Families First Summer 16

FREE

The paper that families read

the only FAMILY PAPER, dedicated solely to Families in NI and Donegal.

Issue - SUMMER ‘16 www.familiesfirst-uk.com

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

Summer Reading for kids and parents Stay safe in the sun Rainy day, make and play Summer Breaks that won’t break the bank Places to visit and things to do for ALL the family

PLUS

Full What’s on list for summer

See what’s cool for Kids Family First awards in North West

First sneak peak at who is coming

CHECK IT OUT IN THIS FREE PAPER

2017 AWARDS now open for nominations!

Visit : www.families-first.ie or www.familiesfirst.ie.

Family Fun in Dublin

SUMMER FAMILY PACKAGES from

299

€

WWW.CASTLEKNOCKHOTEL.C O M

3

SUMMER 2016

Staying Safe in the Sun page 6

Hi there everyone, We have all been enjoying the wonderful weather over the last week or so, or maybe not!! I find this muggy weather hard to deal with, but it is fantastic to wake up in the morning to sunshine. But we have to be careful. This month we have a great feature on how to stay safe in the sun, good read with lots of really good advice.

Have you your holidays booked yet? Have a look at our 6 page feature on short breaks away and fairly comprehensive list of things to do, which I am sure will all the family entertained.

The Family First Awards for the north west of the country are taking place at the Jacksons Hotel at Ballybofey, Donegal. We give you a sneak peak at who is coming. Don’t forget to vote for your favourite.

Voting opens on the 9th July, all you have to do is log onto www. familiesfirst.ie or www.families-first.co.uk

Beauty - 13 Pro secrets page 9 Fix your finances page 11 North and West Awards page 18

Our paper is packed this issue, and I hope there is something for everyone.

From my kitchen window page 24

If there is something you would like to see featured, contact us at Isobel@familiesfirstni.com Take care

Find us on Facebook too! www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI and www.familiesfirst-uk.com Disclaimer: While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication and website. Babyface Marketing Ltd accepts no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation. All liability, loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by the reliance on the information contained in the publications or web site, or in any company, individual or firm mentioned , or in the event of any company, individual or firm ceasing to trade, is hereby excluded.

Summer Reads for all page 38

Dunmurry Dental Practice Now it’s not just Hollywood actors and actresses that have A-list smiles. Increasingly, many of us are turning to cosmetic dental procedures like teeth whitening in pursuit of the perfect smile. Dunmurry Dental Practice offers the latest dental cosmetic techniques to help you achieve your perfect smile including Cosmetic orthodontics, Teeth Polishing, Veneers, Cosmetic contouring and of course professional tooth whitening.

We are a multi award winning Dental Practice with a caring professional team including six dentists and two hygienists.

We are open 12 years now, based in a modern building with plentiful car parking on site and accessible downstairs surgeries. We provide a kids club, hygienist services, an in-house smoking cessation clinic and evening appointment slots.

We aim to provide ‘high quality, pain free and plain speaking dental care to all patients’ and are offering free initial consultations about private treatments. To enquire further ring us on 02890 613322. www.familiesfirst.ie

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

4

Familes First NI

THE HUB • THE HUB • THE HUB • THE HUB • THE HUB • THE HUB • THE HUB • THE HUB • THE HUB • THE HUB • THE HUB • THE HUB • THE HUB • THE HUB • THE HUB

Not sleeping well?

Did you know... On the moon it would be possible for humans to walk on water The safest car colour is white You burn more calories sleeping than watching TV

Maybe you’re short on Melatonin This hormone helps to control your sleep/wake cycle, so it’s no surprise that low levels are linked to poor sleep and mild depression. ‘Melatonin is also an antioxidant, and having low levels can affect the brain, skin, heart, eyes and immune system,’ says nutritionist Nina Omotoso.

Sleep Better What Can you take?

Melatonin is only produced in the dark so switch off your phone, TV and laptop at least one hour before bed.

Melatonin is only available on prescription in the UK, but there are natural alternatives to help you. ‘Supplements of tart cherry or asphalia (a mix of wheat and barley grasses) could help to rebalance your system,’ says Nina. Try Cherry Active, £12.95 for 30 caps;Asphalia, £21.90 for 60 caps, both revital. co.uk Anything Else?

Increase you levels of tryptophan, which kicks off melatonin production. Find it in pumpkin seeds, salmon, nuts, eggs and spirulina, which you can add to smoothies. Try Gourmet Spirulina Petals, £12.95 fo 90g, revital.co.uk It’s the perfect time of year to give your bed a really good clean. Here’s how…

Have a duvet day – Most duvets dont go into a standard washing machine, but it’s worth having them professionally dry cleaned to expel hay-fever causing dust mites. Plus wash your bedding at 60 C to remove any stains, germs or bacteria and to kill those pesky dust mites.

Pump up Pillows…

Most feather and down pillows can be machinewashed (check the label) – but only use a small amount of detergent and give them a second rinse. To plump up the feathers, pop them in a tumble dryer with a couple of tennis balls to knock out any clumps – then dry them thoroughly.

Protect your pillows while you sleep by doubling up on pillowcases.

Give your mattress some regular TLC….

Cleaning your mattress doesn’t have to be a big chore- just do it when you change your sheets. Apply a sprinkling of bicarbonate of soda to remove odours, then run a vacuum cleaner (fitted with the upholstery attachment) over the top. This will remove most of the surface dirt and dust. Focus on areas with buttons and grooves, and let the mattress air for at least one hour each week. Some mattresses, such as those made of memory foam, have a removable cover that can be put in the washing machine. To double the lifespan of your mattress, rotate it every six months.

Lemons contain more sugar than

strawberries Myth..

According to research, catching a whiff of rosemary increases alertness and improves memory. Try it! To stay sharp, inhale the scent of rosemary essential oil before a test or important meeting.

Food allergies more common in city kids

Food allergies are more common among kids living in cities than among children in less populated areas, a new study finds.

Researchers found that the share of children with any type of food allergy was 9.8% in cities, 7.2% in suburban areas, and 6.2% in rural areas.

The darker the sunglasses, the greater the protection.

The UV filter applied to the lenses is actually clear so even a very light coloured lens can provide full UV protection if the eyewear is UV400 rated. Most optometrists recommend wearing sunglasses anytime you’re outdoors, particularly in summer, when the level of UV radiation is triple the rest of the year. Love exercising outdoors? Sunglassesforsport.com has a lot more advice about the benefits of wearing sunglasses, including sunglasses for use in high glare conditions and at high altitiude.

Previous studies found that city dwellers have higher rates of other types of allergies, such as asthma, eczema and hay fever.

The new findings, based on a survey of parents, held even after the researchers accounted for factors associated with children’s likelihood of having a food allergy, including ethnicity, gender, age, household income and the latitude of where they live.

The study is the first to examine the prevalence of child food allergies by geographical region, the researchers said.

Study researcher Dr Ruchi Gupta, an assistant professor of paediatrics at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and her colleagues surveyed more than 38,000 parents who had at least one child no older than 18. The researchers looked at individual foods and found the allergy rates were consistently higher among city children. For instance, close to 3% of children in cities had a peanut allergy compared with 1.3% in rural areas. And 2.4% of city children had shellfish allergies, compared with 0.8% in rural areas.

Researchers aren’t sure why certain types of allergies are more common in cities. One idea, known as the hygiene hypothesis, is that early exposure to the bacteria found in rural areas protects against allergies, the researchers said. Or it could be that pollutants in cities trigger allergies.

Did you know...

Apples are more effective at waking you up in the morning than coffee.

Did you know...

August has the highest number of births www.familiesfirst.ie

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

Think your kid’s being bullied? Or sending sexts?

Or dealing drugs? There’s an app for that.

In the United States, nearly 80% of teenagers own mobile phones. About half of those are smartphones - with access to the internet, games, cameras and social media.

That worries many parents. And those fears are fuelling a growing number of so-called parent apps - to track what kids are doing online.

TeenSafe can work as a personal CIA spy for parents.

The company urges parents to tell their children they are being monitored, but the app can work covertly and show what kids are posting on social media as well as deleted texts and messages sent via popular apps such as Kik, WhatsApp and Snapchat.

It’s absolutely legal for a parent to do this discreetly,” says TeenSafe’s chief executive Rawdon Messenger.

“The real question is, ‘Is it justified?’ those are moral decisions a parent has to make. What we believe is that when it comes to protecting your child from these things - privacy is trumped by protection.”

and

5

SUMMER 2016

Accord Counselling Caring for marriages and relationships Helping couples cope with difficulties, giving hope and giving love a chance to be reborn – this is the work of ACCORD Catholic Marriage Care Service. We have 9 centres throughout N.Ireland, with services offered to clients based on client need rather than ability to pay, regardless of faith denomination or none.

According to the latest figures, there are more than 2,444 divorces in NI each year. In 2012, the average length of a marriage ending in divorce was just under 18 years. But why do some marriages get into difficulty?

ACCORD research would

show that the rocky road to unhappiness in a marriage is marked by behaviour where people are criticised, insulted, not listened to and sometimes there is violence and abuse. All unhappy couples engage in some of these behaviours and men and women engage in them equally.

People tend to blame each other for their problems.

One of the areas where counselling can help is to enable people to accept responsibility for what they are doing in their marriage. When people stop blaming each other for their problems and start working together to solve their problems, it gives the relationship great hope.

Men and women take opposite and complementary sides of the street on the way to unhappiness in marriage.

For women the main source of distress is that their partner does not listen while for men the distress comes from being criticised by their partner.

This process can quickly escalate when the warmth, affection and intimacy in a relationship wanes and one person’s need to talk things out is seen by the other person as yet another opportunity to criticise.

Gradually, a negative cycle takes shape where criticism is met with criticism, insult with insult and, in some instances, force with force.

Both partners end up in a stalemate of distress and unhappiness, having lost faith and hope in their ability to resolve difficulties as a couple.

In some marriages a time comes when the man and woman decide to ‘end or mend’ the relationship and it is often at this point that individuals and couples come to ACCORD for counselling.

If a couple can come to marriage counselling willing to be honest and prepared to change they have a very real chance of resolving their difficulties and developing a fulfilling and lasting relationship.

Case study: Ann and John’s story* One couple who recently came to ACCORD for counselling, John and Ann phoned our Derry Centre after Christmas. Their relationship had been rocky before Christmas and over the Christmas holidays it worsened considerably.

Ann and John have been married for 9 years and they have 3 children. When Ann and John came to ACCORD they were unable to communicate properly, they were no longer relating to one another in any meaningful or loving way. Every conversation seemed to end in a row. Their marriage was in crisis and it was affecting their children.

John felt that Ann was constantly criticising him and Ann felt that John just didn’t care anymore. He seemed to be spending an increasing amount of time at work. John said he just couldn’t put up with the constant nagging at home.

John and Ann attended counselling for an hour each week for 8 weeks. The ACCORD counsellor provided them with a safe, accepting space where they could talk

Marriage preparation ACCORD Centres are inundated with calls from couples wanting to enrol on their Marriage Preparation Courses.

ACCORD is also the main provider of Marriage Preparation courses in Ireland and we are devoting an increasing amount of time and energy to meeting the needs of couples preparing for marriage.

There is a growing awareness amongst couples of the need to invest time in their relationships.

When couples come to us on a Marriage Preparation Course we receive excellent feedback from them about the course. Couples appreciate the fact that there are trained volunteers on these courses with whom they can share their hopes and expectations in a down to earth way. We also provide Inter Church courses for couples of mixed faith getting married in the Catholic church.

about their emotions – disappointment, loneliness, anger, sadness – and where through listening, and being listened to, they could begin to experience each other in a different light.

This mindful listening and honest speaking made it easier for John and Anne to see themselves and each other in a clearer light and to realise that each has strengths as well as weaknesses.

Through counselling hope was restored, healing began and their love began to grow again.

This is what Ann and John said after counselling: “When we came to ACCORD we were facing disaster, but now we are filled with hope – we are confident that together we can face and sort out our problems – our love for each other never disappeared – it just needed to be rekindled.” *Names have been changed to protect privacy.

Quality counselling Our research shows that counselling helps people in unhappy relationships because a significant number of clients become less anxious and more at ease.

The fact that counselling works equally well for men and women is extremely encouraging and is probably a reflection of the quality of counselling offered by ACCORD through the creation of a safe space where each hears, and is heard by, the other and where the counsellor deals with both people in a respectful and compassionate way.

ACCORD, Catholic Marriage Care Service, N.I. Regional Office Contact details Tel: 02890 233002 Email: info@accordni.com Web: www.accord-ni.co.uk www.familiesfirst.ie

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

If you would like further information on ACCORD ’s services or you would like to come and work with us please contact the:

ACCORD NIRO St Mary’s Church Chapel Lane Belfast BT1 1HH

T: 02890 233002 E: info@accordni.com W: www.accord-ni.co.uk

6

Familes First NI

Staying Safe in the Sun W

e all need some sun exposure — it’s the top source of vitamin D, which helps our bodies absorb calcium for stronger, healthier bones.

But it doesn’t take much time in the sun for most people to get the vitamin D they need. And repeated unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause skin damage, eye damage, immune system suppression, and skin cancer.

Even people in their twenties can develop skin cancer.

Most kids get much of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18, so it’s important for parents to teach them how to enjoy fun in the sun safely. Taking the right precautions can greatly reduce your child’s chance of developing skin cancer.

Facts About Sun Exposure The sun radiates light to the earth, and part of that light consists of invisible UV rays. When these rays reach the skin, they cause tanning, burning, and other skin damage.

Sunlight contains three types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC: UVA rays cause skin aging and wrinkling and contribute to skin cancer, such as melanoma. Because UVA rays pass effortlessly through the ozone layer (the protective layer of atmosphere, or shield, surrounding the earth), they make up the majority of our sun exposure. Beware of tanning beds because they use UVA rays as well as UVB rays. A UVA tan does not help protect the skin from further sun damage; it just produces color and a false sense of safety.

UVB rays are also dangerous, causing sunburns, cataracts (clouding of the eye lens), and effects on the immune system. They also contribute to skin cancer.

Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, is thought to be associated with severe UVB sunburns that occur before the age of 20. Most UVB rays are absorbed by the ozone layer, but enough of these rays pass through to cause serious damage.

UVC rays are the most dangerous, but fortunately, these rays are blocked by the ozone layer and don’t reach the earth. What’s important is to protect your family from exposure to UVA and UVB, the rays that cause skin damage.

1

2

3 Melanin: The Body’s First Line of Defense UV rays react with a chemical called melanin that’s found in skin. Melanin is the first defense against the sun because it absorbs dangerous UV rays before they do serious skin damage.

Melanin is found in different concentrations and colors, resulting in different skin colors.

The lighter someone’s natural skin color, the less melanin it has to absorb UV rays and protect itself. The darker a person’s natural skin color, the more melanin it has to protect itself. (But both dark- and light-

skinned kids need protection from UV rays because any tanning or burning causes skin damage.)

Also, anyone with a fair complexion — lighter skin and eye color — is more likely to have freckles because there’s less melanin in the skin.

Although freckles are harmless, being outside in the sun may help cause them or make them darker.

As the melanin increases in response to sun exposure, the skin tans. But even that “healthy” tan may be a sign of sun damage. The risk of damage increases with the amount and intensity of

exposure. Those who are regularly exposed to the sun (such as farmers, boaters, and sunbathers) are at much greater risk. A sunburn develops when the amount of UV exposure is greater than what can be protected against by the skin’s melanin.

Unprotected sun exposure is even more dangerous for kids with:

• moles on their skin (or whose parents have a tendency to develop moles)

• very fair skin and hair • a family history of skin cancer, including melanoma

www.familiesfirst.ie

You should be especially careful about sun protection if your child has one or more of these high-risk factors.

Also, not all sunlight is “equal” in UV concentration. The intensity of the sun’s rays depends upon the time of year, as well as the altitude and latitude of your location.

UV rays are strongest during summer. Remember that the timing of this season varies by location; if you travel to a foreign country during its summer season, you’ll need to pack or buy the strongest sun protection you can find.

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

Extra protection is also required near the equator, where the sun is strongest, and at high altitudes, where the air and cloud cover are thinner, allowing more damaging UV rays to get through the atmosphere.

Even during winter months, if your family goes skiing in the mountains, be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen; UV rays reflect off both snow and water, increasing the probability of sunburn.

7

SUMMER 2016

Avoid the Strongest Rays of the Day First, seek shade when the sun is at its highest overhead and therefore strongest (usually from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the northern hemisphere). If kids are in the sun during this time, be sure to apply and reapply protective sunscreen — even if they’re just playing in the backyard. Most sun damage occurs as a result of incidental exposure during day-to-day activities, not from being at the beach.

Even on cloudy, cool, or overcast days, UV rays travel through the clouds and reflect off sand, water, and even concrete. Clouds and pollution don’t filter out UV rays, and they can give a false sense of protection.

This “invisible sun” can cause unexpected sunburn and skin damage. Often, kids are unaware that they’re developing a sunburn on cooler or windy days because the temperature or breeze keeps skin feeling cool on the surface.

Make sure your kids don’t use tanning beds at any time, even to “prepare” for a trip to a warm climate. Both UVA and UVA/UVB tanning beds produce sunburn. And there is an increased risk of melanoma in people who have used tanning beds before the age of 35.

Use Sunscreen Consistently With all the options available (organic or mineral? water-resistant or sweat-resistant? lotion or spray?), choosing a sunscreen for your kids can be tricky. But what matters most is the degree of protection it provides from UV rays.

Look for SPF numbers on the labels of sunscreens.

Select an SPF of 30 or higher

Cover Up! One of the best ways to protect your family from the sun is to cover up and shield skin from UV rays. Be sure that clothes will screen out harmful UV rays by placing your hand inside the garments and making sure you can’t see it through them.

Because infants have thinner skin and underdeveloped melanin, their skin burns more easily than that of older kids. The best

to prevent sunburn and tanning, both of which are signs of skin damage. Choose a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays (usually labeled as a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen).

Sunscreen sprays are convenient but should be used with caution. For starters, sprays are easy to breathe in, which can irritate the lungs. Some sprays also are flammable, so you need to avoid sparks or flames when applying them and wearing them. And, sprays make it hard to tell if you have applied enough sunscreen, which increases the risk of sunburn.

Other things to consider: ✔ Don’t use sunscreens with PABA, which can cause skin allergies. ✔ For sensitive skin, look for products with the active ingredient titanium dioxide. ✔ If your teen or preteen wants to use a self-tanner sunscreen, be sure to get one that also has UV protection (many offer little or none).

For sunscreen to do its job, it must be applied correctly. So be sure to: ✔ Apply sunscreen whenever your kids will be in the sun. For best results, apply it about 15 to 30 minutes before kids go outside.

protection for babies under 6 months of age is shade, so they should be kept out of the sun whenever possible. If your baby must be in the sun, dress him or her in clothing that covers the body, including hats with wide brims to shadow the face. Use an umbrella to create shade. If your baby is younger than 6 months old and still has small areas of skin (like the face) exposed, you can use a tiny amount of sunscreen with a minimum SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 on ✔ Don’t forget about ears, hands, feet, shoulders, and behind the neck. Lift up bathing suit straps and apply sunscreen underneath them (in case the straps shift as a child moves). Protect lips with an SPF 30 lip balm. ✔ Apply sunscreen generously — dermatologists recommend using 1 ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) to cover the exposed areas of the body. ✔ Reapply sunscreen often, about every 2 hours. Reapply after a child has been sweating or swimming. ✔ Apply a water-resistant sunscreen if kids will be around water or swimming.

Water reflects and intensifies the sun’s rays, so kids need protection that lasts.

Water-resistant sunscreens may last up to 80 minutes in the water, and some are also sweat-resistant. But regardless of the water-resistant label, be sure to reapply sunscreen when kids come out of the water. ✔ Don’t worry about making a bottle of sunscreen last.

Stock up, and throw out any sunscreen that is past its expiration date or that you have had for 3 years or longer.

Every child needs sun protection. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that all kids — regardless of their skin tone — wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Although dark skin has more protective melanin and tans more easily than it burns, tanning is a sign of sun damage.

Dark-skinned kids also can get painful sunburns.

those areas.

Even older kids need to escape the sun. For all-day outdoor affairs, bring along a wide umbrella or a pop-up tent to play in. If it’s not too hot outside and won’t make kids even more uncomfortable, have them wear light long-sleeved shirts and/or long pants. Before heading to the beach or park, call ahead to find out if certain areas offer rentals of umbrellas, tents, and other sun-protective gear.

If Your Child Gets a Sunburn Sunburn can sneak up on kids, especially after a long day at the beach or park. Often, they seem fine during the day but then gradually develop an “after-burn” later that evening that can be painful and hot and even make them feel sick.

When kids get sunburned, they usually experience pain and a sensation of heat — symptoms that tend to get worse several hours after sun exposure. Some also get chills.

Because the sun has dried their skin, it can become itchy and tight. Sunburned skin begins to peel about a week after the sunburn. Encourage your child not to scratch or peel off loose skin because skin underneath the sunburn is vulnerable to infection.

If your child does get sunburn, these tips may help:

1 2 3

Have your child take a cool (not cold) bath, or gently apply cool, wet compresses to the skin to help alleviate pain and heat.

To ease discomfort, apply pure aloe vera gel (available in most drugstores) to any sunburned areas. This will aid in cooling the skin too.

Give your child an anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen or use acetaminophen to ease the pain and itching. (Do not, however, give aspirin to children or teens.) Over-the-counter diphenhydramine also may help reduce itching and swelling.

4

Apply topical moisturizing cream to rehydrate the skin and treat itching. For the more seriously sunburned areas, apply a thin layer of 1% hydrocortisone cream to help with pain. (Do not use petroleum-based products, because they prevent excess heat and sweat from escaping. Also, avoid first-aid products that contain benzocaine, which may cause skin irritation or allergy.)

If the sunburn is severe and blisters develop, call your doctor. Until you can see your doctor, tell your child not to scratch, pop, or squeeze the blisters, which can get infected and cause scarring. Keep your child out of the sun until the sunburn is healed. Any further sun exposure will only make the burn worse and increase pain.

Be Sun Safe Yourself Don’t forget: Be a good role model by consistently using sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater, wearing sunglasses, and limiting your time in the sun. Doing so not only reduces your risk of sun damage — it also teaches your kids good sun sense. For more useful hints and tips, go to www.nhs.uk www.familiesfirst.ie

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

8

Familes First NI M&S Kaftan £35

Leaf Sarong – Matthew Williamson, Debenhams, £22

Jasper Conran Kaftan £38

M&S Shoulderless Kaftan £25

Floozie by Frost French Kaftan £40, Debenhams

Janet Reger Kaftan, Debenhams, £40 (red) River Island £25

River Island

Monsoon Stripe Kaftan £35

Tassel Kaftan, £32, Accessorize (green)

Trapeze Beach Dress, £35, Accessorize (blue)

Janet Reger, Lace Kaftan, Debenhams, £38

Cool Cover-Ups Who doesn’t love cooling off in the pool when it’s hot?

We’re sure your wardrobe is already full of cute swimsuits, tankinis or bikinis. But that’s not the only thing you’ll need to pack for a day by the water. Cover-ups are great for protecting you from the sun and for throwing on if you are a bit more self-conscious and not too keen on baring all!! There are loads to choose from on the High Street and here are some of our favourites!

Matalan £10

Beach shirt £34, Next

Pink & White Kaftan £12, Matalan

Matalan £14 www.familiesfirst.ie

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

Matalan

9

SUMMER 2016

Summer is full of wonderful things — but melting makeup, smeared eyeliner, and super-sticky lipstick are not among them. We asked top makeup artists to spill their best tips for keeping makeup looking fresh and pretty, even when the weather is working against you.

The way you care for your skin is just as important as the makeup you apply to it. “Use an oil-free moisturiser in the morning,” says celebrity makeup artist Fiona Stiles, adding that you should opt for an oil-free foundation formula to match.

We love Clinique revitalising moistursier.

Invest in a primer.

You won’t regret the few seconds it takes to apply a primer, which goes on after moisturiser but before face makeup. “Primers are definitely the way to go in summer,” says New York City-based makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff. “They don’t feel at all like a heavy, additional layer, and they really help hold makeup in place.”

Maybelline Dream Smooth Primer.

DO this

Ditch the powder blush.

Blush adds balance and healthiness to any look, but if you’re still using the same powdery formula, your flush might be getting cake-y faster than it takes to get to work in the morning. “Stains are great for longevity in hot weather,” says Stiles. “Use a gel or blush stain, then blend a touch of a cream blush on top of it.” Want to increase its wear? Dust a light, invisible setting powder overtop. Just be sure not to get too heavy-handed; you want to lock your look, not mattify it.

NOT this

Keep things light.

If you want to keep your makeup from creasing and caking, say it with us: Less is more. “If you can, just use a tinted moisturizer and a concealer where you need it,” says Stiles.

“Makeup likes to move around when it’s hot, so the best way to avoid that is to wear less of it.”

Bronze believably.

Bronzer makes your eyes look brighter, your teeth whiter — everyone looks better with a little warmth added to their skin. To keep the results looking fresh and natural, apply bronzer just to the high points of your face, where the sun naturally hits you: forehead, cheekbones, chin, and nose. (Covering every nook and cranny is what gives you that fake, baked look.) Powder bronzers are the easiest to apply; look for one with varying shades — they’ll blend together for the most authentic-looking results. You can also sweep a little bronzer onto your neck and earlobes, especially if you have short hair or are wearing a pony­tail.

Our favourite bronzer, Benefit’s Hoola bronzing powder.

Give your eye shadow staying power.

For longer-lasting shadow, avoid using eye cream on your lids (it can break down makeup), and smooth on an eye primer instead. It will minimize creasing and create a base for the shadow to cling to so it lasts longer. For the ultimate in all-day wearability, layer a powder over a cream. Doubling up works for liner, too. Apply your regular pencil or cream liner, then use a small angled brush to press dark shadow over the liner to set it for longer wear.

BEAUTY Play with vibrant colours.

Just as you’re probably more likely to wear a vivid top or carry a bright bag this season, now’s the perfect time to play up your makeup palette. Besides looking summery, “livelier colours brighten the face and bring a youthful glow to skin,” says Surratt. If you tend to stick with neutrals, experiment with just one area of your face. A punchy blush on the apples of the cheeks is a good place to start.

Wade into waterproof.

Love to swim? Don’t worry about getting raccoon eyes — there are lots of amazing long-wear beauty products out there these days. Invest in a good waterproof mascara, or if you’re blonde, get your eyelashes tinted.

Stop shine and add glow.

A slick T-zone instantly telegraphs the message “I’m hot”-and we don’t mean sexy. To eliminate unsightly shine in seconds, nothing beats blotting papers.

They’re cheap and easy-you just press and go. You want to eliminate shine, but you still want to look a little glow-y, especially in summer.

13 Pro Secrets to Sweat-Proofing Your Summer Makeup. Your wardrobe isn’t the only thing that needs an update when the temperatures rise Go sheer.

Rich, deep colours have their place, but they can look heavy in summer. To lighten up your look, switch to sheer versions of your go-to lip and eye colours.

Use a lipliner pre-application if you need extra definition, but go for a nude shade to keep that carefree feeling, or try “invisible” lipliner, which deposits a clear, waxy film to stop colour from bleeding. Bonus: Because sheer colors are subtler, you almost can’t go overboard.

Skip the shimmer.

Everyone loves a nice, dewy glow, but there’s a big difference between a healthy radiance and an over-thetop shine. Avoid cream foundations or anything too luminous, as the humidity will make you extra shiny and sweaty-looking if you have too much sparkle on your skin.

Swap out thick lipsticks.

Toss your heavy matte lipsticks for the summer! These long-lasting formulas offer sheer coverage that can be built up, making them super versatile. Try sweet pink or peach shades for a traditional summery look, or go bold with tangerine and grape colors for more daring. www.familiesfirst.ie

Keep prep items in your purse.

Never look oily in a photo again by staying prepared with purse-size products that are so perfect for travel. “Carrying blotting papers is a great way to whisk away the sweat and oil without piling on more product,” says Stiles.

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

10 DEHYDRATION Whether you’re taking wine to a picnic, planning a long car journey or playing tennis in the midday sun, you’re more at risk of becoming dehydrated during warm weather.

It occurs when you lose more fluid than you take in. Which is likely to happen when you’re sweating, and is even more likely if you’re drinking alcohol because it’s a diuretic, which makes you wee moe often.

‘Feeling thirsty means that your body is already dehydrated,’ explains pharmacist Rita Ghelani. ‘While thirst can be quenched by drinking water,

Familes First NI this doesn’t mean that all the necessary body fluids have been replaced. It’s far better to drink a small amount of water regularly throughout the day, especially during hot weat6her and illness. Aim to have a few sips every 20 to 30 minutes.’

If you have a tummy bug that’s causing diarrhoea or vomiting, rehydrate with oral rehydration solutions such as Dioralyte.

These contain potassium and sodium salts, as well as glucose, which help restore the right balance of salts and fluid in the body. ‘Passing pale or clearcoloured urine is a good sign that you’re hydrated,’ she adds.

Summer-proof Your Health

It’s time to get outdoors! Here’s your guide to keep loved ones sunny side up together they’re effective at helping to reduce itching and redness for up to 12 hours.’

SUNBURN INSECT BITES There’s nothing worse than spending a lovely evening in the garden only to wake the next day covered in painful, itchy bites. But plan ahead and you might just keep those pesky mosquitoes at bay.

‘Wear log sleeves ad trousers, particularly at sunset when insects are more active,’ says Rita. ‘Apply insect repellent to any exposed areas of skin, such as ankles and wrists. Opt for one with diethyltoluamide (DEET), as it’s the most effective. The higher the DEET levels, the better the product.’

Jungle Fromula Maximum rollon contains 50% DEET. If you do get bitten, bites and stings can be easily treated with oral antihistamines and hydrocortisone cream. Benadryl allergy relief capsules contain acrivastine, a fast-acting antihistamine that starts to work within 15 minutes and can be taken up to three times a day if needed,’ Rita advises. ‘Use in combination with hydrocortisone cream

Don’t be fooled by the British weather. The sun’s harmful rays can still do damage on grey days and, when the sun does shine, you should apply sunscreen before work or going out with the family, just as you would if you were lying on a beach.

‘If you or your child has sunburn, stay out of the sun and over up affected areas of skin until healed,’ says Rita.

‘Also, apply a cold (but not icy) compress or flannel to the area.’

sunburn. Calamine & glycerin Cream helps ease soreness and protects itchy skin. Lifeplan Organic Aloe Vera gel is good as a after-sun gel to moisturise and cool skin.

If you have suffered sunburn, you may see signs of sun damage on the skin, including brown spots, according to Victoria Smith, director of Absolute Aesthetics London.

‘If you only notice a few brown spots, I recommend a series of intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments to remove them (from £200). IPL uses a filtered

FOOD POISONING Alfresco dining can be glorious. But with cases of food poisoning doubling over summer, keep food safety in mind.

‘Preventing foodborne illnesses is largely within your control,’ say Bob Martin, a food safety expert at the Food Standards Agency.

When it comes to cooking food on the barbecue, defrost your meat thoroughly in the fridge before you start, use separate utensils and plates for raw and cooked meat, and turn

PROTECT YOUR EYES

Ophthalmologist Dr Caroline MacEwen’s top tips: • Wear good quality sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays and most high-energy visible light (HEV) rays. Ones with the CE mark and British Standard BSEN 1836:1997, will also offer adequate protection.

• Pink and blue tints can distort colour, so are not recommended for driving.

Neutral grey and brown lenses are preferable.

Painkillers can also help to manage pain and reduce inflammation, while lotions, creams and gels soothe mild

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat in full sun.

• Don’t swim or show wearing contact lensesthis ca increase the chances of corneal infection.

• If you wear contact lenses, pace a supply of cleansing solution when travelling and keep it cool. light to absorb the melanocytes in the dark spots. The strong wavelengths of light damage the pigmented skin, which ultimately scabs away. Revealing rejuvenated skin.’ www.familiesfirst.ie

all pieces of meat frequently to ensure they’re cooked. For more advice visit food.gov.uk.

If you do contract food poisoning, seek medical attention if it lasts longer than 24 hours.

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

• Going abroad? Take medication for eye conditions with you.

• For more health and wellbeing advice, visit Netdoctor.co.uk

11

SUMMER 2016

your Finances in

10 minutes or less

is your email and a password.

Equally important, you’ll never again have to disclose your card information online. John Lewis, Lakeland and Next are among the hundreds of high street and online retailers who are PayPal friendly.

for every £100 spent). As a protective measure, you can buy protective metal wallets and purses (such as Marks & Spencer’s Card Cash Blocker, £5) that stop a thief’s scanner picking up card details from inside your wallet.

PAY IT, PRONTO! Paym (pronounced Pay Em) is a new service that allows you to make payments up to £250 a day directly into a friend or relative’s current account-or pay a tradesman without their account number or sortcode.

You both need to register your mobile with your bank which you can do online or over the phone then simply log in to your online banking account and enter the mobile number of the person you want to pay.

KEEP IT CLEAN Keep a close eye on your credit records. More than 20% of people who have checked their credit report found errors.

Order a £2 paper report from Experian, Equifax or Callcredit or subscribe to their paid-for online services-there’s usually a 30 day free trial after which you’ll be charged around £15 a month. Spotted an error?

Call the credit agency to get it amended as soon as possible.

Always follow up in writing and copy correspondence.

CHEQUE, MATE! Did you know it’s now possible to pay in a cheque with your smartphone by sending an image of it to your bank, saving you the schlep to your local branch? Barclays is the first to offer this. Other banks will surely follow!

KEEP IT CONTACTLESS

CHANGE BANK ACCOUNTS If your current account isn’t delivering high enough interest rates-the best we’ve seen is around 5%-or the customer service you want, vote with your money and switch. It only takes around 10 minutes to apply for a new one. Simply supply your current banking

and bag free cash (typically an extra 3.5%) every time you buy. Check out the card options at moneysupermarket. com. Use your card for all your everyday purchases-groceries, petrol, lunch – and max up the cashback. But whatever your credit card usage, remember to set up a Direct Debit to repay it in full each month so you never pay interest. You can also build up a tidy sum by registering with cashback websites such as quidco.com or topcashback. co.uk. Click through to your favourite retailers from them, shop and then earn a small percentage of the purchase cost back (the retailer pays the cashback site commission that they pass back to customers).

Both are free to join.

GO PAPERLESS Save hours of filing away bills by going paperless. You could save money, too, as many utility providers and banks now charge customers for a physical bill. Contact your bank or utility provider t set it up-most will let you register your details online.

Worried about not being in control? You’ll e sent an email reminder when your bill is ready

Managing your money doesn’t have to be laborious. With these tiny tweaks, you can gain control in little longer than it takes to make a cup of tea!

GO MOBILE All the high-street bank now have apps that let you check your balance wherever you are-convenient when you’re constantly on the go. You’ll need to register for online banking, then download the app for your bank from the Apple or Google Play stores and register your details. You’ll be asked to create a password or pin number, and then verify your identity with the bank in branch or via one of their cash machines. Once you have an online account, you can also set up a weekly text alert on your mobile to warn you if your funds go under a set limit.

GET ON TRACK Too much month left at the end of the money? A budgeting app on your phone is a smart move. A tech version of keeping a spending diary, you enter the

item and cost everytime you spend. If you’ve put in your monthly spending limit, even better. We recommend Account Tracker and Money Smart.

MAKE IT MONTHLY The cheapest way to pay for utilities and insurance is upfront annually, but if that sounds like too much of a commitment, set up a monthly Direct Debit.

You’ll usually save money, too, as Direct Debits often attract discounts. Set payments to leave your account at the start of the month-it’s far easier to see what’s left if all the big bills are paid early.

FIND A NEW PAL Save the hassle of entering your card details and address every time you buy online by setting up a PayPal account. Once registered, you’ll be able to whizz through on-line checkouts in seconds-all you need

You can pay for items worth up to £30 without entering your pin. Speed your way through the checkout by touching your contactless card against the payment terminal. Most banks are sending out contactless cards when replacing an old card but if you can’t wait, you can request one from your bank. Customers have exactly the same protection in terms of refunds in the event of fraud as with Chip & PIN. The UK Card Association says contactless’ rate of fraud is just 2p for every £100 spent (for Chip & PIN, the rate of fraud is 6.9p

www.familiesfirst.ie

details, salary info and other income sources-the bank will do the rest. There’s a seven-day service for switching accounts and some banks even offer cash incentives. To find the best deals, visit moneyfacts.co.uk, which lets you compare interest rates, benefits and any fees.

This is a good time to move, thanks to April’s new rules which mean you can now earn up to £1,000 in interest tax-free.

SPEND & EARN If you use a credit card, make sure it’s one that earns you cash back every time you spend-

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

to view. Tip tip: keep one bill on paper as they’re often needed for ID or proof of address.

START A RAINY DAY FUND TODAY If good intentions to put money away every month get waylaid by a busy life, we sympathise.

But try this: set up an automatic transfer from your account into a high-interest savings account at the start of every month and-here’s the crucial bit – treat it with the same respect as a fixed regular outgoing.

Check the best savings rates at moneyfacts.co.uk.

Excellence ExcellenceininEducation Education

Our Ourbooks booksare areperfect perfectpreparation preparation for forthe theTransfer TransferTest Test

®

ESSENTIAL LEARNING ESSENTIAL FOR LEARNING FOR Comprehension Comprehension and Word Power andSkills Word Power Skills Preparation forPreparation 11+ (CEM/NFER) for 11+Tests (CEM/NFER) TestsAges Common Entrance Common & Scholarship Entrance & Scholarship SATs Attainment SATs Levels Attainment 3–6 Levels 3–6

ESSENTIAL LEARNING ESSENTIAL FOR LEARNING FOR SATs Attainment SATs Levels Attainment 3–6 Levels 3–6 Quantitative Reasoning Quantitative for Reasoning CATs for CATs 11+ (CEM/GL Assessment) 11+ (CEM/GLTests Assessment) Tests Common Entrance Common & Scholarship Entrance & Scholarship Northern Ireland Northern Transfer Ireland TestsTransfer Tests

9–12Ages 9–12 ®

®

ESTE

T

R SS O

Key StageKey 2 &Stage 3 2&3

T

®

by Stephen Curran

by Stephen Curran

by Stephen Curran

by Stephen Curran

NumericalNumerical ReasoningReasoning Standard Standard 15 Minute15 Tests Minute Tests

ESTE

Ages 9–12Ages 9–12 ®

Maths Maths

5-7

ESSENTIAL LEARNING ESSENTIAL FOR LEARNING FOR SATs Attainment SATs Levels Attainment 3–6 Levels 3–6 Quantitative Reasoning Quantitative for Reasoning CATs for CATs 11+ (CEM/GL Assessment) 11+ (CEM/GLTests Assessment) Tests Common Entrance Common & Scholarship Entrance & Scholarship Northern Ireland Northern Transfer Ireland TestsTransfer Tests

R SS O

CLA

R SS O

11

TESTBOOK TESTBOOK

YEAR

ESTE

T

R SS O

ESTE

Ages 9–12Ages 9–12 ®

by Stephen Curran

by Stephen Curran

Children Children are are introduced introduced toto the the basic basic principles principles of of each each subject subject before before mastering mastering essential essential techniques techniques with with worked worked examples. examples.

There There are are further further practice practice testbooks. testbooks. questions questions toto complete complete in in our our

RR AllAll our our books books are are classroom classroom S SS SO O tested tested atat our our successful successful tuition tuition centre centre toto ensure ensure that that they they meet meet our our high high TT EE T ET E standards standards ofof excellence. excellence.

SS

aepublications.co.uk aepublications.co.uk

D D

CLA CLA

WeWe believe believe that that children children should should understand understand and and master master technique technique before before they they are are tested. tested.

ByBy working working through through each each series series of of workbooks workbooks and and testbooks testbooks your your child child will will have have the the confidence confidence toto tackle tackle any any English English oror maths maths question question they they are are faced faced with with during during the the exam. exam.

OM OM

AEAE Publications Publications workbooks workbooks and and testbooks testbooks form form part part of of a balanced a balanced extraextracurricular curricular programme programme that that may may bebe easily easily implemented implemented byby you you and and your your child child atat home. home.

They They are are anan excellent excellent way way toto help help your your child child develop develop and and hone hone their their English English and and Maths Maths skills skills in in preparation preparation forfor sitting sitting the the Transfer Transfer Test.

Test.

Order Orderonline onlinenow: now:

D

T

5-7

CLA

Key StageKey 2 &Stage 3 2&3

ESTE

CLA

R SS O

YEAR

D

T

CLA

CLA ®

ESTE

NumericalNumerical ReasoningReasoning

11+ 11+

D

D

D

9–12Ages 9–12

R SS O

Maths Maths

5–7

OM

T

ESTE

11

WORKBOOKWORKBOOK

YEAR

OM

Key StageKey 2 &Stage 3 2&3

22

5–7

OM

by Stephen Curran

by Stephen Curran

R SS O

Semantics Semantics

YEAR

OM

ESSENTIAL LEARNING ESSENTIAL FOR LEARNING FOR Comprehension Comprehension and Word Power andSkills Word Power Skills Preparation forPreparation 11+ (CEM/NFER) for 11+Tests (CEM/NFER) TestsAges Common Entrance Common & Scholarship Entrance & Scholarship SATs Attainment SATs Levels Attainment 3–6 Levels 3–6

T

5–7

Antonyms Antonyms

11+ 11+

WORKBOOKWORKBOOK

English English

YEAR

OM

ESTE

5–7

OM

R SS O

OM

T

OM

Key StageKey 2 &Stage 3 2&3

CLA

Comprehension Comprehension

YEAR

D

11

11+ 11+

WORKBOOKWORKBOOK

English English

5–7

CLA

YEAR

D

5–7

CLA

YEAR

D

11+ 11+

®

Excellence in Education

SUMMER 2016

13

Library Cards - The Key to a Treasure Trove of PossibilitiesExcelle • Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll • War Horse by Michael Morpurgo

Our books are perfect preparation for the Transfer Test D

D

®

Key Stage 2 & 3

®

I would take this one step further, as I believe that in order to enjoy the full long-term benefits of reading a variety of literature, every child should be enrolled in their local library by their sixth birthday. The last five years have seen an upturn in the amount of children who leave primary school able to read properly, but there is still much room for improvement. One in five children still leave primary school unable to read well enough to succeed at secondary school - a figure that rises to 1 in 3 among the most disadvantaged children.

R SS O

• Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson T

Maths

1 11+ YEAR

Comprehension

Key Stage 2 & 3

T

ESTE

R SS O

T

ESSENTIAL LEARNING FOR Comprehension and Word Power Skills Preparation for 11+ (CEM/NFER) Tests Common Entrance & Scholarship SATs Attainment Levels 3–6

• Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz

by Stephen Curran

• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Ages 9–12

®

by Stephen Curran

R SS O

11+ YEAR

5–7

English

WORKBOOK

Semantics Antonyms Key Stage 2 & 3

2 T

ESTE

R SS O

ESTE

Ages 9–12 ®

ESSENTIAL LEARNING FOR Comprehension and Word Power Skills Preparation for 11+ (CEM/NFER) Tests Common Entrance & Scholarship SATs Attainment Levels 3–6

Ages 9–12 ®

by Stephen Curran

AE Publications workbooks and testbooks form part of a balanced e Ages 9–12 curricular programme that may be implemented by you and your child home. They are an excellent way to your child develop and hone their E and Maths skills in preparation for the Transfer Test.

ESSENTIAL LEARNING FOR SATs Attainment Levels 3–6 Quantitative Reasoning for CATs 11+ (CEM/GL Assessment) Tests Common Entrance & Scholarship Northern Ireland Transfer Tests

• Alice Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll • Dracula by Bram Stoker

Key Stage 2 & 3

1

ESTE

• Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

ESSENTIAL LEARNING FOR SATs Attainment Levels 3–6 Quantitative Reasoning for CATs 11+ (CEM/GL Assessment) Tests Common Entrance & Scholarship Northern Ireland Transfer Tests

WORKBOOK

English

5–7

Numerical Reasoning Standard 15 Minute Tests

• Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome Numerical Reasoning

TESTBOOK

CLA

CLA

CLA

Ages 9–12

by Stephen Curran

5-7

OM

Ages 9–12

ESSENTIAL LEARNING FOR Comprehension and Word Power Skills Preparation for 11+ (CEM/NFER) Tests Common Entrance & Scholarship SATs Attainment Levels 3–6

ESTE

YEAR

OM

by Stephen Curran

T

ESTE

R SS O

11+

Our books ar for the

OM

ESSENTIAL LEARNING FOR Comprehension and Word Power Skills Preparation for 11+ (CEM/NFER) Tests Common Entrance & Scholarship SATs Attainment Levels 3–6

Key Stage 2 & 3

WORKBOOK

YEAR

5–7 • The Dark Materials Trilogy

by Philip Pullman Maths

OM

T

R SS O

OM

Key Stage 2 & 3

1

• Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne 11+

OM

An early introduction to the library can help fire a passion for literature that will last a lifetime, and the humble library card is the key. While launching a new child literacy campaign, Education Secretary Nicky Morgan recently said that every eight-year-old should be enrolled in their local library as part of a national mission to make English students the most literate in Europe.

• The Railway Children by Edith Nesbit

D

2

• A series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

CLA

Antonyms

• Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie

D

1

• I am David by Anne Holm

CLA

Comprehension

WORKBOOK

YEAR

• The Time Machine by H. G. Wells

D

WORKBOOK

YEAR

• A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

CLA

ibraries are institutions which many of us hold great affection for. Having grown up with a passion for literature, to me libraries will always represent a treasure trove of possibility. Around each corner of a library lies the prospect of adventure, drama, romance and, above all, knowledge. The great American author Isaac Asimov summarised this feeling of endless opportunity when describing a library in his own unique way: “It is a space ship that will take you to the farthest reaches of the Universe, a time machine that will take you to the far past and the far future, a teacher that knows more than any human being, a friend that will amuse you and console you - and most 11+ 11+ of5–7all, a gateway, to a better5–7andEnglish happier and more usefulEnglish life.”

Semantics

D

L

®

by Stephen Curran

books their children should be reading. Below is part of a list I have put together of classic books that I recommend to parents for their children. These are quite challenging and will develop a child’s vocabulary.

Children should always have a dictionary to hand to look up difficult words. You should be able to find most of these titles in your local library:

All our books are classroom tested at our successful tuition centre to ensure that they meet our high standards of excellence.

Order online now:

aepublications.co.uk www.familiesfirst.ie

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

T

R SS O

D

Children are introduced to the basic principles of each subject before mastering essential techniques with worked As I have discussedThere in previousare blogs,further reading outside examples. practice of school is incredibly important if a child is to achieve their full potential,to andcomplete many parents askin meour which testbooks. questions

OM

Agency has been doing some great work in this area and is now extending its popular Chatterbox scheme by setting up another 200 book clubs. These clubs will be set up in primary schools across the country in an effort to create a buzz about reading among schoolchildren.

CLA

AE Publications workbooks and • The Hobbit by J. R. Tolkien We believe that children should Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling testbooks form part of a balanced• extraare introduced to the basi understand and master technique beforeChildren • Swiss Family Robinson

by Johann Rudolf Wyss principles of each subject before m curricular programme that may be easily essential techniques with worked are tested.

• Roll of Thunder, Hearthey My Cry by Mildred D. TaylorBy working through each examples. There are further practic implemented by you and your child at Legend of Sleepyseries • The Hollow by of Washington Irving workbooks and testbooks your questions to complete in our testbo home. They are an excellent way to help Many of these books have stood the test of time and child will have the confidence to tackle O have brought delight to children for generations. Visit your child develop and hone their English www.findalibrary.org.uk to find your local library One way of helping to reduce the amount of children any English orandmaths question they are aepubl begin exploring. who leave primary school without the skills they and Maths skills in preparation for sitting faced with during the exam. need to progress well in secondary education is to implement school based book clubs. The Reading the Transfer Test.

ESTE

14

Familes First NI

After the AQE and Preparing for Next Year’s Transition Well it’s that time of year again, the summer holidays. For many children out there this marks the end of the AQE transfer tests. To all those of you who have received a place in your first choice schools we say a big congratulations. For many of you however you be now thinking of second choices and what to do next. Don’t worry we at families first are here to help!

Over the past number of years the amount of children applying to grammar schools has dramatically increased while the amount of places available has remained static. This has lead to an increasing number of pupils being disappointed with not receiving their first choice. Many parents out there are now wondering what to do next. When considering alternative options many things should be prioritised. You should factor in issues of the

facilities of the school, the ethos of the school and the distance from your home to the school.

Many children will be obsessing completely about where their friends are attending however as a parent you must ensure that your Childs future comes before reservations about losing friends. Dont forget to tell your child that they will make plenty of new friends in any new school they attend and that many of the other children will also be in the same position.

I would highly recommend contacting the schools directly about any reservations you may have, the experts in grammar schools are always more than happy to speak to parents and with impartial advice they can make your decisions a lot easier.

If your children are going to a grammar school there made be a great sense of pride but new worries about costss, travel and of course how you can contribute the most to help your children achieve the best results they can. There are also the new extra circular activities ranging from sports, to drama to music and everything in between. While parents always want to encourage as much as possible time can always be a problem. I’d suggest prioritising your child’s passions and not to overwhelm things but to make sure they are active in their

hobbies, no one wants a bored teenager on their hands. It’s also worth keeping in mind that children who play sports tend to do better in their school work; I know I learned a lot more on the football than just how to kick a ball!

One of the biggest shocks that second level pupils find is the amount of homework they have to do. It is important for them to realise that in secondary school teachers regard threat them with a great level of maturity and expect them to do the required work and study without someone holding their hand, its paramount that your child gets used to a regular study routine from the get go, I know GCSE’s and A Levels may seem a million years away but it’s always worth remembering that old habits are the hardest

to shake. Encourage them to be independent learners by reading outside of their required curriculum. If your child has an academic passion than nurture it. As a child I always had a great love of history, I would read every history book I could get my hands on.

Teaching your children to love reading and encouraging them to seek knowledge will greatly benefit them in Secondary School and beyond.

Keep in mind also that talent will never go un-noticed. If your child has not got their first choice school this will not affect their chances of achieving great things. Down the line when they are selecting universities what will be important is the grades they have gotten and not the school or uniform they wore while taking those exams.

Picture - James Flood, Whitehall Photography

FAMILIES FIRST AWARDS 2017

best e h t o g u o y Do ? school around

ally e r r e h c a e t Is your ! t n a i ll i r b y ll a cool and tot

LET US KNOW.

Nominate your teacher or school by logging onto our web site www.families-first.co.uk or www.familiesfirst.ie www.familiesfirst.ie

Bunscoil Mhic Reachtain believes that the child should

be at the core of our every function. All children have the right to be happy, safe and comfortable and all teachers should possess no greater qualification than an enthusiasm that will inspire young children to be the best they can be. We had a successful night at this year’s Families First awards with two honours – but only because of the deeply committed and involved parents in our school community.

If you are interested in Irish-medium education, a sector open to all, please call the Council for Irish-medium Education (90321475) for details of your nearest school.

Séamas Ó Donnghaile, Principal, Bunscoil Mhic Reachtain.

BUNSCOIL MHIC REACHTAIN 10a Sráid Lancaster, Béal Feirste, BT15 1EZ • T./F. (028) 90322409 www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

15

SUMMER 2016

sports, music, drama in addition to a wide range of extra curricular activities, residentials (currently to Holland an skiing in Italy), local visits and other fun events.

Methodist College Belfast

Preparatory Department

Downey & Fullerton House Schools Opportunity Diversity Excellence Now accepting applications for Pre-School and Prep 1 in September 2016, 2017 & 2018 Many of our classes are full but if you are interested in a place for your son or daughter then please contact the school as we operate a waiting list for each year group.

Featuring …  Quality learning from P1 to P7  Small classes  Music / PE / French & Drama Specialist Teachers  High Academic Standards  Broad Curriculum  After School Clubs

Downey and Fullerton House Schools have celebrated significant birthdays over the past years. The name Fullerton was granted to the school nearly 65 years ago in November 1951 in honour of William Fullerton the former Chairman and long serving member of the Board of Governors and one of the main figures behind the founding of Downey House over eighty years ago in 1933.

From that time, the staff in the schools have worked hard to ensure that successive generations of children have the best opportunities during their primary school.

This is the same today. Over the past six years our AQE average has consistently been 110 or higher. This means that well over 95% of our P7 children are able to transfer to the school of their choice in the following September. Our academic standards are high but both schools also place great value on boys and girls

www.methody.org All enquiries to Fullerton: 028 9020 5217 info@fullertonhouse.belfast.ni.sch.uk Downey: 028 9028 6660 info@downeyhouse.belfast.ni.sch.uk

The successful learning environment created by parents, staff and children is vital to ensure that the success which the children in the school have enjoyed in the past continues into the future. The pastoral care policies and anti bullying practices are important in ensuring that this successful learning environment is maintained and developed.

Both Downey & Fullerton House Schools are proud of their diversity. Recent census information revealed that over thirteen different faiths are represented in the schools. Our children are able to attend classes and activities for their religious observances and these are celebrated where possible in school.

The school is pleased to received enquires during the year. The maximum class size is 24 and places are limited to please contact the school soon to avoid missing out on a valuable Methodist College Preparatory Department place.

Queries can be made to either school as follows – Downey House: t. 028 9028 6660 e. info@downeyhouse.belfast.ni.sch.uk Fullerton House: t. 028 9020 5217 e. info@fullertonhouse.belfast.ni.sch.uk

Mill Strand Integrated School & Nursery

Integrated Education is not about a name or simply a balance of pupils. It is about an Ethos that celebrates difference and the holistic development of every aspect of a child’s potential.

With thirty years experience of ‘promoting excellence and celebrating difference’, Mill Strand Integrated School & Nursery is deservedly being recognised for outstanding learning and teaching on the Causeway Coast.

Internationally recognised for outdoor learning & science education, extensive after school activities including surfing & golf and restaurant quality school meals, we believe that Mill Strand Integrated School & Nursery has something to offer every child.

Exciting times lie ahead for the school as it embarks on work to realise its vision of a new, larger school in the heart of Portrush. Meeting the demand for integrated school places, the development of a community campus will bring facilities and life into the heart of the town for all those living along this stretch of the Causeway Coast.

Situated on the coast road to Portstewart, 200m from Dhu Varren Halt, overlooking the picturesque West Bay, it is within 15 minutes of most people living in the area.

Further information is readily available from the school’s web site www.millstrand.co.uk and on the school’s Facebook and Twitter feeds. www.familiesfirst.ie

33 Dhu Varren Respect • Harmony Portrush Trust • Teamwork Co Antrim Integration • Balance BT56 8EW Telephone: 02870823090 Sharing • Friendship Fax: 02870824226 e-mail: info@millstrandintegratedps.portrush.ni.sch.uk

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

www.millstrand.co.uk

16

Familes First NI

Anti-Bullying Week 2016 – ‘Together We Are Stronger’ #AntiBullyingWeekNI Anti-Bullying Week is coordinated by the Northern Ireland AntiBullying Forum and takes place from the 14th-18th November and is supported by Translink. NIABF is an interagency group hosted by the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) NI and funded by the Department of Education.

WHY REGISTER? Schools and youth groups across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to get involved with Anti-Bullying Week 2016 #AntiBullyingWeekNI. The focus of the campaign will be on the theme of ‘Together We Are Stronger’ and will seek to encompass the following: ‘What does it mean to have strength of character?’ – encouraging children and young people to understand the nature of power in relationships – both identify personal attributes that give understand the ways in which bullying ‘How can we use our combined strength positively?’ – supporting children and young people to take personal and collective action against all forms of bullying; identifying how we can use our strength together to

bullying.

‘How can we empower parents and carers to work with schools and youth groups to tackle bullying?’

– practical advice on how to improve communication in order to take action against all forms of bullying e.g. Understanding the law, education on issues such as cyber bullying and places to go for help.

RESOURCES FOR SCHOOLS & YOUTH GROUPS – Free!

As in previous years, schools and other organisations working with young people are being encouraged to register online to receive a free resource pack. This will include presentations, activity plans, project briefs and ABW16 themed posters. Registration only takes a couple of minutes.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S COMPETITION – Get Creative!

Following the hugely successful competition last year, which attracted almost 3000 entries, NIABF will again be running a competition for children and young people. This activity provides an excellent opportunity to engage a large number of young people, focussing on raising awareness of this important issue. The

Louisa Lavery-Boulouha (9) and Rabeekah O’Connor (9) from Millennium Integrated Primary School in Saintfield and Gill Hassard, NI Anti-Bullying Co-ordinator

closing date is Friday 7 October 2016. £250 WORTH OF RESOURCES & INDIVIDUAL PRIZES – Up for grabs!

Last year over 800 schools and youth groups signed up to take part in Anti Bullying Week. They used the resource pack that is issued upon registration to support them in organising a wide range of events within the school environment to discuss the impact of bullying.

Almost 3,000 young people entered the Young People’s Competition, which is back this year by popular demand. Participation in the

competition provides an opportunity to understand the nature and complexities of bullying behaviour and how schools work collectively with parents and carers to end bullying. There is the added bonus of prizes for individual winners and a chance to win £250 worth of resources for your school or group.

INFORMATION Simply visit www.endbullying.org. uk/anti-bullying-week to complete out more about the competition, including information on age groups and how to submit entries.

Together We Are

Stronger

#AntiBullyingWeekNI Register Today for Anti-Bullying Week 2016 Anti-Bullying Week is coordinated by the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum and takes place from the 14th-18th November and is supported by Translink. NIABF is an interagency group hosted by the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) NI and funded by the Department of Education.

For more information visit:

www.endbullying.org.uk www.familiesfirst.ie

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

Supported by

17

SUMMER 2016

Just Say No Learning to say no could change your life.

Don’t believe us? Give it a try….

Work is a nightmare, the house is a tip, you promised you’d help out with your son’s French homework, you’re on a girls’ night on Thursday, it’s still only the middle of the week and you’re knackered. And the weekend isn’t looking any better-you’ve promised the kids a sleepover as a thank you to another mum who picked them up when you had to work late. And you’ve agreed to dog sit for your parents while they swan off on holiday.

Welcome to the women’s world of yes-a frantic place where millions of us are afflicted by the crippling inability to say no. What is it with women? We’re clearly not born this way-you just have to look at any toddler, male or female, to see they don’t struggle with an assertive use of the word no.

YES WOMEN So, do we become yes people over time because we think we have to keep other people happy? Advanced behaviour coach and psychologist Dr Michael Mantell thinks that saying yes goes back to the way we were brought up. He believes that girls are encouraged to be more concerned for the feelings of others, and that can lead to submissiveness.

‘The brain tends to react more favourably and more positively to yes stimuli and more painfully to no stimuli,’ he explains. ‘But women who habitually say yes can often feel besieged, burdened and unacknowledged.’ Is that ringing bells with you?

It is for Families First reader Jane Longhorn, 37, who finds herself going for coffee with a woman at work she can’t stand.

She knows she should say no, but now she’s made it a regular occurrence, it’s difficult to get out of. ‘Like a lot of women, I find it impossible to say no, and on the very rare occasions when I do, I fumble around offering apologies and excuses. I hate myself for it!

Jane is not alone. Just ask yourself how many times you’ve

found yourself agreeing to do something or to be somewhere for fear of upsetting the other person if you say no? Then ask yourself how you feel when that day eventually comes round?

How much are you wishing that you’d simply had the guts to say no in the first place?

Experts agree that our ability to say no with confidence is one of the most important things we can do to bring back some control into our lives. It doesn’t mean being closed or unwilling, instead, it’s much more about establishing healthy clear boundaries. Dr Mantell agrees that once we learn how to reintroduce that tiny potent word back into our vocabulary, things will change for the better.

‘You’ll start to feel like your own person, who calls the shots in your own life. You’ll develop self-respect, self-confidence and become a victor, not a victim.’

THE POWER OF NO Annie Raymond 44, also found herself a victim of the yes word last year. ‘I’m a nurse in a really busy hospital and one of my colleagues was always asking me to take on her duties. She’d say she felt ill or that her back hurt, and it used to make me feel bad saying no to her. It was

my own fault, I know, but the reality was I ended up doing her job as well as my own.’

In the end, Annie became so exhausted that she dreaded going in to work.

‘My older sister recommended a book called the Power of No by self-help writer James Altucher and his wife Claudia. As soon as I started to read it, I could see how much I had let myself be taken advantage of. It wasn’t easy and it was a slow process, but I went into work with a new attitude. I tried to say no where before I had always said yes, and the problem was eventually solved. It was a life-changing experience because it taught me I had the right to say no, and that doing so was an act of strength, not weakness.’

So how on earth do we break the deep-seated habit of saying yes?

Clinical psychologist Dr Linda Tillman suggests making it a project to say no to something every day. Make sure your voice is firm and be direct as you say it, looking the other person in the eye. When you say that allimportant word, notice that you have, and give yourself credit for saying it.

S WIT AYING IS O H CON NO N IMP E OF T FIENCE WE ORTAN HE MO CA T ST BAC N DO T THINGS K CO O BR N OUR TROL ING LIVE TO S.

5...Easy Ways to Say No

1 2

IN OTHER WORDS…

Instead of saying no, try ‘That doesn’t’ or ‘won’t work for me.’ It’s less direct, but equally clear.

I CAN DO

Say what you are happy to do: if a friend asks you to look after her kids all afternoon, offer her a slot between 4 and 5. If that’s no good, say, ‘Sorry I can’t help this time’. It sets clear boundaries.

3 4

POSTPONE

To get out of a regular arrangement, get in first by saying, ‘I can’t do next week’ and gradually make it less frequent to break the expectation.

REDIRECT

If someone is dumping on you, make it harder for them. Try saying ‘Sorry you’re unwell, you should speak to (line manager) and ask them what’s best.’ It puts the responsibility back on them.

5

Buy Time

Give yourself some thinking time by saying, ‘I’ll get back to you on that’. It will also get across that you have other priorities, too. *Psychotherapist, Karen Meager is co-author of Real Leaders for the Real World.

VALUE YOURSELF According to consultant clinical psychologist Sally Austen, not being able to say no can be an indication of lack of self-worth. ‘People who find it hard to say no are likely to get over tired and put their needs last. Learning to say no will increase the time you have to commit to your own needs.’

Annie Raymond’s experience is proof of how successful that can be. ‘Since I sorted things out at work,’ she says, ‘I’ve learnt to say no in other areas of my life, too. It’s as if I have started using a long-neglected muscle which has become stronger and stronger.’ Annie has found she’s created more time for herself by saying no more often, so there have been practical benefits. ‘But the biggest reward is in terms of my self esteem,’ she adds. ‘I think people saw me as a bit of a doormat before. My saying no has made them look at me with different eyes.’ www.familiesfirst.ie

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

FINALIST! FINALIST!

18

Familes First NI

North and West Awards. 2016 We are so excited here at Families First for our first ever North West Awards. These will be held in October in Jacksons Hotel in County Donegal and will be recognising the achievements of the family sector in Counties Derry/ Londonderry, Donegal, Sligo, Galway, Mayo, Leitrim and Roscommon.

We hope to have up to 500 people at our Gala dinner and we need your help! Our voting will be launched on familiesfirst.ie over the coming weeks and we need you to vote for your favourite!

And don’t forget we still have our Armagh and Belfast awards returning in 2017. If you want to nominate somebody than call us on 02891 226166 or email niall@familiesfirstni.com.

Here is a sneak peek of some of our finalists:

Goldilocks Preschool

Shining Stars Montessori

Drumahoe After School Club

And MANY more fantastic family businesses to be announced!

And don’t forget about nominating for our Outstanding People Categories!

Birds of Prey

Bo Peep Montessori

Castle Island Adventure Farm

Belmont Montessori

Lurgy Brack Open Farm

Tir naOg Creche

Focus on Family

Kids Kare Creche

Treasure Island Kidzone

Twin Towns Creche

Little Climbers

Stepping Stones

Kidz Montessori

Wee Bears

Little Dreamers

Kids Cabin - After School

Millburn Primary

Happy Days

Little Acorns Harpurs Hill Children and Family Centre Ltd Bundoran Waterworld ABC Centre Roe Valley Playgroup Cooley Equestrian Centre

We strive to recognise the very best in all aspects of family life and reward hard work. Some of the greatest unsung heroes can be ordinary people living extra ordinary lives. In recognition of these amazing people we give our outstanding people awards. We award people who go above and beyond for their families and their communities and who inspire those around them every day. These outstanding people are all unique and have their own special stories but all hold one thing in common, they are all exceptional.

In order to recommend someone as a nominee for the outstanding people categories at our awards we ask that you send us the details of the person you’re nominating and their back story of why they are exceptional. Receiving your emails and letters for these nominee is always an exciting time in our office. We spend days and weeks reading over the stories. They can be real tear jerker’s but they always leave us with a smile on our face! And we just love informing people of their nomination.

The amazing act of kindness award is particularly special! In the modern world it’s very easy to get tied down by doom and gloom so to read your amazing stories of wonderful people who help out those around them always makes our day. Whether it’s someone who does exceptional volunteer work or simply someone who acted in a small way that made a huge impact on someone else.

We are looking for nominations for: Mum of the Year Dad of the Year

Learn Early Montessori Ballyoughry Playgroup

Grandparents of the Year Kempton Montessori

Child Superhero of the Year Kellys American Roadside Diner

Cuddles and Care

Amazing Act of Kindness Childminder of the Year

The Playshed

Great Escapes Galway

Little All Stars

Mr Waffle

Snugboro Playgroup

Bluebells and Buttercups

www.familiesfirst.ie

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

Teacher of the Year

You send email your nominations to us at niall@familiesfirstni.com

Tell us why the person you’re nominating deserves to win. We always love hearing from you.

FINALIST! FINALIST!

SUMMER 2016

19

Service Types

Age range

Babies Toddlers Playschool Pre-School After school care Service Hours

12 weeks - 12 Years

Full-Day Part-Time Sessional-classes Summer camps Service Details

07:30 - 18:00

Contact Name: Declan Gardiner Contact Number: 0878139373 Email Address: treasureisland.kidszone@gmail.com

Opening hours Monday - Thursday

Friday 07:30 - 17:30

Service Guide Hot meals provided

Treasure Island Kids Zone is last word in fun, safe and healthy kids entertainment. Little pirates aged 0 to 12 can explore a fully enclosed play environment while their parents watch from the sidelines while enjoying a coffee with friends. Slides, stairs, secret tunnels, observation pods, multi-coloured ball pit, spider web, basketball and soccer practice area and even a fully functional racing car track- this play centre has it all!

School Drop off School Collection-Service

Our aim is to offer each child the surroundings to develop to their full potential through a child centered educational curriculum that encompasses a holistic approach in a stimulating and caring environment, with friendly professional staff.

U 2 & 4 Bluebell Woods Maree rd Oranmore Co. Galway

(091)388969

Full/Part Time Care, Montessori classes x 2, Toddler Room & Playschool Open 7.50am to 5.15pm Mon-Frid

TĂ?R NA NĂ“G Creche County Mayo Belmullet ,Co. Mayo 097 81812, tirnanogcreche97@gmail.com www.familiesfirst.ie

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

20

FINALIST! FINALIST!

Familes First NI

FINN COMMUNITY CHILDCARE CENTRE Tel: 074 91 75369

for Enrol Now

FAM IL FIRS IES AW T FINAARD LIST

ON I T A C U D E Y L EAR & CHILDCARE

For all

kids aged

3+

Flexible afternoon sessions available to suit your schedule...

Limited Spaces

TT CHILDCARE, Railway Road, Stranorlar (opposite The Base Enterprise Centre)

Mr Waffle

Providing first class quality day care with professional staff.

Our Flagship store is located on Newcastle Road, Galway, where we serve a wide selection of Crepes, sandwiches, Quesadillas and salads, oh, and of course our authentic Belgian Waffles Newcastle road, Newcastle, Galway

00353 (0) 91520747

Stepping Stones Day Nursery and Out of School is situated locally in the waterside area in Londonderry. We provide a warm, Friendly, safe and caring environment for babies and young children aged 8 weeks to 8 years.

31, Glendermott Road, Derry BT476BG Email: Steppingstones31c@aim.com Tel: 028 7134 6683

www.familiesfirst.ie

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

FINALIST! FINALIST!

SUMMER 2016

21

Little dreamers Crèche, Montessori, Naionra and after school Little Dreamers Preschool Carn na mBogach Uachtarach Barr an tSléibhe Léitir Ceanainn Co. Dhún na nGall.

Teil: 074 91 23947 Ríomhphost: littledreamers2007@hotmail.com

“Where your children can shine even brighter”

s iend e fr

Little Dreamers crèche was established January 2001. We provide full day, Montessori , preschool , naionra and afterschool care. Our curriculum is prepared to meet the holistic development of each child in our care. Our highly qualified staff help provide a balanced nurturing environment within an educational setting that promotes learning though children engaging actively in exploratory and self discovery play.

Belmont Montessori School I.M.E.B. School

“Setting your child up“

At Shining Stars Montessori & Crèche our ethos is to provide the children with a warm & friendly home from home environment. Each child will have their individual needs met & will be provided with lots of opportunities to develop and grow as individuals. We provide a safe place of fun and learning, where each day is a new adventure with a chance to learn new skills and make new friends.

mak e we Wer

Privately owned sessional service, operating for 21 years, ensuring delivery of a quality ‘inclusive’ holistic education to children 2½-6years.

Meeting legal adult/child ratios, qualified staff “Follow the Child” upholding Montessori ethos.

Opening hours Monday-Friday 8.00am-6.30pm

We provide care for the ages of 0-12 year olds  Full day/half day/sessional places

Shining Stars Montessori and Crèche are proud providers of:

 Afterschool facilities  Summer Camp

 Baby room

 ECCE/CETS providers

 Toddler Room  Pre-Montessori Room  Fully equipped Montessori room  Naíonra

Wher

e we get cr eative

 Afterschool facilities

We have 3 outdoor areas: Sensory Garden Soft Surface area, Astroturf Area Unit 33& 34 Pinehill Estate, Mountain Top, Letterkenny Contact No: 074 9168428/0877839394 Email: aoifedorrian@yahoo.co.uk

Botha Na Sop, Ballina, Co. Mayo 00353 9673150 www.belmontessori.com

(SPECIAL NEEDS PROVIDER)

Bo Peep Montessori (GALWAY FINALIST)

Bolisheen, Cowrandulla, Co. Galway 35391791924, majella.murphy0@gmail.com

Tir na Nog Creche Roscommon

Cluain Fraoigh Lanesboro Rd tel. 0906634950

www.familiesfirst.ie

11-19 Glenburn Crescent, Coleraine, L/Derry BT52 2QR 02870329550, managerfof@btconnect.com

Outdoor Explorers Preschool is Connaughts first outdoor Preschool and one of the first in Ireland.

We love the outdoors spending all day playing in the fields. Exploring nature, growing plants and veg, watching and feeling the weather change.

Been outdoors builds happier, healthier children. www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

FINALIST! FINALIST!

22

In the heart of Ballymoney Community Childcare Centre

20 Garryduff Road Ballymoney Co. Antrim BT53 7AP

Tel: 02827664254 Email: info@happydayscog.co.uk www.happydayscog.co.uk

‘Children are a gift from God to be treasured’

Saints and scholars Airport Rd Business Park Sligo tel. 35371 918 303

www.familiesfirst.ie

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

Familes First NI

23

SUMMER 2016

GROW AN EGGCUP MICRO GARDEN (5-7 Year Olds) TEACH GROWN-UPS WHAT ‘A LITTLE BIT’ ACTUALLY LOOKS LIKE-AND IT’S NOT A BIG CHUNK OF BROCCOLI FOR DINNER *Cotton Wool*Water*Eggshells with most of the shell intact*Eggcups*Selection of seeds*scissors

1 2

Soak the cotton wool in water and carefully place a piece in each of the eggshells. Put the shells in the eggcups.

Sprinkle a few seeds into each egg ‘garden’. Try broccoli, beetroot, rocket, fennel, coriander, cabbage, spinach and mustard. Leave in a sunny place.

In a few days you’ll see the seeds germinate, which means they start growing by sending out a root, quickly followed by a school. Best of all as soon as this shoot produces its first leaves, you are ready to harvest (usually one to three weeks after sowing the seeds).

Using a clean pair of scissors, snip off the leaves. You can now try a proper ‘little bit’ of each crop. Be warned though, you might actually like it.

3 4

MIX BATH PAINTS (6-8 Year Olds) BATHS ARE INSPIRING PLACES, SO GET YOUR ARTISITC JUICES FLOWING BY MIXING UP A FEW BATH PAINTS AND LET THE WORLD SEE YOUR AMAZING ARTWORK *Tubs or paint mixing tray*Shaving foam*Food colouring*Teaspoons*Paintbrushes (optional)

1

First, find some small tubs or a paint mixing tray-just make sure they are plastic, so they’re safe to use in the bath. After all, we know at some point you’re going to drop them.

Now, shake up the shaving foam and squirt a little into each tub or section of the mixing tray. STOP! I said a little.

Yes, you should have now realised that the foam gets bigger after it first comes out, so maybe next time you could wait and see how much you’ve squirted before adding more.

Once you have a pile of foam about the size of a small bar of soap in each tub, you need to add the food colouring. Use a few drops of food colouring for each swirl of foam and stir these in with a teaspoon (use a different spoon for each one or you will muddle up the colours).

At bath time you can use paintbrushes or just your fingers and hands to create your own bathroom gallery on the tiles, the inside of the tub… and probably yourself.

2 3

4

5

Play Balloon Stomp (5-9 Year Olds) ONE MINUTE PARTY BALLOONS ARE THE CENTRE OF ATTENTION, THEN THEY’RE JUST GETTING UNDER YOUR FEET, SO WHY NOT HAVE FUN WITH THEM? *Balloons*String or ribbon

1

First, decide where you are going to play the game.

It’s best in a room where you can clear a bit of space and also one that isn’t filled with a lot of breakables.

Balloon stomp is not a ‘delicate activity’!

You’ll need to have an inflated balloon for each player. Attach a piece of string to the neck of the balloon and then tie this onto each player’s ankle. On ‘Go’ the aim is to burst everyone else’s balloons, but to keep yours intact.

The winner will be the last one left with their balloon still inflated.

The only rule is you can’t grab or hold onto another person. In fact, as far as possible, this should be a ‘non-contact’ game. Except for the balloons, of course.

2

3 4

Rainy Day: Make & Play CRAFT STAINED-GLASS LANTERNS (9-11 Year Olds) OF COURSE, WE’RE NOT MAKING REAL STAINED GLASS, BUT YOU CAN GET THE LOOK WITH THE HELOP OF SOME TISSUE PAPER AND GLUE *Tissue paper in various colours*Scissors*Clean empty jar* PVA glue*Paintbrush*Thin garden wire*Beads*Sand*Tealight

1 2 3 4

Cut the tissue paper into small shapes. You could go for a random pattern or create a specific picture or scene.

Coat the jar with PVA glue and stick on the cut tissue, overlapping as you go for more interest. Once it’s covered, paint over the top with another layer of PVA glue to make sure everything is well stuck down.

Now, take a length of wire, put a loop in o ne end and start to thread on the beads until you have enough to form a handle.

Wrap the unbeaded section of wire around the neck of the jar and twist it to attach. Undo the looped end and thread it under the wire at t he opposite side, pulling it through until just the beaded section is on show. Twist both ends of the wire tightly and carefully cut off any excess.

Pour a little sand into the jar and add the tealight-this will stop the tealight moving around. Then, when it’s dark, ask a grown up to light your tealight, then you can see how the stained-glass colours glow. Oh, and please remember, you should never try to light it yourself because matches can be very dangerous.

5

www.familiesfirst.ie

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

FASHION SOME SPOON DOLLS (7-9 Year Olds) CREATING GORGEOUS DOLLS IS THE BEST THING TO DO WITH A WOODEN SPOON, BUT CHECK IT’S OK WITH A GROWN-UP ARTIST *Wooden spoons*Paints*Paintbrushes*Pens*Pipe Cleaners or lollipop sticks*Paper*Felt or material scrap s*Scissors*Wool*Ribbons*Sequins*Double-sided sticky tape*Needle and thread.

1 2 3 4

It’s a good idea to put a base coat of skin colour on the doll first. Once the paint is dry, draw on the face.

To make arms, twist round a pipe cleaner or tie on a lollipop stick.

Make clothes from paper, felt or material scraps. Cut slits for the arms and secure the back of the outfit with a strip of sticky tape or sew it.

Attach ‘blingy’ accessories, such as ribbons or sequins with more tape or add an underskirt made from circles of tissue paper or netting.

To make a hat, cut a circle or oval of felt for a brim and remove a wide central slit to go over the spoon.

Bend a second piece of felt and cut out the top of the hat, leaving a little space at the bottom. Thread through the slit and stick the extra tabs against the underside of the brim with tape. Add a ribbon trim to finish.

5 6

24

Familes First NI

How to make strawberry jam

Why to enjoy tomatoes...

1. Low in calories, with virtually no fat and no cholesterol and, especially cooked, a source of the antioxidant lycopene, tomatoes are a food star.

2. To peel: score a cross in the bottom of the tomato and, using a slotted spoon, add it to a bowl of boiling water and leave for 15-30 seconds. Transfer immediately to a bowl of cold water and leave for a further 15-30sec. Remove, set on a chopping board and peel off the skin.

3. Mix the varieties when cooking for sensational taste and texture.

4. Always store your tomatoes at room temperature; keeping them in the fridge can deaden the flavour and give them a mealy texture.

The different types...

Cherry Sweet, with an intense flavour. Use them for garnishes and canapés or pop into lunch boxes. Particularly useful for quick pasta sauces as they don’t require much cooking.

Heritage Heritage tomatoes are pure varieties grown from seed and the taste revives childhood memories of tomatoes as they used to taste. In many different shapes and colours, they can be found at farmer’s markets and in Waitrose and similar supermarkets when in season.

Vine Picked just before they turn red and left to ripen on the vine for a full, rich flavour. Delicious roasted, just add on top of meat or veg towards the end of cooking time, or toss in garlic slivers and thyme leaves, drizzle with olive oil, then roast for about 20min.

Beef From orange to dark red-purple, these large tomatoes have a fleshy fruit and sweet mild flavour. Stuff and bake, or scoop out the centre and fill with prawns.

Yellow These are just like their red cousins, apart from slight nutritional differences – including lower acidity and lycopene. Use raw in salads, salsas, on canapés and in sandwiches to show off their colour.

Zebra Developed in America in the 1980s, the zebra has dark green and yellow stripes with an unusual slightly ‘tart’ or spicy flavour. Find them at farmer’s markets or grow your own from seed.

Black A good mix of sweetness and acidity and a sweet, rich flavour, black tomatoes are often heritage varieties (see above, right). Use in a pasta sauce, as a garnish or slice and serve with dips.

Plum With a rich, sweet flavour and fewer seeds and less water than salad tomatoes, so good for cooking. Fry with garlic and butter, then toss through chopped, cooked spinach and garnish with nutmeg.

From my kitchen window...

Chop! Chop!

STEP ONE: Prepare the strawberries by wiping them with a piece of damp kitchen paper. (Wiping the strawberries rather than washing them ensures the fruit doesn’t absorb lots of water - too much water and the jam won’t set easily.) To hull the fruit, use a knife to cut a cone shape into the strawberry and remove the stem.

Cut any large berries in half.

Sometimes there’s nothing tastier than a slice of toast with homemade strawberry jam, packed with fresh fruit. Store-bought versions are full of sugar and artificial flavourings, so instead follow our easy guide to making a homemade version without the hassle. dissolved before increasing the heat, otherwise it will be difficult for the jam to set, and it may contain crystallised lumps of sugar.)

STEP TWO: Put the strawberries in a bowl and gently toss through the sugar. Leave uncovered at room temperature for 12 hrs or overnight. This process helps the sugar to dissolve, ensures the fruit doesn’t disintegrate too much and helps to keep its vibrant colour.

STEP THREE: Before starting the jam, put 2 saucers in the freezer. Tip the strawberry mixture into a preserving pan with the lemon juice. Set over a low heat and cook very gently. If any sugar remains on the sides of the pan, dip a pastry brush in hot water and brush the sugar away.

WINNER Lakeland Large Non-slip chopping Board £11.99 Dishwasher safe: 45.5 x 30.5 x 1.5 Sturdy polypropylene board with non-slip corner feet for great grip.

No marks or food odours after tests.

Useful measuring guide.

RUNNER UP Lakeland chopping Station £29.99 Plastic boards are dishwasher safe, wood board isn’t: main board: 37 x 33.5cm, other boards: 28.5 x 18.5cm Space-saving design, with a main beechwood board and two colour-coded polypropylene boards that slot into it.. Wooden board feels solid but not heavy. No damage from Knife marks.

mins - this will ensure that the fruit stays suspended in the mixture and doens’t all float to the top of the jam jar. Meanwhile, sterilise your jars.

STEP FIVE: Boil hard for 5-10 mins until the jam has reached 105C on a preserving or digital thermometer, then turn off the heat. If you don’t have a thermometer, spoon a little jam onto one of the cold saucers.

Leave for 30 secs, then push with your finger; if the jam wrinkles and doesn’t flood to fill the gap, it is ready. If not, turn the heat back on and boil for 2 mins more, then turn off the heat and do the wrinkle test again. Repeat until ready.

STEP SIX: Use a spoon to skim any scum that has risen to the surface and discard this. Do this only once at the end, rather than constantly during the boiling stage, to reduce wastage.

STEP FOUR: When you can no longer feel any grains of sugar remaining, turn up the heat to start bubbling the jam and bringing it to the boil.

(The sugar must be completely

www.familiesfirst.ie

STEP SEVEN: Add a knob of butter, if you like, to the finished jam, and stir in to melt. This will help to dissolve any remaining scum that you haven’t managed to spoon off the top.

Leave the jam to settle for 15

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

STEP EIGHT: Ladle into warm jars, filling to just below the rim. Place a wax disc on top of the jam (this prevents mildew forming), then cover with a lid or a cellophane circle and elastic band.

Pop on a label (include the date), plus a pretty fabric top, if you like.

The jam can be stored for up to 1 year in a cool, dry place. Refrigerate after opening.

Use f strawberesh to makerries deliciou this serve wi s presimple tsh our by-step tepguide.

25

SUMMER 2016

My shopping basket We have seen it on the TV, we have read about it in our daily newspapers, but when it comes right down to it which Supermarket is the cheapest.

PRODUCT

PRODUCT

Kingsmill White Medium Sliced

£0.85

£1.00

£0.85

Fox’s Party Mini Rings (6x25g)

£1.49

£1.50

£1.00

Kingsmill (6 pack)

£0.75 or 2 for £1.20

£0.75 or 2 for £1.20

£0.75 or 2 for £1.00

Tilda Steamed Pure Basmati Rice (250g)

£1.00

£1.00

£1.00

Bagels (plain 5 pack)

£1.00

£1.30

£1.28

Napolina Spaghetti (500g)

£1.20

£1.30

£1.48

Pink Lady Apples (4 Pack)

£2.00

£2.00

£2.00

Heinz Baked Beans (4x415g)

£2.00

£2.50

£2.00

£0.65

£0.65

£2.00

£2.00

£1.50

Green Giant Original Sweetcorn (198g)

£0.65

Strawberries (400g) Green Seedless Grapes

£1.25

£1.50

£1.50

Heinz Spaghetti Hoops (400g)

£0.75 or 2 for £1.30

£0.50

£0.50

Watermelon

£2.00 or 2 for £2.50

£3.00

£2.50

Uncle Ben’s Medium Curry Sauce (440g)

£1.79

£1.00

£0.81

Honeydew Melon

£1.50

£1.50

£1.70 or 2 for £3.00

Napolina Chopped Tinned Tomatoes (400g)

£0.95

£0.50

£0.50

Flora Buttery Spread (1kg)

£1.50

£1.70

£1.70

£0.80

£0.81

£1.45

£1.15

£1.00

Batchelors Super Noodles Chicken (100g)

£0.50

I can’t believe it’s not butter (500g) Semi Skimmed Milk (2pints)

£1.00

£1.00

£0.95

Knorr Stock Cubes ( Chicken 8x10)

£1.48

£0.75

£0.75

£0.75

£1.50 or 2 for £2.00

£1.50

Whole Milk (2 Pints) Tropicana Pure Orange & Mango (850ml)

£2.48 or 2 for £3.00

£1.75

£2.40 or 2 for £3.50

Knorr Stock Cubes (Beef 8x10)

£1.50 or 2 for £2.00

£1.50

£1.48

Petite Filous Fromage Frais Strawberry & Raspberry (6x47g)

£1.50 or 2 for £2.00

£1.00

£1.50 or 2 for £2.00

Philadelphia Light Soft Cheese

£1.20

£2.40

£1.00

Fairy Original Washing Up Liquid

£2.00 (780ml)

£4.20

£3.00

£3.00

£2.00 or 2 for £3.00 (780ml)

£1.20 (500ml)

Birds Eye Original Beef Burgers with Onion (12 Pack)

Bird’s Eye Potato Waffles (10 Pack)

£1.48

£1.70

£1.00

Onions

£0.59 (3pack)

£1.00 (3 Pack)

£0.85 (4 Pack)

£1.00

£1.20

Dairylea Thick Cheese Slices 8 Pack

£1.45

£1.50

£1.00

Bird’s Eye Crispy Batter Fish Fingers (8 Pack)

£1.20 or 2 for £2.00

Heinz Tomato Ketchp (700g)

£2.29

£2.00

£2.29

Young’s Breaded Haddock Fillets (4 Pack)

£3.00

£4.00

£4.00

HP Sauce (285g)

£1.39

£1.00

£1.00

Chicken Kiev (4 Pack)

£4.00

£2.65

£2.00

Hellmans Mayonaise (600g)

£2.49

£2.00

£2.00

£1.75

£1.75

£4.00

£2.95

£3.59 any 3 for £10.00

McCain Original 5% Fat Oven ChipsStraight Cut

£1.75

British Chicken Fillet (460g)

Mixed Frozen Vegetables

£1.00

£1.20

£1.00

Andrex Classic White Toilet Tissue

£6.50 (16 Pack)

£6.00 (16 Pack)

£4.50 (12 Pack)

Magnum White Ice Cream (4 Pack0

£2.00

£1.75

Andrex Washlets Cotton Fresh Moistened Toilet Tissue Wipes (42)

£1.00

£1.50

£1.50

£3.00 or 2 for £4.00

Tomatoes

£1.00 (380g)

£0.85

£1.50

Colgate Total Daily Repair (75ml)

£4.00

£4.00

£4.00

Red Peppers

£0.50

£0.60

£0.50

Aquafresh Big Teeth Toothpaste 6+

£1.25

£1.20

£1.00

Cucumber

£0.42

£0.45

£0.42

Ariel 3 in 1 Pods Regular (38 washes)

£8.00

£6.50

£6.00

Florette Classic Crispy Salad

£1.50

£1.00

£1.50

Domestos Extended Germ Kill Original Blue

£1.00

£1.00

£1.00

Tetley Tea Bags (160 Bags)

£1.97

£3.00

£3.00 or 2 for £5.00

Mr Muscle 5 in 1 Kitchen Cleaner Lemon Fresh (500ml)

£1.50

£1.75

£1.00

Punjana Tea Bags (80 Bags)

£1.14

£2.30

£1.70

Mr Muscle Bathroom & Toilet Citrus Cleaner (500ml)

£1.50

£1.75

£1.00

Nescafe Original (300g)

£7.00 or any 3 for £2.00

£7.00

£5.00

Thirst Pockets Kitchen Towels (Pack)

£4.50

£4.50

£3.00

Ribena (1.5l)

£3.75

£3.50

£3.99

Ambrosia Banana Flavoured Custard (120g)

£0.48 or 8 for £3.00

£0.25

£0.47 or 5 for £2.00

Robinsons Double Concetrate Orange & Pineapple (1.75L)

£1.88

£2.70

£1.88

Maryland Cookies Mini Choc Chip (6x25g)

£1.29

£1.00

£1.00

Robinsons Double Concentrate Summer Fruits-No Added Sugar (1.75L)

£1.88

£2.70

£2.00

McVitie’s Digestive Biscuits (500g)

£1.00

£1.00

£1.00

Total

£121.26

£119.25

£108.48

www.familiesfirst.ie

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

26

Familes First NI

Afternoon Tea

We’ve put together our top tips for pulling off your very own afternoon tea party with panache Enjoying afternoon tea while perched on a gilded hotel armchair is a fine British tradition, but hardly sustainable as a regular pursuit.

Throwing your own afternoon tea party means you can stick to your own budget, plus you can select your favourite finger food. We have some suggestions for throwing a soiree in style.

The basic kit If you own a tiered cake stand, dust it off and use it as the centerpiece of your table. Otherwise, use your best crockery and make it a little more special with lacelike doilies, folded napkins and name place signs.

If you want to go all out, charity shops are a good source for reasonable floral Chinaware - don’t worry if the patterns are mismatched.

Don’t forget your teapot, teacups, cutlery and cake slices for serving.

Setting the scene Extend your table and throw on a table cloth - if you don’t have one handy, fabric shops sell cheap spotted, floral and striped material by the metre.

String up some bunting or, if you’re feeling ambitious, bake up some edible bunting biscuits.

While you’re at it, you could make some place-name cookies and ice them with your guests’ names.

Pop them in paper bags so your guests have a little present to take away - or just snaffle them as an entrée.

Coconut & cinnamon place-name cookies Edible name place biscuits Arrival drinks Make sure the sugar and milk is set on the table ready to pour

your guests a cuppa as they sit down. Try to provide a variety of tea - Earl Grey, peppermint, camomile, fruit, herbal and, of course, English Breakfast.

Iced tea makes for a more refreshing tipple in warmer weather, and adding a touch of Pimm’s will really break the ice. You could also crack open the fizz and serve up a sloe gin royale or orange juice-based mimosa - all the better if you have time for a nap before dinnertime.

Scones.

Scones are best eaten on the day and don’t take long to whip up but if you want to get ahead, freeze a batch and defrost them in a low oven. Serve warm with lashings of jam - decant a pot of homemade preserve into a pretty bowl.

Fragrant strawberry conserve Teacakes and buns These should be served split and buttered - try glazing with some apricot jam to give them a professional finish.

Keep it simple: Toasted teacakes with apricot compote

Best Ever Crab sandwiches

8 hand-cut slices best-quality brown or granary bread unsalted butter (for spreading), 1 lemon, cut into 4 wedges, to serve. For the crab paste, brown crabmeat from 1 large brown crab, about 1½ kg in its shell (reserve the white meat, see below) 1 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tsp tomato ketchup, juice ½ lemon, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, big pinch cayenne pepper, few drops brandy (optional) For the white meat - picked white meat from the same crab, small handful chopped mixed herbs such as parsley, dill, tarragon, chervil and chives, juice ½ lemon, 2 tbsp olive oil Method Make the crab paste: mix the ingredients together in a bowl and season, then set aside. In a separate bowl, mix the white meat with the herbs, lemon juice, oil and seasoning.

Spread the bread lightly with butter, then spoon and spread the crab paste over 4 of the slices. Pile the white meat over, then top with the remaining bread. Cut the crusts off, if you like, and serve halved or in small triangles or squares with lemon wedges on the side.

The Spread There aren’t any rules when it comes to the food, but a standard afternoon tea comprises a layer of sandwiches, a layer of cakes and a layer of scones or teacakes.

However, you could also throw in pastries, petits fours or biscuits.

Don’t wear yourself out by taking on too many ambitious bites, but if you feel like a challenge make sure you get your timings right.

Sandwiches These require minimal effort, but get ahead by preparing your fillings in advance and assembling just before proceedings begin to avoid the dreaded soggy sarnie.

www.familiesfirst.ie

Scones: Classic scones with jam and clotted cream Lemon drizzle scones Walnut scones Cherry scones Jam: Strawberry jam Jumbleberry jam Rhubarb & ginger jam Cinnamon-scented plum jam

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

27

SUMMER 2016

Easy iced buns

Banana custard eclairs

Kids will love these old fashioned iced buns, get them to help you decorate them too!

Freeze un-decorated Nutrition: per serving kcal183, fat1g, saturates0g, carbs42g, sugars25g, fibre1g, protein4g, salt0.46g Ingredients 500g white bread mix (we used Wright’s); 100g caster sugar; 1 egg; 350g icing sugar; sprinkles (plus food colouring, if you like) Method Pulse together the bread mix and sugar in a food processor or table-top mixer. While the motor is running, add the egg and about 250-300ml lukewarm water, until a soft dough is formed. Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth, about 5-10 mins. Leave in an

oiled bowl, covered with oiled cling film, in a warm place until doubled in size – about 1 hr.

Knock back dough by squashing with your fist, and divide into 20 even-sized pieces – keep covered with a clean tea towel so they don’t dry out. Shape each into a sausage and place on an oiled baking tray. Cover with oiled cling film and rise until doubled in size again.

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/ gas 6. Remove film and cook buns on top shelf for 8-10 mins, until golden. Cool on a wire rack. To decorate, mix icing sugar with a little water until stiff but spreadable – add food colouring, if you like. Dip in the top of each bun and scatter with sprinkles.

UPSIDE-DOWN PEACH SPONGE kcal326, fat16g, saturates10g, carbs43g, sugars29g, fibre1g, protein5g, salt0.5g Ingredients For the traybake sponge base 250g softened butter, plus extra for greasing 280g self-raising flour 250g golden caster sugar ½ tsp baking powder 4 eggs 150ml pot natural yogurt 1 tsp vanillapaste or extract For the topping 2 tbsp caster sugar mixed with 1 tbsp flour small punnet raspberries 2-3 x 400g/14oz cans peach halves, drained Method First make the topping. Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Grease a 20 x 30cm baking or roasting tin and line with baking parchment. Sprinkle with the sugar-flour mix. Push a raspberry or cherry into the cavity of each peach half, then

place the peaches, cut-side down, in the tin.

To make the sponge batter, beat the butter, flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, yogurt and vanilla in a large bowl with an electric whisk until lumpfree. Spoon the mix into the tin, over and around the peaches, then bake for 50 mins-1 hr until golden and risen and a skewer poked in comes out clean.

Cool briefly, then carefully run a cutlery knife around the edges to release any stuck bits. Turn the cake out onto a board and cut into squares. Delicious eaten warm with ice cream.

Give these afternoon tea classics a fruity makeover with a creamy banana custard filling - perfect for a sophisticated spread 1 hour and 20 mins kcal167, fat10g, saturates6g, carbs17g, sugars11g, fibre0g, protein2g, salt0.2g

Ingredients banana chips, to decorate (optional) edible gold spray or leaf, to decorate (optional) 200g white chocolate, finely chopped For the choux pastry 85g lightly salted butter, chopped into small cubes 100g plain flour 3 medium eggs, beaten For the banana custard 2 overripe bananas 100g golden caster sugar 1 tbsp lemon juice 4 tbsp custard powder 300ml milk 150ml double cream 2 tsp vanilla bean paste (we like this for the seeds, but use extract if you like) Method Put the butter in a saucepan with 225ml water. Weigh the flour in a large bowl and set aside. Bring the butter and water to a fast boil with a pinch of salt, simmer until the butter has melted, then tip in the flour and beat like mad with a wooden spoon until the mixture is pulling away from the sides of the pan and is lump-free. Tip into the bowl and spread the thick paste up the sides a little to help it cool quickly, then leave for 10 mins.

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 and cut 2 pieces of baking parchment to fit 2 baking sheets. Using a ruler and a pen, mark 12 lines about 9cm long over each piece, leaving plenty of space between the lines.

Flip the parchment over. Fit a piping bag with a large round piping nozzle, about 1.5cm wide. When the flour paste has cooled but is not cold, start adding the egg, bit by bit, beating well between each addition until you have a smooth batter, which will reluctantly drop off the end of your spoon. You may not need to use all the egg, so add it slowly. Transfer to your piping bag and use a little of the mixture to stick the

www.familiesfirst.ie

parchment to your trays.

Pipe the choux onto the baking sheet, using the lines as a guide. Place the trays in the oven and bake for 30 mins until the choux is puffed and golden. Swap the trays around for the final 5 mins.

The choux should be crisp and hollow-sounding when tapped. You may wish to sacrifice 1 eclair to make sure that the inside is completely dried out; if it is still moist, the eclairs will sink when cooling. Once baked, leave to cool completely. Can be made 1 day ahead – store in a sealed container, and reheat in the oven for 5-10 mins to crisp up before filling.

Now make the banana custard. Put the bananas, sugar and lemon juice in a food processor and whizz to a purée. Pour into a saucepan and bubble for a few mins until thickened. Mix the custard powder with 2-3 tbsp of the milk to make a smooth paste, then add the remaining milk, cream and vanilla, and stir well. Pour the custard mixture into the banana purée and continue cooking, whisking, until very thick and smooth. Pour into a bowl, cover with cling film and chill for 2 hrs, or until cold.

Pick out 24 nice banana chips and place on a tray lined with parchment. Spray with edible gold spray or cover with a little gold leaf, if you like. When you’re ready to assemble the eclairs, split each one along one side.

Transfer the banana custard to a disposable piping bag and snip off the corner. Fill the eclairs generously with the custard, lining up on a tray as you go. Melt the chocolate in a bowl in the microwave, stirring every 20 secs or so to prevent it from burning. When the eclairs are filled, carefully dip the top of each one into the chocolate, letting any excess drip back into the bowl. Place a gold banana chip on each eclair and set back on the tray for 30 mins or so to set. Serve within 3 hrs.

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

Classic scones with jam & clotted cream

SERVES 8 You can have a batch of scones on the table in 20 minutes Freezable Easily doubled / halved Nutrition: per scone (no jam or cream) kcal268, fat10g, saturates6g, carbs41g, sugars8g, fibre1g, protein6g, salt0.95g

Ingredients 350g self-raising flour, plus more for dusting ¼ tsp salt; 1 tsp baking powder; 85g butter, cut into cubes; 3 tbsp caster sugar; 175ml milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract; squeeze lemon juice (see Know-how below); beaten egg, to glaze jam and clotted cream, to serv Method Heat oven to 220C/fan 200C/ gas 7. Tip the flour into a large bowl with the salt and baking powder, then mix. Add the butter, then rub in with your fingers until the mix looks like fine crumbs. Stir in the sugar.

Put the milk into a jug and heat in the microwave for about 30 secs until warm, but not hot.

Add the vanilla and lemon juice, then set aside for a moment.

Put a baking sheet in the oven.

Make a well in the dry mix, then add the liquid and combine it quickly with a cutlery knife – it will seem pretty wet at first.

Scatter some flour onto the work surface and tip the dough out. Dredge the dough and your hands with a little more flour, then fold the dough over 2-3 times until it’s a little smoother. Pat into a round about 4cm deep.

Take a 5cm cutter (smoothedged cutters tend to cut more cleanly, giving a better rise) and dip it into some flour. Plunge into the dough, then repeat until you have four scones. By this point you’ll probably need to press what’s left of the dough back into a round to cut out another four. Brush the tops with beaten egg, then carefully place onto the hot baking tray.

Bake for 10 mins until risen and golden on the top. Eat just warm or cold on the day of baking, generously topped with jam and clotted cream.

If freezing, freeze once cool.

Defrost, then put in a low oven (about 160C/fan140C/gas 3) for a few mins to refresh.

28

Familes First NI

Business Insurance

Women in

Famil Firsties

WINN

Business

ER

Have your insurance sorted ...before you Knead it!

028 82 242786

Peter McAleer Ltd www.mcaleerinsurance.co.uk

Ashfield Laundrette Juniors Day Care Ashfield Dry Cleaners and Laundrette Wish to congratulate Juniors Day care on winning the Families First Centre of Excellence in childcare 2016-07-01

9, Ashfield Terrace, Derry Road, Omagh BT 78 5ES 028 8225 0540 For all your dry cleaning needs and requirements

HOME DÉCOR CENTRE HAS OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN INTERIOR DESIGN AND COLOUR ADVICE

Congratulations to Juniors and JMG on winning the award for Best Child Care

ALL LEADING BRANDS OF WALLPAPER, PAINT AND FABRICS AVAILABLE

65 MARKET STREET, OMAGH, CO.TYRONE, BT79 0AA

TEL: 028 82 243832 • EMAIL: homedecorcentre@yahoo.co.uk Web: www.homedecorcentre.co.uk

www.familiesfirst.ie

Interview with Jill and Joann

Hello and thanks for speaking to Families First. How many children have you got in your facilities?

It’s our pleasure Families First! We are registered to facilitate 48 children in the morning and 78 children in the evenings (during school terms) 78 total during mid terms. Currently we have 83% occupancy in the morning and 65% occupancy in the evenings.

We facilitate both set and flexible contracts which will vary throughout the week.

How long has juniors been in the family?

Juniors was opened in 2008, although for us working it seemed to have always been there. Within our family circle between us and our mum we did a lot of babysitting for each other trying to balance work and childcare together which was difficult but we made it work.

We recognised it within the JMG workforce and believed a work based day care would be beneficial to the team as they also experienced the same juggling as ourselves; arranging pickups, using lunch break times to facilitate, etc. It was only when word got out about us opening that the public flooded us with enquires as they loved what our new direction to childcare was, so we opened to www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

the public, and here we are. Three registered settings in total.

What makes for a successful small business?

Focus and clarity on what you want for the business is a vital component of success. Making sure that everyone in the business has been communicated to in terms of core values and purpose. Ensuring that the right priorities are being focussed on and making the most of our time at work. Success is when everyone in the company lives the core values and the business purpose is achieved.

What do you feel are the greatest benefits of working with family?

You get an honest answer and shoulder of strength when there are challenges in play. Our family has been in business for over 40 years so every one of us have experience of working together directly and indirectly with each other. No matter what whether we are rejoicing in success or meeting challenges ahead we always stick together and see it through.

Like everything it must have its disadvantages! Whats the worst part of working with family?

You get an honest answer lol! To be honest every job is difficult but with family it’s important to leave emotional

29

SUMMER 2016 attachment out of it – empathy and sympathy for anyone but when it comes to it business is business and we are in no doubt of that.

You have got a great reputation in Mid Ulster; you even received a number of families first awards. What’s the secret to running a great family facility?

That’s lovely to hear. We regularly conduct surveys with the children and their parents to ensure we are on the right track with expectancies, what works, what can evolve and anything else we can provide.

We have a fully inclusive service so there is not much we don’t do but if the kids, our team or parents suggest anything it is always great to hear new ideas – we do love a challenge! I think that’s why we are always up for being involved with community programmes and events. It majorly important to be a part of the community and bringing people together, any of the events we hold are open to the public so knowing that everyone is welcome in Juniors and The Hangout brings that community spirit out in everyone – a real sense of family.

You have the unique Hangout centre for the older kids. What gave you the idea to start that up?

Where we still get our ideas; our own kids and children in surrounding schools. We asked them that if they could go to a place; any place where would they go and what they would do... everything they said we implemented, from an American diner, a jungle gym, an in-house cinema – the lot.

The way we looked at it was there’s been only one sector for us to impress and that was the children that are staying here not their parents.

Standards and parent’s inputs were taken on board and implemented but when it came to the activities, furniture designs that was all of the children we just supported their ideas and helped bring them to life.

How do you ensure that younger children feel right at home?

Right from the introduction into Juniors we involve the children in the viewing, letting the children and parents ask our staff questions and of course investigate the setting, they love having a real good look around. We have an initial meeting with the parents to discuss their child’s needs and fill out the settling in forms together – making certain we cover everything the parent wants and the child needs from us. Items they love from home, their comforts, etc. If there is something in particular that will help their child feel at home; we will rise to it. The parents discuss everything with our Room Leaders and Parent’s Liaison Officer, ensuring all the relevant team members are available to assist (supporting development officer and Chef if dietary matters arise).

Parents are super heroes in our eyes; we need a team of people just to take bits and pieces of what they do every day: Chef, driver, teacher, friend, nurse, cleaner, event planner, referee and more. So when we make certain that we have every bit of information, happy families, provide a safe stimulating environment with a homely feel; then we know we’re on the right track.

What type of activities do you do with the children?

Where do we start! The activities we create are opportunities developed from observations taken on the children, their interests and most of all their ideas.

We implement the Highscope approach which involves a lot of home base resources; photographs of the children with their families, clothing and shoes reflecting everyday wear for dressing up (old fashioned dress up style is the best). Bed sheets for forts, real life objects – as little plastic as possible, daily living items found around the home. The only thing we try to avoid would be TV or computer times. We fully support new technologies as you can tell

by JMG Systems so we have nothing against it but play is having serious competition with screen time. Our movies would happen rarely and the children prefer making their own movies so that’s a big bonus. This is why it is critical to be innovative with the space and layout of the rooms, the resources we have and the activities we do to show that providing everyday home items with modern enhances creative and imagination opportunities.

The key to a successful activity is to ensure it child led with adult support, training staff into this method can be difficult because a lot of them are used to adult led activities, so patience is key. Children in Juniors and The Hangout are the creators of some our most successful events – The Boneshakers Banquet at Halloween – which was an entire indoor town in the South West College with magicians, toys, treats and sweets. The displays throughout our building indicate where every idea came from and our Summer Camp calendar – all the children’s ideas; we are there to help make it happen.

What the greatest benefit of working with children?

Every kid needs a champion, and that can be mix of everyone involved in their lives. People that are there to support them in becoming the person they want to be. They all have such wonderful unique characteristics and abilities we are the support and provide them with the opportunity to shine. What’s not to love? It is an incredibly challenging and rewarding job that anyone could have; an honour to be part of their childhood.

It’s the little things make it all worthwhile, plus they’re honest; they will let us know exactly what is going well and

what’s not either way, they are always involved with the evolving of the company. The minute a kid says ‘wouldn’t it be great if we .....’ which just sparks our creative flare to rise to the challenge and make it happen. The children ensure we use the resources we have, so they understand cost and respect for resources, we make a plan and take it from there. It could last one day it could last a week; the aim is that they enjoy it. The fun with child led activities means we may not know what direction it will go but we are going with it.

As you know it’s the bumper summer edition! How does Juniors celebrate the warm weather?

Come rain or shine we do it all! Whether its paint balloon splat attacks or monster hunting in the glens, we right in there. We’ve had some summer activities with wonderful organisations it’s all about getting together. We celebrate with music festivals, BBQ days, trips away to some fantastic places that are right on our doorstep. We have jam packed our summer with activities and this year we are also running a preschool summer camp for those who are too young for the Hangout.

What advice would you have for women who want to start up their own business?

Be clear about exactly what you want to achieve and have a plan. It’s important to really give some time to thinking about why you want to do this and what you want to achieve and believe in yourself! You can’t beat a bit of research on your chosen industry, so reading up on anything that would be relevant to what you want to do is always helpful.

Why do you think more woman are decided to take the plunge and start up businesses?

Girl power has helped!!

Women are definitely more confident in their abilities today and with the inspirational role models we have in society today there is no reason why women would be deterred by starting a business. Also there are plenty of organisations which will give advice and offer support to women who want to be their own boss.

This has already been a busy year. What does the future hold for Juniors?

Ahh, we can’t give all away Niall! We do have exciting times ahead of us this year and will be hosting a number of events one of which will be with the Omagh Festival in August. We are running the Children’s Amphitheatre – the kids and the team are buzzing with ideas, they’re pretty amazing how they bounce off each other over what we can do! We are launching our recipe book and having a buffet evening with our families as our Chef’s team have revamped the menu recently and the children have given their votes on the food so that will be a good night.

We have plans right up to

www.familiesfirst.ie

Christmas and with our team growing more than ever it’s really exciting – you will have to keep an eye out on our website and Facebook page.

All families try to keep to healthy eating. Any ideas for a healthy family meal?

Oh we have tons! All of our meals are freshly prepared on site and free from refined sugars so we have a variety of meals and lunch box ideas for families.

The biggest problem with unhealthy eating is sugar – it has a lot to answer for: it’s addictive; it’s in everything, it causes sluggishness and turns to fat pretty quick. I would suggest if you have to use some sweetness use natural sugars instead – fruit, maple, honey (providing your child is over 1 yr) is a big help in cutting out or majorly reducing refined sugar. Babies do not need sugar introduced to their diet before the age of one; even too much fruit can cause problems so having a healthy balance works well. Avoid preprepared sauces, processed meats and cook from fresh. We fully understand being working mums that it is difficult to get time to do it all, but when you get into the habit you find a rhythm. Our Husbands are a huge support, but encouraging our kids to help a lot with the meal prep is a big bonus as well as practicing life skills – they enjoy rustling up something instead bowing out for the pot noodle phase! One of the biggest problems with unhealthy eating would be the lunch box. One of our Lunch To Go options would be: Soya and linseed bread sandwiches with home cooked ham, or freshly cooked chicken (Sunday roasts leftovers are the best) and real butter. Fruit infused water - kids love prepping these. Using strawberries and mint is a great one or raspberries and blueberries.

Greek yoghurt with homemade granola and raisins; which is a big favourite in our house.

Fruit pots or carrot sticks and red pepper hummus/ sour cream. Not forgetting the treat - sugar free homemade digestives or sweet a potato brownie, endless. We do have a book of our meals available to our customers or if anyone wanted to receive a copy, drop us an email.

Granola Recipe: • 250g of Jumbo porridge oats • 3 tbs of maple Syrup • Egg white – whisked • Pinch of salt • Almonds – optional • 3 tbs Coconut oil Pre heat the oven to 140 (fan assisted 120), melt the coconut oil in a pan and pour over the jumbo oats in a mixing bowl.

Mix through, add the maple syrup and pinch of salt.

Add the almonds and pour over the

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

whisked egg white. Mix well and spread out flat on to a baking tray with grease proof paper, and bake for 40 mins – break it up once cooled and serve with Greek yoghurt, dried fruit or fresh; job done!

With the school holidays coming up where’s your favourite place for a family day out?

We enjoy heading to Rossnowlagh when we can.

Days out don’t have to be about big expense when it comes to spending family time together. We love going to the beach, taking a picnic, a few body boards and away we go.

Our family is very close even? and we get on really well which shocks people when they think ‘you work together and socialise together too? But we don’t always get to see each other so we make time to have coffee and lunch breaks when we can. If we are heading anywhere we all call each other and try to arrange going altogether in our spare time.

Our kids love meeting up; it’s pretty special, we’re very lucky.

What advice do you have for parents sending their children to childcare for the first time?

It’s a big part of the entire families’ life, and a special one at that. Understanding that children need their independence too plays a huge factor on their character and learning about social interaction prepares them for growing up. It never replaces family time as that is indispensable but it does allow the children to explore and discover more and more everyday through their own experiences and with those outside of their family circle.

The communication and partnership between Day Care and the family is vital.

Your needs, your child’s needs and your family’s needs are respected and valued, there are people here to help and will do everything they can to provide you with that support and care. Maintaining this relationship is a two way street, we are here to support the families we work with in every way we can because the needs of the child are paramount. Like a family; we’re all in it together.

How can parents find out more about Juniors?

Parents can find out more about us on our website: www.juniorsdaycare.com or simply give us a call: 028 82257021 and come for a visit.

Thanks for speaking to us!

30

Familes First NI

WHY YOUR CHILDREN BENEFIT FROM A FAMILY PET

P

1

Immune-System Booster The experts have spoken and according to the Medical Journal Pediatrics children and infants cohabiting with dogs are healthier, experiencing fewer viral infections than kids without dogs. The reason?

Apparently the added exposure to germs, dirt and bacteria helps boost their immune system, making them less inclined to pick up infections, colds and all those icky, drippy sniffles they bring home from school.

Kids With Dogs Are More Active While it may require frequent reminders, walking the dog is a great way to get kids up off the sofa and out moving. Research indicates that kids who grow up with fur-brothers have a more active lifestyle because they naturally spend time interacting with the pooch in games of fetch, tag or walking. It’s also a great opportunity for them to interact with their friends and neighbors while on their daily constitutional.

They’re Great Listeners While this may seem like a silly excuse to bring a pup into the family unit, dogs are proven to be a highly effective audience for kids learning to read. Because of their naturally non-judgmental nature, pooches are used by organizations such as Therapy Dogs International to help build self-esteem among youngsters struggling with their ABCs. By reading aloud to their canine counterparts kids connect practice with a fun, inter-active and pleasant experience.

Socialization Isn’t Just for Dogs Studies support that kids who reside with a family dog tend to be more empathetic and social than those without. Adopting from a shelter or rescue helps teach kids not only compassion for those less fortunate, but that everyone deserves a second chance. And allowing youngsters to play pet parent teaches them the benefits and importance of caregiving.

Cuddling a pet reduces loneliness and anxiety Did you know that “comfort dogs” were used to help school kids work through

2

3

4 5

ets and kids go together naturally. From physical and mental health benefits to building self-esteem, here are a few reasons why your child needs a pet.

We all know that having their own pet to care for teaches a kid responsibility, but did you also know there is a wealth of other benefits to being a pintsized pet parent? Yes, the direct and indirect up-side to adding a four-legged fur-child to the family is compelling, but just in case you need more reason (or kids, these are perfect if you’re trying to convince your parents), here are the top seven reasons (among hundreds) why your kids need a dog in their future:

their fear and grief following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting that left 20 children and six staff members dead? According to the experts, dogs have excellent listening skills, they demonstrate unconditional love, they don’t talk back – they just allow you to express yourself.

They’re Proven Stress Busters According to Duke University’s Canine Cognition Center, petting an animal releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and affection, in both the dog and the human. This chemical reaction actually reduces stress levels, regulates breathing and can even lower blood pressure.

Patience Really is a Virtue Anyone who has taught their dog to sit, speak, shake a paw or heel knows the importance of taking a steady, consistent approach to getting the desired results. Helping teach your child to train his or her new pet also encourages patience, routine and how to read the cues of what works and what doesn’t. These are skills that will be invaluable as they grow up.

6 7

On the flip side, a pet that is denied its rightful share of grooming always looks very lethargic, dirty and docile. As you see a dog, you’ll come to know about its general state of health and well being; your dog’s coat, skin and hair are the best indicators that describes how you have been maintaining your dog.

Your pet dog is prone and liable to get skin infections, cuts, sores, wounds and scratches over a period of time. It is a natural thing, after all! It may also be pestered by irking pests and insects like fleas and mites, as these pests

are known to thrive on dog’s skin as parasites. When you care and groom for your dog, it is easy to identify and notice these common problems and take corrective actions.

While younger dogs may not develop any serious health problems, old dogs may contract more permanent anatomical disabilities like lumps, lesions and tumors.

By providing proper grooming for your dog, younger or older, you’ll be able to avoid many future problems.

AQUA DOG

ALL ABOUT...

DOG GROOMING All dogs, irrespective of their breed, require regular sessions of grooming to keep them healthy and fit. Though there are different types of dog breeds, the method of grooming that is provided to each of them is almost the same excepting the care for their coat.

Some of the most common grooming elements are nail trimming, ear cleaning, tooth brushing and general bathing. However the care and the range of grooming for a particular dog depends on its coat; longer the coat, more will be the grooming effort, and shorter the hair, lesser will be the extent of care.

A dog that is given regular grooming and care is obviously the well kept pet with plenty of energy and substance. www.familiesfirst.ie

Recreation & Hydrotherapy Centre Unit 6, Rosevale Industrial Estate, Lisburn BT28 1RW Tel: 07714 612691 Email: info@aquadogni.co.uk Web: www.aquadogni.co.uk Facebook: Aqua Dog Hydrotherapy

Northern Ireland’s Largest Canine Hydro Pool www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

31

SUMMER 2016

There is nothing better, than a short break away with the family in a good hotel who understands what families need and look for. Good family food, and lots of in house entertainment for those inclement days We have a number of excellent hotels for you to choose from. They all have terrific deals on at the moment, so take advantage of what is on offer, and of course, don’t forget to mention families first!

If you have had your holiday, we have collated a number of things, both, indoor and out for you and the kids.

Whatever you are doing this summer, enjoy your time with the family. www.familiesfirst.ie

Edinburgh Tattoo 2016 Visit one of the biggest spectacles in Scotland and let us take you there in Style.

August 9th-11th 2016 Edinburgh Tattoo Price Includes:2 Nights B+B plus 1 nights dinnerEdinburgh Tattoo Tickets into the Edinburgh Tattoo, Return Luxury Coach Travel and Return Ferry Crossings! www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

32

Familes First NI

The Westgrove Hotel The 4 star Westgrove Hotel is nestled in the County Kildare Village of Clane just 40 minutes from Dublin and a mere 10 minutes from the M4 at Maynooth and the M7 at Naas.

Easily accessible to all local Kildare amenities such as Punchestown, the Curragh, The Irish National Stud, Mondello, Castletown House, Kildare Village, Newbridge Silverware & Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park to name but a few. Boasting 96 well appointed bedrooms, including deluxe rooms, executive apartments and an array of suites, there is also a choice of dining options the Westgrove is the perfect location for your Summer Break.

Groovies Kids Club runs daily during July & August and is perfect to keep the little VIP’s entertained while mum and dad can enjoy some rest and relaxation at Spa Haven or enjoy the hotel’s superb leisure club with 20m swimming pool with kiddie’s pool.

The hotel is running some fabulous summer family offers.

See www.westgrovehotel.com or contact our Reservations department who would be more than happy to individually tailor a package to suit your particular requirements

Email. reservations@westgrovehotel.com Tel. +353 45 98 99 00

FAMILY EVENTS AT CASTLEKNOCK HOTEL

Family Fun

Castleknock Hotel & Country Club is an award-winning modern 4 star hotel set in lush grounds with an onsite golf course, located beside the Phoenix Park, Dublin. Specialising in corporate stays, conferences, golf breaks, weekend weddings and relaxed family and leisure visits, the hotel is just 15 minutes from Dublin city centre and 20 minutes from Dublin Airport with easy access on the M50, but feels like a world away from the bustle of the city with its tranquil countryside setting. With an 18-hole golf course, a deluxe day spa, a well-equipped leisure centre, award-winning restaurants and welcoming bars, an innovative meeting and events offering, substantial sports screens, outdoor BBQ and children’s playground, it’s everything that could be required from a great resort hotel, all under one roof.

in Dublin

SUMMER FAMILY PACKAGES from

299

€

WWW.CASTLEKNOCKHOTEL.C O M

www.familiesfirst.ie

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

33

SUMMER 2016

Voted best Family Hotel by FamilyFirst.ie Book direct for discounts and perks you won’t get on any other website Located on the banks of the River Finn and Drumboe Woods, Jackson’s Hotel & Leisure Centre is only a 25-minute drive from Donegal town. Our popular hotel offers a warm welcome and you are guaranteed to leave with a smile.

Our hotel is an ideal choice for your stay in Donegal, with a heated indoor swimming pool, gym, a choice of dining options, live entertainment at the weekends and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout.

Rooms are available in both the traditional hotel or the new wing. All rooms are bright and spacious and include the facilities you would expect from a 4 star hotel.

The food at Jackson’s Hotel is sourced locally and prepared with great passion and heart. Dine in the stunning Garden Restaurant where the service is second to none.

Joe’s Lounge bar with its cosy little snugs is a wonderful choice for a relaxed drink or light bites.

Our leisure centre features a 22 meter swimming pool with aqua loungers, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and fully equipped gym.

Jackson’s Hotel has been a popular destination for family holidays in Ireland for more than 70 years. Our friendly staff, superb leisure facilities and a great location will have your children asking to return time and time again.

Jumping Jacks Kids Club • Packed full of great activities and entertainment for children aged 5 – 12. (Please check dates at time of booking).

• Our popular hotel kids club runs every school holiday. However, The kids clubs will operate 4 days per week from 1st July until 30th August (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday) • Activities include: Arts & Crafts, Indoor Games, Out Door Games, Face Painting & Bouncy Castle when available & movies.

• To book in your child, please enquire at reception.

I

f you are looking for a fun family holiday, look no further than the Lough Allen Hotel & Spa, here in Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim.

Located in Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim, adjacent to the Moorlands Equestrian Centre and within easy reach of popular attractions such as the Lough Key Forest & Activity Park, the Shannon Blueway, the Wild Atlantic Way, blue flag beaches, cycling, water sports, stand up paddle boarding, & fishing, makes it an ideal family friendly choice for your staycation holiday at home.

The Lough Allen Hotel offers a fantastic dedicated Children’s Club, called Lough Allen Monsterz Club. The Lough Allen Monsterz kids club activities are supervised at all times, and are available to children aged 4 to 12 years. Our motto is that “Happy Kids” mean “Happy Holidays”, we strive to ensure that your Family Holiday at the Lough Allen Hotel is a fantastic one so much so that the kids want to return year after year.

Great Offers from the Lough Allen Hotel - Family Summer Offer 3BB1D --

Enjoy three nights Bed and Breakfast plus dinner on an evening of your choice.Price Based on a maximum of 2 Adults Sharing, Price per Adult €149.50, which includes breakfast each morning and a 3 Course Evening Meal on one evening of your choice.

- Family Summer Offer 2BB1D --

Enjoy two nights Bed and Breakfast plus dinner on an evening of your choice. Price Based on a maximum of 2 Adults Sharing, Price per Adult from €129.50, which includes breakfast each morning and a 3 Course Evening Meal on one evening of your choice. www.familiesfirst.ie

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

34

Familes First NI

Tuesday 2nd & Wednesday 3rd August ‘16 Exhibition & Auction Centre, Enniskillen, BT74 4BA Admission: Adults £9, U-16yrs Free with paying adult Advance Tickets £7 from UFU Office, Erne Veterinary Group, Dowlers, Lisbellaw Medical Hall, Tom Read Menswear, Tourist Information Centre - Cathcart’s Pharmacy Derrygonnelly & Fermanagh Cottage Industries Free Shuttle Buses - Lackaboy Ind. Estate & Tempo Road Park & Ride from Shore Road Carpark (Ulsterbus Depot) Two-Day Attractions: Danske Bank Artisan Foodhall – Cookery Demonstrations Celebrity Chef Stephen McFarland - ISA Qualifiers 200 Trade Stands – Pet, Poultry, Rabbit & Rare Breed Displays 4,500 Schoolchildrens’ & Home Industries Exhibits Tuesday Attractions, 4pm-10pm: ISA Dog Show & Championships 6pm – Foodhall Opening 6.30pm Donkey Derby 7.30pm – YFC Games 7.45pm –Silver Band Wednesday Attractions, 10am-4pm: 200 Livestock Classes & Championships National Hereford Show – Dairy Championships NI Simmental Male & Female & Pairs Finals - Vintage Display NISA/Linden Food Beef Heifer Final – Pedigree Interbreed Crossbred & Pedigree Sheep – Pygmy Goats – Young Handlers Tel: 02866 322509 Web: fermanaghcountyshow.com E-mail: secretary@fermanaghcountyshow.com

www.familiesfirst.ie

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

35

SUMMER 2016

Family outing? Things to do...

Reptile Display Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh A unique, hands on experience with reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.

Admission £4 car parking Contact Delamont Country Park Location Killyleagh Tel 028 4482 8333 Date

Time

Friday 08 July 2016

12:00

Saturday 09 July 2016

12:00

Sunday 10 July 2016

12:00

Monday 11 July 2016

12:00

Tuesday 12 July 2016

12:00

Fun Action packed program, where festival goers will enjoy a host of variety of live music, fun street theatre performances, animation and a surprise or two!

For all the foodies out there, enjoy fantastic food offerings with the Clipper Race Kitchens at Ebrington Plaza showcasing the wealth of local food at its best, with live chef cookery demonstrations, and food tasting to tantalize your taste buds, as well as the return of the Walled City Market and Continental Market offering along Queen’s Quay for visitors to explore.

Come and enjoy this summer’s fun filled festival, there will be something for everyone!

Admission Various Location Derry-Londonderry Web www.foylemaritimefestival. com Date

Time

Saturday 09 July 2016

00:00

Sunday 10 July 2016

00:00

Monday 11 July 2016

00:00

Tuesday 12 July 2016

00:00

sounds of jazz as it fills the air.

Admission Adult £8, Child £3.80, Family £19.80 Contact Castle Ward Location Downpatrick Tel 028 4488 1204 Date

Time

Sunday 31 July 2016

14:30

is like taking a remarkable journey into the past bringing the golden age of the railway vividly to life.

Portstewart Strand Join the rangers on the hunt to catch and identify the dune’s fluttering residents.

Admission Adult £2, Child £1 Contact Portstewart Strand Tel 028 7083 6396 Date

Time

Saturday 23 July 2016

14:00

Time

Friday 08 July 2016

13:00

Foyle Maritime Festival Derry-Londonderry The 2016 Foyle Maritime Festival in association with the Clipper 2015-16 Round the World Yacht Race takes place on Saturday 9th July to Sunday 17th July along Queen’s Quay and Ebrington Plaza. The city will be transformed into an International Marina, providing a celebratory welcome to all 12 Clipper Race Yachts and their crews. This Festival has a Family

The Wizard of Oz Sing-Along Screening The Braid, Ballymena

Downy Duckling Tours WWT Castle Espie, Comber Time: 12pm, 2pm & 3pm Get behind the scenes access to meet the newest little arrivals in the duckling nursery Admission Adult £8.20, child £4, U4 free, Family £22.10 Contact WWT Castle Espie Location Comber Web www.wwt.org.uk/ castleespie

Come along and help Dorothy to sing her way back to Kansas in this classic family movie Admission £4 Contact The Braid Location Ballymena Web www.thebraid.com Date

Time

Saturday 30 July 2016

11:00

Red Sails Festival Portstewart The festival will see over 60 acts, events and activities for adults and children of all ages.

Time and cost are various Admission Various Contact Red Sails Location Portstewart Web www.redsails.co.uk

Date

Time

Saturday 09 July 2016

12:00

Saturday 09 July 2016

14:00

Saturday 09 July 2016

15:00

Sunday 10 July 2016

12:00

Date

Time

Sunday 10 July 2016

14:00

Sunday 24 July 2016

00:00

Monday 25 July 2016

00:00

Tuesday 26 July 2016

00:00

Wednesday 27 July 2016

00:00

Thursday 28 July 2016

00:00

Summer Jazz Castle Ward, Downpatrick Get your toes tapping as you relax while listening to the

Visitors start their journey of discovery at the reconstructed Railway Booking Office where the ticket collector invites you to step on board and enjoy the evocative nostalgia, social heritage and amazing artefacts associated with the railways which operated throughout Fermanagh and the Border Counties until their closure in 1957.

Established in 2002, with the help of former railway employees and enthusiasts, the museums purpose is to collect, preserve, and interpret local railway heritage for the benefit of the community.

Picnic and Nature Walk Cave Hill Country Park, Belfast

Date

Suitable for the young to the young at heart, so why not bring the whole family!

A trip to Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum

Wednesday 13 July 2016

Enjoy munching your sandwiches while admiring the rich array of wild flowers and plants found at this uplands meadow location Admission Free Contact Cave Hill Country Park Location Belfast Tel 028 9060 3466

Clearsky Adventure Centre

www.familiesfirst.ie

This fascinating historical exhibition looks at the impact which railways had on peoples lives. At a time when the local railway station was the gateway to the wider world the exhibition reveals how railways stimulated exports, provided greater access to education, enabled honeymoons to become part of the wedding celebration, encouraged people to go on seaside holidays, and brought a greater variety of goods to the shops.

However the railways could not have operated without dedicated staff and the exhibition lovingly recreates working environments such as the General Manager’s Office, Station Booking Office and Railway Signal Box. This is complemented by a remarkable collection of railway memorabilia including uniforms, signalling instruments, nameplates, crests, lamps, tableware,

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

timetables, tickets and photographs from the three railway companies which operated in Co. Fermanagh – The Great Northern Railway (Ireland), The Sligo Leitrim & Northern Counties Railway and The Clogher Valley Railway.

This museum is an historic gem which is continually being enhanced with new exhibits, many of which have been kindly donated by former railway employees.

Visitors can affectionately recall the memories, emotional appeal and excitement associated with the bygone age of steam travel. Whether you are a railway enthusiast, former railway employee or just a child brought up on ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’, why not combine your visit with a unique opportunity to have your hair professionally styled in the most nostalgic surroundings.

Location 5 Darling Street, Enniskillen,, BT74 7DP Contact Headhunters Barbers Shop & Railway Museum Tel (+44) 028 6632 7488 Web www. headhuntersmuseum.com

36

Familes First NI

What’s On Kid’s Gardening Club Hillmount Garden Centre

Address: 56, Upper Braniel Rd Town: Castlereagh Area: Antrim Postcode: BT5 7TX Telephone: 028 9044 8213 Web Address: hillmount.co.uk Start Date: Saturday 7th May 2016 09:00 End Date: Saturday 3rd September 2016 17:00 Duration: First Saturday of each month Disabled Access: Yes Looking to get your child’s eyes out of a screen and out in the fresh air? Why not bring them to Hillmount Garden Centre’s Kid’s Gardening Club.

This event is free of charge for kids aged 5-11 year old and runs on the following dates: Saturday 2nd July Saturday 6th August Saturday 3rd September No need to book, just be at the garden centre for 9:45am ready to go!

Mega Bytes Summer Camp

Address: Various Town: Belfast Area: Belfast Postcode: BT13 2JF Telephone: 02890288810 Email: administrator@bytes.org Web Address: bytes.org Start Date: Friday 10th June 2016 17:00 End Date: Saturday 30th July 2016 17:00 Duration: 2 Months Entrance Fee: £10.00 Disabled Access: Yes A SUMMER PROJECT FOR 14-17 YEAR OLDS TO DEVELOP ICT SKILLS. WITH RESIDENTIALS AND TRIPS TO DUBLIN. PLACES LIMITED

What’s On Free Kid’s Golf Taster Day Down Royal Park Golf Course

Address: 6 Dunygarton Road Town: Lisburn Area: Antrim Postcode: BT27 5RT Telephone: 028 9262 1339 Email: catherine@downroyalgolf.co.uk Web Address: www.downroyalgolf.com Start Date: Saturday 2nd July 2016 14:00 End Date: Saturday 2nd July 2016 16:00 Duration: afternoon Entrance Fee: FREE Disabled Access: Yes KID’S FREE GOLF TASTER DAY Thinking of getting your kid’s into golf?

Bring them along to our Free Golf Taster Day on Saturday 2nd July 2016 at Down Royal Park Golf Course, Maze, Lisburn from 2pm - 4pm.

Book your free ticket here: https://www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/kids-free-golf-taster-daytickets-25315321809 Details will also be available on our July & August Junior Golf Camps!

Miniversity Summer Holiday Camp Friends’ School Lisburn

Address: Magheralave Rd, Lisburn Town: Lisburn Area: Antrim Postcode: BT28 3BH Telephone: 07712042222 Email: study@miniversity.com Web Address: www.miniversity.com/ Start Date: Monday 4th July 2016 09:00 End Date: Friday 8th July 2016 15:00 Duration: 5 days Entrance Fee: £20 p/day or £90 f/week Disabled Access: Yes EXERCISE YOUR CHILD’S MIND THIS SUMMER @ Miniversity Creative Learning Club. Miniversity is a Computer Club with a careers theme and we are running a Summer Camp for children age 4-12 years @ Friends’ School Lisburn. Each day is run as a new 1-day course so children can attend any number of days. The Club runs in the Computer Suite where children learn about various careers through the use of ICT. We pride ourselves on creating a learning environment specifically designed and dedicated to the development of confidence in children.

Classes also being held in Victoria College, Belfast, Belfast Royal Academy and Bangor Central Primary School.

Kids Tennis Coaching @Dungannon Park Dungannon Park

Town: Dungannon Area: Tyrone Postcode: BT71 6DY Telephone: 07403064768 Email: info@powerplayni.com Web Address: powerplayni.com/junior-classes/ Start Date: Saturday 7th May 2016 10:00 End Date: Saturday 1st October 2016 17:00 Duration: Days: Every Saturday until end date Entrance Fee: £5 Disabled Access: Yes Kids tennis coaching in Dungannon Park starting on Saturday 7th May. 4-7 years from 10am to 11pm.

8-10 years from 11am to 12pm. Suitable for all standards including absolute beginners. Price is £5 per week.

CHEERLEADING Antrim

Address: ANTRIM/BALLYMENA Town: Antrim Area: Antrim Postcode: BT41 4DQ Telephone: 07704436488 Email: d.logan@hotmail.co.uk Start Date: Monday 16th May 2016 16:30 End Date: Tuesday 6th December 2016 21:00 Duration: 1 hour Entrance Fee: TBC Disabled Access: Yes CHEERLEADING in Antrim STUNTS; DANCE; TUMBLING; CHEER TECHNIQUE FLEXIBILITY TRAINING; BODY CONDITIONING COMPETITIONS; SPECIAL EVENTS NO EXPERIENCE OR PRIOR BOOKING REQUIRED but we would ask that you contact us before attending for further information.

If you like follow up information about Cheerleading coming to Antrim please email “Cheer for Antrim” to d.logan@hotmail.co.uk Our UKCA (United Kingdom Cheerleading Association) qualified coaches are looking for boys and girls aged between 5 and 16 years to join our club. This is a great opportunity to learn new skills, develop existing skills and have lots of fun. More info to follow soon. Keep your eyes peeled!!

In the meantime.....You can also visit the official cheerleading website at www.ukca.org.uk. Thank you

Kid’s Sea Creatures

Millisle Beach departs from area just in front of the public toilets at the Ballywalter car park.

Address: Millisle Town: Millisle Area: Down Postcode: BT22 2HS Telephone: 028 9182 6846 Email: ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk Web Address: visitardsandnorthdown.com Start Date: Saturday 2nd July 2016 14:00 End Date: Saturday 2nd July 2016 16:00 Duration: One day Entrance Fee: Free Disabled Access: Yes Join local naturalist “Woody” on a beachcombing adventure to uncover the numerous types of sea creatures who live on the shores, see how and where they live and what salty treats they like to eat.

Booking required.

Woodland Warriors

Nature Explorers WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre

Address: 78 Ballydrain Road Town: Comber Area: Down Postcode: BT23 6EA Telephone: 028 9187 4146 Email: info.castleespie@wwt.org.uk Web Address: www.wwt.org.uk/castleespie Start Date: Friday 1st July 2016 10:00 End Date: Wednesday 31st August 2016 17:00 Duration: Entrance Fee: Included in the cost of admission and free for WWT members and under 4s.

Disabled Access: Yes Calling all Nature Explorers! A passport is waiting, an expedition is set and summer adventures start at Castle Espie from Friday 1st July to Wednesday 31st August.

Discover fun-filled days throughout the school holidays when young explorers can try a variety of nature activities and collect stickers for their Nature Explorers passport.

Please note, Guided sessions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 2pm-5pm

www.familiesfirst.ie

Mount Stewart

Address: Portaferry Road Town: Newtownards Area: Down Postcode: BT22 2AD Telephone: 028 4278 8387 Email: Web Address: nationaltrust.org.uk/mount-stewart Start Date: Sunday 3rd July 2016 10:00 End Date: Sunday 3rd July 2016 16:00 Duration: One day Entrance Fee: £20 per participant Disabled Access: Yes An action packed day of adventure while learning how to survive in the woodlands. We will build shelters and bonfires as we find out more about our native wildlife and plants. This is a drop off activity for young people aged 11-14 years. Booking essential.

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

The Happiest Days of Your Life Workshop Theatre at The Mill

Address: Mossley Mill, Carnmoney Road North Town: Newtownabbey Area: Antrim Postcode: BT36 5QA Telephone: 028 9034 0202 Email: boxoffice@theatreatthemill.com Web Address: www.theatreatthemill.com Start Date: Monday 4th July 2016 09:45 End Date: Friday 8th July 2016 19:30 Duration: Entrance Fee: £120 (includes 7 free tickets to the performance) Disabled Access: Yes Under the direction of Julie Alderdice this intensive week-long drama workshop is ideal for those looking to step into the world of theatre. Our Home Spun Youth Drama Summer School will provide in-depth focus on training and processes for stage performance, the vital skills for any aspiring young performer whilst still experiencing the thrill of a live show on a professional stage. Open to all young people with an interest in theatre, there are no auditions and roles will be cast during the course.

Set after World War II, this delightful farce is about what happens when a boys’ school receives the news that they are to billet another school which is all female. Events are complicated by the arrival of the parents. Each headmaster/mistress tries to conceal the fact that his/her school is now coed.

Eventually, the parents learn the truth and are about to remove their children when news arrives that a third school is to be amalgamated into theirs. They all join together to keep out these intruders. This delightful, whimsical show about the breaking down of barriers between the sexes.

Workshop runs Mon 4 July - Fri 8 July, 9.45am 5pm.

Show Fri 8 July at 6pm Price: £120 (includes 7 free tickets to the performance)

37

SUMMER 2016

What’s On

Juvenile Golf School Edenmore Golf and Country Club

Edenmore Golf and Country Club Address: 70 Drumnabreeze Road Town: Moira Area: Down Postcode: BT67 0RH Telephone: 028 92 619241 Email: info@edenmore.com Web Address: www.edenmore.com Start Date: Monday 4th July 2016 10:00 End Date: Friday 8th July 2016 12:00 Duration: Entrance Fee: £49.50 per child Disabled Access: Yes The perfect opportunity to encourage your little one to enjoy the outdoors, make friends and learn a new sport this Summer!

Due to popular demand we are excited to run 2 Juvenile schools this year - 4th to 8th July and 1st to 5th August 10am - 12 noon!

Our friendly PGA tutors have a fun Golf packed week planned for any Juveniles aged between 8 and 16. Parents are welcome on the final day to enjoy a show of skills and certificate presentation here at the stunning Golf Club!

All equipment and refreshments supplied. All skill levels welcome - you may find the next Rory McIlroy or Suzann Peterson!

Contact us NOW to make a booking!

Postcode: BT33 0GR Telephone: Email: OFFICE@CAMPADVENTURE.DE Web Address: www.campadventure.de/en/camps/ ireland Start Date: Sunday 17th July 2016 13:00 End Date: Saturday 13th August 2016 13:00 Duration: 1 week or 2 week Days: Every Sunday until end date Entrance Fee: £410 Disabled Access: Yes This summer Camp Adventure has a brand new location in Northern Ireland, where children and teens from 10-16 can join us for our renowned International Sports and Language Camp. Camps will run between the 17th July and 13th August, with 1-week and 2-week camps available for booking.

All our camps have 24-hour supervision by highly trained Irish and international staff and are, of course, all-inclusive!

Address: Strangford, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 7LS Town: Strangford Area: Down Postcode: BT30 7LS Telephone: 02844881204 Email: chris.jones5@nationaltrust.org.uk Web Address: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-ward Start Date: Monday 11th July 2016 13:00 End Date: Monday 11th July 2016 17:00 Duration: Entrance Fee: Disabled Access: Yes ‘Ahoy me hearties’, we are back from sailing the seven seas for another fun filled day at Castle Ward.

Captain Ward is looking for some swashbucklers to join him as he makes you ‘Walk the Plank’. Come in pirate costume and prepare to seek and find his hidden treasure. With pirate crafts, live music and scrub the decks with Skinny Jim, ‘Shiver me Timbers’.

Kids Adventure Summer Scheme 2016 with Coasteering NI Ballintoy and Portrush

Address: Ballintoy Harbour Town: Ballintoy Area: Antrim Postcode: BT54 6NA Telephone: 07422506079 Email: Splash@coasteeringni.co.uk Web Address: www.coasteeringni.co.uk Start Date: Monday 18th July 2016 10:00 End Date: Wednesday 20th July 2016 16:00 Duration: 3 adventure packed days, 10am-4pm Entrance Fee: £85 per child, discount available on multiple bookings Disabled Access: Yes Dates: 18 July 2016 – 20 July 2016 10am – 4pm each day For ages 10-16 Please contact for further details as venue is different everyday and also for information on what to bring along with you.

Address: 3 Valentine Road, Bangor, County Down Town: Bangor Area: Down Postcode: BT20 4TH Telephone: 07922484728 Email: emma@littleducklingsbabymassage.co.uk Web Address: www.littleducklingsbabymassage. co.uk Start Date: Tuesday 19th July 2016 12:00 End Date: Tuesday 23rd August 2016 12:00 Duration: 6 Week Baby Massage Course Days: Every Tuesday until end date Entrance Fee: £49.75 Disabled Access: Yes About the event :Little Ducklings Baby Massage is proud to present our 6-week baby massage course at the Aurora Leisure Complex, Bangor, starting Tuesday the 19th of July 2016. Classes run weekly on Tuesdays, 12pm-1pm. To secure your spot, simply pay your £10 deposit (plus booking fee) through Eventbrite, with the remaining £38 to be paid in cash on first day of the course. Easy!

Bug Detectives Mount Stewart

Camp Adventure: Summer 2016 International Sport and Language Camp for 10-16 year olds Newcastle, Co. Down Address: GreenHill YMCA Town: Newcastle Area: Down

3 Open JUMP 3 JUMP Birthday Parties 3 JUMP Fit Classes 3 Little JUMP (Parent & Toddler Mornings) 3 Toddler Section (Ages 1-4 years) 3 Group Bookings 3 JUMP Cafe To be released soon: 3 Inclusion JUMP

Off Peak sessions (Mon to Thurs) £6.50 per hour Peak sessions (Fri to Sun)

(Sessions for children and young people with additional needs & their carers)

Little Ducklings Baby Massage Bangor Aurora Pirates Picnic Castle Ward

OPENING HOURS Mon to Fri 3pm-9pm Saturday 10am-9pm Sunday 12noon-6pm Extended opening hours may apply during public / school holidays

Address: Portaferry Road Town: Newtownards Area: Down Postcode: BT22 2AD Telephone: 028 4278 8387 Email: Web Address: nationaltrust.org.uk/mount-stewart Start Date: Wednesday 20th July 2016 13:30 End Date: Wednesday 20th July 2016 15:30 Duration: One day Entrance Fee: £7.50 per participant Disabled Access: Yes

www.familiesfirst.ie

OPEN JUMP PRICES (ONLINE PRICES)

£10 per hour

Online booking is advised

www.jumpboxxni.co.uk

Tel: 028 4062 7941 Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat  Location: 4 Waringsford Road, Banbridge, BT32 4EH (just off the A1 Dual Carriageway)

Jump Boxx Trampoline Park is the newest entertainment option for fun seekers of all ages located in the Banbridge area.

Our indoor trampoline park is founded by families, for families.

We understand that parents are looking for an exciting place to take their children – a place that will inspire kids to break away from their video games, experience the real-life thrill of flying through the air, and get hours of exercise while doing it.

Jump Boxx is suitable for people of all ages, from children 1 years old to adults, and for individuals or groups. The age limit is age 5 years and over for our main bounce area and 1-4 years old for our toddler area. It’s a great work out too! Our trampoline park offers one of the best fun family activities. We cater for birthday parties too so whether your birthday boy or girl is going from 2 to 3 … or 9 to 10 … or 14 to 40? Regardless of the age, our indoor facilities are perfect for birthday parties.

Your party guests will love jumping on our trampolines, angled walls, slam dunk basketball nets and trick airbags. Jump Boxx soars to the occasion every time!

www.jumpboxxni.co.uk www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

38

Familes First NI

BOOKREVIEWS Cogheart

by Peter Bunzl For 9+ Out 1st September 2016 A wildly imaginative debut, with remarkable characterisation and worldbuilding from children’s author and BAFTA-award winning animator Peter Bunzl

When Eddy Stone finds a pirate in his gran’s bath, his miserable summer holiday becomes a Treasure Hunt! Setting sail in a ship-shaped shed, crewed by an old lady and a grumpy penguin, what could possible stop their quest for booty? (Apart from the world’s most evil shopkeeper, a MAN-EATING BEAST, and the maddest, baddest villain in all the seven seas.)

A Victorian adventure filled with murder, mystery and mayhem, airships and automata, mechanical animals and crazy clockwork.

OUR PICK There’s a lot to lose sleep over in Twinford: there’s the snakes and the vivalves, buty they aren’t half as poisonous as the rumours. With so many twists and turns it’s hard to know who to trust, particularly when no one trusts you. Will Ruby make it out in one piece? Well, happy endings are for fairy tales, bozo.

House of Secrets (3)

by Chris Columbus For 9+

Ruby Redfort

by Lauren Child For 9+ Meet Ruby Redfort: every smart kids’s smart kid. The fifth book in the nail-biting series, created by award-winning author Lauren Child.

Ruby Redfort: undercover agent, code-cracker and thirteen year old genius-you can count on her when you’re between a rock and a hard place.

The Walker Kids – Codelia, Brendan and Nell – may have saved the world, but they can’t save their home and must leave Kristoff House. Things can’t get any worse, but then….

Turns out the Wind Witch is still alive and planning an invasion.

When thirteen-year old Lily’s inventor father disappears after a routine Zeppelin flight, Lily’s determined to find out the truth behind his disappearance. But she’s not the only one searching for him; there are men in the shadows who will stop at nothing to find him. With Robert, the local clockmaker’s son, and a cantankerous clockwork fox called Malkin, Lily travels to London, where they discover that she holds the key to the mystery…A mystery closer to Lily’s heart than she could have ever imagined.

To defeat her the Walkers must return to the book world, split up and embark on a dangerous quest-facing aliens, dinosaurs and monstrous creatures from the deep.

The Walkers always have each other’s backs, but must go it alone in their most important mission yet. And this time, if they fail, there’s no coming back.

The Usborne Outdoor Book

An Adventure for every day of the summer Holidays The Usborne Outdoor Book is full of inspiring ideals for discovering and exploring the outdoors, from catching crabs and building a shelter to stargazing, wildlife watching and spotting different trees, insects and animals.

This gorgeously illustrated book is just the thing to keep children occupied outdoors during the summer holidays. Whether they’re in a city park, by the seashore, deep in the woods or even just in the back garden.

The Usborne Outdoor Book is full of activities to capture children’s imaginations and get them back to nature

For 8+

www.familiesfirst.ie

Zac is very cool: he has lots of fun toys and beach gear, AND he’s really good at handstands.

So, to her dismay, when Posy wakes up, she finds Pip is more interested in playing with Zac than her. A funny and dramatic story about working out two’s company and three’s a….PARTY!

Dinosaur Roar

By Paul Stickland & Henrietta Stickland

Eddy Stone and the Epic Holiday Mash-Up

By Simon Cherry All aboard for an epic adventure!

An endearing, original and hilarious take on the ‘Pirate Quest’ with more twists than a pocketful of monkeys.

day at the seaside, collecting shells and digging in the sand.

But when Posy has a nap, Pip makes friends with a boy called Zac.

Pip and Posy: The New Friend

By Axel Scheffler for 2+ Pip and Posy are having a lovely

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

Originally published in 1994, Dinosaur Roar! Is now seen as modern classic and is a perfect introduction to dinosaurs for all pre-school children with it’s cheerful rhyming texts and charming artwork.

The beautifully original artwork has been digitally scanned, retaining all their charm and vibrancy. The brand new paperback edition will also include a fantastic pull out poster of all the featured dinosaurs, perfect for children, parents and teachers to enjoy.

The Wilderness War

By Julia Green for 9+ Noah is looking forward to sp ending the summer holidays in the Wilderness – a strip of wild land across from his house. The Wilderness means freedom…climbing trees, sleeping under the stars, spotting wildlife, and feeding birds. But Noah and his friends discover that there are plans afoot to build houses on the Wilderness and destroy their haven. This means war. The kids of Pear Tree Buildings are ready for a fight – but can they save their Wilderness in time?

39

SUMMER 2016

SOME FOR THE GROWN UPS The Girl on the Train

By Paula Hawkins

The Accidental Secret Agent

By Tom McLaughlin for 9+ Kevin Twigg is just an ordinary boy, an ordinary boy with a dream – to be a super spy.

Unfortunately, opportunities for thirteen year old boys to become spies are fairly limited.

That is until a chance encounter with an actual spy means that Kevin finally gets his chance; switching places with him, and becoming an international boy of mystery! Only now, the fate of the rest of the world might just rest in his hands.

Malkin Moonlight

By Emma Cox Every journey begins with a paw step…A small black, with a magnificent tail, Malkin is destined to be a hero. He just doesn’t know it yet.

On his third life, Malkin falls in love with a Domestic, Roux.

Together they explore the night and have adventures. But when Roux’s owners decide to move away she chooses to become a Wild and live with Malkin.

Setting out to find a new home, they stumble across a recycling centre full of cats – at war. Can Malkin realise his destiny and find a way to bring peace to the land? An extraordinary adventure awaits…

This is the runaway Sunday times no. 1 bestseller and thriller of the year. “Really great suspense novel.

Kept me up most of the night. The alcoholic narrator is dead perfect.”

(Stephen King). Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning.

She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens. She’s even started to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses. ‘Jess and Jason’, she calls them. Their life - as she sees it - is perfect. If only Rachel could be that happy.

And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed.

Now Rachel has a chance to become a part of the lives she’s only watched from afar. Now they’ll see; she’s much more than just the girl on the train...

Rogue Lawyer

By John Grisham ‘The best thriller writer alive’ - Ken Follett Sometimes you have to fight dirty to get clean. Sebastian Rudd takes the cases no one else wants to take: the drug-addled punk accused of murdering two little girls; a crime lord on death row; a homeowner accused of shooting at a SWAT team. Rudd believes that every person accused of a crime is entitled to a fair trial even if he has to cheat to get one. He antagonises people from both sides of the law: his last office was firebombed, either by drug dealers or cops. He doesn’t know or care which. But things are about to get even more complicated for Sebastian. Arch Swanger is the prime suspect in the abduction and presumed murder of 21-year-old Jiliana Kemp, the daughter of the assistant chief of police. When Swanger asks Sebastian to represent him, he lets Sebastian in on a terrible secret ...one that will threaten everything Sebastian holds dear.

Gritty, witty, and impossible to put down, Rogue Lawyer is the master of the legal thriller at his very best.

The Last Act of Love

By Cathy Rentzenbrink In the summer of 1990, Cathy’s brother Matty was knocked down by a car on the way home from a night out. It was two weeks before his GCSE results, which turned out to be the best in his school. Sitting by his unconscious body in hospital, holding his hand and watching his heartbeat on the monitors, Cathy and her parents willed him to survive. They did not know then that there are many and various fates worse than death. This is the story of what happened to Cathy and her brother, and the unimaginable decision that she and her parents had to make eight years after the night that changed everything. It’s a story for anyone who has ever watched someone suffer or lost someone they loved or lived through a painful time that left them forever changed. Told with boundless warmth and affection, The Last Act of Love by Cathy Rentzenbrink is a heartbreaking yet uplifting testament to a family’s survival and the price we pay for love. www.familiesfirst.ie

According to Yes

By Dawn French Dawn French, number one bestselling author of A Tiny Bit Marvellous and Oh Dear Silvia, returns with her joyously funny new novel, According To Yes. The Foreign Land of the Very Wealthy - otherwise known as Manhattan’s Upper East Side - has its own rigid code of behaviour. It’s a code strictly adhered to by the Wilder-Bingham family. Emotional displays unacceptable. Unruly behaviour - definitely not welcome.

Fun - no thanks. This is Glenn Wilder-Bingham’s kingdom.

A beautifully displayed impeccably edited fortress of restraint. So when Rosie Kitto, an eccentric thirty-eightyear-old primary school teacher from England, bounces into their lives with a secret sorrow and a heart as big as the city, nobody realises that she hasn’t read the rule book. For the Wilder-Bingham family, whose lives begin to unravel thread by thread, the consequences are explosive. Because after a lifetime of saying no, what happens when everyone decides to start saying ...yes?

I adored According to YES. It’s so different to anything I’ve read in forever, so charming, wise, brilliantly written.

I loved it all’ Marian Keyes ‘There is lots of fun to be had reading this book. It’s impossible not to warm to Rosie, a funny and open-hearted woman who acts as a salve and comfort blanket for this unhappy, inhibited family. There’s something quite joyous about the way she unashamedly romps her way through the novel, changing the lives of those around her for the better’.

Y CELEBRITR AUTHO

The Hairy Dieters Fast Food

By Si King & Dave Myers Following on from their multi-million selling diet books, THE HAIRY DIETERS, THE HAIRY DIETERS EAT FOR LIFE and THE HAIRY DIETERS: GOOD EATING, the Hairy Bikers are back with more delicious low-cal recipes, that can all be made under 30 minutes. THE HAIRY DIETERS: FAST FOOD is jam-packed with tasty recipes for breakfast and brunch, soups, salads, mains and snacks, including Spicy Sweetcorn Fritters, Pasta with Chilli Prawns, Chicken Tagine and Instant Sorbet with Frozen Berries.

Si King and Dave Myers, aka the Hairy Bikers, have been entertaining and feeding Britain with their unique blend of delicious recipes, cheeky humour and motorbike enthusiasm for years now. The Hairy Dieters books have sold over 2 million copies in the UK, and their fourth book is set to make healthy eating even easier. Si King and Dave Myers are the nation’s favourite food heroes. The stars of numerous TV cookery series, they represent all that is good-hearted and loved about food.

www.facebook.com/FamiliesFirstNI

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Events 2016 March - August

MARCH St. Patrick’s Day Meeting Thursday 17th Gates open 12 noon Down Royal Racecourse Lisburn www.downroyal.com

APRIL Dubshed Saturday 2nd - Sunday 3rd 12 noon - 6.00pm Balmoral Park, Lisburn www.dubshed.com Circuit of Ireland Thursday 7th, 7.00pm Market Square, Lisburn www.circuitofireland.net

MAY Mirror May Day Meeting Monday 2nd Gates open 1.00pm Down Royal Racecourse Lisburn www.downroyal.com Balmoral Show Wednesday 11th Friday 13th Wednesday & Thursday 9.30am - 8.30pm, Friday 9.30am - 8.00pm Balmoral Park, Lisburn www.balmoralshow.co.uk

Mayor’s Parade Saturday 14th Starts at 1.00pm Lisburn City Centre www.islandartscentre.com

JULY

Barclay Communications Gentleman’s Race Evening Friday 27th Gates open 4.00pm Down Royal Racecourse Lisburn www.downroyal.com All Ireland Italian Motor Event Saturday 28th 10.00am - 4.00pm Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn www.niimc.net

JUNE Lisburn Half Marathon, 10K and Fun Run 3K Wednesday 15th From 6.40pm Lisburn City Centre www.lisburnhalfmarathon.com Summer Festival of Racing Friday 17th - Saturday 18th Friday: Gates open 4.00pm Saturday: Gates open 1.00pm Down Royal Racecourse Lisburn www.downroyal.com

Magners Race Evening Friday 22nd Gates open 4.00pm Down Royal Racecourse Lisburn www.downroyal.com

AUGUST Sunflowerfest Friday 5th - Sunday 7th 12.30pm - Midnight Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough www.sunflowerfest.co.uk City of Lisburn Pipe Band Championships Saturday 6th 12.30pm - 6.30pm Moira Demesne www.visitlisburncastlereagh.com International Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week Monday 8th - Saturday 13th Dundrod www.ulstergrandprix.net

For more information please contact Lisburn Visitor Information Centre on Tel: 028 9266 0038 or Hillsborough Visitor Information Centre on Tel: 028 9268 9717.

www.visitlisburncastlereagh.com

/enjoylisburn

@visitlisburn

All dates are correct at time of going to press and are subject to change.

Hilden Beer Festival August Bank Holiday Weekend (TBC) Friday: 4.00pm - Midnight Saturday: 2.00pm - Midnight Sunday: 2.00pm - 11.00pm Hilden, Lisburn www.hildenbrewery.com Musgrave NI Race Day Friday 26th Gates open 3.00pm Down Royal Racecourse Lisburn www.downroyal.com Northern Ireland Speed Weekend Saturday 27th - Sunday 28th 12 noon - 5.00pm Balmoral Park, Lisburn www.speedweekendni.com Hillsborough International Oyster Festival Tuesday 30th August Sunday 4th September Hillsborough Village www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com