Following consultation and engagement with local residents, the new lights between Beersbridge Road and Billy Neill Halt have been programmed to operate during hours of darkness up to 10.30pm and after 6.00am.
As well as providing a safer space for those who wish to walk, wheel or cycle all year round, the scheme has been designed with the local environment in mind. The design uses
Mayor hosts celebration event for local gymnast Rhys McClenaghan following success at European Gymnastics Championships in Turkey
The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Karen Douglas has hosted a special celebration event at Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex in Newtownards, for world champion gymnast, Rhys McClenaghan. The athlete from Newtownards added the European pommel horse crown to his world title, after securing gold for the second time at the
European Gymnastics World Championships in Antalya, Turkey last month. Rhys’ family and friends were joined by familiar sporting faces such as Lady Mary Peters and Olympic boxer Paddy Barnes for the event, as well as local children from Regent House School in Newtownards. Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Karen Douglas said:
“I am delighted to host this celebration event for Rhys McClenaghan today. The sacrifices Rhys has made to get him to this point in his gymnastics career cannot be underestimated. His continued hard work and dedication to the sport he loves is incredibly inspiring.
“Rhys is an exceptional role model for our younger generations and it’s great to see so many school children
join us here today. These young people are witnessing first hand that with hard work, and perseverance anything is possible, and their sporting dreams can too, become a reality.
“I continue to wish Rhys every success in his sporting career and will continue to follow his achievements with keen interest. Rhys is a great ambassador for our Borough and beyond.”
a red light spectrum to minimise disturbance to bat colonies, while back louvres on the light heads and shorter columns will minimise light spill into the hedgerows to shield wildlife and diminish light pollution into adjoining properties. The pilot will be reviewed by the Department after two years and and will help form a decision on whether the scheme should be extended elsewhere.
Five North Down and Ards based beauty businesses scooped up awards at the prestigious NI Beauty Excellence Awards, which took place in Belfast recently.
The five businesses from Holywood, Bangor, Newtownards annd Donaghadee announced as winners in this year’s Awards are:
• Kim Annesley Hair, Holywood – Winner of Mobile / Home based business of the Year
• Eclectic, Bangor –
Winner of Salon or Clinic
Interior Design
• JAX Hair and Beauty, Donaghadee – Winner of Team of the Year
• Blush Newtownards
– Highly Commended for Nail Salon of the Year
• Verve Medical
Aesthetics, Bangor – Highly Commended for Aesthetics
Clinic of the Year
Proudly sponsored by West Coast Cooler and judged by an independent panel of experts, the awards, which, due to the popular demand of previous years, introduced six new categories this year and saw a record number of entries from a host of homegrown salons, clinics, spas, specialists and products across Northern Ireland. Tasked with the job of whittling down the hundreds of award entries
to finalists and judging the awards to find the winners were make-up and skincare specialist Katrina Doran, Medical Director at Woodford Medical Dr Mervyn Patterson and owner of Pearl Beauty, Elanna McGowan. New to the panel this year were nail expert and Renew Beauty, BioSculpture and Elim Educator, Ingrid Graham, Dr Martina Collins, Principal Dentist and owner of Martina Dental & Skin Clinic and last year’s winner of Overall
Contribution to the Industry, founder and former CEO of Vita Liberata, Alyson Hogg MBE. Speaking of the awards, event organiser and owner of Weir Events, Sarah Weir commented; “It has been a privilege to bring back these wonderful awards again which just keep getting bigger and better. They are an opportunity to recognise and showcase the diverse range of talent and innovation of the evergrowing beauty industry in Northern Ireland. I can’t wait for next year’s awards
already. ”
“We received a record number of entries which is a demonstration of the booming beauty industry in Northern Ireland as well as the passion and determination of so many of our industry professionals. Congratulations to all of our winners, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you all.”
The awards, which were once again hosted by TV royalty, Pamela Ballantine, took place on Saturday 13th May 2023 at the Crowne Plaza, Belfast.
Sports clubs and aspiring athletes in Ards and North Down are being invited to apply for Sports Forum Grants through Ards and North Down Borough Council.
A total of £45,000 has been set aside to help the Borough’s affiliated clubs deliver quality sport in our area, while local athletes can also apply for funding to help ease the financial burden of travel and accommodation. They can also take advantage of a Goldcard which allows access to leisure facilities at reduced rates. Clubs and individuals can apply for multiple grants until they reach their yearly (April 2023 to March 2024) limits, provided they qualify under the guidance notes.
Grants include:
• Anniversary: Grant value up to £750
• Coaching: Grant value up to £500
• Equipment: Grant value up to £1000
• Events: Grant value
Supported by the Public Health Agency (PHA), Ards and North Down has been announced as the first early adopter site in Northern Ireland to undertake a ‘whole systems approach’ to tackle obesity.
up to £1000
• Goldcard: Access to Council Leisure facilities at reduced rates
• Seeding: Grant value up to £250
• Club Travel: Grant value up to £500
• Individual Travel and Accommodation: Grant value up to £500
• Schools Clubs Pathway: Grant value up to £500
The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Karen Douglas, said:
“Enabling people to take part in sport is one of the key priorities for Ards and North Down Borough
Council. We strive to ensure our local sports scene continues to develop through the Ards and North Down Sports Forum.
It is through this Forum that local clubs and athletes have been provided with the opportunity to apply for grant funding that will support our sports clubs and athletes while also aiding sport development in our area.”
For more information, including application forms and guidance notes, email sportsdevelopment@ ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
A holistic or ‘whole systems approach’ to obesity prevention can offer a more effective means of tackling high, unequal and increasing levels of obesity in Northern Ireland.
The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Karen Douglas, said:
“I am delighted we are the first council area to move forward with this important initiative. It is unfair that health inequalities exist and that those who live in socially disadvantaged communities are more at risk of obesity related ill health. We need to follow the example taken in other areas by taking a more holistic approach. This can only be
achieved by working in partnership with others.”
Colette Brolly, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “Living with obesity can have significant impacts on our health and wellbeing, increasing the risks of developing chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. The causes of obesity are multiple and complex and adopting a whole systems approach helps us identify the changes that are needed at many different levels in our society to support individuals with healthy behaviours.
A recent review of international best
practice shows that this approach offers significant potential to prevent obesity and improve the lives of people in Northern Ireland.”
Adopting a whole systems approach could mean introducing policy change, interventions at community level or improving local amenities and facilities to support healthier food and dietary choices or enhanced opportunities for physical activity. It will increase understanding about all the factors influencing weight and help to create actions that will support individuals adopt healthier behaviours.
The rate of obesity in Northern Ireland is high and rising – more than a quarter (27%) of adults are living with obesity, putting this group at a higher risk of developing chronic disease. The data also shows that around one in 16 children (6%) are living with obesity in Northern Ireland.
In Ards and North Down, official data shows that around 4.2% of Primary 1
pupils were obese between 2017 to 2019. Female pupils in Primary 1 had higher obesity rate compared to male pupils. The obesity rate increased slightly for Year 8 (4.5%) pupils, but males in Year 8 had higher obesity rate compared to females. Ards Peninsula DEA showed highest overweight and obesity rate (2013/14-2017/18) in the Borough, with around one in three Year 8 pupils being overweight or obese. Obesity increases the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as colon cancer, high blood pressure, or type 2 diabetes, and is linked to substantial direct and indirect costs (to the health service/ public services)–estimated to be of the order of £370 million in Northern Ireland in 2009. In 2022, the disease prevalence for some of these conditions were higher in Ards and North Down compared to the rest of Northern Ireland, including diabetes mellitus, cancer, stroke and hypertension.
This is just one interesting fact pupils of Comber Primary School learnt when NI Water’s education team came to visit to teach them all about the Water Cycle.
NI Water’s educational programme, ‘H2O and the Wonderful World of Water’, taught the children about the value of water and how important it is for us all to look after it.
During the visit, the children were introduced to H20, a water drop figure and mascot for the programme. They learnt how rainwater is cleaned and sewage is treated keeping the country healthy. They took part in a ‘Bag it and Bin it’ activity to demonstrate what can and can’t be put down the toilet. The children were also introduced to NI Water’s chosen charity – WaterAid, who work to help those who have no access to safe water or sanitation.
NI Water’s Outreach and Learning Officer
Anna Killen said:
‘‘NI Water places great importance on educating young people in the vital role water plays in our lives. H2O is a fun
way for children to learn about the water cycle, why water is essential for good health and how they can help to conserve this precious resource.
“NI Water are guardians of the infrastructure; the networks and assets, but every one of us uses the service. Only together, as a company and a community, can
we continue to protect our most valuable and precious asset – water.
“We are delighted with the positive feedback we have received from schools who have participated in NI Water’s educational programme. It’s a fantastic way for us to deliver what matters for the local community
and educate future generations of water users.” Why not get water fit and try our new online water audit at https:// www.getwaterfit. co.uk to see just how water wise you are and receive free water saving items such as 4 minute shower timers, leaky loo strips and toothy timers for the little one.
Dunluce Healthcare has unveiled plans for ‘The Peninsula’, a state-of-the-art £10m nursing home facility in Newtownards. This latest development by the Bangor-based firm will provide a range of nursing, residential, respite,
and convalescent care needs to 80 residents, creating 110 permanent roles – including 16 nursing positions.
Ryan Smith, Chief Executive of Dunluce Healthcare said:
“Residents and their families are at the heart of everything we do, and providing the highest standard of care to our residents is of paramount importance to us, meaning The Peninsula has been designed with both care and comfort in mind.
“Featuring 80 modern, stylish rooms as well as spacious communal areas and beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces, The Peninsula will offer residents a truly luxurious
living experience, designed to hotel standards and unlike any other currently available in Northern Ireland.”
The first residents are scheduled to move into the Peninsula at the end of 2023.
In addition to this latest development, Dunluce Healthcare currently operates residential and nursing care facilities at Oakmont Lodge (Bangor), Hillcrest Care Home (Omagh) and Hillside Residential (Omagh).
Ryan continued:
“The Peninsula not only represents the next step in our plans for continued growth and development, but also creates vital employment opportunities to those living in Newtownards and surrounding areas.
“We plan to recruit over 100 permanent staff members and were pleased to recently appoint Dr Kevin Moore to the position of Director of Nursing. Kevin brings over 40 years of experience to his position,
along with a genuine commitment to delivering top quality care.
“At Dunluce Healthcare, we offer a career with real opportunity for
development and training. We provide financial support while staff learn, to help them be the best they can be, and actively encourage
ongoing growth and progress.
“We look forward to the completion of The Peninsula and to welcoming both new residents and staff
members to our new care home facility.”
For more information about Dunluce Healthcare, please visit www. dunlucehealthcare.com
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, NewtownardsHighest 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)
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.
Speaking at the Awards, Dr Mary Boyd, Head of Department, said, “It is fantastic to see such a diverse range of talent in management, leadership
and marketing related programmes and it is wonderful to have the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our students on our brand new Belfast Campus. The Ulster University Business School prides itself on enabling students to acquire knowledge and skills that will allow them to make a meaningful contribution to the development of business in Northern Ireland and beyond.
Our professional partnerships are evidenced by the many sponsors involved with these Awards and further demonstrate our commitment to providing an important mix of academic and practical learning.”
SERC students and apprentices have been testing their skills against their peers at the annual round of intercampus SkillBuild competitions, ahead of SkillBuild NI Finals later this month.
Competitions took place for Fire & Security, Carpentry & Joinery - Cabinet
Making, Carpentry & Joinery- Site Joinery, Electrical Installation and Bricklaying.
SERC was delighted to have the support of Denis Wilson, proprietor of Denis Wilson of Glenavy, who presented prizes for the Carpentry & Joinery competitions.
Podium places were awarded to:
Fire and SecurityMatthew Blair (first place) Level 3 Fire & Security ApprenticeNI, with Jack Matthews (second place) and Jamie Rusk (third place).
Carpentry & Joinery – Site Joinery
- Paddy Madine (first place), Level 3
Carpentry & Joinery
ApprenticeshipNI, with Bradley Gill (second place) and Reuben Harper (third place).
Carpentry & Joinery
– Cabinet Making
- David Magee
(first place) Level 2
Carpentry & Joinery ApprenticeshipNI with Taylor Simpson (second place) and Peter Reavey (third place).
Carpentry & Joinery - Carpentry
Luke McIlwrath
(first place) Level 3
Carpentry & Joinery
ApprenticeshipNI with Dylan Ewing (second place) and Seth Kittle (third place).
Bricklaying - Jayden Allen (first place) Level 3 Bricklaying ApprenticeshipNI with Matthew Corken, (second place) and Thomas Montgomery (third place).
Electrical Installation - Cameron Gorman (first place) Level 3
Electrical Installation ApprenticeshipNI with Matthew Drysdale (second place) and Daniel Devlin (third place). Visit www.serc.ac.uk to unlock your future #BetterOffAtSERC.
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 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/letnature-in. When you see the insects and birds, you’ll be glad that you did. JVA
Green Isle Residential Home is a purpose built family run care home for the elderly. It is a two storey building located in the quiet fishing village of Portavogie and is set on the shoreline with superb unrestricted views of the sea.
We provide a very high standard of care which ensures that our residents’ rights, dignity and respect are upheld at all times. The home is staffed 24 hours a day, and as Green Isle is a small family run home, emphasis on individual care will be paramount. By providing this service to anyone choosing to live in Green Isle, we are ensuring that all residents’ needs and preferences will be met, and that they have the best quality of life possible.
Meals provided are breakfast, dinner, high tea, and supper. There will also be midmorning, afternoon and evening tea/ coffee provided. Green Isle provides good quality wholesome food, and homemade cakes, pies, puddings and scones, which the residents and staff love.
We feel that anyone staying here will be very happy – it really is a home
from home! We are also inspected regularly by The Regulation And Quality Improvement Authority Green Isle Residential Home opened in October 2008. It adheres to all the current care standards which were issued in January 2008.
The ground floor provides a spacious entrance area, reception/ office area, a large open plan living room/dining room, and kitchen area. A spacious shower room, hairdressing facility and toilet area are also provided on this floor. There are nine bedrooms, two on the ground floor and seven on the first floor. All the bedrooms are large, bright and tastefully decorated, each with an en suite.
Four of the bedrooms have sea views, looking onto the Green Isle from which the home derived its name, and on a clear day, the Isle of Man is visible.
On the first floor there is also a spacious bathroom, incorporating an assisted bath, a treatment room and separate staff room.
The dining area, situated in a sun room at the back of the home, provides panoramic views of the sea and opens onto a paved patio area. Green Isle Residential Home provides a full range and schedule of activities including Board Games, DVD And Video Afternoons / Evenings, Sing Along Evenings, Bingo, Hairdressing and Bowling.
Activities are individualised where possible, so any residents that have existing interests and hobbies they would like to continue, are provided for.
We believe that when people make the choice to live here, they should be able to bring as much of their lives with them as possible. This adds to the positive and happy atmosphere within the home.
Contact us on Tel: 028
On International Water Safety Awareness Day recently NI Water spread awareness of staying safe at reservoirs and other bodies of water.
Senior Facilities Manager, Patricia McKee, explained:
“NI Water places great importance on raising awareness of the vital role water plays in our lives, including our reservoirs.
International Water Safety Awareness Day is an opportunity to remind everyone of the potential dangers of reservoirs and to never underestimate the power of the water.
“Although reservoirs can be beautiful spots to visit, they can also be extremely dangerous. The water may appear calm, but there are hidden dangers that could be fatal including strong currents, deep water, cold temperatures, machinery and isolated locations.
“Water may look calm on the surface, but it’s what lies beneath that could be deadly. Reservoirs can be treacherous, with fatal dangers
that can catch even the strongest swimmers off guard.
Remember that a dip in a reservoir may seem tempting, but its’ simply not worth the risk. Swim in designated areas and never take chances.
NI Water’s advice on staying safe at reservoirs includes:
• Temperature –Reservoir water
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.
is very deep and dangerously cold
• Time – If you get into difficulty, it may be too late for emergency services to reach you
• Strong currents
– Underwater currents sweep you away and pull your under
• Weather conditions
– it’s cold in summer. Freezing in winter. Ice
gets thinner the further you go in. When ice breaks, you’ll not survive.
• Diseases – Animals that can access open water carry fatal diseases.
• Alcohol – can impair judgement and reactions
• Underwater
– Machinery, weeds, rubbish and plants will drag you under.
“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
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 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
With the relentless pace of life, making time with family and friends is something we learn to treasure.
Chestnutt Holiday Parks is a family business who have been helping multiple generations do just that.
Situated along the Mourne Coast they operate 4 award winning caravan parks. Regularly featuring in the UK’s top 100 parks, and recent winner of the Staycation Awards they provide top class facilities. Waking up to the sound of the sea or drawing your curtains to the Mourne mountains in the morning or both, is a real possibility.
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
Whether you are interested in touring, camping or caravan hire, or would prefer to own your own holiday home, there is sure to be a holiday experience to suit you!
If you are interested in
creating memories with family and friends, then contact Chestnutt Holiday Parks.
Book early by calling
Chestnutt Holiday Parks on 028 417 62653. Online Touring Booking available @ www. chestnuttholidayparks.com
10 facts about 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 east-west, 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. Similarly, Milton
Keynes’ central road is designed so that when the sun rises on the solstice, it shines straight down Midsummer Boulevard and reflects in the glass of the train station.
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.
With the temperatures finally on the rise, it is time to bring your garden to life and enjoy the sunshine.
MacBlair offers a full range of tools and landscaping products across its network of 17 branches to spruce up any garden project. The MacBlair Bangor store has recently launched a new landscaping display area. This “one-stop-shop” can cater for every project, no matter how big or small. From fencing and decking, porcelain and concrete paving, gravel and bark to drainage and groundwork. The range also includes compost and seed, artificial grass and products for wood care and decking.
One of the most popular products at the moment is
a durable finish in a variety of styles. With so many choices, deciding on the right tools or the best design for the
advice
exposure to the sun is yet another way of reducing the likelihood of getting burnt. Wearing layers such as hats, shirts and sunglasses can provide that added protection that you need. Many kid’s clothes, such as swimwear, now have SPF protection built in – be sure to check this when buying holiday clothes.
Summer brings with it many benefits, however one annoyance is often the increased number of bugs and insects.
For those travelling to any number of exotic locations, protection from disease-carrying mosquitoes is highly
summer.
Summer is an exciting time for kids. School’s out, the sun is shining and the days are long. However, despite this being the best time of the year to be a care free child, it often raises a number of concerns for parents who must stay alert to ensure the safety of their kids. Nobody wants any avoidable accidents getting in the way of summer family fun – so here is a reminder of ways to be sure that your loved ones avoid some of the potential hazards that come during summer. Whilst the good weather is great news for outdoorsy folks and can seriously improve anybody’s mood – it also brings risk of burn. The best way to avoid this is to practice summer sun safety. Wearing sun cream is a great way of limiting the risk of sunburn and making sure that it is applied regularly throughout the day is a must. Limiting your
important. Much like sun cream, the regular use of insect repellent can go a long way to protect you from ticks or mosquitoes which carry Lyme disease and even malaria. When schools are out and children will spend a greater length of time at home, it is important to remember that accidents are the main cause of death for children post-infancy, with many occurring in the home. Following Child Safety Week, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has highlighted certain steps that are designed to make your home as safe as possible for young children in who could injure or even strangle themselves on looped operating cords and chains.
Hilary Johnston, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager with the PHA, said: “None of us wants to think about anything bad happening to our children, so it is important that we don’t ignore the risks but take steps to reduce the likelihood of children having an accident around the home. Accidents often happen when we’re distracted and can happen alarmingly quickly.
“Some of the most common causes of childhood accidents include burns from cookers, scalds from spillages, poisonings from hazardous household products, road accidents occurring during the busy hometime chaos, drowning in the bath, and falls.
“Internal window blind cords and chains can also pose a risk to babies, small children and vulnerable people
“It is impossible to watch over our children 24 hours a day, so we must take steps to make the home environment as safe as possible. It is important that parents, relatives and carers
check their homes and proactively take steps to make sure that children are kept safe.
“Child Safety Week acts as a reminder to everyone to reduce the risk of preventable accidents. It needn’t be another thing to do – by incorporating small changes into
your routine, accident prevention will become a habit without having to think about it.
“Don’t leave it until it is too late – taking simple steps to make our homes safer for children is the best way to help prevent them having accidents,” concluded Hilary.
Other helpful tips for improving the safety of your home this summer include moving cots, beds and any furniture away from windows and blinds, testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms regularly and keeping hazardous chemicals such as bleach out of reach from children.
Nigel Smith Dental Care and Holywood Dental Care were proud to that 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!
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!
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
It’s nice to enjoy any sunshine we get, but you should be aware that too much time in the sun is dangerous. It can damage your skin and lead to skin cancer in later life. It’s important to be sensible in the sun and protect yourself. Remember, you don’t have to be abroad to be exposed to harmful ultra-violet (UV) rays.
Skin cancer and ageing
Too much exposure to the sun will speed up the ageing of your skin, making it leathery and wrinkled. Taking care in the sun will also help to protect you from skin cancer. It is a potentially preventable and curable disease if detected and treated early.http://www. nidirect.gov.uk/index/ information-and-services/ leisure-home-andcommunity/supportand-safety-in-yourhome/safety-at-home/ hot-weather-advice.htm
Use sunscreen
You should apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun and re-apply every couple of hours throughout the day. Remember to re-apply when you have been in the water and never use sunscreen to extend the
time you would normally spend in the sun. Wear sunscreen with an sun protection factor of at least 15 that also provides UVA and UVB protection, and re-apply frequently. You should always: seek out shade, particularly when the sun is at its hottest drink plenty of water to
prevent dehydration protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that are UVA and UVB protective cover up with clothing and a wide-brimmed hat never let your skin burn give kids extra care – use sunscreen, clothing and shade keep babies out of the sun
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.
It’s important for everyone to examine their skin regularly and to watch for any changes to your skin.
If you notice a lump, a sore which does not heal, a mole which changes shape, size, colour or bleeds easily, or if you have any concerns, seek advice from your GP.
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, 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
Everyday we see wonderful summer activity ideas for children, but what about ideas for adults?
Finding fun summer activities for adults seems to be almost impossible. Do we simply forget how to have fun as we grow older?
Too often adults simply forget to have fun in the summer because it’s nothing like a summer vacation for children. Children have the luxury of having three months off, but most adults don’t have the same luxury. There are thousands of summer activities for adults that are fun, relaxing, and a great way to meet new people. This year, spend some time enjoying one of the following summer activities for adults.
Summer Activities for Adults #1: Movie Marathon
A movie marathon is a wonderful way to spend a long weekend. This is one of many summer activities that can be enjoyed alone or with friends. You can have your friends bring over their favourite movies and order pizza. Or, you could also spend the weekend watching all of your favourite movies and
enjoying all your favorite snacks. If you have a large collection of movies, you can choose from a variety of different themes. You could choose to enjoy movies that have the same actor or you could also choose your favorite genre.
Summer Activities for
Adults #2: Barbeque
This is one of the most popular summer activities for adults. A barbeque is a great way to spend time with friends, family, or just your partner. Also don’t forget that this isn’t just for guys. Women can throw a barbeque just as well as guys can. Also a barbeque can be as budget-friendly or gourmet as you want it to be. You can also turn a barbeque into a pot luck, inviting your friends to bring their favorite dish to the party. Another reason to have a barbeque is because it helps your dinner guests feel more comfortable.
Summer Activities for Adults #3: Street Party Summer activities are always more fun when there
are several people to enjoy them. Summer activities can be a wonderful way to meet new people. This is wonderful because, unfortunately, many communities are now filled with people who don’t know many of their neighbours. Adults really will enjoy getting to know new people. This is a wonderful way to start new friendships and to create a tighter community. A community filled with people who know each other is much safer than
a community filled with people don’t know each other. The perfect time for this activity is during a major holiday, like the 4th of July.
Everyone can bring one of their favourite recipes and there could also be people cooking out and serving fresh hot dogs and hamburgers. Don’t forget to include fun games.
Summer Activities for
Adults #4: Come Dine with Me Competition
Come Dine with me has
been extremely popular for the past few years and continues to draw in new fans. It’s also led many adults to try new summer activities. One of those summer activities for adults is a Come Dine with me style competition. This is so easy to do. Once a winner has been selected, be sure to have a fun prize available. This is something that is affordable and fun as long as you replace the £1,000 prize with something more affordable!
Portrush based artist Adrian Margey will be staging a major Exhibition & Sale of Work at the Stormont Hotel this month: Friday 16th – Sunday 18th June.
This will be the first time Margey has exhibited at the iconic East Belfast venue and it is expected that there will be considerable interest from local buyers as well as collectors from across the country.
The artist’s distinctive work has been captivating the art market at home and abroad for many years now. Margey’s solo exhibition in Washington DC last spring introduced his work to a host of new collectors in the USA. This Stormont Hotel Exhibition is the latest in a string of solo shows he is holding across Northern Ireland this year.
Although Margey’s signature kaleidoscope palette, lazy brushstrokes and expressive knife work have brought his
work notoriety, the artist is recognised for the breadth and versatility of his output. Margey’s more impressionistic style which uses naturalistic colouring to capture the raw beauty of our
landscape is proving desirable among collectors too. This latest body of work will showcase depictions of Belfast, Glens of Antrim, the Mournes, Ards Peninsula and the North Coast.
His representations of Mount Stewart, Strangford Lough and Scrabo Tower will be of particular interest to local visitors.
The artist’s summer commission diary is now open and visitors to the show are welcome to discuss their ideas for bespoke pieces with the artist at the exhibition. The show opens on the evening of Friday 16th June: 6-9pm and continues Saturday 17th: 11am – 8pm and Sunday 18th June: 11am – 6pm. For more information visit www. adrianmargey.com or telephone the Portrush Studio on 07841593762.
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 youexperience 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
Specsavers releases top tips to keep eyes safe this summer
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.
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, 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.
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 The Ards 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.”
New government data analysed by CompareNI.com has found that over half of NI drivers have used their phone while driving.
Although the overall number of mobile phone offences in Northern Ireland is decreasing year on year, new data covering 2021/2022 has found that over half of NI drivers (58%), have used their phone in some capacity while driving a car.* This is a slight decrease from the year before when 64% of drivers admitted to the same thing.
Nearly half of all respondents (46%), believed that drivers were not likely to be stopped by police for using their hand-held mobile phone while driving. Males in general were shown to be the most likely to commit mobile offences while driving, with a higher percentage than females believing they wouldn’t get caught (48%).
Making a hands-free call accounted for the highest usage in a moving (49%) or stationary vehicle
(47%), while 6% of drivers admitted to making a handheld call while driving.
Older drivers were identified as the group who were least likely to use their phone while driving with just under a third (30%) of those aged 65 or over admitting to having done so in the last 12 months.
Using a mobile phone at any time while driving is illegal. The Highway Code NI states that before setting off on a journey drivers should make sure they have switched off their mobile phones.
It also states that drivers must not use a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, when it is unsafe or impractical to stop, except to call 999 in a genuine emergency. Drivers should also avoid using handsfree phones while driving as it can cause significant distraction and increase the risk of crashing. Using
a hands-free phone while driving may still be breaking the law as drivers must be in full control of the vehicle at all times. In 2022 there were
1,762 mobile phone offences recorded by the PSNI.**
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon policing district recorded the largest number of mobile phone offences (344) in 2022, while the highest rate (per 10,000 people aged 16+) was reported in Lisburn and Castlereagh with 21.
Ards and North Down ranked lowest in both measures, with 35 detections which is equivalent to 3 per 10,000 people aged 16+.
Mid and East Antrim had the second lowest rate in
Northern Ireland with 7 per 10,000 people 16+, closely followed by Causeway Coast and Glens with 8. Commenting on the data, Ian Wilson, Managing Director of CompareNI. com said: “It’s positive to see the number of mobile phone driving offences in Northern Ireland continuing to decrease year on year. However, it is worrying to hear that nearly half of those surveyed think the police won’t stop people who are using their phones while driving.
“Outside of the dangers it can cause to the driver and other road users, drivers caught using a mobile phone can face significant consequences. In Northern Ireland, if you’re caught using a hand-held mobile phone while driving, you’ll get an automatic fixed penalty notice, six penalty points and a fine of £200. If your case goes to court, you may face disqualification on top of a maximum fine of £1,000. “Those caught using a mobile phone while driving also risk having their car insurance premiums increase significantly and even risk being rejected for a policy in the future.”
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
Britain’s favourite car sing-along songs are ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ by Queen, ‘Dancing Queen’ by Abba, and ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ by Bon Jovi.
A poll of 2,000 motorists found 78 per cent sing in the car – although only 21 per cent of those who enjoy belting out a few numbers think they’re any good.
Other four-wheelfriendly anthems include ‘Sweet Caroline’ by Neil Diamond, ‘Bat Out of Hell’ by Meatloaf, and ‘Go Your Own Way’ by Fleetwood Mac.
Fittingly, the tune synonymous with Formula 1, ‘The Chain’ by Fleetwood Mac, also made the top 40 - although Gary Numan’s ‘Cars’ narrowly missed out.
More than four in 10 (42 per cent) who enjoy a croon in the car claimed singing is “essential” to their driving experience, while 51 per cent revealed it makes them happy.
However, 37 per cent have been forced to listen to tone-deaf passengers or drivers while on the road –likely making their journeys slightly less mood-boosting.
The research was commissioned by Fiat and inspired by its all-electric 500 La Prima which features a JBL audio system.
Following the findings, the Italian car brand has partnered with The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent vocal coach, Annabel Williams, to give away free
singing lessons to off-key car singing enthusiasts and provide top tips to become pitch-perfect behind the wheel.
Annabel said: “In partnership with Fiat, we’ve revealed what Brits really get up to when it comes to singing in the car. There is just something about singing along in the car that brings people a lot of joy –perhaps because you can just go for it and no one can hear you.
“I love being able to sing in the car without judgement (unless you have passengers of course!). Ultimately though singing should be something enjoyed by everyone, no matter what their level. Singing is therapeutic and always makes people feel better.
“Whatever your ability, I’ve put together five top tips to help you become pitch-perfect behind the wheel, and I’m very excited to reveal that Fiat is giving away five free singing lessons with me in the new all-electric Fiat 500.”
The study also found 16 per cent of motorists have been asked to stop singing in the car, while 11 per cent have been left embarrassed after being caught crooning.
As a result, 18 per cent have considered having
singing lessons.
Nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) believe music is essential for the optimum driving experience, with 62 per cent claiming singing along makes long journeys go quicker.
But 54 per cent find driving less enjoyable if they’re forced to listen to music they don’t like, while 65 per cent have had arguments over the choice of tunes during a car journey.
Carried out through OnePoll, the study found motorists’ favourite genre of music to sing along to in the car pop (34 per cent), followed by rock (20 per cent), and R&B (four per cent).
A spokesperson for Fiat said: “Our research highlights the joy that singing in a car brings to drivers.
“Clearly, the private sanctuary of a car gives drives the confidence to hit the high notes, even if people don’t think they can actually sing.
“That’s why we’ve teamed up with Annabel Williams to offer free singing lessons in an all-electric Fiat 500 – as it’s near silent on the road, we think it’s a great environment to sing in.”
In a recent survey of 2,000 UK motorists*, just 23% rate their understanding of electric vehicles as good or excellent, while 38% believe that their knowledge is poor or very poor. This is despite the fact that there are now almost 1.1 million electrified vehicles on UK roads** as the country moves towards the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.
PEUGEOT UK’s latest research reveals significant gaps in the public’s understanding of electric vehicles, with less than half being aware that battery electric vehicles emit zero tailpipe emissions. A surprising 12% also believe that plug-in hybrid cars and electric cars are exactly the same type of vehicle.
Less than a third of respondents know that electric models such as the new PEUGEOT e-2008 can be charged from 0-80% in just 30 minutes from a 100kW rapid charger.
There is also misunderstanding around the electric vehicle charging network, with 70% of respondents saying they find the way different providers operate to be confusing. The same percentage also finds the language
Last year Motability introduced the New Vehicle Payment to help with the rising costs of getting a new vehicle on the Motability Scheme.
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
surrounding electric vehicle power, battery capacity and efficiency difficult to understand, with only 31% aware that Kilowatt Hours (kWh) is the unit used to measure battery capacity in EVs.
In contrast, when asked which car powertrain they have the best understanding of, 67% cited petrol and diesel, compared to just 7% who chose electric powertrains.
Generation gap
The research also reveals that young people are more likely to think they have a strong understanding of electric vehicles, with 58% of 18-24-year-olds rating their knowledge as good or excellent. Meanwhile, half of those over 65 rate their understanding of electric vehicles as poor or very poor.
Nearly half (46%) of 18-24-year-olds correctly selected ‘Miles per kWh’ as the unit commonly used to measure efficiency in electric vehicles, compared to just 20% of over 65s.
When it comes to charging, 46% of 18-24-year-olds correctly stated that an electric car can be charged to 80% in as little as half an hour, compared
to 23% of over 65s. And 50% of 18-24-year-olds said it was true that in some UK cities, electric vehicle drivers do not have to pay for parking when charging, compared to 28% of over 65s. Young people’s knowledge extends to other types of electric vehicles too, with 64% of 18-24-year-olds aware that electric vans are eligible for a UK government grant – a fact known by just 26% of those over 65.
Drivers’ perceived knowledge of electric
vehicles also varies across the country. An impressive 10% of Londoners rate their understanding of electric vehicles as excellent - the highest of any region - whereas people in the North East claim to be least knowledgeable about electric vehicles, with 53% saying their understanding is poor or very poor.
Almost four out of five Londoners (79%) are familiar with the term ‘Ultra Low Emission Zone’ (ULEZ), with the capital’s own ULEZ set to expand across all boroughs from
29 August. Less than half (45%) of people from the North East are familiar with the term.
To help drivers understand the capabilities of electric vehicles, PEUGEOT UK has created a Range Calculator that allows drivers to predict how far their electric PEUGEOT can travel on a single charge, in a variety of conditions.
By 2025, PEUGEOT will have a 100% electric version available across its entire model range, and in 2030 will sell only electric vehicles in the UK.
With the sun beating down and heat slowly rising, it is clear to see that barbeque season has finally arrived. However, if you are thinking of investing in a barbeque, there is a great deal to consider. Prices for barbeques can range from £10 to the multiple thousands and the extensive range has something to cater for every possible need. Depending on the number of grills, number of additional features and quality of its production – there is a lot to consider when choosing your perfect barbeque.
The timeless debate which has been had over many a family barbeque once again raises it’s head on this occasion – gas or charcoal?
In many cases your budget might well dictate your choice for you as charcoal barbeques tend
to be significantly more cost effective. For those barbeque stalwarts, nothing will compare to a traditional charcoal barbeque and using a gas equivalent is as good as cheating. It is also widely held that the taste from cooking on a charcoal barbeque is distinctive and cannot be reproduced by a modern gas counterpart. Charcoal does, however, take a considerable length of time to heat up whereas with gas, you can begin cooking almost immediately – providing an obvious advantage. For the sheer convenience of instantaneous cooking, gas
barbeques are hard to beat.
In terms of running costs, with gas barbeques you will often ‘rent’ a cylinder and pay for each refill of gas that you require - a 13Kg canister costs approximately £35. With charcoal however, costs approximately £15 for a 10kg bag which will serve up to three medium barbeques.
Other factors that should be considered include if the barbeque has a lid, the number of people you are likely to be cooking for and what type of food you intend to be cooking.
1. Elements of Cottage
Landscaping
Buying a barbeque with a lid brings a degree of versatility to your barbequing that is not otherwise available. It grants you far greater control over the heat and allows you to cook food more thoroughly as opposed to burning the outside whilst leaving the inside underdone. If you are sticking to traditional burgers and sausages then perhaps charcoal is for you, however if you wish to branch out and cook chicken or pork then gas may be the safest option.
If you have a large family or intend on cooking for
guests on a regular basis, it might be worth investing in a gas barbeque as it will give you the reliability and accuracy that is required when hosting for numerous guests. It also brings unrivalled convenience that allows its owner to mingle freely knowing that the cooking is fully under their control.
More upmarket barbeques will also come with various features such as heating racks hat allow food to sit above to the heat of the grill whilst still in the barbeque to ensure that it will remain warm.
Cottage landscaping usually does not involve a formal design but uses free-flowing designs to create an atmosphere of informality. Geometric garden beds and wide curved borders cover the cottage landscape, leaving few grassy spaces. Numerous plants grouped together in small spaces create blocks and swaths of colours that complement one another.
2. Using Plants
Combine tall spiky flowers with rounded masses of flowers for variety. Add foliage plants with bold leaves for con-
trast. Use deciduous and evergreen trees for added height and seasonal interest. Scatter herbs throughout the garden for a traditional touch.
3. Plant List
• Snapdragons, delphiniums, hollyhocks, lupines and foxgloves have tall spikes of flowers, while peonies, geraniums and catmint form a mound of flowers. Ferns and hostas add texture and contrast.
Rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley and dill are some common herbs. Use roses, clematis or wisteria on arches and trellises.
4. Paths and Edgings
• aths and edgings in a
cottage landscape should look weathered with muted colors. Old bricks, paving stones, crushed gravel or tree bark chips are suitable materials for paths. Terracotta tiles, broken or whole bricks, and broken pieces of clay pots form attractive edgings.
5. Accessories
• White picket fences and wooden arbors or trellises are traditional cottage landscape elements. Antique-style birdhouses, birdbaths, weather vanes and sundials are also common accents in a cottage landscape. The furniture is usually constructed of wood or wrought iron.
The key to constructing a good decking area is the frame. If the decking is being built on an existing patio it should be built of sawn treated timber 50 mm by 100mm (approx.).
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 pickup, 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
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 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.
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
