The Lisburn Advertiser 96

Gates close on the Royal h illsbo R ou G h Fa R me R s m a R ket F o R anothe

R yea R

The crowds were out in full force on recently with 4000 visitors in attendance at the final summer Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market hosted by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.

For the third time since March, the market set up on the Dark Walk at Hillsborough Fort and welcomed a host of artisan producers, street food vendors,

Council ‘recommends’ £23 million redevelopment

The £23million redevelopment of a site on the Moira Road in Lisburn has been recommended for approval by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Planning Committee.

The planning application was submitted by Holywood-based Lacuna Developments Limited and the company’s ‘mixed use’ proposals include residential and business accommodation as well as other facilities such as car/cycle parking and landscaping. There will also be improved infrastructure and access arrangements from the Moira Road.

Once built, 38 houses and 53 apartments will provide accommodation for around 220 people and will help meet a local housing need. In addition, six business units and three flexible workspaces will accommodate around 55 jobs on-site.

The developer anticipates that a further 25 posts in business

and employment will be supported by resident expenditure. Lacuna Developments also believes that improved public transport linksincluding direct park-andride access to Knockmore rail halt, which is due to be constructed by 2025 – will help deliver greater social and economic benefits in the area.

Also part of the planning proposals are two takeaway coffee pod units; private, communal and public space; ramped access and stairs; NIE substations and associated site works. Demolition of the former mill buildings on the site is expected to take place after the summer, with construction work scheduled to start in late 2023.

entertainers and craftspeople from across Northern Ireland.

Commenting on the success of Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market,

Chairman of the Lisburn & Castlereagh Regeneration & Growth Committee

Cllr John Laverty BEM said, “As always, we were delighted to see families, couples and

friends travel to Royal Hillsborough to take in all that the village has to offer.

Continued on page 4

Marketgoers flocked to Royal Hillsborough recently to attend Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market on The Dark Walk at Hillsborough Fort. Pictured at the market are, (l-r) Ann Feely, Ann Feely Artist; Andrea Bohar, Green Fingers Family, Cllr John Laverty BEM, Chairman of the council’s Regeneration & Growth Committee and David Irvine, Kin & Folk.

Council proud to retain its Green Flags

Recently at Killeavy Castle Estate, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council heard it had retained its seven prestigious Green Flag Awards. Dr Sue Christie OBE, Chair of Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful presented the council with its awards.

Our Green Flag parks

are: Billy Neill MBE Country Park, Moat Park, Moira Demesne, Bells Lane Allotments, Sir Milne Barbour Memorial Park and Wallace Park.

The Mayor, Councillor Andrew Gowan, said: “We are very proud to play our part and provide quality parks and green spaces. To keep our seven prestigious Green Flag awards is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both our staff and volunteers.

“It is important that the green spaces within our communities offer opportunities for families and individuals to be active outdoors and get together. As Mayor I am delighted to have the opportunity to say ‘well done’ to everyone involved and let’s keep up the good work.”

A Green Flag is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

Councillor Thomas Beckett, Leisure &

Community Wellbeing

Chairman, added:

“Retaining all seven awards is a tremendous achievement with Castle Gardens in the city centre now having retained its flag for 13 years in a row. The national recognition we have received for our council area once again is fantastic.

“Throughout the year, our team works diligently to keep our parks and open spaces in great shape. Yet it is not only

council officers who have played a role in keeping these award winning spaces neat and tidy. We have many enthusiastic volunteers who each week help to collect litter carelessly disregarded by others.

“Through our biodiversity programme we also enhance these parks and open spaces with support from local schools and community groups.

“Thank you to everyone

involved in keeping these vital community facilities in immaculate condition.”

If you are interested in finding out more information about the Green Flag Award or other programmes run by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, email enquiries@keepnorthern irelandbeautiful.org, phone 028 9073 6920 or go to www.keepnorther nirelandbe autiful.org

Sweeney’s Newsagents 19 Smithfield Street, Lisburn, BT28 1TH Rosies Emporium

UNIT 33 Bow Street Mall, Lisburn, BT28 1AW

DROMORE

Poole’s Supervalu

16 Banbridge Road, Dromore, BT25 1NB

The Olde Mill Garden Centre

19 Diamond Road, Dromore, BT25 1PH

CRUMLIN & GLENAVY

Denis Wilsons of Glenavy

160 Moira Road, Glenavy, BT29 4LR

World-famous children’s book by Lisburn author inspires new public art and literature trail

A much-loved children’s book by a local author is the inspiration behind a new interactive public art and literature trail which opened in Lisburn recently.

Author and lifelong Lisburn resident, Sam McBratney wrote the international bestseller Guess How Much I Love You in 1994. It tells the story of Big Nutbrown Hare and Little Nutbrown Hare, who are trying to measure their feelings for each other. At last, Big Nutbrown Hare declares that he loves Little Nutbrown Hare ‘to the moon - and back’. This iconic phrase originated from Sam McBratney and is known the world over. The heart-warming bedtime story went on to sell more than 55 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 57 languages.

Sam McBratney died in 2020 and the following year,

Glenavy Garden Centre

26 Main Street, Glenavy, BT29 4LW Spar Glenavy Village

71 Main Street, Glenavy, BT29 4LP Centra Foodmarket

1A Glenavy Road, Lisburn Costcutters

11 Tully Road, Crumlin, BT29 4SW

DROMARA

Harry’s Country Store

166 Banbridge Road, Kinallen, Dromara, BT25 2NF

Today’s Local

18a Rathfriland Road, Dromara, BT25 2JG

HILLSBOROUGH

CO-OP Food

Hillsborough, 8 Lisburn Street, Hillsborough, BT26 6AB

Spar Hillsborough

7 Ballynahinch Street, Hillsborough, BT26 6AW

TEMPLE

Spar Carryduff Road

82 Carryduff Road, Temple , BT27 6UA

Temple Garden and Farm Shop

88 Carryduff Road, Temple, BT27 6YL

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council secured funding to create a public art and literature trail based on the children’s classic to help celebrate his legacy.

Thanks to £132,000 in funding from Tourism NI, the Guess How Much I Love You-themed trail is free for the public to enjoy and can be accessed via a digital app or followed on a map collected from the local visitors’ centre in Lisburn. One version of the trail is suitable for ‘little hares’ and another for older children – but kids of all ages can develop their observational and navigational skills on this journey of discovery. They will collect 16 brass rubbings along the way: together they make up iconic imagery featured in the book.

In addition to the interactive element of the project, a series of public artworks has been commissioned to help bring the book to life. A 4 foot high bronze sculpture of two hares, created by sculptor Trudy Burke

Continued from page 1

I am pleased to say that market was a great success for both traders and village businesses. We look

will grace Castle Gardens. Dotted across the trails are wooden Nutbrown Hares and three hand carved benches by artists Charlie Haag, Matthew Crabbe and James Elliott which feature scenes inspired by Guess How Much I Love You. The author’s widow, Maralyn McBratney, is confident Sam would have been both humbled and delighted by this new attraction in the city. She said: “When we were on book tours, it didn’t matter

forward to seeing Royal Hillsborough light up again later in the year when we see the return of the Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market.”

Among the 50 local NI traders were Jack’s

where we were in the world – he was always happy to return to his home town, Lisburn.

“Our family is very proud to see the installation of the Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare trails across the city centre. We were really moved to see street art of the book’s illustrations in Haslem’s Lane earlier in the year.

Anita Jeram did the beautiful drawings and it’s so lovely to see them provide pleasure to shoppers

Fudge, Loki’s Coffee, newcomer to the street food scene, The Gardener’s Kitchen alongside the village’s specialist bakeries Tori’s Coffee, Bakes and Cakes, Kin and Folk and Round House Bakery. Horticulture, art, craft and sustainable living traders also weaved throughout the market giving marketgoers the chance to purchase seasonal blooms, ranges of skincare, art and jewellery from Potters Hill Plants, Plumpy Balms, Susanna Banks Art and Thomas Powell Pottery.

and passers-by. And it was an honour to see a ‘Guess’-themed Children’s Art Festival in the city too. Local schoolchildren from Cairnshill Primary, Friends’ Prep, Meadowbridge Primary, Pond Park, the Atlas Centre and Harmony Hill Primary attended the official launch today. The children enjoyed following the Little Nutbrown Hare trail. To find out more go to www.lisburn castlereagh.gov. uk/guesshowm uchIloveyou

The next Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council food and drink event will be Moira’s Speciality Food Fair, taking place on Saturday 19th August in Moira Demesne. For further information on upcoming food and drink events, please visit www.visitlisburn castlereagh.com with frequent updates on Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council on Facebook. com/VisitLisburn Castlereagh, Twitter @VisitLisburn and Instagram @visitlis burncastlereagh.

LISBURN SUPERVALU HOSTS FOOD DONATION SCHEME

Musgrave NI has launched a partnership with FareShare Northern Ireland, the region’s biggest charity fighting hunger and tackling food waste, by introducing food donation points into selected SuperValu and Centra stores.

Selected SuperValu stores including SuperValu Lisburn have already been supporting a trial and have so far donated over 800kg of food, helping 40 charities provide the equivalent of 1,623 meals, while Musgrave donated a further 1,495 kg of food equating to an additional 3,475 meals.

The partnership is now being extended to more stores across Northern Ireland.

Desi Derby, Director of Marketing for SuperValu and Centra at Musgrave NI said:

“We are acutely aware of the impact of the cost-ofliving crisis on people and families across Northern Ireland so to be able to work with FareShare and provide these collection points for food donation is something which we’re very proud of. We would like to thank our shoppers for their support and encourage customers to pick up an extra item when they’re shopping and donate it to this very worthwhile cause.”

FareShare is the UK’s biggest charity fighting

hunger and tackling food waste. FareShare works with the food industry to get good-to-eat food surplus food, which might otherwise go to waste, and redistribute it to a nationwide network of frontline charities and community groups. These charities help tackle the

root causes of poverty, and provide wraparound services including shelters for the homeless, lunch clubs for elderly people suffering with isolation, and support with issues including debt, employment and mental health.

In Northern Ireland, FareShare is operated

by Homeless Connect (the working name of Council for the Homeless (Northern Ireland). It is the largest charitable food redistribution project in NI fighting hunger and tackling food waste. In 2022, FareShare Northern Ireland distributed the equivalent of 1,616,295 meals.

More than 30 community organisations benefit from council funding support

A total of 32 community and voluntary organisations in the Lisburn and Castlereagh area are set to receive £293,469 in council funding – to help build better and more inclusive communities.

The money is being awarded through the council’s Community Facilities Fund as part of its Local Investment Plan 2023/24 and will be used to improve facilities and services.

Councillor Thomas Beckett, Community & Wellbeing Committee Chairman said: “We are proud to support grassroots community and voluntary organisations through this fund. In turn, they will be able to help a diverse range of groups across the cultural, sport, community, education and voluntary sectors.

“The health and wellbeing of the local community is at the heart of these groups. They will use this funding to meet service user needs as well as to improve or increase accessibility at key local facilities.”

The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council,

Councillor Andrew Gowan and Councillor Beckett met with some of those groups which have been awarded money from the Community Facilities Fund. They met representatives from St John’s Parish Church; Sarah Crothers Hall; Ballinderry War Memorial Hall; and the Religious Society of Friends.

Mayor Gowan said: “It was great to hear firsthand from some of the recipients on their plans to provide an improved user experience at a very local level. Without the drive of our community groups to grow and develop we would not be able to support them in their actions. I welcome the diverse range of projects being supported on a balanced basis across the Lisburn & Castlereagh area by this grant fund.”

The groups which received funding from the 2023/24 Community

Facilities Fund are: Anahilt LOL 752; Annahilt Parish Church; Ballinderry Moravian Church; Ballinderry War Memorial Hall; Carr Primary School PTA; Carryduff GAC; Carryduff Play Care Centre; Christ Church Dundonald; Deramore Rehabilitation Association; Dreamscheme NI;

Drumlough True Blues LOL 423; Dundonald Purple Vine LOL; Dungoyne Football Club; Gallwally & Community Heritage Preservation Trust; Glencare Community Group; Hillsborough Community Centre; Hillsborough LOL 288; Lisburn Cathedral; Lisburn Orange Hall; Lisnagarvey Hockey Club; Magheragall Parish Church;

Mencap NI; Old Warren Community Association; Religious Society of Friends; Saintfield Presbyterian Church; Sarah Crothers Centre; St James’s Community Centre; St John’s Church, Moira (Logic Café); St John’s; Parish Church, Dromara; St Patrick’s Church Drumbeg; Summerhill LOL; The Ark Newtownbreda.

Traffic calming measures in place in Glenavy

A week-long programme of traffic-calming measures was recently completed in Glenavy in a bid to improve road safety in the area.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) undertook the programme of works which included the introduction of new speed cushions on the Belfast Road and Gobrana Road and the installation of improved street lighting.

The improvements are part of LCCC’s Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme, which is funded by the Department for Communities (DfC), the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).

Councillor John Laverty, the Chair of LCCC’s Regeneration and Growth Committee welcomed the work when it began in late July. He said: “Traffic management and speeding have caused serious concerns in the Glenavy area, so it’s great to see the contractor now on site and the work beginning. I’m sure local residents will be both pleased and relieved.”

Gerard Murray, Director of Regional Development at the Department for Communities supported the new road safety measures, saying: “I am delighted that DfC has

been able to contribute towards a number of environmental improvement schemes through the Small Settlements Regeneration Programme including improving traffic management in Glenavy. I have no doubt that this investment will make a significant difference to the quality of life for people who live and work in Glenavy whilst also helping to make the village a safer place for pedestrians, cyclists and commuters alike.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Infrastructure agreed, saying: “The Department recognises the importance of traffic calming and road safety measures and is committed to exploring solutions that deliver better for communities and improves

lives. The work currently being undertaken in Glenavy is an example of how the Department can work in partnership with local Councils in achieving this objective”.

Teresa O’Neill, Director of Rural Affairs at the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, commented: “It is great that DAERA in partnership with other departments and local councils is providing funding towards the Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme and that an element of this funding can go towards these new speed cushions and the installation of street lighting. This will address a significant local rural issue and make Glenavy a safer environment for everyone in the village”.

WOMEN IN LISBURN & CASTLEREAGH BETTER DRIVERS THAN MEN?

Recent policing data analysed by CompareNI.com shows four times more men than women are committing motoring offences in Northern Ireland.

The data showed that from the 1st June 2022 to 31st

May 2023 males accounted for 32,714 of all motoring offences committed in Northern Ireland. In comparison, women accounted for just 7,882 of all motoring offences in Northern Ireland during the same time period – meaning 80% of all offences were committed by men.*

The highest number of offences committed by men were for driving without insurance - while the highest number of offences committed by women were for speeding.

Male versus female drivers per region followed the same trend with male drivers committing more offences than females in every policing district across Northern Ireland. The highest percentage of male to female offences was in Fermanagh and Omagh with 85% male, followed by Newry, Mourne and Down with 83% – with all regions having 75% or more of all offences carried out by males, with an average of 80% across the whole of Northern Ireland. The highest number

of offences overall were insurance offences, with a total of 7,091 detections, this was an increase of 6% on the number recorded in the previous 12 months.

Speeding offences were the next biggest and accounted for 17% of all offences during this period.

The total number of these offences increased by 301 (5%) since the previous year, to 6,734 between June 2022 and May 2023 with the highest speed recorded by PSNI officers of 140mph, on the M1, Craigavon.

The youngest drivers weren’t the worst offenders, those aged 30-49 years old accounted for over two fifths of all motoring offences – with the top offence being insurance, followed by speeding and careless driving.

Overall, there were 40,671 detections for motoring offences in Northern Ireland in the time period between June 2022 and May 2023 - a decrease of 2% on the 41,685 detections recorded in the previous 12 months.

Commenting on the latest figures, Ian Wilson, Managing Director of CompareNI.com said: “It’s

great to see the number of overall road offences in Northern Ireland is continuing to decrease. I am surprised there’s such a difference in the volume of offences between male and female drivers, especially when it comes to insurance offences with 81% of the offences committed by men.

“Insurance offences are now the most committed motoring offence across the country, increasing by 6% in the last 12 months.

“Those caught driving without adequate insurance can face six penalty points, disqualification of driving and a fine of up to £200. Three points on a licence can mean 5% more on an insurance premium every year for the four years an

infringement stays on the licence, six points can push up fees by about 25%.

“Although inflation and a rise in the volume of claims has increased car insurance premiums across the board this year on average, there are still savings to be found, drivers can compare competitive quotes using a price comparison site like ours to help make sure they get what they need at a price they can afford.”

CompareNI.com is Northern Ireland’s largest price comparison website and can help people in Northern Ireland find savings on essentials and everyday household bills such as breakdown cover, van and young drivers insurance.

A Community of Rooks

Rooks are worth crowing about, writes JV Allister.

This bird is only as successful as its community. I like members of the crow family; their intelligence and adaptability has underpinned their success as species, and rooks are possibly the most successful because they live in close-knit communities. Granted, they’re not pretty….but that large

beak, designed for stabbing for prey, is very effective….and although not as colourful as the shy jay or the in-your-face magpie, in certain light their black feathers are iridescent. But then looks, or singing ability, are not everything.

They live in communities, colonies if you like, roosting together, nesting together,

because as we all know there’s safety in numbers. You will seldom see one feeding on its own, and indeed group feeding in a field or on my lawn ensures that all areas are explored for insects, leatherjackets and other invertebrates, as they strut around like ancient soldiers armed with a blade.

Their nest sites, high in a stand of tall trees, are of course called rookeries, but their communal roosts are known as ‘parliaments’; perhaps their incessant cawing and calling was thought to resemble the noise made by MPs in the House of Commons. And that cawing and almost constant noisemaking, their communications with others, may be critical.

Beginning in 1927, the famous zoologist, Konrad Lorenz, studied a group of

Marcus’ tribute to his mum

The son of Joan Christie CVO OBE, who sadly passed away on New Year’s Day, has climbed three peaks in her memory, raising funds for local charity Air Ambulance NI.

Marcus Christie undertook a challenge, climbing the three highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales: Ben Nevis (1,344m), Scafell Pike (978m) and Snowdon (1,085m) and all within 24 hours. Marcus managed to complete the challenge in 21 hours and 7 minutes. As well as completing the challenge safely and in an impressive time, Marcus raised an impressive total of £20,858 for Air Ambulance NI, funds that are likely to help the next 6 patients of the air ambulance service.

jackdaws (rook cousins), and eventually was able to understand many of their calls, to go off to feed, to return to their roost, to court and particularly to convey control, or leadership, by the dominant birds. Given that rooks are much noisier than jackdaws, it seems

likely that they’re even better at communicating. There is no doubt that rooks rapidly pass on information about new locations of discovered food to one another, and they also have a hierarchy, a pecking order, which plays an important part in their lives. In their roosts, the elders claim the best protected positions, while juveniles make do with exposed outer branches, and it is thought that this is where the information-exchange takes place, bird to bird, branch to branch.

When I was a kid, being called ‘birdbrain’ was an insult. Because of what we’re starting to understand about rooks, and indeed other smart birds, it may be more of a compliment.

Marcus said, “I am thrilled and relieved to have completed the 24 hour 3 Peak Challenge. And to complete it in a time of 21 hours 7 minutes was beyond my wildest expectations!

It was definitely the hardest challenge I have ever attempted – physically, mentally and emotionally. I have a memory of standing at McDonalds in Chester services at 3.00am on the Sunday morning trying to eat chicken nuggets with a tin of Red Bull while falling asleep standing up; I am sure it was a sight to behold! My mum hated exercise but was extremely charitable, so I hope she would have been proud, and I am delighted to have raised so much for this fantastic charity; a charity we all hope we never

need.”

Air Ambulance NI is the charity that works with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to provide the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for the province. The service is needed on average twice every day to those who are critically ill or injured.

Ian Crowe, Lord Lieutenant of the County Borough of Londonderry and Trustee of Air Ambulance NI, remembered Joan, “I remember Joan very fondly, a wonderful lady who worked tirelessly in her many significant roles including Co. Antrim Lord Lieutenant, private secretary to several secretaries of state, work for Northern Ireland Civil Service, and contributions to our education and charity sector.

She contributed to our community so much and in many ways; our thoughts are with Joan’s family and

we wish them strength in their grief.”

Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising at the charity said, “It’s not widely known that air ambulance is a charity, and to sustain the HEMS service requires £6850 per day in fundraising. Marcus has undertaken a huge challenge and a poignant fundraiser in his mums memory, which really is humbling. Everyone at our charity is so grateful for the considerable contribution that will help give the best chance to future patients.”

Air Ambulance NI is approaching the 6th anniversary of the service this summer and is encouraging the community to do what they can to help raise funds. It could be an upcoming challenge like an abseil or skydive, or taking part in the Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon, or Miles for Missions. More information is available at www.airambulanceni.org

Tips to avoid being scammed on second hand-marketplaces online

Buying on Facebook Marketplace or Depop can be a great way to save some cash

and how scammers can target you.

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

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

1. Check how active the seller is

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

The easiest red flag for spotting a fake seller is by checking how active they have been on their account, if they have very recently created their profile, it can be a significant concern. Other red flags can include

strange bios and few or no friends, and no reviews.

However, someone could have recently created a Facebook account or Depop recently to advertise on Facebook Marketplace.

2. Does it seem too good to be true?

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

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

3. Avoid using gift cards

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

This type of scam is extremely hard to get

your money back from, as gift cards are classed as anonymous and cannot always be traced. Other payment methods to be wary of, especially on Depop as sellers claim it is to avoid the selling fees, is PayPal’s ‘Family and Friends’ as it is also classed as a ‘gift’ payment, so it has no ‘buyer protection’. Always use the most trusted payment method and refrain from being convinced to use gift cards instead.

4. Don’t deposit a large amount of money Facebook Marketplace has become a huge platform

to buy and sell various expensive products, including vehicles. With such expensive items like cars, the scammer might ask for a deposit so they can hold the vehicle for you. However, after that deposit is paid, they might delete their account or give a fake address when it is time to meet up and get the car. Always check if the deposit is reasonable to what the product’s total price is and never pay a large or full sum upfront.

5. Don’t trust screenshots Scams do not just come in selling form, they can be a buyer. Meaning if you

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

Railway Physiotherapy – Help keeping your health on track in Lisburn

Railway Physiotherapy is a newly opened specialist physiotherapy clinic located at 26 Railway Street, Lisburn BT28 1XG1.

They provide rehabilitation for a range of issues including neurological conditions, post-operative, mobility problems and falls prevention. Other services include yoga, pilates, health checks and deep tissue/sports massage.

Business owner Christine Russell graduated from university of Ulster with a first class honours degree in Physiotherapy and since then has been working in both the NHS and private sectors. Christine has completed a range of training including Bobath (neurological training), Pilates and Parkinson’s Warrior. She has experience in a wide range of physiotherapy fields including neurological conditions, orthopaedics and elderly rehabilitation.

Christine told EDA

Media: “Although there is excellent provision for private musculoskeletal physiotherapy in

the area - there is a lack of provision of private services for the many other types of physiotherapy, including neurological and respiratory. Uniquely to Railway Physiotherapy we offer neurological physiotherapy in addition to MS classes and also respiratory physiotherapy.”

As well as neurological physiotherapy,

respiratory physiotherapy, generic physiotherapy Railway also offers Pilates classes, yoga classes and sports massage. Services are delivered in 2 spacious treatment rooms alongside a large open gym space which has been specially designed to be a non intimidating environment.

For more information see www. railwayphysiotherapy. com

For an appointment Tel: 07388470122

Email: info@

railwayphysiotherapy. com

and be more sustainable but it’s important to be aware of who you are buying from

£1.6m funding awarded to support carers

The Department of Health has announced the allocation of more than £1.6million in the fourth and final round of grants from the Support for Carers Fund.

Following assessment, 35 organisations and charities providing vital support for carers across Northern Ireland are receiving £1,607,884 to help with a range of projects which will directly support individual carers in the community.

Grant recipients are working with adult and young carers and the activities being supported include mindfulness, wellbeing and emotional support,

respite, support for social connection and digital inclusion.

The £4m Support for Carers Fund was launched by the former Health Minister in April 2021 to help community and voluntary sector organisations with charitable purposes offering support to carers. In total, 100 projects have received awards from the Fund.

Peter May, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health,

said: “Unpaid carers have a very challenging role and I have huge admiration for all they do in often difficult circumstances. The Health and Social Care system depends heavily on their selfless dedication to some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

The Support for Carers Fund was established in 2021 with funding made available in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A very wide range of valuable projects have received awards from the Fund and this has been important in helping to make a real and practical difference to peoples’ lives.”

The Fund is administered and managed by the Community Foundation NI on behalf of the Department and is now fully expended. It aims to provide grant funding to organisations with charitable status that

can deliver outcomes to improve the lives and experiences of carers.

Róisín Wood, Chief Executive at the Community Foundation, said:

“Carers play a crucial role in society, yet their contributions often go unnoticed despite being invaluable. Carers come from a range of backgrounds, including children, young people, and individuals who care for parents, partners, or friends of all

ages. These carers face unique challenges and must juggle their caring responsibilities with school, work and other personal commitments.

“The Community Foundation takes pride in collaborating with the Department of Health to oversee the Support for Carers Fund which enables groups to extend muchneeded support to these exceptional carers who make a substantial impact on society.”

Nigel Smith Dentistry has been shortlisted for the prestigious Irish Dentistry Awards 2023!

The Irish Dentistry Awards are now in their 11th year, and are well known in Ireland for celebrating the hard work and achievements of dental professionals across the nation.

The Irish Dentistry Awards are judged by a team of dental leaders and industry experts, which means they are unmatched in their clinical and technical merit.

The practice has been shortlisted in no fewer than 3 categories including:

Most Improved Practice

This category celebrates those who have seen

significant changes or upgrades covering decor, equipment, and or/improved business growth, patient referrals and developed a great team approach!

Best High Technology Practice

This category is designed to recognise practices embracing the latest digital technologies available to improve clinical outcome AND will recognise the practice using digital workflows to provide the highest levels of patient care. Practice of the Year!

This is a regionally judged award, looking to reward those practices that stand out from the crowd, those who truly care for the

patients and are dedicated to providing the best in oral healthcare. This year’s awards ceremony will take place on Saturday 9 September at the beautiful Clontarf Castle in Dublin. The ceremony has fully established itself as a prestigious occasion, recognising and rewarding clinical excellence throughout Ireland! 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,

Amp up the ambience In Your Bedroom

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

How does one lamp change your life you ask?

Get better sleep: Using your phone in the dark is bad for your eyesight, but it is too bright with all the lights on. With a table lamp, you can dim the room to induce a more cosy feel, which allows you to catch more ZZZs.

General Lighting Purpose:

Of course, one must not forget that only adding tube lights or bulbs wouldn’t brighten up the bedroom. So, one must have another option to illuminate the entire portion of the bedroom, and that’s where bulb-fitted lamps come under rescue.

Focus on specific objects:

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

Mood: Bright and catchy light always enlightens the spirit of the individual. Colourful lights have a positive influence on the surrounding area. Thus, these everlasting lamps fill this spot in a much efficient manner. Thus, bringing the desired jovial mood altogether.

Night torch: One can say that lamps can act as a night torch as dimming its

KILLEEN HARDWARE celebrates 40 years in business!

This leading Independent Builders’ merchant cites customer service, quality, and choice as the secret of their longevity.

intensity can be useful for those individuals who do not sleep without light. So, one can say that it acts as a night lamp.

As a piece of sculptural art. There are thousands of variations of lights out there for your specific needs, wants and style, so make this a starting point rather than an afterthought to create your dream bedroom!

Today Killeen Hardware is located on an extensive three-acre site which includes a 15,000sqft Hardware Superstore, a Bathroom Showroom, a Stove and Fireside Showroom, a Door Centre, Flooring & Tile showroom a Garden Machinery Showroom and Repair Centre, as well as workwear and agricultural products. The impressive site is packed full of all the building materials required for minor repairs, renovations and refurbishments through to a complete new build project. These include all your first fix products from the ground works

to the roof, as well as second fix products, such as doors, flooring, bathrooms, tiles, and much more

The Stove and Fireside Showroom also includes energy-efficient boilers, fireplaces and cladding.

Killeen Hardware has refurbished their main shop floor so things look very different from just last year.

There is a team of over 35 staff meeting the needs of building contractors who range from the white van builder working on retrofit and repair products through to major developers.

Self-builders, DIY enthusiasts and the

general public. Everyone is welcome!!

With a new website, a strong presence on social media and on trend products in stock, Killeen Hardware are always willing to invest and move forward as technology and market demands change.

‘We strive to ensure we can help you with whatever you need’ said David Hughes Company Director ‘We have an experienced team of staff, many who have worked in the business for several years.’

When you walk into Killeen Hardware you can feel the welcoming

family atmosphere within the family-run company. The staff are friendly and helpful and you are likely to see David or Stephen Hughes working in the offices, shop floor or yard.

Killeen Hardware, 1 Killycopple Road, Armagh, BT60 2AG. T: 028 3752 2317 www. killeenhardware.co.uk

Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 8am - 5.30pm. Saturday - 8.30am - 1pm.

Everything you need under one roof at Killeen Hardware

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

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

Additionally, home plants have been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase productivity. Incorporating plants in interior décor allows us to connect with nature and create a more balanced and serene living space.

Maintaining Indoor Plants

Caring for indoor plants is essential to ensure their health and longevity. Some key tips include providing adequate sunlight, watering appropriately, and regularly dusting the leaves. It’s important to choose plants that align with your lifestyle and level of commitment to maintenance. If you have a busy schedule, opt for low-maintenance plants that require minimal care.

Health Benefits Of Indoor Plants

Beyond their decorative appeal, indoor plants offer several health benefits. They help improve air

quality by reducing pollutants and increasing humidity levels, which can alleviate respiratory issues and allergies. Plants also emit oxygen, promoting better sleep quality and overall well-being.

Incorporating plants into your interior decor can create a healthier and more invigorating environment for you and your family.

Stress Reduction

And Improved Mental Well-Being

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

Versatility In Design

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

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

Benefits For Small Spaces

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

Connection To Nature

Incorporating plants into your interior décor allows you to establish a stronger connection

with nature, even if you live in a bustling city.

Surrounding yourself with plants can evoke a sense of serenity and bring a slice of the outdoors into your daily life. This connection to nature can help reduce feelings of anxiety and improve overall mental and emotional well-being.

Eco-Friendly Design Choice

Choosing indoor plants for your interior décor is

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

NEW MOBILITY FURNITURE SHOWROOM

Seymour Dugan Interiors are renowned for supplying quality furniture, rugs, flooring and carpets with a first class customer service ever since Seymour started the business on Chapel Hill way back in 1966.

Over the past 55 years there have been many changes in furniture designs and styles with

many products, which were once hand made and therefore expensive, now made by modern machinery therefore massively reducing the price.

Motorised lift recliner chairs and motorised adjustable beds are these products which many people need for their daily routine but unfortunately they simply could not afford before now. There has been a rise in demand for these products over the last number of years and therefore Seymour Beds

& Furniture have become one of the largest stockists of lift & recline chairs in the greater Lisburn area. These chairs come in a variety of colours and fabrics. Many are held in stock and are ready to go!

If you have mobility issues you can buy a lift & rise chair or motorised bed VAT free which gives you a 20% reduction on the retail price.

Seymour Dugan Interiors consists of 3 businesses spread over 3 floors with stairs & a lift.

The ground floor of the store is where you will find Seymour Dugan Carpets & flooring which has an enormous selection of

carpets, flooring, vinyls and stair runners in a wide variety of colours and styles.

The first and second floor of their premises is where you will find Seymour Beds & Furniture which has a great selection of sofas, living room furniture, beds and dining room furniture much of which is carried in stock available for prompt delivery or collection.

Seymour Beds & Furniture offer free delivery and assembly within the greater Lisburn area.

(T&C’s apply)

Seymour Rug Gallery is on the first floor of their premises where they carry a massive range of rugs in various sizes from 60cm x 110cm to large room size rugs 240cm x 340cm. With over 2000 rugs on display you will be sure to find a rug that suits any budgets and all styles.

SEE MORE BARGAINS AT SEYMOUR DUGANS

Ways to add instant appeal to your home

Front Door Makeover: Potential home buyers and even house guests can spend a lot of time at the front door while awaiting access.

A fresh coat of paint or a new door can make a big difference in their first impression of your home. Keeping door furniture such as a doorbell, letterbox, door knocker or even your security camera clean and free of cobwebs can make a big difference. Got a separate mailbox? Make sure it is pristine and fully functional.

Give the front door a fresh coat of paint. If summer flower pots, planters, window-boxes or hanging baskets are coming to an end consider refreshing them, or investing in an artificial alternative, choose something that looks season relevant, to keep things fresh. Upgrading your house number can make your home look more polished and modern. Don’t forget that giving your garage door a makeover can make your home look more stylish too!

Clean and/or Update

Exterior Lighting: A welllit exterior can make your home look more inviting and safe. Consider motion sensor lights – these are a great way to add security and convenience to your home as they turn on automatically when someone approaches your home.

Why White Bedding Works in every home

If you haven’t as yet used white bedding in your home, here are all the reasons that we love it!

All your bedding can match – saving you time.

If all beds have white bedding – then it is really easy to change the bedding as you can simply pull out x pillow cases, x sheets and x duvet covers and you’re done – no more looking for matching sets!

If you are watching your energy output - Solar powered light strips are an eco-friendly way to light up your home. LED strip lights are another energy-efficient option that can be used to highlight architectural features or create a warm ambiance. Use flood lights to illuminate large areas

of your home’s exterior. Wall lights and sconces can be used to highlight architectural features or create a warm ambiance while Flush-mount lights are a great way to add subtle lighting to your home’s exterior. Landscape lighting can be used to highlight trees, shrubs, and other landscaping features

Landscaping, Building or just improving your home and garden ?

You need Cecil Davidson Sand and Gravel – Celebrating over 40 years!

Rejuvenate your garden and outdoor space, choose from quality decorative stone, topsoil, compost, peat, artificial grass and much more. Their aggregate is available loose, in bulk bags and 25kg bags. Cecil Davidson offer a fast efficient service and can deliver your order whatever the size. Often their tipper lorries can deliver the same day or next day right to you! Collecting your order? They offer easy access and free parking!

They offer a wide range of sand which includes Lough building sandsourced locally, suitable for brick laying, DIY or trade , Plastering / sharp sand - high quality, triple washed pit sand favoured by plasterers across Northern Ireland ; Paving / coarse sand - ideal for use when paving and preferred by landscaping experts for blending with topsoil to add additional drainage and Concrete sand . They also offer Concrete mix - save time and effort, concrete sand mixed with 20mm stone for foundations and agricultural use.

Transform your garden and outdoor space, choose from quality decorative gravel, slate and rockery stone. Artificial grass is ideal for an attractive garden with less maintenance. Topsoil, Compost treated bark, woodchip, peat, and lawn

seed is all available!

Cecil Davidson provide a clean cut quarry stone in sizes 6-50mm for many uses from dashing stone to pipe bedding, pathways, drainage or driveways they have you covered!

Then of course there’s stone suitable for use for fill, Blinding, for subbase (where smoother more precise finish is required); Quarry dust –for bedding pipes and electrical cable; Pea gravel - rounded stone used for sewerage pipes, septic tanks and reed beds and Horticultural grit - mix with high clay content soil to improve drainage.

Cecil Davidson Sand and

Gravel also supply other building materials such as Mesh, sheepwire, drainage pipes , fencing Ground weed control fabric and even wheelbarrows!

The Cecil Davidson team pride themselves on their accommodating customer service which has

gained repeat custom and recommendations over the years!

For Highly recommended aggregate supply in Lisburn and throughout Northern Ireland.

Call Cecil Davidson Sand and Gravel on 028 9265 1298

It is easy to clean (practicality has to be there!) – you can wash at really high temperatures unlike most coloured bedding. Also if you invest in top quality we you will get good results at lower temperature washes too. It is cheap – yes, you can pay a lot for Egyptian cotton sheets – but overall you can get good quality white bedding for a really cost effective price compared to a lot of coloured varieties (and it’s easier to find white as oppose to trying to match a pattern or colour to your

room).

It makes a room feel less cluttered, and calmer (the bed is usually the biggest single item in a room – so bedding is a very predominant feature of the space and can make a room feel busy and cluttered if highly patterned. It can brighten up a dark room – whether it is dark through lack of natural

light, or dark due to the decor, white bedding can transform how bright a bedroom feels (the bed is, after all, the largest part of most rooms).

It’s classic – it will go with everything – and you can add colour easily with throws and cushions if required.

In children’s rooms it can be quite a calm

counter to the bright toys /paint and accessories, and if they share then its easy to make each bed look unique but still have something to tie them together.

It looks hotel-like which can make people think of luxury and opulence, and promotes a calmness so you can properly relax in your bedroom.

Kill the Clutter

Are you a compulsive collector? The mental trauma of the last few years has made us all the more emotional about our objects!

The irony is that the more possessions we have the less useful or decorative they will be – and ultimately

we feel the emotional weight of all that baggage!.

Step 1 – Act like you are about to

move house. Take everything out of the room. (Do this one room at a time or the clutterbug in you just

won’t cope.)

Step 2 – Bring back the most important things for the room. For example a living room, the sofa, couch, chairs, TV, stereo, side tables, or the bedroom, bed side tables.

Step 3 – Work out where all the important things sit in the space. Move them so the space flows and that you can move freely around the room. Then sit down and have a look around, breathe in, how do you feel? You should feel liberated.

You will find that your chest feels lighter, the air seems to flow better, (could be

something to do with Feng Shui), or just that you are not having to fight with multiple colours and textures around the room.

Step 4 – Start layering. Select a few things at a time to bring back into the room to decorate with. Paintings, pictures, a vase, a rug, lamps. Do it slowly and feel how the space is changing. Pick out the best items that you want to show, don’t use all of them. I have just heard lately of an expression called editing, it means select the best things you have and enjoy them, change them around seasonly

or as the fashion you follow dictates, it is important that the room expresses the personality of the owner, but we don’t need their wholelife story in one room.

Step 5 – Stop! Yes, don’t keep going. Less is better in a room. Put all the remaining items in storage until you are happy with the new space. Then after a few weeks, sort through it all, keep what is reusable, and donate the rest to a good charity or sell it on ebay. You can kill the clutter and enjoy simple streamlined living once again.

Make Your Bathroom SlipProof

Wet floors can be treacherous for anyone but they are especially dangerous for those who might rely heavily on walking aids.

Getting in and out of the shower is a constant worry for those who might have lost some of their balance, but we have some simple ways of making your bathroom slip-free.

If you are willing to spend some money on renovating your bathroom, then it might be worth

investing in antislip flooring. This is designed with optimum grip in mind and limits the likelihood of the surface becoming dangerous. Pebble tiles are one of the most effective and safest surfaces available. A cheaper alternative of this is of course to put down floor mats

with will absorb any water and prevent the surface from becoming slippery underfoot. Rugs and mats also add a touch of style to the space and do not have to be purely functional. Rubber suction mats are the best for use in bathrooms as they will not slip from their place and offer

optimum grip. It is best of avoid plastic mats as these can become very slippery.

Ensuring that your bathroom has proper drainage will limit the amount of surface water that lies on

the floor, allowing it to dry faster and increasing safety. Similarly, making sure that you have adequate lighting will increase safety in the bathroom by increasing visibility at all times.

Using Colo U r to Create Feng s h U i in Yo U r h ome

Feng Shui can be exactly what you need to create an environment that will aid you in achieving a stylish sanctuary. Unlike traditional interior design, Feng Shui is aimed solely at creating a vibrant feeling of joy and harmony that will bolster your energy.. Similar to other design trends, each space must be designed in a unique way for its individual purpose.

Designing a home office using Feng Shui will mean dispelling traditional ideas that focus purely on functionality and focusing on creating a space that exudes positive, vibrant energy. Achieving these desired energies can be done by following basic feng shui principles, starting by clearing out old energy before beginning to redesign. In a practical sense, this means decluttering.

Decorating a cluttered home makes little

sense from a feng shui perspective and the process of decluttering has been shown to have clear cathartic properties. It is therefore imperative that you have a blank canvas to work from when beginning to create positive energy through interior design.

Air and light are both essential elements for creating positive energy (or Chi) in your home. Once your home is clutter-free your air quality will greatly increase and your feng shui decorating can begin.

It is important not to underestimate the power of colour to change the energy of a room and the mood of all those who enter. Have a balanced pallet throughout your home is vital and using the Bagua map, you can

decide what kind of energy you would like to promote in each room.

Feng Shui has relatively strict symbolisation for colour, with red/purpleviolet inviting abundance,

passion or royalty, green promoting restorative energy, black evoking wisdom and whites symbolising purity or precision. Fundamentally, each

Preparing Your Garden for Autumn

room must serve a purpose and through colour, you can promote the creation to positive energies – the perfect pick me up as we lean into a new autumn season.

will give your plants to protection that they dearly need to continue growing for a longer period of time.

It might seem simple, but many forget to move some of their vulnerable plants indoors as the cooler weather begins to take hold. Either moving your potted plants and herbs indoors or into a dedicated greenhouse

Throughout the summer period you will have had an abundance of seedlings fall all over your garden and it is important to apply weed killer at the beginning of autumn to stop these from sprouting.

It is of the utmost importance to keep your pets away from the garden if you put weed killer down as ingesting the poison can cause a great deal of harm to your animals.

As the days grow shorter, you will notice that the speed at which your garden grows will shorten considerably. This means that you will not have to cut your grass quite as often, however it is important to do so as regularly as required in order to ensure that your grass stays full when it grows back in the spring. Similarly, it is important to keep your garden tidy and not allow leaves to build up as they begin to fall onto your property.

Letting them build up over time will cause considerably more mess as they will begin to

decompose and be harder to remove.

The slower growth provides the perfect opportunity to tidy up your flower beds and displays. Whilst their vibrancy might begin to decline, the slower growth means that they will be more manageable.

As the summer months draw to a close, it is time to begin preparations to make your garden ready for the autumnal season. Whilst spring was the ideal time for planting new plants and summer the perfect time to watch them grow, autumn is a time that you will need to protect your garden. The cooler weather and the increased amounts of rainfall will require certain measures to ensure that your garden is protected.

It is important not to forget about your evergreens. Every garden shout have at least a few ever green plants to keep some life throughout the cold winter months. Whilst these plants are tough, it is important not to neglect them.

‘Childhood immunisation’ Living Well campaign launched

A new campaign focussing on the importance of childhood immunisations has been launched in pharmacies across Northern Ireland.

The ‘childhood immunisation’ campaign highlights the importance of vaccination and the protection provided by the childhood immunisation programme. The campaign is running in community pharmacies throughout August and September as part of the Living Well service.

Living Well is offered in over 500 pharmacies across Northern Ireland and provides information and advice on public health issues. It is delivered in partnership with the Public Health Agency (PHA), Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI), and the Department of Health (DoH).

Geraldine Mallon, Immunisation Programme Manager, PHA said: “The

PHA strongly recommends that babies and children are vaccinated according to the Routine Childhood Immunisations Schedule. Vaccination rates have seen a slight decrease over recent years so it is important vaccination coverage is improved as soon as possible to help prevent the spread of avoidable serious and sometimes deadly diseases such as measles and polio.

“If you are unsure if your child is up to date with vaccinations the easiest way to check is to look at your child’s red book or speak to your health visitor or GP. If your child has missed a vaccination, please contact your GP practice to book an appointment as soon as you can to make sure they have maximum protection

against disease.”

Vaccination is the most important thing you can do to protect your child against ill health. After clean water, vaccination is the most effective public health intervention in the world for saving lives, promoting good health and preventing serious illness.

Due to the high number of children receiving vaccinations in Northern Ireland over the past number of decades, many serious childhood infectious diseases are rarely heard of. Recently, however, vaccination rates have seen a slight decrease. It is crucial vaccine uptake remains high in Northern Ireland to prevent many of these serious diseases returning from parts of the world

where they still occur.

If this happens, children living in Northern Ireland who are not vaccinated will be at risk of these infections and potentially life-changing complications, even death.

Ronan Warnock, community pharmacist at Tempo Pharmacy said: “Immunisation is important for children because it helps provide immunity before exposure to potentially lifethreatening diseases. Immunisation has helped rid the world of some very serious debilitating diseases, smallpox, for example, has now been eradicated thanks to vaccines.

Vaccination is like a protective shield. Vaccines work by training your

body’s immune system to make antibodies, which are proteins that help fight infection. If you are reexposed to the disease in the future, your immune system ‘remembers’ the disease and quickly destroys it before you become unwell. The Childhood immunisation campaign encourages parents and guardians to have their babies and children vaccinated according to the routine childhood immunisation schedule. This will give them maximum protection against disease. For more information, call into your local community pharmacy and pick up a free Immunisation protects leaflet or visit www. nidirect.gov.uk/ childhood-immunisation

Come to the Causeway Speciality Market

The Causeway Speciality Market is a bustling speciality food and craft market held in Coleraine town centre on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 9am to 4pm.

For 17 years Causeway Speciality Market has showcased the best of local produce and crafts, attracting locals and visitors alike and celebrating the tradition of Coleraine as a market town, and the Market has attracted large visitor numbers from all over Northern Ireland to Coleraine. It features up to 50 local artisan traders showcasing their fantastic range of arts, crafts, jewellery, gifts, and foods. The market is a huge success and attracts a large crowd keen to see the amazing produce and wares on display at what is now one of the biggest regular outdoor markets of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Shoppers can enjoy browsing arts and crafts whether for that unique gift or a treat for themselves as the traders at the Causeway Market provide a superb selection of quality crafts including handmade jewellery, textile crafts, framed photography, scented candles and soaps, painted glassware and polished wood-turned products. Also take time to visit the array of food stalls with many award winning artisan products; meats including pork & bacon, buffalo, Dexter beef, chicken and local chorizo; fish both fresh and smoked; curry sauces; oils; relishes; olives; jams; chutneys; speciality coffees, artisan breads and

local vegetables. For those with a sweet tooth you will not be disappointed with a wide variety of treats available; cakes, cookies, muffins, fudge and sticky toffee puddings. All

created by the stallholders themselves. You cannot get more ‘shop local’ than that!

For more information find CausewayMarkets on FB

Some day S are S imply meant for playing!

Our roving reporter plays up a little in Glengormley

Recently I visited the very cool Little Play Studio in Glengormley and I was so impressed.

If you’re wondering what it is, it’s a purpose built street full of everything children could ever need to role-play a load of scenarios.

It has a Little Cafe, Hospital, Space Station, Mechanics, Construction Site and my favourite The Salon.

I brought my two little ones along for an hour and a half slot and they absolutely loved it. I literally couldn’t get their

shoes on to go home!

Sinead, who owns the set up, has found a niche in the market in Belfast that I can say for sure will be extremely popular for parents.

We are always on the look out for something fresh and new to do with the kids and there are only so many times we can go to soft play so the Little Play Studio was a welcome change.

My little girls loved making coffee in the cafe, serving up birthday cake in their little houses and fixing broken down cars.

It has something for everyone for sure.

Not forgetting the parents, the cafe serves up tasty treats and coffee and you can watch your little ones play away from very close by.

The hour and a half slot went by so quickly and my little one was asking if we could go back straight away!

I definitely will go back, it’s the perfect day out for kids to enjoy and enrich their imagination.

Check out their Instagram page (LittlePlayStudio) for more details on how to book your place.

Love Wine? Looking for a great night out in Lisburn? Look no further than Belfast Wine School.

Whether you are a wine connoisseur or a vino-loving novice, you’re sure to learn something new and have a great time doing it with Belfast Wine School at the Haslem Hotel Lisburn.

Learn how to taste wines from around the globe. Guided by a friendly expert you’ll discover new countries and grape varieties, as well as understanding why we keep going back to the old favourites.

Our ‘Introduction to Wine’ class on Friday 15th September is the perfect way to discover what exactly it is you like about wine and you’ll get to taste wines from all over the world.

Love Cheese? Love Wine? Why not come along to our cheese and wine matching evening on Friday 13th October at the fabulous Haslem Hotel and learn more about the best cheese and wine pairings to enjoy at home.

We have a great range of other classes from ‘Charcuterie and Wine’ to ‘Wines of Australia and New Zealand’ and even ‘Wines for Christmas Dinner’.

On Saturday 9th December we’ll be hosting an all day wine event with lunch. The day starts with Champagne and nibbles on arrival, 6 wines in the morning, lunch with wine, followed by 6 more wines in the afternoon. A fantastic day

out with friends in the run up to Christmas! More courses will continue to be added

and Gift Vouchers are available. Our fun tastings and courses make a perfect gift for

any occasion. Private tastings, corporate events and parties all available on request, give us a call.

Find out what help your F amily may be entitled to with back to school costs

While we are still enjoying the summer holidays, parents are already planning for back to school, including buying new school uniforms and other supplies.

The Education Authority oversees the free school meals scheme for primary and secondary school pupils. Eligibility depends on parents receiving specific benefits and, in some cases, on household income. Assistance is also available for children with a statement of special educational needs and specific dietary requirements.

School uniforms

The Education Authority also oversees the school uniform grant. Eligibility criteria is similar to the free school meals scheme. The school uniform grant has remained the same for the academic year 2023/24. Eligible households remain entitled to a grant of between £42.90 and £93.60, per school-aged child, per academic year.

Transport costs to school

The Education

Authority is required to provide transport to and from school for any pupils who meet specific criteria. Support is made available where there is no suitable school within a legal walking or qualifying distance from the pupil’s home, or where the pupil has not secured a place in an appropriate school within that distance. A child with additional educational needs or disabilities may also receive assistance with transport.

How to apply

Free school meals and school uniform grant applications can be made online. Once submitted the application can take around four weeks to process.

Home to school transport assistance applications can also now be made online. The Education Authority website provides an

online Eligibility

Checker to help parents find out if their child will qualify, prior to completing the formal application. For further information on free school meals, school uniform grants and home to school transport, including how to apply, visit the Education Authority website: www.eani.org. uk/financial-help.

Cost of childcare

Many families still require ‘wraparound’ childcare during school term-time. Now is the time to find out what financial support is available - most working families are entitled to help with their registered childcare costs, whether through Tax Credits, Childcare Vouchers, Universal Credit or TaxFree Childcare. Personalised advice and guidance

Employers For Childcare’s Family Benefits Advice Service provides free, impartial and confidential advice to parents on the financial support their family is entitled to and can help families work out if they are eligible for support with back to school costs. Freephone 0800 028 3008 or email hello@ employersforchildcare. org.

Attention 16/17 Year Old School Leavers…

Maximize Your Potential with Bryson!

For over 30 years Bryson have successfully managed and delivered a wide range of vocational qualifications, training and employment programmes for those who do not want to return to school.

Bryson is a leading provider of a range of employment and training initiatives, designed for school leavers, young adults and those living with long term unemployment.

Our premises are located in Belfast City Centre.

Bryson’s 16 years+ vocational training opportunities focus on providing relevant vocational qualifications and the development of key practical skills to enable learners to progress along the chosen path of their future career.

What can you get with Bryson?

• No exam requirements

to enrol

• £40 weekly Educational Maintenance allowance (non means tested)

• Travel allowance

• Bonuses, incl £70.00 sign up bonus

• Vocational qualifications

- Bricklaying, Business Administration, Childcare, Health & Social Care, IT, Retail

• Pastoral Care Programme, Careers Advice and Guidance, employment opportunities and more!

At Bryson we offer a comfortable learning environment with small

groups of 10-12 learners. Learners experience all round support from our dedicated Learning and Support Team which includes a Pastoral Care Team, a full-time qualified councillor and mentors.

The 16 years+ vocational pathways are designed for individual abilities and include real work experience with an employer.

To find out more information about Post 16 vocational pathways with Bryson or to enrol, Contact Nuala on Tele: 07730 527528

Email: nuala.mcstravick@ brysonenergy.org

Or Register your interest through: https://tinyurl.com/ Brysonregistrationform

Department urges all users to take personal responsibility to travel safely on our roa D s

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

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

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

The Department is responsible for road safety and last October the draft Road Safety Strategy to 2030

was published. This strategy contains a renewed focus to make our roads safer for all. The Department also recently introduced a new fixed penalty notice of £100 and three penalty points to specifically help tackle careless driving.

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

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

As we use the roads as

DRIVERS GOING WILD IN THE COUNTRY

Nearly half of drivers break speed limit on 60mph country roads – highest level seen by RAC since 2016

drivers and riders, we need to be extra vigilant – pay attention to our surroundings, ignore in-car distractions, give extra consideration to more vulnerable people, such as those who walk or ride and children and older road users. Every one of us has a role to play in preventing deaths and injuries on our roads. Just as

with speeding, drink or drug driving or failure to wear your seatbelt, if you drive carelessly, you run the very real risk of killing or seriously injuring yourself, your passengers or some other innocent road user.

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

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

There has been a significant rise in the proportion of drivers who admit to speeding on 60mph rural roads where more deaths occur than on any other road type, recent RAC data* has found.

Nearly half (48%) of the 3,102 drivers questioned for the RAC Report on Motoring say they have driven faster than the limit in the past year on these roads – up from 44% in 2021 and matching the highest figure ever seen by the RAC in 2016. Eight per cent confess to having done this frequently while 40% say they have done it occasionally on up to half of their journeys on these roads. In 2021 514 people were killed in a total of 11,827 collisions on 60mph non-built-up roads – a fatality rate of 4%, which is higher than on motorways.

On motorways and high-speed dual carriageways, the UK’s fastest roads, as many as 60% of drivers say they have broken the 70mph limit, either on most journeys (16%), or on up to half of their trips (43%) in the last 12 months. This is up by five percentage points compared to 2021 when

55% admitted to having exceeded the limit. The 60% figure is the biggest percentage seen by the RAC since 2017, when 66% owned up to this. However, it is still down on the record of 70% reported in both 2015 and 2016.

The percentage who speed on urban roads has changed very little in the past 12 months with 40% of drivers saying they have exceeded the 30mph limit at least occasionally, compared to 41% in 2021, while 46% have broken the limit on 20mph roads, a figure unchanged on the year before.

The most common reason drivers give for exceeding the motorway 70mph limit is that they are travelling at the same speed as other motorists (42%). The same justification is used

by 32% of those who break 60mph limits – the most popular explanation given for exceeding the limit on these roads. Almost half of drivers who have exceeded the speed limit in 20mph zones say this is because they think the limit is inappropriate for that particular road. Most drivers (69%) think motorists only adhere to 20mph limits when there is enforcement or physical traffic-calming measures in place, while 65% say that signs warning of speed cameras nearby help them stick to the limit. And, half (52%) say they would be opposed to additional 20mph limits being introduced in their local area. However, a similar proportion (48%) believe some 60mph limits on unclassified rural roads should be reduced.

and VAT. For more information visit their website www. Garolla.co.uk or, alternatively, give them a call on 028

7100 1279

How to C H oose Your Paint Palette

Think about the colours you love to wear, the environments you like to spend time in and the hobbies you enjoy. Which colours do you associate with the things you love? These are the shades that’ll add personality to your space while enhancing the mood you want to create. Now, if you’re thinking you love green for the garden, blue for the ocean and the riot of bold hues you choose for clothes, there’s an easy way to

try them all out before committing to house colour schemes.

Make the most of memories

You never have to pine for the beach or the peaceful countryside, when you capture the spirit of it at home.

Dreaming of the perfect paint palette? Here’s the inspiration you need. Knowing how to choose paint colours seems easy at first, until you’re faced with decision paralysis from so many choices. Dr Dulux is a firm believer in one very important rule when it comes to colour scheme ideas. That is, there are no rules! Having said that, we’re always here to help answer your questions and offer inspiration towards your dream home designs. How to choose paint colours you love

Draw on your cherished experiences for colour scheme ideas that evoke what you adore, each and every day. For example, if you love that coastal holiday feel, consider a light, airy scheme with fresh neutrals and a splash of dreamy blue, like the Dulux Considered Luxury palette.

Can’t wait to escape to the forest? Combine tonal shades of green with deep, earthy neutrals, textured materials for soft furnishings and accessories literally

plucked from nature. Add pops of yellow or orange to remind you of the sun peeking through the trees. Remember that there are no rules, so if you simply can’t choose one favourite, use different rooms to highlight an array of memories and moods.

Embrace accent colours

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

Neutral shades can appear both warm or cool, depending on what they’re paired with, so you can go as bold as you like with accent colours. For example, consider

a deep grey. When combined with rich blue you’ll achieve a serene, oceanic feel. However, blend it with pops of yellow or orange and you’ll find that instant energy and warmth fills a space.

Feature walls offer a great way to embrace accent shades and Dulux Feature Wall Matt comes in a range of exciting paint colours. Highlight fixtures such as fireplaces or doors with Spiced Honey for warmth or try greengreys for a cool, airy feel. If painting the main walls isn’t an option for you, use accent colours on photo frames, chairs, drawers or cupboards, with Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood for a lovely, mid-sheen finish. Don’t overlook window

recesses, trim or other fixtures either, as they’ll come alive with a lick of paint. Try tonal colour scheme ideas Choosing two or more tones of the same colour offers a calming appeal that’s oh so easy on the eye. Think Lavender Quartz as a feature colour with accents of Gentle Lavender throughout. Twotone walls add visual

interest without the need for artwork. Use cosy colours like Pink Parchment and Heart Wood, with the lighter shade on the upper part of the wall to enhance the illusion of space.

For further interest, add a thin stripe between both colours or around fixtures like windows or doors. Two-tone walls certainly don’t have to be symmetrical,

either. Play with different heights and widths to suit your space, or consider colour blocking with geometric shapes. Whichever shades you choose, tonal room colour scheme ideas are guaranteed to imbue your home with harmony. When a colour combination feels right to you, it’s time to jump right into painting!

Home furnis H ing experts reveal H ow to arrange your ideal living room

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

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

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

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

Consider spacing -

According to how big your living room space is, agree on whether you will need a big, small, or square couch in your living room. For example, if your room is large, it is obviously best to search for large living room ideas.

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

How should you arrange your living room

furniture?

Avoid facing everything towards a television.

One way to do this is by arranging your seats in either a U-shape or an L-shape. These types of arrangements work well for directing one’s eye to another prominent part of your room – a fireplace for instance.

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

Cabinets and sideboards

– what to consider

Grab your guests’ attention – Of course, we agree that comfort comes first. However, if you want to grab your

guests’ attention from time to time, and you do not own the luxury of a fireplace or another architecturally attractive feature, you can turn to custom-made cabinets or sideboards. Perhaps they can help to hold a collection of ornaments, or indeed any objects of personal importance. Either way, with them being there, you have added that little bit extra to your ideal living room. Always consider measurements –

Remember to bear in mind that if you are planning to add specific objects to your cabinet, you need to make sure that they will fit. Measuring said objects is a very simple step, but it is one that many people forget. Also, be sure to note the difference in height between the shelves of your cabinet. Do not worry about size proportion – Do not panic if you feel that the cabinet’s size is not proportionate to the rest of the room. Woodworks

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

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