sites

NI Water is appealing to the public to take care of their dog and take the lead when visiting any of its beauty spots.

NI Water is proud to host visitors to many of these sites. However, visitors are reminded that the policy across all NI Water sites is to keep dogs on leads at all times. This is to ensure the safety of both your pets and local wildlife. Many sites owned by NI Water, such as areas of the Mourne Mountains and the Garron Plateau, are also used by local farmers to graze livestock.

Rebecca Allen, Catchment Officer

explains: “Often the presence of a dog is enough to spook a sheep and cause it to harm itself in an attempt to get to safety.

If a dog is found to be worrying sheep, its owners may face a fine of up to £1000 if found guilty of the offence.

“Dogs can also worry cattle and unknowingly carry bacteria into the area, which affects cattle health. We ask that all visitors to NI Water lands follow the Countryside Code for Northern Ireland and keep dogs on leads at all times and bag and bin all dog waste.

Unfortunately, in the past week there has been a tragic incident of a sheep dying as a result of a dog attack on our land, and this is just sad and unacceptable.

“Our countryside areas also provide important habitat for a diverse range of

having a toddler or small child up in the middle of the night for several nights in a row is a sure-fire way to ruin the beginning of a holiday, so do all you can beforehand to minimise disruption.

wildlife including rare breeding birds. Keeping your dog on a lead keeps our wildlife safe and your dog safe and happy too.”

NI Water thanks all our visitors who keep their dogs on leads when enjoying the countryside. Check with Dog Friendly NI for a list of dog parks suitable for off lead exercise.

Get in the swim this s ummer

Swimming is a life skill that everyone should learn. But at what age should we start teaching our children to swim? Common wisdom says that the earlier the better, although it obviously depends on your child. Some are natural water babies, while others seem to take ages before they evolve into dolphins...

Teaching On Your Own

Teaching your child to swim on your own is by far the cheapest option. If you are a confident swimmer and enjoy swimming with babies and children, this could easily be the best alternative.

Start by finding a swimming pool close to you that is suitable for young kids. You will need a pool that is not too crowded during the day, and one where the water is the right temperature. Check swimming schedules beforehand to make sure you arrive at an off-peak time when children are welcome.

If you are teaching a baby to swim it won’t matter how deep the water is as they will not be able to touch the floor anyway. With a small

child, however, a pool with a graded floor that starts shallow and slopes gently is undoubtedly your best – and safest - best.

Getting your child to enjoy being in the water is the first hurdle. Prepare ahead of time by making bathtime fun, with lots of fun toys and games.

Don’t be too pushy, and let them take their time. When you first step in the pool, put your face close to your baby’s and let him feel your skin.

Go gently, and remember that water wings aren’t suitable for a child under age one. They may, however, like water buoyancy aids they can sit in, although NEVER leave a child unattended even for a second. Limit swimming sessions to 20 minutes

or less and wrap your baby up warmly when he or she shows signs of getting too cold.

With time, you will come to understand how to progress further, when your baby is ready to learn to put his face in the water, hold her breath etc. With a little luck and perseverance, you’ll have a little aqua baby in no time!

Swimming Lessons

Lessons are best for parents who are less confident swimmers, who enjoy the company of other parents, and who can swim themselves but have no idea how to teach! Most parents fall into this category, which is why so many little swimmers classes are on offer. They are hugely popular – and hugely fun.

Ask around to see where you can start

lessons, and remember that they fill up quickly. Lessons are available for both babies and toddlers, so choose carefully. Researchers say that children who begin swimming lessons before the age of 12 months develop better personal and motor skills as well as better

concentration in general. So get out there!

Swimming Do’s and Don’ts

• DO purchase swim nappies before you go to the pool.

Your child won’t be allowed in with regular nappies or just a swimsuit. And if you’ve ever waited while pool

TOO MUCH EXPOSURE TO SUN CAN CAUSE LONG TERM EYE PROBLEMS

Most of us know we need to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, but many people in Northern Ireland don’t know that our eyes are also very vulnerable to damage from the sun.

Even those that don’t regularly go on holiday abroad could be at risk, as sunlight in the UK can cause our eyes damage, especially in summer.

Excessive exposure to the sun can cause a painful sunburn-like inflammation of the cornea at the front of the eye, which can greatly increase the risk of developing more serious, even sight-threatening, conditions in the future, such as cataracts, growths on the eyes, or even blindness.

The sun’s damaging power is also increased by glare, which occurs when UV rays are intensified as they reflect off shiny surfaces such as glass or water. It may not always be obvious when you are being exposed to too much sunlight. One simple rule of thumb to follow; if you are looking anywhere near the sun and it is causing any discomfort to the eyes such as making your squint, you are being overexposed.

Stuart Douglas, Ophthalmic Optician at Specsavers Newtownards, says, “Excessive sun exposure can cause irreversible damage to your eyesight and can increase the risk of blindness. The right sunglasses can protect the eyes by filtering UV light from the eyes –however, many people still choose a cosmetic pair over safety, which may cause the pupil to dilate, increasing the amount of UV light filtering into the eyes. Now people can have the best of both.”

The risk of eye problems caused by the sun can be reduced by polarised lenses, which use a layer of iodine

crystals to absorb glare.

8 Top Tips from Specsavers to keep your eyes safe this summer

1. Always check sunglasses comply with BSEN 1836: 1997 or bear the CE kite mark and are marked UV 400.

2. Consider investing in photochromic lenses that adapt to light changes, darkening in bright light. Alternatively, get prescription lenses tinted in conjunction with a UV blocking filter to minimise the amount of light and UV rays that reach your eyes.

3. Polarised lenses can decrease the amount of glare which can dazzle and strain your vision; particularly useful when you are by the pool or taking part in outdoor sports.

4. The larger the lens, the more protection for your eyes.

5. Contact lenses offering UV protection do not cover the whole area of your eye, so should be worn with sunglasses.

6. Make sure your sunglasses fit correctly.

7. If you are going on holiday and have prescription sunglasses, take your optician’s phone number with you – therefore if your sunglasses break, your optician can send your prescription to an optician near you so that you can get new glasses abroad,

8. And most importantly, never look directly into the sun, even when wearing sunglasses.

However, the good news is you don’t have to sacrifice style for safety when it comes to sunglasses. Whether you are looking

for a classic round, a statement square, glamorous cat-eye, striking aviator or something completely avant-garde – Specsavers has a huge range of popular silhouettes, unique styles and designer brands of prescription sunglasses for you to best protect your eyes in style.

Yuen Sum Cheung,

Head

of Frames Development at Specsavers said, “This summer, protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays with Specsavers’ range of fashionable prescription sunglasses, helping you to look great in the sun all summer long.”

If you’re worried about your eye health, visit your GP or call your

Specsavers store to make an appointment; regular eye tests can help pick up any potential eye health issues early.

For more information, and to see the complete sunglasses range please visit the Specsavers website, https://www. specsavers.co.uk/sunglasses/ all-prescription-sunglasses

staff try to scoop poo out of a pool you’ll know it isn’t a very pleasant sight...

• DO try to get your baby involved in swimming early, if he or she shows an affinity for water. If they enjoy baths, it’s a safe bet they’ll enjoy a larger pool as well – even

though the water may seem cold at first.

• DO swim only for a short time at first, and take your baby out to warm up if he or she starts to shiver. If your children associate swimming with feeling cold or uncomfortable they may not want to repeat the process.

• DON’T be too scared of allowing a baby who hasn’t had all his or her immunisations in the pool. The government line is that the chlorine will kill off all viruses and bacteria. If you are worried, however, it’s fine to wait until your baby has all his or her immunisations – but put their name down on a waiting list in the meantime.

• DON’T push your child if he or she isn’t ready to begin swimming. Take it slow

and easy and if they balk, it’s best to wait a while before trying again.

• DON’T be afraid to pull your child out of lessons if they don’t seem appropriate for him or her. It could simply be a case of the wrong instructor. Try somewhere else.

Swimming with babies and toddlers can be great fun for both children and parents alike. Follow your child’s lead and let them show you what they want. Some children take to water a lot easier than others, some like a structured environment while others learn by splashing around. Don’t be pushy and stay attentive to your child’s needs. And remember, while learning how to swim is important, it can also be a lot of fun!

Sporting profile: Molly O’Connor

Molly O’Connor, a young event rider from Loughinisland, is currently Youth Ambassador for Eventing Ireland and together with Coolnaleen rebel recently won the prestigious Hillcrest 110p in Limerick! We caught up with Molly in-between competitions

Molly told North Down Advertiser:

“Hillcrest 110p was Todd’s (Coolnaleen Rebel’s) third run of the season and he felt amazing going into the dressage after working hard at home with Terry Boon we got a 31.3 so there is definitely loads more room for improvement!

Showjumping wouldn’t be Todd’s best phase but after a winter of hard work with Ian Fearon he is much improved and jumped a lovely clear with no time faults which kept us in the lead going into Cross Country. Todd flew around the course not looking at anything and taking everything in his stride to come home clear and 14 seconds inside the time to bring home a lovely win!”

Tell us about your support Team?

“We prepared for each of our events by having a dressage lessons every week after school with Terry Boon and then going to Ian (Fearon) for showjumping. I also train with Joseph Murphy to keep my ponies fit and to keep the Xc lines on point! We also have Heather McReynolds out regularly to have a check-up on them to make sure they are all comfortable.

I would like to thank Terry Boon and Ian Fearon and Joseph Murphy and Heather McReynolds for keeping all my ponies on top form. Thanks also to Overlander for sponsoring me and providing me with stylish horse transport. Donal from hoofprints innovation is always spoiling me with goodies to keep me and my ponies comfortable!

Check out my lovely tech stirrups and my

very comfortable and light fomo back protector! Irish Eventing Times are always there to catch me in the dressage and xc and showjumping and capturing amazing pictures & videos which are just great memories to have. I would like to thank Eventing Ireland for all the opportunities they have giving me as a youth brand ambassador and for all the amazing events they hold!”

How do you handle the pressure of competing at such a high standard?

“I try to tell myself that I’m not nervous and try to remember that all the training myself and my ponies have put in will work and that I just need to trust that – trusting in my own riding abilty and the abilities of my ponies is paramount . When I am getting ready I like to take that time to listen to music so it keeps me distracted from thinking about being nervous.”

What’s the one event you’d like to compete

in and win?

“I would love to go back to Blair Castle as it was just such an amazing experience and venue it would just be like a dream to win at Blair as they put so much effort into every little detail.”

Tell us about your current team of ponies?

“My pony Todd is just my one in a million he try’s is best in everything he does and always keeps me safe going out xc and I have no doubt in him at all and he has just got the most sweetest and funny personality in the stable and never puts a foot wrong. Patch is such a lovely mare she just loves to please everyone the swishy tail just shows how much she loves her job and he ears are always forward - she is never ever ‘marish!’ “

What’s up next?

“At the moment I am looking forward to my next big event which will be Millstreet in early June. I am so excited to take both ponies Todd (Coolnaleen Rebel) and Patch (Fernhill

Mix and Match) as it has such good ground and a lovely course which you can tell they take so much time into every little detail . The feeling of going into the big arena is just amazing!”

What advice do you have for others wanting to compete like this?

“My advice to others competing is just to have fun!

I think we all get so worried about our

nerves that we forget to have fun.

Each event is about making the best memories with your ‘pony partner’ and that is what horse riding is all about! You also make a lot of strong friendships in the horse world with people sharing the same journey and can make great memories of good and bad days.”

Image used courtesy of Irish Eventing Times

Ba B ies, Toddlers and Fun Wi T h n a T ure

It’s never too early to help your child develop a closer relationship with nature. Even small babies love being outside in the fresh air, while toddlers can’t wait to explore the world around them. Developing a love of and respect for nature is important, and it’s never too early - or too late, for that matter - to learn. Commune with a Colony

Young children are fascinated by watching ants at work, and summer is a fantastic time to teach your kids about the ant world. Watching a real ant colony is fun and a great way to start explaining how the insect world really works, and you may find yourself having to buy an ant farm before too long!

If you live near a bee apiary or honey farm, take advantage of its proximity. Many beekeepers have glassed-in hives where children can watch bees going along their daily business. Some zoos nowadays also have live terrariums where you can even watch cockroach colonies at work. Better have a strong stomach for this one...

Explore the Garden

Toddlers find it easy to tune in to the world inside their gardens – especially in summer when they’re full of nice, juicy bugs. Spend an afternoon exploring the bugs in your garden, and bring along a notebook so your toddler can make drawings of what he or she sees.

The best way for them to appreciate all the insects up close, of course, is to make a Bug Hotel (you can release the little critters

later). Very young children find it easier to give their “pets” back, so hopefully that won’t be too hard.

Poke a hole in the container with the fork, explaining to your little one why insects need oxygen to live. Scoop up bugs with the plastic shovel or spoon, then put leaves, sticks and grass inside. Fill a small jam jar lid with water for the bugs to drink. Don’t forget to explain first that the Hotel is for observation purposes only, and that the bugs will need to be put back before tea. You don’t want tears before bedtime...

Nature Walk

Babies love going outside, and if you put them in a front-facing sling they can enjoy trying to make sense of the world around them. Pointing out different things you see and encouraging them to explore textures and feel different surfaces can help get them interested in things outside their immediate surroundings.

Talk to them about what you see and explain what they are touching –you’d be surprised how much even small babies understand. For older toddlers, combine visual exploration with making rubbings with paper and

crayons of interesting and unusual surfaces, such as special stones and bark.

Gardening for Little

Ones

Many children these days believe that carrots, onions and beans “grow” in the supermarket. Assist your child in understanding how vegetables grow by encouraging them to take part in a spot of gardening for themselves, seeing how nature really works – with a little help from us.

Kids can begin by helping to dig holes and placing seeds in the ground. They will also love

watering plants, but don’t let them go overboard and drown everything out! If you don’t have a garden, you can try growing herbs on a pot in the windowsill. Alternatively, plan a trip to an allotment so they can be an eye-witness to veggies actually coming out of the ground.

Picking Your Own fruit is also a great summertime pursuit that will encourage your child’s love and understanding of how we grow food. Look online to see where PYO farms are close to you, and choose one that grows fruit you

know your children love. If you live in an urban area, see if there are any city farms to visit – your kids will benefit from being upclose to the animals, and many even get to milk a cow or two...

Understanding nature in all its many forms is something we never get tired of. Even babies can appreciate the Great Outdoors, and teaching toddlers about how we live is an important part of the learning process. Make it fun, and you can’t go wrong. They won’t even realise it’s educational!

Great restaurants on your Doorstep

Scenic coastline, historic attractions, lively nightlife and a wealth of events and local attractions.

North Down also has a lot to offer for foodies and drinkers, with a range of bars and restaurants that serve local and international cuisine, from Indian to Italian, from seafood to steak.

Here are some of the best bars and restaurants in North

Down, according to Gastro-ranking and Tripadvisor reviews:

Spice Island, Bangor

Spice Island is a family-run Indian restaurant that has been serving authentic and delicious dishes for over 20 years. The restaurant has a cosy and elegant atmosphere, with a spacious dining room and a private function room. The menu offers a variety of dishes, from tandoori specials and biryanis to curries and baltis. You can also choose from vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Some of the

popular dishes include chicken tikka masala, lamb rogan josh, prawn jalfrezi and vegetable korma.

Spice Island also has a takeaway service and a catering service for parties and events.

The Dirty Duck, Holywood

The Dirty Duck is a pub and restaurant that overlooks Belfast Lough and offers stunning views of the sea and the hills. The pub has a rustic charm, with wooden beams, stone walls and open fireplaces.

It hosts live music events every weekend, featuring local bands and singers.

The restaurant serves fresh and seasonal dishes, using local ingredients such as seafood from Portavogie, beef from Crossgar and cheese from Fivemiletown.

The menu changes regularly, but you can expect to find

dishes such as smoked haddock chowder, roast duck breast with blackberry sauce, panfried sea bass with lemon butter and sticky toffee pudding.

The Dirty Duck also has a beer garden, a function room and a gift shop.

Bokhara, Bangor Bokhara is an award-winning Indian

restaurant that has been serving Bangor since 2007. The restaurant has a contemporary and stylish decor, with vibrant colours and lighting. It also has a private dining room for special occasions. The menu offers a wide range of dishes, from starters and salads to mains and desserts. You can choose from

classic dishes such as chicken korma, lamb madras, prawn bhuna and vegetable biryani. You can also try some of the chef’s specials such as chicken tikka shashlik, lamb pasanda, king prawn karahi and vegetable paneer. Bokhara also has a takeaway service and a loyalty scheme for customers.

PROPERTY DEMAND ON THE RISE IN THE ‘BEST PLACE TO LIVE IN NORTHERN IRELAND’

Demand for property in Donaghadee has soared following the news that the coastal gem was named as the ‘Best Place to Live’ in Northern Ireland by the Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide.

Local estate agent John Minnis has seen a rise in demand for sales and lettings in the seaside town, listing 25% more properties in the area when comparing Q1 2023 to the same period in 2022.

Company Director, John Minnis, said:

“In addition to the benefits that Donaghadee being named Northern Ireland’s Best Place to Live has had on tourism and the local economy, there has been an uplift in the demand from people and families that want to live and work here.

“This is unsurprising given its vibrant

high street, beautiful coastline, and assortment of cafes and restaurants, making it an idyllic location for households of all shapes and sizes.

“The boost in demand will inevitably lead to an increase in property value, which will be welcome news for current homeowners and potential investors.”

The rate of Northern Irish properties being snapped up by buyers from elsewhere continues to grow at a steady pace and as the exclusive Guild member for the areas in which we operate, John Minnis is in a unique position to

capitalise on this.

Director at John Minnis and Donaghadee Branch Manager, Stephen McLean, added: “The calibre of property available in Donaghadee certainly plays a role in its popularity, with an expansive range of beautiful homes to suit all budgets currently on the market.

“Whether its for a first-time buyer, someone seeking more room for their family, or for downsizing, there has never been a better time to relocate to Donaghadee.”

With five branches across Greater Belfast and North Down, John Minnis Estate

Agents offers a range of property services including valuations, property management, rental

management, and new development sales.

To view the properties currently

Why install decking?

on sale in the Donaghadee area or to book a free valuation, please visit johnminnis.co.uk

Installing decking in your garden can be a great way to create a space for relaxing and entertaining. Decking can either be freestanding or attached to your house, and it can be made of timber or composite materials.

It enhances the appearance of your garden

Decking can add a dimension and a focal point to your garden, making it more attractive and inviting.

You can choose from different designs, shapes and

styles of decking, depending on your personal preference and the size and shape of your garden.

You can also customise your decking with features such as railings, stairs, lighting, planters and

furniture. You can create a theme or a mood for your decking, such as modern, rustic or tropical.

Having a decked area can increase the value of your home

Decking can increase the value of your home by adding extra living space and improving the curb appeal. According to Checkatrade, decking can add up to 2% to the value of your home, depending on the quality and size of the decking.

Decking can also make your home more attractive to potential buyers, as it shows that you have invested in your property and cared for your garden.

It can encourage you to live healthier!

Decking can enhance healthy living by encouraging you to spend more time outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Decking can also help you to relax and reduce stress, as it provides a comfortable and peaceful place to unwind.

It can also provide a place for exercise and recreation, as you can use it for activities such as yoga, meditation, gardening or playing games.

Decking creates additional space

Decking can create additional space in your garden by utilising unused or uneven areas. You can use your decking for different purposes, such as dining, lounging, working or hosting parties. You can also use your decking all year round, by adding features such as heaters, fire pits or awnings.

You can extend your living space and make the most of your garden.

It is easy to install and maintain

Decking is easy to install and maintain, as long as you plan and prepare well. You can install decking yourself if you are a competent DIYer, or hire a professional to do it for you.

You should use quality materials and tools for your decking project, such as structural treated timber or composite boards, screws designed for decking and wood preservative. You should also maintain your decking regularly by cleaning it with a brush or a pressure washer, applying a sealant or stain every few years and repairing any damage or wear.

Best Ways to Protect y our Home

Home security is a vital concern for many homeowners who want to keep their family and belongings safe from intruders, burglars, and other threats.

Fortunately, there are many ways to protect your home from unwanted visitors, ranging from simple habits to advanced devices.

Here are some of the best ways to protect your home that you might want to consider.

Lock Your Doors and Windows

One of the most basic and effective ways to protect your home is to lock your doors and windows whenever you leave or go to bed. Use sturdy locks that can resist picking, bumping, or kicking, such as grade 1 or grade 2 deadbolts that penetrate the door frame. For windows, use key locks or window stops that prevent them from opening more than a few inches. You can also reinforce your windows with safety or shatterproof glass, bars, grates, or metal bars.

Install a Security System

A security system is a great way to deter and detect intruders, as well as alert

you and the authorities in case of a break-in. A security system can include various components, such as alarms, cameras, motion sensors, door and window contacts, and smart locks. You can choose a professional or DIY system, depending on your budget and preferences. Some systems also offer remote monitoring and control via smartphone apps.

Use Smart Lighting

Lighting is another important factor in home security, as it can make your home look occupied and discourage intruders from hiding in the dark. You can use smart lighting devices that can be programmed to turn on and off at certain times or triggered by motion or sound. You can also use solar-powered or battery-operated outdoor lights that can illuminate your driveway, garden, or entryway.

Secure Your Garage

Your garage is not only a place to store your car and

tools, but also a potential entry point for intruders. To secure your garage, make sure you lock the door that leads to your house, as well as the garage door itself. You can also use a smart garage door opener that can be controlled remotely or notify you if the door is left open. Additionally, you can cover or frost your garage windows to prevent thieves from seeing what’s inside.

Be Careful with Spare

Keys

Many people hide spare keys under doormats, flower pots, or rocks in case they lose or forget their main keys. However, this is also an easy way for intruders to access your home without breaking anything. Instead of hiding spare keys outside, you can use a wall-mounted key safe that requires a combination code to open. You can also give spare keys to trusted neighbours or

Other Uses for your Shed

A shed is not just a place to store your garden tools and equipment. It can also be a versatile space for various purposes, such as a workshop, an office, a gym, or an art studio. Here are some ideas that you might want to consider.

Workshop

If you enjoy doing practical tasks, such as woodworking, metalworking, or tool cleaning, a shed can provide you with a sheltered, tranquil environment where you can work without disturbing your family or neighbours. You can customise your shed with shelves, cabinets, workbenches, and power outlets to suit your needs.

Garden Office

Working from home has many benefits, such as saving time and money on commuting, having more

flexibility, and avoiding office distractions. A shed can be easily modified to accommodate your business needs, such as installing solar power, lighting, heating, and internet connection. A garden office shed can also help you separate your work and personal life.

Home Gym

If you want to stay fit and healthy, but don’t have time or money to go to the local gym, a shed can be a perfect solution. You can turn your shed into a home gym by adding some fitness equipment, such as dumbbells,

treadmills, bikes, or yoga mats. A shed can offer a naturally cool temperature and a sturdy floor for your workout.

Art Studio

If you have a creative passion, such as painting, drawing, or pottery, a shed can be your ideal space to unleash your artistic talent. You can choose a shed with windows to get natural light and ventilation. You can also decorate your shed with easels, canvases, shelves, and other art supplies.

Playhouse

A shed can also be a fun

and safe place for your kids to play. You can convert your shed into a playhouse by replacing damaged wood, hammering down nails, cleaning it up, and adding some colourful paint and furniture. You can also let your kids choose their own theme and accessories for their playhouse. These are just some of the best uses for a shed that you can try. A shed can be more than just a storage space. It can be a multifunctional space that adds value and enjoyment to your home and garden.

friends who live nearby. These are just some of the best ways to protect your home that you can try. By following these tips, you can improve your home’s security and peace of mind. Remember that home security is not a onetime thing, but an ongoing process that requires regular maintenance and updates.

You can now use your New Vehicle Payment to help towards your advance Payment.

Last year Motability introduced the New Vehicle Payment to help with the rising costs of getting a new vehicle on the Motability Scheme.

At Downeys it’s the people that make the difference!

Downeys cars was established in 1995 with the opening of a VW franchise, since those small beginnings we have gone from strength to strength, becoming a main Kia dealer in April 2009.

We built our new flagship showroom in 2020 which showcases an 8 car showroom and a state-ofthe-art workshop.

On 1st March 2023 the payment was increased to £750.

When you order your new Vauxhall from Ballyrobert, Motability are now giving you the option to send the new vehicle payment direct to them. This is instead of getting the payment after you’ve picked up your new car and already paid your advance payment. This payment

cannot be used to subsidise the cost of adaptations.

If you are currently on the Motability Scheme, this payment is in addition to the £250 good condition bonus.

For further details on the Motability Scheme contact Michelle Adams at Ballyrobert on 028 91852262 or email michelle.adams@ ballyrobert.co.uk

Our sales team of Michael, Paul and Robbie are approachable and able to help you with any of your new and used car purchases. Our team have created great relationships with many customers over the years through trust and integrity selling quality products with a personal service. We can assist with finance options or choosing which different fuel option is right for you.

Our service team lead by manager Simon, delivers a first-class customer experience. We aim to be friendly yet professional and to offer the best advice

and assistance. We offer Mot packages and service plans, and servicing for all makes and models using genuine parts.

Kia offers a class leading range of models from Picanto to EV6. Kia sales totalled over 100,000 vehicles in the UK last year.

2022 brought the first full

year of sales for the EV6, the new Sportage SUV and the Niro. In total, 42% of all Kia’s 2022 registrations were either hybrid, plug-in hybrid or fully electric.

We will have first sight of the fully electric EV9 at our roadshow, which will be held on 20th September. This is a full-size range-

topping electric SUV with bold styling and luxurious interior.

Whatever your motoring query we will advise and help. We love a happy customer! At Downeys our mantra is “it’s the people that make the difference” which we continue to build on.

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 7100 1279

Creating your own de C ked area

The key to constructing a good decking area is the frame. If the decking is being built on an

(approx.).

Before building the frame you need to decide which way the final decking boards are going to run and build the main joists of the frame in the opposite direction at approx 400mm centres. The frame can either be built directly on to the patio or can be built using small brick pillars to increase the height. If the brick pillar method is used then you should use a pillar every 1.25 metres along every second joist. In general the more the pillars the better as this will help stop the deck from having too much of a spring. Before building the frame it is a good idea to cover the base with a ground sheeting material to stop any weed growth once the decking is finished. Screwing the frame together is the best way to ensure you

maintain the strength over a number of years.

Building a deck is a great addition to any home level and build the decking so that the frame has a slight fall about 1 in 100, which means for every metre the frame travels the change in

level, will be 1 cm. The fall should be away from any buildings.

Once the basic frame has been constructed it should be strengthened with cross members to add additional strength.

For the top surface it is best to keep the wood

in as long a lengths as possible. When laying the surface you need to screw it to the frame. This is best achieved by marking out the lines you wish the screws to go and pre drilling the holes, finally using an electric screw driver

to secure the decking boards.Nailing the boards to the frame is a waste of time because the boards will twist pulling the nails out.

A good tip is to use a small spacing bar to make sure the space between each board is the

7 budget ways to transform your home

You don’t need to spend a fortune to transform your living space.

1 Paint your stairs

A staircase is a great place to splash out with colour. Whether you decide to paint a simple runner in one solid block up the middle, or do something really adventurous such as painting each step a different shade, the key is to prime first and then apply at least three coats.

2 Say it with flowers

The quickest of fixes has to be flowers. A freshly picked bunch of blooms will provide an instant pick-up, but for a longer-lasting effect, fill a container with flowering bulbs such as hyacinths or narcissi.

Not only do they look great, they smell divine too – and all for under a tenner.

3 Shed-u-Like

The humble garden shed scrubs up surprisingly well if treated to a little TLC in the form of an attractive coat of paint. Plant a climbing rose or two around the door for extra chocolate box charm.

4 Box clever

Discovering a new storage solution is a simple pleasure. Something as effortless as these cubes, one for each member of the family, is pure genius. Keys and

phones can be left or retrieved with every coming and going. Ikea does Drona boxes like those pictured in pink, blue and black for £2.93 each

5 Below stairs

With a little imagination, that dead space under the stairs can be transformed into something both stylish and useful. Instead of bunging your wine under there, why not open up the space as much as is possible, hire a carpenter to install some simple seating with concealed storage beneath (for the wine), paint it a cool contemporary white, and

then lie back and relax.

6 Make the most of it When money’s tight, you’ll want to get more bang for your buck, so spend on objects that you’ll use and that will give you pleasure every day. Such humdrum “micro pleasures” as a new set of mugs or a fruit bowl can gladden the heart on a daily basis.

7. Front door chic Good-quality ironmongery and a beautifully applied paint finish can transform the plainest door. Recent trends for softer shades of paint, particularly greys, in matt or eggshell finishes, work well

same. This space should be between 2 and 5 mm. Hiring a professional

to install decking for you is the best way to ensure that

your decking will be in good shape for many years to come.

existing patio it should be built of sawn treated timber 50 mm by 100mm