Chronicle extra march 2014

C

hronicle

LOUVRE - VENETIAN - ROLLERS - WOODEN - VELUX - ROMAN

• FREE MEASURING • FREE FITTING • FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE

Tel: 028 9180 0505

4

Verticals From

£99

www.reidblinds.com email:sales@reidblinds.com Unit A8, Ards Business Centre, Jubilee Road, Newtownards. BT23 4YH

40,000 delivered FREE every month

MARCH 2014

INSIDE

Please sort out our roads! Launch of Ards Business - page 5 Awards - page 30

Working towards free wi-fi for towns - page 2

HEAVEN ON EARTH! Martina Ferguson sent us this beautiful image of Mounht Stewart lake via our facebook page. If you’d like to share your special photographs simply like us at www.facebook.com/NewtownardsChronicle and PM us your best snaps.

Electronic Cigarette only £9.99 Lowest Price Ever! SNAOLWE! Electronic Cigarettes Kits

ON

CE4v2 Kit + Neck Pouch only £9.99 New 2014 electronic eCig The EVOD eCig Kit Easy to use, more robust.

Quality at a low cost

18+

Beware of rogue traders’ rip off prices

£9.99

The Vaping Lounge www.eliquid4u.co.uk

Curleys Wine Cellar, 235 Antrim Road.

Kennedy Centre

HCH

Domestic Appliance Repairs

32 FRANCES STREET, NEWTOWNARDS

with Iron Free Steam Generator TDS 2561 WITH FREE TWO YEAR WARRANTY

ELECTRICS TEL: 9181 5765

22 BRIDGE STREET, COMBER

TEL: 9187 4256

BOSCH Model WAE28490 7kg/1400

£429.99

limited number available

2

March 2014

EXTRA

Comber pilates invitation LOCAL people now have the chance to experience the revolutionary power of Pilates, with a new class at Comber Leisure Centre.

The popular exercise technique provides the stretching benefits of a yoga class and the strengthening of a gym routine in one session, targeting specific muscle groups to re-educate movement patterns and rebalance the

underlying muscular and structural systems in body.

The Pilates Class takes place at Comber Leisure Centre on Tuesdays at 10.30am.

For further information, or to book a place in the class contact Comber Leisure Centre, Tel. 028 9187 4350.

£270,000 road scheme boost for Portavogie REGIONAL Development Minister, Danny Kennedy has announced that a £270,000 major road improvement and resurfacing scheme at Main Road from Victoria Road, to its junction with Warnocks Road was set to begin on Monday February 17.

The scheme is expected to be substantially complete by the end of March.

To help ensure the safety of road users and contractors, it will be necessary to operate temporary traffic signals and road closures.

Diversions will be clearly sign posted and local access will be maintained.

As with all improvement schemes of this nature severe weather may impact on the schedule. Roads Service will

keep the public informed of any necessary changes.

Roads Service has carefully programmed the works operation and traffic management arrangements to minimise any inconvenience.

Drivers should expect some delays and are advised to leave additional time when travelling in the area.

Manual or Automatic Gift Vouchers Available

BEGINNERS

£45

SSONS 3 x 1 HOUR LE

PLUS FREE

ALL tests P.C. DVD R4o.9m 9 RRP £1

L

Visit www.ardsdrivinginstruction.co.uk Call or text Gary Anderson on 07521 638 363

used clothing co.

Working with you today, for a brighter tomorrow.

We will buy your unwanted good quality... Clothing (All age groups), Shoes (Please keep in pairs) Belts, Hand-bags & Hats

Working to bring free Wi-Fi to our towns NEWTOWNARDS will be wired for free WiFi times, every advantage needs to be taken to access by the end of March, with Ards invest in each town’s appeal,” said Councillor Borough Council committing to fund running Cummings. costs.

Comber and Donaghadee will also have access by the spring.

The project received £50k capital funding from the Department for Social Development (DSD).

Mayor of Ards, Councillor Stephen McIlveen, who proposed the introduction of free WiFi, welcomed the news that work is underway.

“There is no doubt that it is now the norm for people to access email and the web on the move and many find it frustrating not to have easy access to Wi-Fi in main population centres.

“This project will address that gap and I look forward to the facility being available in just a few short months,” said Councillor McIlveen.

Councillor Trevor Cummings, Chairman of the Council’s Development Committee, which is overseeing the project, explained that the move is seen as providing an additional boost to the commercial centres of the towns. “As well as meeting public expectations about the availability of free Wi-Fi, access in town centres can also support local businesses by helping to attract and retain visitors to the commercial heart of an area and in these competitive

Mayor of Ards, Councillor Stephen McIlveen and Chairman of Ards Borough Council's Development Committee announce that work has begun on bringing free Wi-Fi to town centres in Ards

Four drink drive arrests ARDS district had among the fewest arrests for drink driving over the winter period according to figures released by the PSNI. During its 2013/2014 winter anti-drink drive operation, the PSNI arrested a total of 251 motorists for drink driving - down from 273 the previous year - with Ards ranking near the bottom, following four arrests.

The operation ran between November 28 2013 and January 2 2014. However, North Down had three times that amount, with 12 arrests during the same period, and within the whole of C District, which incorporates Ards, North Down, Castlereagh and Down, there were 36 arrests.

Supt Moore said the message is still the same: “Always wear your seatbelt, reduce your speed, take greater care and attention, and never, ever drink and drive.”

VAN HIRE 14A Balloo Avenue, Bangor BT19 7QT. Open 7 days • Daily, Weekend, or Half Day Hire • Self Drive or Driver Available • Transit Vehicles • No Mileage Limit • Cross Border Acceptable

028 91 46 51 79 www.wrightchoicevanhire.co.uk

NEWTOWNARDS Tel: 0845 520 1551 (Lo-Call Rate) Mobile or Text: 07595 417694 A7 Strangford Park, Ards Business Centre Jubilee Road, Newtownards Opening times: Monday - Wednesday 9.30 am - 5.30 pm Thursday - Friday 9.30 am - 6.30 pm

Email: bookacollection@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.usedclothingco.com

EXTRA

March 2014

Chronicle’s Magic Lantern slides bring 19th century Donaghadee back to life Children play in the waters of Donaghadee sometime in the 1880s

www.oldhenhouse.com

Come have a scratch around!

Salvaged Fittings, Materials & Collectables from old buildings Woodstripping service for doors & architraves Tues - Fri 8.30 am - 4.30 pm; Sat 9 am - 4 pm

439 Gransha Road, Bangor. BT19 7PX Tel: 07989 741 561

FOUR young children paddle in the waters of Donaghadee, taking care to keep their clothes from getting wet.

The infants in question are from the Victorian era, and it one of a dozen scenes of the seaside village captured on an early photograph form; a magic lantern slide. The slides, which show the day-to-day goings on of Donaghadee in the late 1800s, have been resurrected from the Chronicle’s own extensive archive for the village’s historical society. And the slides pose a tantilising question.

Could any one of the slides be an image captured by Queen Victoria’s renowned photographer, A. L. Henderson? A photographer credited with being one of the most distinguished of his 19th century peers who travelled the world, including Ireland, at the Royal’s behest?

It is a question the Donaghadee Historical Society will be trying its hardest to answer, and retired committee member, Ivan Stahan who still restores photographs for the group visited the Chronicle office this week to further examine the slides which are contained in their original box, which still bears the lantern slide manufacturer’s name, Edwards.

Magic Lanterns were an early form of image projectors first developed in the 17th century.

They used a concave mirror in back of a light source to direct as much of the light as

EARLY BIRD & LUNCH SPECIALS TWO COURSES £8.95 Tuesday - Friday 12.00 - 6.30pm Saturday 12.00 to 4pm SUNDAY SPECIALS TWO COURSES £12.95 THREE COURSES £14.95 KIDS EAT FREE ALL DAY SUNDAYS (Under 10 yrs)

Ivan Strahan examines one of the slides.

possible through the lantern slide baring the Questions aside, the slides themselves are image, onward into a lens at the front of the a great insight into the lives of those in item. The image could then be projected onto Donaghadee at the time. Chronicle a screen, displaying an enlarged view of the photographer, Bob Torrens, said they are a slide. great window into the past. “The slides have Ivan revealed that the images of daily life always been here in the office. I just think from a woman sitting outside a thatched they are fascinating,” he said. cottage, to the harbour - were most likely to Other treasures in the archive include slides have been taken in the 1880s. He believes of the Ards TT races from the 1930s and Kodak differences in style indicate that they were not slides dating from the 1950s. “Every negative, all taken by the same photographer, but he every photograph that has appeared in the hopes further research by the society on one paper we have in its original form. It’s good to slide in particular - that of a group of have an archive like this,” he added. fishermen - can pin-point the exact date A selection of the slide will now undergo a further, by identifying the faces from other process of digital restoration carried out by sources. The style could also possibly Ivan, and he hopes the images have more indicate that the man behind the image was secrets of the past to be revealed.

A. L. Henderson, and if it is the case, it could be a rare discovery. “Most of Henderson’s work was destroyed in a fire, he explained.

Another image shows how Parade looked towards the end of the 19th century. “Arthur's Hotel was on the Parade and was converted into the Imperial Hotel in the early 20th Century. The two houses beside it still exist; the house on the extreme left of the picture later became Nardini's glorious art nouveau ice-cream shop and is now the Captain's Table,” revealed Ivan.

He added that the slide showing a woman outside a thatched cottage also raised questions. “Thatched cottages were not An official Henderon photograph of common in Donaghadee at this time,” said Donaghadee harbour.

Ivan.

Planning a Party ?

50 people Finger buffet No room hire Only £195

3

4

March 2014

EXTRA

Brownies ‘rock’ as 100 years celebrated ‘BROWNIES Rock’, ‘it’s lots of fun’ and ‘Brownies are great’ are just some of the comments written in letters to the Chronicle as part of the charity’s 100th birthday celebrations.

2014 is a big year for the Brownies as it celebrates 100 years helping girls discover new interests and take part in activities, as well as build up their confidence for later years.

The Brownies are one of the junior sections of the Girl Guiding network, and caters for girls aged between seven and ten years old before they move up to the level of Guides.

As part of ‘The Big Brownie Birthday Challenge’, Sara Ward and the rest of the leaders at Movilla Abbey Brownies asked their girls what activities they would like to do from the list

Wardrobes NI Sliding Mirror Wa rdrobes

Sliding Wardrobes at Competitive Prices MANUFACTUERS OF

QUALITY

FITTED & FREESTANDING BEDROOM FURNITURE art Prices st e as tl from as lit

£6fi5ttin0g inc

14 The Parade, Donaghadee. BT21 0AE Tel: 028 9188 2824 Mob: 07525 645 404 www.wardrobes-ni.co.uk

available. One of them involved writing a letter to their local paper, and that is what they did.

Along with challenges, such as making a giant piece of art outside, making a Chinese dragon boat, swapping roles with their leaders and a sponsored silence, they also wrote to the Newtownards Chronicle’s editor, Mark Bain, telling him why Brownies is great.

Mark said: “I was delighted to see so many letters arrive on my desk. It’s great to see the girls getting so involved in their activities, and, by the looks of things, there may be a few budding journalists as well.”

The Brownies have been running at Movilla Abbey for over 30 years and are still as popular today as they ever were - so much so they now hold two units each week.

Carly Dalzell, District Commissioner for the Movilla District, said why she believed it has lasted so long: “We’ve moved with the times; we’re modern; we’re relevant to today’s girls.

They do the things they want to do now - it’s not knitting and sewing.

“The girls are into what’s going on in their locality. They want to know what’s going on and be able to make decisions and influence things, even though they’re quite young, so it’s good that they’ve got that medium to do it.”

She also said it is a good place for them to grow: “It gives girls a safe space to try new things. It means they can just concentrate on just being a girl and there’s no pressure to compete with boys. So they can try things - they can go climbing, they can go do archery, they can get themselves all mucky, and they don’t have to worry about what boys think of them or compete with them. That’s one of the big successes.

“The other thing would obviously be the leaders, who give the girls the opportunities, because, if you don’t have enthusiastic leaders,

Movilla Abbey girls get letter-writing as part of centenary project

Leaders and members from Movilla Abbey 'A' which they wrote to the Editor. J21-13/2/13 then the girls wouldn’t do anything exciting.”

Carly said Sara and her team are a great example of that, bringing in fresh ideas while being close enough to the girls’ age to be able to know what interests them.

Carly also believes Brownies offer the girls ‘free thinking opportunities’ that they may not get elsewhere because of family time constraints or schools being geared towards examination results. She added that while the units are held in a church it is an ‘unofficial integrated place’ open to girls from all backgrounds and beliefs.

However, the camaraderie does not end when the young women reach 18 years old. A

Brownie Pack pictured holding up the letters number of the ladies who originally introduced Brownies to Movilla Abbey now run the Trefoil Guild.

It is a group for ex-Brownies, along with ex and current leaders, who have formed a network of friends that still hold to those same Girl Guiding principals of helping each other.

The charity is looking for new leaders across North Down and Ards.

There are so many girls wanting to join but they have to be restricted because there are not enough leaders available. If you are interested in becoming a leader visit girlguiding.org.uk/interested

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Out with the Old and in with the New at McGrady’s

Newtownards Accountancy Firm Pioneer New Online Service M B McGrady & Co. Newtownards have invested in a unique online service that allows companies to reduce the time spent on the more arduous elements of their accounts, a first for the Northern Irish accounting industry. This online accounting system allows for SMEs to always know exactly how their business is performing every month by uploading their accounts online for the experts in M B McGrady to review.

M B McGrady & Co has introduced this service to their organisation, with over 60 years of experience in the accounting industry in Northern Ireland with offices in Newtownards, Downpatrick and Belfast and a wide base of clients in each of these areas. Now the firm has this service to add to the already wide range of professional expertise in consulting, taxation and auditing, M B McGrady & Co are looking forward to integrating this bespoke service with their current and prospective clients.

As part of a monthly subscription, SMEs can upload their online banking data directly to the accounting experts in M B McGrady & Co and have their accounting needs dealt with in real-time. One of the most helpful and innovative aspects of the service is its ability to remember repeat entries each Roy Creelman, Seamus McLernon and Conaill McGrady month and categorise them accordingly, saving more time for the business owner.

Roy Creelman, partner in MB McGrady & Co said: “This is an affordable programme we have brought into circulation here in Northern Ireland to help SMEs and business owners cut costs and save some very valuable time, yet still increase the quality and efficiency involved in a very important area in any business’ remit. We have worked with a number of existing clients who have used the programme and appreciate the bespoke nature of the service for each individual business. Each organization requires a different input, result and amount of accountancy provided and that is what this service provides.

Roy added: “We’re the first company in Northern Ireland to be providing this online service and we’re very excited about the prospect of helping more and more SMEs all over Northern Ireland get to grips with their accounts and give them more time to concentrate on other aspects of their company.”

The online accounting service can be tried by your company by visiting www.mbmcgrady.co.uk/account-services/online-accounting/ and signing up for their 30 day free trial.

EXTRA

March 2014

5

‘We need action to fix our coastal roads’ THE 8-ft wide hole in Ballyhalbert’s coast road may now be repaired, but Stormont must take swift action to invest in the area’s roads before someone is seriously injured.

That’s the emphatic assessment of the situation by residents and the Ballyhalbert Community Association following a prolonged period of tidal suges and heavy rain which have left the coastal village beleaguered.

The section of road collapsed during the recent storms, sparking concerns that motorists, who use what is Ballyhalbert’s main arterial route, could have unwittingly driven into the hole. It is also understood that around four or five buses carrying schoolchildren travel on that stretch of road every week day.

The Chronicle was on hand to witness repairs to the section on the road the next day, with one householder - who lives directly across from the fissure - Leslie Robinson, praising the quick response from the Roads Service.

“It was around teatime, just after

high tide. The stress along the sea wall, and the tide, just pulled at it and it collapsed,” he recalled.

“They (the Roads Service) poured concrete into the hole and got it fixed pretty quickly.”

But Mr Robinson stressed that the other sections of the road had been neglected for years which also need the authorities’ attention. “The wall at the Gospel Hall collapsed in the car park, and there’s flooding at high tide,” he revealed.

It is a view shared by members of the Ballyhalbert Community Association. Chairman Jim Palmer who told the paper that road users

narrowly missed disaster last week. “We were very lucky there were no injuries,” he said. “There has to be investment in the roads.

The problem’s a whole lot bigger than that hole.

“Councillors and MLAs need to look into this and see where we can get funding, perhaps from Europe.”

Group secretary, Nigel Edmunds said that the authorities had embarked on underpinning sections of the road on four separate occasions in the last six weeks. “We also need rock armour in places where it’s required. We need an investment package which is going to tackle issues like

G NIN OPE 014 ARCH 2 1M

New and Pre-Loved Baby Clothing,Cots, Prams, Toys, Car Seats

Buy/Sell/ Exchange Service

School Range Coming Soon

AGE RANGES: 0-3yrs In-store 0-8yrs On-line

REQUEST & RESERVE SERVICE

T: 074 10 989681 The Mall, Frances Street, Newtownards email KraftyBabas@hotmail.com

www.kraftybabas.co.uk

coastal defences, along with coastal erosion.”

A DRD spokesperson told the Chronicle that works were now underway torepair damage caused by the recent weather.

“In response to damage caused by the recent tidal surges the department is in the process of carrying out remedial works, some of which involves rock armouring, at a number of locations on the coastal routes around the Ards Peninsula,” they explained.

In addressing concerns relating to installing new coastal erosion prevention measures and defences, they continued; “There is no single authority in Northern Ireland with responsibility for coastal protection. DRD carries out responsive remedial action when the integrity of a public road is threatened due to erosion of the adjacent coastline. In some specific locations, such as at Harbour Road, Ballyhalbert, the beach/coastline falls under the ownership of the lands on the inward side of the road hence it would be that landowner who is responsible for maintaining the coastline.”

Gransha Fuels Oil • Coal • Gas • Batteries SAME DAY DELIVERY OR CASH & CARRY

QUALITY ALWAYS BEATS PRICE 20 Litre Emergency Oil Drums Collected from yard £16.00 each Delivered into tank from £18.00 each 6 x 20 Litre Oil Drums £100.00 Larger amounts delivered by tanker Household Coal from £12.00 50 Kg Delivered Plus Premium Coal & Premium Plus and most Smokeless Fuels in stock

• Oil Tanks • Coal Bunkers • Gas Heaters • Logs • Turf

• Heat Logs • Emergency Oil Drums • Boiler Servicing • Oil Monitoring System • Dog Boarding

Tel: 028 9182 0484 or 07789 756 770 259 Bangor Road, Newtownards • Mon-Sat 9 am - 6 pm

6

March 2014

EXTRA

Launch of heritage strategy for Strangford Lough ENVIRONMENT Minister, Mark H Durkan, has stories about everything from their passion for launched the first ‘Heritage Management seaweed to having an ancestor killed by a pirate.

Strategy and Action Plan’ for Strangford Lough Speaking at the launch Environment Minister and Lecale.

Mark H Durkan said: “Strangford Lough and the Lecale area are highlights among the North’s rich Promoting local heritage and recognising the tapestry. Though the natural and built heritage central role of local people in managing and of this area are protected by many statutory communicating the landscape, heritage designations, it will still take real commitment buildings and wildlife is a priority within the from all concerned to care for all the heritage Strategy, which has been produced by the into the future.

Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership (SLLP).

“The photography used in the Strategy The Minister also had the opportunity to document is inspired by the many wonders of launch the Partnership’s new ‘Local Insights into the rich and diverse marine life, the spectacular Strangford Lough and Lecale’ media app. The numbers of coastal birds, the enchanting app features many local people telling their drumlin and island landscape, the lovely coastal

wildflowers and the marvellous built heritage and archaeology. It encourages everyone to play a part in looking after our heritage for ourselves and for future generations.”

Mayor of Ards Borough Council, Councillor Steven McIlveen, said: “Strangford Lough is a body of water that provides some of the most breath-taking scenery in the country, an ecological haven and a place which has had significant influence on our social and economic past, present and, of course, future. Balancing the needs of diverse, and sometime competing, elements is no easy task but is greatly aided by this new strategy which provides a very clear direction of travel towards both preserving the

Advertising Feature

DUNDONALD ANNIVERSARY SPECTACLE

broad-based heritage of the Lough and ensuring that it remains a place where we can live and work, build lives and businesses, where others can visit, and where we can all enjoy our leisure time.”

Vice-Chair of Down District Council, Councillor Gareth Sharvin, observed: "The Strategy and Action Plan launched today re-enforce the efforts by local councils to bring authorities and others together to develop sustainable tourism and outdoor recreation, while at the same time improving wildlife and built heritage conservation and protection. This Strategy and Action Plan are a welcomed boost, which will contribute to our local economy through tourism, environmental and recreational growth."

The Action Plan work programme is hugely varied and ranges from “bringing history alive” through re-enactments and events at monastic sites and tower houses to tackling invasive sea squirts.

Attending the launch Strangford Lough and Lecale Management Strategy Mayor of Ards Stephen McIlveen; Enviroment Minister Mark H. Durkan; Gareth Sharvin, Vice Chairman of Down District Council; Isabel Hood, Chair of Partnership Advisory Committee; Caroline Nolan, SLLP Manager; Jim Shannon MP, Mike Nesbitt MLA, Kieran McCarthy MLA, John Dumican, Chief Executive of Down District Council; John de Courcy (Mark Davis), John O'Hare, Ards Borough Council Economic Development Officer and Councillor Angus Carson. B6-20-2-14

Edwina Pollock first came to Sam Baird Optician when he had just opened 30 years ago in Dundonald, on Valentine’s Day .

She got flowers when collecting her latest spectacles on the anniversary and a surprise bill at 1984 prices for her loyalty Celebrations contine with £30 of all new glasses in February and March.

Ards schools involved in ‘Peace Proms’ at Waterfront

30th Anniversary Event

£30 off all spectacles in March Includes All Sunglasses 732 Upper Newtownards Road DUNDONALD Tel: 9048 5033 O P T I C I A N sam@sambaird.com

SAM

FOR a number of Ards schools, the Peace Proms provided the perfect opportunity for their choirs to show what they are made of.

A total of 40 schools took part in the two special events held on Monday in Belfast’s Waterfront Hall, with four hailing from the peninsula and North Down.

The children of Londonderry Primary, Kirkistown Primary, Regent House Prep and St Mary’s Primary, Saintfield, took part in workshops and rehearsed with the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland (CBOI) before putting on a show at one of the two special concerts.

The special guest on the day was Andrea Begley, who won The Voice UK talent show in 2013.

The orchestra was established in 1995 as a peace initiative and is made up of 120 young people from all over Ireland. They are led by professionals such as Conductor, Gearóid Grant, Violinist, Patricia Treacy, Tenor,

Emmanuel Lawler and Uilleann Piper Patrick Martin.

The aim of the orchestra and proms is to build and nurture cross border and cross community relations, and so it invites schoolchildren from all backgrounds to take part.

Used Unique Boutique Affordable Secondhand furniture and goods, including dining suites, bedroom furniture, three piece suites, chairs, tables, unique items and collectables in fact anything required furnishing a home!

Delivery service is offered.

42 Mile Cross Road Newtownards BT23 4SR Tel: 07753 222536

Experts in clock repairs There’s nothing quite as beautiful as the intricate and delicate mechanisms of antique clocks and watches.

Sadly, as with anything, these mechanisms as well as the exterior can deteriorate over time, leaving your clock a drab and inanimate ornament. Bring the life back to your clock with repairs and restoration from the experts at Clock Services Bangor. We can restore and repair:

• Grandfather clocks • Carriage clocks • Chronometers • Calendar clocks

• Pocket watches • Quality wristwatches • Musical boxes • Barometers

As well as watch and clock repairs, we can restore brass, silver and gilded ornaments and small items of antique furniture.

BAIRD

SPECIALISTS IN ANTIQUE POCKET WATCH REPAIR! Details of this, sale and uncombined promotions in practice.

www.clockservicesbangor.co.uk

028 9146 9632

March 2014

EXTRA

7

Time for decision on Exploris future STRANGFORD MLA, Mike Nesbitt, is warning Exploris is in danger of being forced down the road of closure by the Northern Ireland Executive.

The Ulster Unionist Leader says he believes time will expire before any commitment from Stormont hits the ground.

He told The Chronicle this week: “We have a commitment from the Department of the Environment, but this is specific to funding a seal sanctuary, and the Minister has already made clear this funding is not specific to Exploris. They money is for the seals, wherever they are treated.

“The key is whether Arlene Foster and her Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment will process the capital spend promised through the NI Tourist Board for revamping the aquarium. It is easy to make a commitment, but equally easy to see that promise swallowed up in the political black hole of economic assessments.

“The brutal fact is that Ards Council cannot subsidise Exploris on the promise of help from the devolved government forever.

“From the beginning of this crisis, I have attempted to bring together the key Executive Ministries at Stormont, but have been met with a clear lack of appetite to roll sleeves up and get stuck into a rescue plan.”

Ards Borough Council Deputy Mayor, Cllr Philip Smith explained: “Ards Borough Council has invested over £130,000 in sustaining Exploris in recent months and in preparing a business plan as requested by the NI Executive.

We have done our bit to not only save Exploris but to come up with proposals to grow and develop the facility.

“It is time that both the Department of the Environment and Department for Enterprise,

Free bottle of house wine Now we have your attention.

Sugarcane may just be Co. Downʼs best hidden secret!

Our Bistro menu is available from Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm.

Trade & Investment delivered on their commitments too.”

“The Council cannot sustain the current costs indefinitely. The rates for next year only includes two options - a new Exploris funded jointly by the Council and DoE/DETI or the original 'close and dispose' option. We cannot afford to wait months for the civil service to go through their bureaucracy. It is not fair on Exploris staff and it is not fair on the Ards ratepayer. We need a decision now,” concluded Cllr Philip Smith.

Ulster Unionist Party Prospective Council Candidate for Newtownards, Richard Smart, said; ‘As a member of the voluntary steering group set up to secure a sustainable future for the much loved Exploris, I was overwhelmed by the willingness of the local community to give up their own time and effort to advocate the benefits of the aquarium’ “I spent many late evenings and made countless phone calls in an effort to build political and practical consensus in retaining the facility for the benefit of the local economy, retaining employment in the area and a reduction in the cost of the facility for the many hard pressed rate payers of the Ards Borough.

So after such effort by many to make the facility a runner, I hope the NI Executive will not let the project fall at the last hurdle.”

As an active Taste of Ulster member we are passionate about produce and only the finest local produce is picked to star in our menus. We have built a reputation of serving great food that is prepared by award winning Head Chef Fritz Machala. We believe we offer an unrivalled casual dining experience and we want you to try our menu.

We are offering a free bottle of our fabulous House wine to readers who simply cut out and present the attached voucher.

Bistro menu only. Available from 5pm Wed to Sunday and booking is required.

1 Voucher per booking (Terms and Conditions Reply)

Come and see why we are Comberʼs No1 Rated Restaurant on Tripadvisor

The Square Comber Tel 02891 873388

ARE YOU FED UP WITH IRRESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERS ALLOWING THEIR PETS TO FOUL OUR STREETS AND PUBLIC SPACES? IF SO, WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

8

March 2014

EXTRA

Play park cash

Linda Ferguson gave Sarah Jane Dickson her first proper hair cut and the kind hearted Ballynahinch school girl has decided to doante her ponytail to the Little Princess Trust; a charity which makes real-hair wigs for children.MO1-20-2-14

ARDS Borough Councillor Robert Adair has welcomed planned investment by Ards Borough Council of two Children's Play Areas in the Ards Peninsula.

Lawson Park Portavogie will benefit from additional equipment and new safety equipment and the Rubane Play Area would benefit from a total refurbishment of the Multi Play Area.

Weight Loss Support & Motivation Group Ards Leisure Centre Every Tuesday 5.30 pm - 6.30 pm Ballywalter Village Hall Every Tuesday 10 am - 11 am Portaferry New Parish Centre C.O.I. Every Thursday 10.30 am - 11.30 am & 6.15 pm - 7.15 pm

Ladies & Gents Welcome Qualified

sts Also taking bookings for workshops Nutritioni

and Healthy Eating Events

Scales capable of weighing up to 45 stones available.

Contact Catherine 07955 212 561 or Paulene 07877 977 371 FIND US ON FACEBOOK

Attention 2014 School Leavers would you like a career in

HAIRDRESSING AT AN AWARD WINNING SALON? We are keen to recruit

2 FULL-TIME TRAINEES Starting Part-time if available Wednesday 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. or Thursday 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Why not talk to the professionals.

Excellent training and working conditions guaranteed.

This position applies to school leavers this year only

Tel: 9181 9000 39A HIGH STREET, NEWTOWNARDS www.sharonmalcolm.co.uk

Sarah Jane’s short cut to cash for Little Princess Trust A 7 year old Ballynahinch girl has taken the generous decision to cut off her long hair to donate it to the Little Princess Trust, which has the locks made into wigs for children suffering from cancer or alopecia.

Sarah Jane Dickson, a pupil of Ballynahinch Primary School had been considering having her hair cut for sometime and when her mum, Jill Cairns suggested she have a re-style for charity it didn’t take Sarah Jane long to agree to the idea.

Jill told the Chronicle: “This was like a means to getting her hair cut because it is long and tatty. She was hesitant, but when she realised it was going to help another little girl she thought about it for a couple of days and then said yes. I suppose it is like a double edged sword.”

Not only will Sarah Jane be donating her blonde locks but her family are fundraising for the Little Princess Trust. Her mum explained: “It costs £350 to make a wig for a child.

We are hoping to raise enough for one wig but the money coming in is looking good and we might even have enough for two.”

Ballynahinch Primary School has also supported Sarah Jane with her charity and made an informative speech about the nationwide charity in Assembly and held a collection.

Jill concluded: “I had my hair cut and coloured last Wednesday night (February 12) and Sarah Jane came with me so we had it done together.”

The Little Princess Trust is a children’s cancer charity and its mission is to supply real-hair wigs to children suffering with cancer, for the

duration of their treatment. However, in addition they assist children with other conditions which also result in hair loss, the most common being alopecia.

Their commitment to these children is different.

Despite being set up to help children with cancer, the Trust is pleased to confirm that it will supply children that do not have a cancer diagnosis with one wig. Whilst they are unable to commit to supplying more than one wig to each child, they hope that this gesture helps the family whilst they decide on their long-term plans for dealing with this condition.

The Trust provides real-hair wigs, free of charge, to boys and girls across the UK and Ireland that have lost their own hair through cancer treatment.

As a result of treatment for cancer, most children will suffer hair loss as a side effect.

Some boys and girls cope remarkably well but for others this can be very upsetting.

The organisation works with specialist suppliers and experienced hairdressers who offer wigs tailored to the individual child’s needs to give the most realistic look and feel, as close as possible to their original hair. It strives to put parents/carers in contact with suppliers as local as possible.

The wigs they provide are free to children.

However, the cost of one wig to the charity is on average £350. Any amount of fundraising generated towards this cost helps them to continue to provide wigs to both boys and girls throughout the UK and Ireland that have lost their own hair through cancer treatment.

Anyone considering having their long hair cut - the Little Princess Trust have an arrangement, through one of their wig suppliers, with a wig-making factory to make use of hair sent to them in this way but they stress that they are unable to guarantee that this hair will be made into wigs specifically for use by the Little Princess Trust.

Any hair that is deemed suitable is sent to the factory and the Trust receives in return a large number of children’s wigs that they may use free of charge. These wigs, manufactured in particularly small sizes, can normally cost up to £2,000 each. The Little Princess Trust confirms confirm that they do not sell any hair which they receive, nor have they done so in the past.

For further information on this charity log onto www.littleprincesses.org.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Are you a Krafty Baba?

Have you noticed how quickly babies and toddlers grow out of their clothes?

No sooner have you bought them a lovely outfit and you’re having to shop around for expensive outfits to replace them.

If you become a Krafty Mama and call to Krafty Babas you can choose from a range of quality pre-owned styles and sizes at a fraction of the cost of the price you’ll pay in the shops.

I hear you say if they are pre owned they will have marks or damage! That’s not the case, as all of Krafty Babas stock is lovingly cleaned and checked for any damage.

They also stock a large range of prams, buggies, children’s furniture, accessories and toys.

As well as selling all of these we also buy good quality baby and toddlers, clothing, furnitures, accessories, and toys. By doing this you are not only earning yourself some money but also clearing away unwanted items, thus freeing up space and doing your bit for the planet!

Krafty Babas opens on 1st March at the Mall, Frances Street, Newtownards, so why not pay us a visit and save yourself some money while doing your bit for recycling?

Or call us on 07410989681

Vintage Floral

Creating memories that last a lifetime

Bridal bouquets and finishing touches Let us help to make your bridal dreams a reality For a free consultation please email

vintagefloralbouquets @yahoo.co.uk

March 2014

9

10

March 2014

EXTRA

Movie memories of WW2 A RECENT trip to the movies had a special mark the birthday of SAS founder and local war significance for a former WW2 radio operator. hero, Lt Col Robert Blair Mayne. One of the organisers, Movilla High School teacher Peter Last month, former Leading Aircraftman Ted Forbes, who had been behind the school fund Ross marked his 92nd birthday by attending a raisng campaign to purchase a copy of the SAS special screening of a film based on an event in War Diary, now on show in Newtownards Library, which he played a part - albeit unwittingly. had previously spoken to Ted and had shown A group of self-confessed ‘World War II nuts’ him a copy of the diary. Ted, who lives in had arranged to hold a screening of the movie, Gilnahirk, in turn signed Peter’s copy of the book ‘The Man that Never Was’, based on the real ‘The Man that Never Was’. story of Operation Mincemeat.

Knowing it was Ted’s birthday a few days The initial reasoning behind the event was to before the screening of the film, at the Tudor Cinema in Comber, Peter decided to invite the war veteran along.

Both the book and movie plot of ‘The Man Peninsula New Beginnings ADVERTORIAL That Never Was’ is based on what has been members continue to lose pounds described as one of the strangest and successful war time deceptions by the Allies. whilst raising pounds for charity ‘Operation Mincemeat’ was part of a major Members from Peninsula New Beginnings Weight Loss Support And

deception, codenamed Operation Barclay; the aim of the latter was to cover the invasion of Italy from North Africa.

In 1943, ‘Mincemeat’ helped to convince the German high command the Allies were planning to invade Greece and Sardinia - and not Sicily as was the case.

The deception involved the rather gruesome use of a cadaver and having it washed up on a beach in Spain.

In Gibraltar, a then 21 year old Ted Ross was on duty on April 24, 1943, and received the bogus message that a plane was about to ditch in the sea (the message was actually transmitted from a submarine).

Ted was not alone on hearing the message; the Germans, too, were listening in. This was where the corpse came in; six days after the bogus message, a body was washed up in

Huelva, Spain.

Along with the body - actually that of a hypothermia victim which had been ‘requisitioned’ by the British Secret Service - was a briefcase, carrying false indenification papers as well as letters stating the Al lies would be attacking Sardinia and Greece.

These letters were passsed by the Spanish Intelligence Service on to the Germans.

The plan worked - the Germans believed the bogus information and the course of the War changed.

Ted Ross knew nothing of his part in Operation Mincemeat until the film, ‘The Man That Never Was’, was released in 1953; it was then he realised how he had played a part - while not knowing it - in an operation which saved the lives of thousands of Allied servicemen, and also led to the downfall of Mussolini.

Motivation Group have raised £350 for local charity Crohns and Colitis UK (NI). Audrey Derby from the charity came along to the Ards group to collect the cheque and gave a talk to all of the members about the disease. The money was raised between all of the groups in Ards, Portaferry and Ballywalter by selling ballot tickets for a prize draw and from the sale of second hand clothing and jewellery, all of which were donated by the members. The group leaders Catherine and Paulene would like to thank Audrey for the great talk and for staying behind after group to answer any questions the members may have had. They would also like to thank everyone for their very kind donations and to congratulate them all on their fabulous weight loss successes. Peninsula New Beginnings groups are held in Ballywalter and Newtownards on Tuesdays and Portaferry on Thursday mornings and evenings. If you would like any more information about the classes please contact Catherine on 07955 212 561 or Paulene on 07877 977 371 or find us on Facebook. To enquire about the charity please contact ni@groups.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk

Carolyn and Ally-Louise Scott along with some of Peninsula New Beginnings Ards Group presenting their cheque for £350 to Audrey Derby from Crohns and Colitis UK (NI)

Ted Ross (front row, second from right) was invited to attend a special screening of the ‘Man Who Never Was’ at the Tudor Cinema, Comber.

J6-16-1-14

love

Slimming World

Join a warm and friendly group today…

PORTAVOGIE NEW CONSULTANT Mondays 5.30 p.m. and 7.30p.m.

Portavogie Primary School Contact Sharon on 07764 251 834 CLANDEBOYE Mondays 9.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m.

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Contact Cath on 07591 158 282 NEWTOWNARDS Mondays 9.30 a.m. 5.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.

Strangford Arms Hotel Contact Ruth on 07834 454 171 BANGOR Wednesdays 9.30 a.m.

St. Gall’s Parish Hall Contact Ann on 07854 787 121 DONAGHADEE Thursdays 9.30 a.m., 5.15 p.m. and 7.15 p.m.

Donaghadee Parish Church Contact Amanda on 07766 740 048 COMBER Thursdays 9.30 a.m., 11.30 a.m., 5.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.

Comber Rifle Club *Disabled Access* Contact Eleanor on 07891 609 161 BANGOR Fridays 9.30 a.m.

British Legion Hall Contact Karen on 07594 132 499

MONEYREAGH NEW CONSULTANT Tuesdays 5.30 p.m. and 7.30p.m.

Lyttle Memorial Hall Contact Janette on 07818 787 478 BANGOR Mondays 5.15 p.m. and 7.15 p.m.

Towerview Primary School Contact Ann on 07854 787 121

CONLIG Tuesdays 5.30 and 7.30 p.m.

Green Road Community Centre Contact Amanda on 07766 740 048

BANGOR Tuesdays 5.15 p.m. and 7.15 p.m.

St. Gall’s Parish Hall Contact Ann on 07854 787 121

NEWTOWNARDS Wednesdays 5.15 p.m. and 7.15 p.m.

St. Mark’s Parish Centre Contact Ann on 078889 256 259

NEWTOWNARDS Tuesdays 5.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.

Abbey Primary School Contact Cath on 07591 158 282 BANGOR Tuesdays 5.45 p.m. and 7.45 p.m.

George Green Community Centre Contact Jemma on 07823 332 411 GREYABBEY Thursdays 7.30 p.m.

Trinity Church Contact Concepta on 07762 282 369

scan here or visit the website to read Alix ’ s story slimmingworld.com

scan here or visit the website to read Alix ’ s story

0844 897 8000

slimmingworld.com 0844 897 8000

MILLISLE Wednesdays 5.45 p.m and 7.45 p.m.

Millisle Primary School Contact Jemma on 07823 332 411 BANGOR Thursdays 5.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.

British Legion Hall Contact Karen on 07594 132 499 PORTAFERRY Tuesdays 5.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.

The Gallery, Castle Street Contact Concepta on 07762 282 369

save £5 – half price msem avbeersh£ip5 – hal f price membership

Just £9.95 on yo ur first night then £4.95 a week.

See website for detai Just £9.95 on yo ls. ur first night then £4.95 a week.

See website for details.

EXTRA

March 2014

Mayor and Council staff raise over £2K through ‘Grow-Mo’!

THE Mayor of Ards, together with his deputy and more than a dozen Ards Borough Council staff, have raised over £2,000 from their ‘Grow-Mo’ efforts.

All grew moustaches or beards - or both! – in November in a bid to raise funds and awareness of men’s health issues and have now presented a cheque for £2,451.27 to Action Cancer, for the charity’s Action Man campaign.

The campaign encourages men to ‘Get A Grip’ and take their health seriously, and Action Cancer’s services include free MOT health checks for men and education about testicular and prostate cancer.

The Mayor, Councillor Stephen McIlveen, said: “This was a fantastic result from our male members of staff who were committed, not only to growing their facial hair, but to out-doing each other in the process – and some have found

it difficult to get back to using a razor and seem to be starting early for this year! The fun and the friendly rivalry didn’t diminish the serious message, nor the serious fund-raising and I’m delighted with that a local cancer charity will now benefit”.

Sinead Magill from Action Cancer added: “We are extremely grateful for the support of our Grow Mo fundraiser as it enables us to provide more MOT health checks.

This is vital as men have a 16% greater chance of developing cancer than women and can be reluctant about visiting the GP.” MOT health checks include indicators of health including cholesterol and glucose levels, blood pressure, lung function, and full body composition analysis. A free health check can be booked on the Big Bus or at Action Cancer House by calling the charity on 028 9080 3344 or booking on-line at www.actioncancer.org.

Strean Presbyterian Church Indoor bowling club President Barbara Cully presents Robert Lyttle with the Freda Algie Memorial Plate after winning their annual charity bowling competition. Also pictured are runners up Jeff McCormick (left) and Jim Miller (right). A coffee morning is also planned for March 1 to continue the fundraising.

25% OFF Doors & Windows

Mayor of Ards, Councillor Stephen McIlveen, presents a cheque to Sinead Magill, from Action Cancer, with some of the staff who grew facial hair in November to fundraise for the Grow-Mo campaign. LR Nigel Martin, Colin White and John McConnell.

£1,000

OFF Conservatories

Valentine’s Sensation Enjoy a Romantic 4 course Dinner, including a glass of Prosecco for only £35 per person

A-Rated Windows ~ Triple Glazed Windows ~ PVC & Composite Doors ~ Patio Doors Conservatories ~ Sun Lounges ~ Orangeries ~ Conservatory Conversions ~ Fascia & Soffit

I EIN GE LG UL NDU ND EIIIN E IN EIN GE LG UL DU ND IN E EIIN IN EIN GEI LGE UL DU N ND E EIIIN I EIN GE LG UL NDU ND EIIIN E G GE L LG UL U D DU N ND UL UL

UL NDU IND EIIN E LG UL DU ND E EIIN LG UL DU N ND EIN EI L UL NDU ND EIIN L UL DU N ND N UULL GEIIN

LO ELO VE LOV ELO VE V O LO VEL OVE LO EL VE V VEL LOVE VE VELO OVE EL ELOV V OV

For further information and reservations call the Cultra Inn ERP RPAMPPERP RPAMPERP on 028 9042 5840 RPAM hastingshotels.com

LOVE LOVE ELOV ELOV LOV E ELOV LOV LOVE OVELO VE LG

NDUL EIIN IN EIN A E NDULG P EIIN IN R E GEIN P M INDUL I RPA PERP EIN E G L U D IN M E A RP PER DULG L PAMPE ULGENIN U I IND GEIN AMEIN IN

ERP RPAMPPE AM P M

INDUL EIN IN GEIN INDUL EIN GEI INDUL EIN G LOVEL L NDUL ELOVE UL LOVEL E P R V E O RPAMPPERP VE RPAM P ER RPAMPPERP RPAMPER AM MP

11

0800 028 1812 turkingtonwindows.com 028 9266 8883 Terms and conditions apply. Offers subject to change or withdrawal. Not in conjunction with any other offer.

12

March 2014

Yvonne Gibson Beauty Clinic www.yvonnegibsonclinic.co.uk

tarasmyth.beauty@hotmail.co.uk

Pampering Mothers Day packages PACKAGE ONE: Back massage, express facial, eyebrow tint, eyebrow wax and eyelash tint

PACKAGE TWO: Deluxe pedicure, manicure and express facial

PACKAGE THREE: Deluxe pedicure, and 1hr Guinot hydradermie

£60

£70

£50

Gift vouchers available

OTHER OFFERS FOR MARCH/APRIL Lip and chin wax - £10 Electric eyes: Eyebrow tint, wax and eyelash tint - £15 Orly gel FX manicure - £15

Callus peel - £20 Half leg, bikini, under arm and eyebrow wax - £25 Vita liberata full body spray tan - £20

Tel: 028 9181 0928 16 Meetinghouse Lane, Newtownards, BT23 7AA Open: Monday - Saturday Late Night Wednesday & Thursday

Yvonne Gibson beauty clinic/Tara Smyth

EXTRA

March 2014

O

he sky fell on Neil Francis, the ex-Irish rugby international and columnist, when he suggested the percentage of homosexuals interested in sport would be small; much smaller than the percentage of homosexuals in the general population. He added that rugby changing rooms could be homophobic.

Nigel Owens, a gay and distinguished rugby referee, was incandescent on RTE Radio. He seemed to suggest that Francis had no right to express an opinion unless he really knew the facts. Well if that were the case, most of us would never get to express our opinion.

I see nothing odd in what Francis suggested. He could be right, he could be wrong. So what: it was only an opinion.

I suspect that the percentage of homosexuals and lesbians involved in the arts would be greater than their proportion of the general population. I could be right, or wrong. So what?

As for homophobic changing rooms; in my experience when getting cleaned up in the communal shower in Bangor’s Ward Park, there wasn’t much chat. The water was distinctly cool, and few words were exchanged unless we had had a great victory. Rare.

Which reminds me; let’s hope there is a lot of chat in the Irish showers at Twickenham on Saturday. My tip is yes.

T

hort List magazine asked 40 famous people to name their favourite book. Well I believe Wayne Rooney when he chooses a Harry Potter and Sir Alex Ferguson (Treasure Island), but George Clooney opts for War and Peace. My copy runs to 1350 pages. I haven’t yet summoned up the resolve to attempt it; where did George find the time?

Even more unlikely is Kate Winslet’s Therese Raquin, a truly depressing French novel. Inevitably I suppose Donald Trump named Norman Vincent Peale’s The Power of Positive Thinking. James Nesbitt chose J D Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye. I adored it as a teenager but I don’t think it reads as well now.

Still it is an interesting exercise. Rather unfair though to ask for one favourite. We book-readers start young. I will never achieve the level of excitement as when I first read ‘Kidnapped’, but as you age, new delights reveal themselves: Raymond Chandler’s hard-boiled detective novels, the enduring pleasure of Pride & Prejudice, of Ernest Hemingway, P G Wodehouse,Somerville & Ross’s Irish RM, and many more.

Then there are the recent discoveries. May I recommend Alone in Berlin by Hans Fallada. A gripping novel set in wartime Berlin. Unputdownable.

Of course one person’s good read is another’s dull tome. The memsahib delights in The Lord of the Rings. Beats me. She is also a fan of Delia Smith. Now that is a thoroughly good idea.

S

ne of the problems of growing old is relating to new ways, accepting different strokes for other folks. I have to keep reminding myself of this. Still I am baffled to read that men in London, on average, spend £1000 a year on face care as opposed to the £1000 plus of women.

Well I can understand the women, just. But the men? What do they spend it on? My out-goings, if you exclude razors, soap, toothpaste andd toothbrushes, would be precisely nil.

But then again I would not care to add up what I spend on boxing, golf, and current affairs magazines, secondhand books, CDs and newspapers.

The sweet-smelling Londoners would look at me and think: Neanderthal.

...........................................................

13

ad to get my annual blood test the other day (cholesterol you know) and as I wait ed I picked up ‘You’, a glossy magazine. Didn’t have a price on it so I think it must come free with a newspap er. Anyway there was a fascinating article on diet culled from a book by the actress Cameron Diaz.

I assume her facts were corre ct. Certainly she was very convincing as to what we should all be eating. Minimum of processed foods, more fresh fruit and vegetables, and eggs are fine.

But one thing caught my atte ntion. She says we are recommended no more than six teas poons of sugar a day and claims 590ml of a fizzy drink cont ains 20 teaspoons. Those people I see stocking up with huge bottles of coke in the supermarket should have a serio us think about the wisdom of this.

Meanwhile our MPs want to ban smoking in cars, something only a minority of people will do and rarely, I suspect, when children are aboard. At least smo king doesn’t make you obese, a bigger danger to heal th I think than moderate smoking ever was.

Happily La Diaz doesn’t mention cakes so that’s all right then.

H

........................................................... he moorhen is still cal ling every day. I reckon it is as reliable as a baromete r. It and the squirrel add to the ever-changing scene in our garden. And my hope the memsahib might that bake a cake has been realised. It’s a porter cake. Very tasty.

As they used to say: Guinness is good for you. Cheers.

T

Coastal defence call

Saintfield High School year 8 and 9 pupils held a sponsored Read in aid of Praxis Care. Pupils are here presenting a cheque for £1,794 to Geraldine Andrews fund raying officer for Praxis Care. Included are pupils April Sinclair, Alice Collin, Rachel Martin, Chloe Compton, Joshua Wilson, Jessica Gibson, Andrew McClurg and Bailey Dunn with Ms Watt, principal, Miss Hynds, vice Principal and head of English and Miss McGuigan, Sponsored Read co-ordinator. All pupils who raised over £50 received a reading pack.

ARDS Borough Councillor Robert Adair has joined with Jim Shannon MP Michelle McIlveen MLA and representives of Ballyhalbert and District Community Association to call for greater Coastal Defences in the village of Ballyhalbert.

Councillor Adair related that the recent adverse weather with its high tides and tidal surges had highlighted the lack of coastal defences in the village and the need for urgent

investment in coastal defences.

Councillor Adair stated that he had raised the issue during the January meeting of Ards Borough Councils External Affairs and planning committee where he called on the Northern Ireland Executive to release an emergency package to tackle coastal erosion and provide investment in Peninsula Coastal Defences particularly in the village of Ballyhalbert.

Ards half marathon and walk open for entries THE 2014 Ards Half Marathon and Walk has opened for entries.

The race, now in its 7th year, has once again been awarded championship status by Athletics Northern Ireland, and looks set to attract more than 1,000 entrants to attempt the 13.1 mile course or slightly shorter 9 mile walk.

Organised by Ards Borough Council, the event has grown in both numbers and popularity, according to Mayor of Ards, Councillor Stephen McIlveen said: “The reputation of the Ards Half Marathon is strong among serious runners, and the race’s selection for the second consecutive year as

Northern Ireland’s championship event only serves to enhance how it is viewed. Many amateur runners return year after year to challenge themselves and the walk element of the event continues to appeal particularly to groups with fundraising efforts in mind”.

A generous prize fund of almost £3000, with a top prize of £400 for the first male and female runners to complete the route, is

available, and Athletics NI will present the top three male and female competitors and top three male and female club teams with medals to mark their achievement.

Athletics Northern Ireland has very strict guidelines for awarding championship status to any road race. These cover factors such as accurate distance measurement, adequate stewarding and policing, provision of toilets,

first aid, water and refreshments and the general quality of the course and organisation.

David Seaton MBE, Chairman of Athletics Northern Ireland, said: “The Ards event scored highly in these essential elements and consequently is very deserving of Championship standing. I congratulate the organisers in maintaining the excellent standard this prestigious event has enjoyed over recent years”.

The 2014 Ards Half Marathon and Walk takes place on Friday 27th June and begins at 6.30pm. For more information or to book a place visit www.ardscouncil.gov.uk/halfmarathon

14

March 2014

EXTRA

Views sought STRANGFORD MLA, Jonathan Bell has received notification from the Post Office that the Kilmore Post Office at 16 Kilmore Village, Crossgar, could possibly be making changes to their premises and are asking people to comment before any decision is made.

Mr Bell, who is a Junior Minister, said: “The Post Office have very kindly and appropriately offered people an opportunity to share their views on the changes through an easy and convenient new online questionnaire which can be found at postofficeviews.co.uk where when asked for the code for this particular branch the following should be used – 36570499.”

The Post Office will accept responses up to and including March 4 2014 as they are currently planning to make the changes in April 2014.

Mr Bell added: “In order that local people can get a flavour of what changes the Post Office are planning, I have listed below the main issues: “Post Office services would be offered from a till on the retail counter in a modern branch instead of a separate security screened counter “If changes go ahead the branch will open longer hours: Monday to Friday 7 am to 7 pm and Saturday 9 am to 5 pm.

“Customers will have most of the current services but a few will no longer be available at the branch.

The branch may need to close for approximately three days during April 2014 while refurbishment takes place.”

The MLA concluded: “I would encourage local people who are interested in the changes and support the plans or indeed feel that it may cause some problems, to access the questionnaire page online or email the Post Office at comments@postoffice.co.uk with their views.”

GHD REPAIRS Vacuum Cleaner same day repairs and spares Washing Machines and Cooker Spares

Tel: 9146 6360 Vacuum Hospital

Bus station was closed ‘due to anti-social behaviour’

ON one of the worst days of the year, the waiting room at Newtownards Ulsterbus Station was forced to close at peak travel time due to anti-social behaviour, leaving mothers with babies and the elderly out in the gale force conditions.

The Chronicle received complaints that the waiting room had closed at 3.30pm on Monday

due to crowds outside the door.

One traveller said: “I was there and so many people had to get out of the bus station because of a crowd outside the door. This was not right as elderly people and mothers with prams had to go outside on such an awful winter’s day.”

A Translink spokesperson said: “The waiting room at

Newtownards Ulsterbus station was closed between 3.30pm and 4.30pm on Monday, February 3 as a result of anti-social behaviour at the station which has been ongoing for some months.

“Groups of young people not intending to use our services, have been congregating in the waiting room around peak afternoon travel time, disrupting

passengers waiting to travel.

“We would apologise to passengers who were impacted by Monday’s decision, however while the waiting room was closed, the bus station was open and all bus services could still be accessed.

“We are currently working with the PSNI and local political representatives to try to resolve this issue.”

59 Church Street, Bangor

As a result of a charity fund-raising event, Lynn McClements, (2nd left) from McClements Fish and Chips, Millisle, presents a cheque for £810 towards the Asha Kiran Special Needs School situated in Bangalore, India. Receiving the cheque is Mr William Curry, NI representitive for Asha Kiran in the UK. Also included are, staff member Mark Ashe and Mrs Catherine Curry. J41-6/2/14

15

March 2014

1 Ardara Beeches,Comber

1 Cranley Mews, Bangor

4 Cherryvally Drive, Comber

5A Manse Road

Spacious Family Home A Short Walk From School

Space For the Family

Walk Into Town From This Convenient Location

Luxury “Semi Rural” Convenience

• Family sized detached home with an appealing external elevation • Three Reception Rooms and Four Bedrooms • Kitchen with Oak Units, Built-In Appliances and Separate Utility Room • Ground Floor Bathroom plus First Floor Shower Room • Highly adaptable layout • Oil Fired Central Heating • Double Glazed Windows in PVC Frames • Integral Garage and Tarmac Driveway • Energy Efficiency Rating : D57

• Attractive detached residence in a small cul-de-sac position, convenient to the ring road and Bloomfield Shopping Centre • Adaptable layout of accommodation with plenty of space for a family and offering ground floor bedrooms and bathroom which will appeal also to mature couples • Well fitted kitchen with modern units and Built-In Appliances (not tested) • Ground floor bathroom with modern White Suite plus First Floor WC facility • Double Glazed Windows in PVC Frames plus PVC External Joinery • Oil Fired Central Heating (requires attention) • Detached Garage and Driveway • Corner Site • Energy Efficiency Rating : D58

• Modernised and well presented home ideal for the First Time Buyer • Family sized accommodation offering good Lounge and Three Bedrooms • Upgraded Kitchen with extensive range of units and Built-In Appliance. Open Plan to Dining Area • Bathroom with Modern White Suite and Fully Tiled Walls • Extensive use of natural Light Oak Internal Joinery & Floors • Double Glazed Windows • Oil Fired Central Heating • Gardens to Front and Rear in Lawns plus Timber Deck Area • Energy Efficiency Rating : C69

• Individual position with Private Drive and open aspect to the rear • Tremendous Family Accommodation offering Three Delightful Reception Rooms plus Study and Luxury Kitchen with Built-In Appliances. Open Plan to pleasant Garden Room • Four excellent bedrooms including Master and Guest Suites • Double Glazed Windows / PVC External Joinery for ease of maintenance • Oil Fired Central Heating (underfloor to ground floor) / Pressurized Water System • Burglar Alarm System • Detached Garage with Tarmac Driveway and Parking • Convenient to Ards Shopping Centre and Regent House Grammar School • Energy Efficiency Rating : C76

Offers Around: £215,000

Offers Around: £138,000

Offers Around : £89,500

Offers Around : £339,500

6 Ringhaddy Gardens, Newtownads

9 Dermott Avenue, Comber

10 The Courtyard, The Mill Village, Comber

43 Dermott Walk, Comber

Prime Example of Its Type

Extended For Extra Space

Spacious Luxury Living

Perfect For the Downsizer

• Well presented Semi Detached Villa in a cul-de-sac position with private aspect to the rear • Practical, easily managed accommodation offering Through Lounge/Dining Room and Three Bedrooms • Deluxe Kitchen with Shaker Style Units and Built-In Appliances • Luxury Bathroom with Modern White Suite • Oil Fired Central Heating • Double Glazed Windows in PVC Frames • Burglar Alarm System • Large Attached Garage with Electric Door • Perfect for the first time buyer • Energy Efficiency Rating : D63

• Extended Semi Detached Chalet Bungalow situated on the periphery of one of the town’s most popular developments • Well presented up-to-date accommodation amended from the original design to offer Three Bedrooms and Three Reception Rooms including an Extra Family Room to the Rear • Deluxe Kitchen with Built-In Appliances and Bathroom with Modern White Suite • Gas Fired Central Heating • Double Glazed Windows in PVC Frames • Detached Matching Garage • Large Enclosed Rear Garden • Energy Efficiency Rating ; D56

• Ground Floor Apartment in a gated award winning development converted from a former stone built linen mill, offering a delightful blend of character with a contemporary interior • Spacious Lounge open plan to Dining Room with Oak Floors and access to Balcony • Luxury Kitchen with Built-In Appliances (Not Tested) • Two Bedrooms both with deluxe ensuite facilities • Gas Fired Central Heating • Air Exchange System / Beam Vacuum System • Allocated Parking Space • Within walking distance of the town centre and only ten minutes drive to Dundonald • Energy Efficiency Rating : C70

• Delightful semi detached Bungalow on a level site • Quiet highly sought after location on the edge of this popular development • Easily managed accommodation offering lounge with Double Doors to Dining Room, Three Bedrooms and Bathroom • Well fitted Kitchen with Oak Units and Appliances • Oil Fired Central Heating / Double Glazed Windows in PVC Frames • PVC External Joinery for ease of maintenance • Large detached Matching Garage and Driveway • Rare opportunity to acquire one of these much admired properties • Energy Efficiency Rating : F22

Price : £109,950

Offers Around : £124,950

Offers Around : £134,950

Offers Around : £139,950

RENTALS

PUBLIC NOTICE

21 The Old Distillery, Comber £550 p/m Two bed, ground floor apt, part furnished Available immediately - long term lease.

95 Dermott Road, Comber

128 Copeland Crescent, Comber

Sunny Aspect to the Rear Over Green Field Towards Scrabo

For the First Time Buyer

• Prime cul-de-sac site for a well presented semi • Delightful open aspect to the rear over fields towards Scrabo Tower • Family sized Lounge, open to Dining Room with French Doors to the Garden • Three Bedrooms including Master with Spacious Wardrobe Space • Luxury Bathroom with Modern White Suite • Oil Fired Central Heating / Double Glazed Windows in PVC Frames / PVC External Joinery • Detached Garage with Electrically Operated Roller Door and Tarmac Driveway • Easily Maintained and Fully Enclosed Rear Garden • Energy Efficiency Rating D56

• Popular Copeland house type ideal for the first time buyer • Practical, easily managed accommodation offering Lounge with Open Fireplace and Three Bedrooms • Recently installed kitchen with Built-In Appliances, open plan to Dining Room • New White Bathroom Suite • Oil Fired Central Heating • Double Glazed Windows in PVC Frames • Detached Garage • Convenient and popular location close to the periphery of the development • Energy Efficiency Rating E45

Offers Around: £124,500

Offers Around: £110,000

Newtownards 74 High Street, Newtownards, BT23 7HZ t: 028 9181 3808 ards@lindsayfyfe.co.uk

2 Bruce Avenue, Comber £450 p/m Three bed end terrace, unfurnished.

Available immediately.

15 The Mews, Comber £525 p/m Two bed, self-contained ground floor apt, Part Furnished. Available immediately,.

39a Whiterock Road, Killinchy £495 p/m One bed cottage, part furnished, views over Lough. Available immediately.

www.lindsayfyfe.co.uk

6 Meadow Close, Ballygowan, Newtownards County Down. BT23 5XP

We have received an offer of £95,000 on the above property.

Any interested parties must submit any higher offers in writing to the selling agent before an exchange of contracts takes place.

Comber 2 The Square, Comber, BT23 5DZ t: 028 9187 1787 comber@lindsayfyfe.co.uk

16

March 2014

EXTRA

Regent House pupils earn top business awards YOUNG Enterprise NI – the leading business education charity – recognised local young entrepreneurs at their annual Trade Fair at Bloomfield Shopping Centre, Bangor.

Young people from Regent House Grammar School and Sullivan Upper School have spent much of the academic year developing businesses as they learn new skills in entrepreneurship and business management.

The trade fair provides an opportunity for businesses to bring their products to market and test their sales skills by trading with the general public.

Regent House Grammar School’s business ‘Chronos’ took home a total of four awards from the Trade Fair event having stolen the show with their educational children’s book, written and illustrated by the group. They impressed judges and took home awards for Marketing, Sales and Customer Service on top of the Best Overall Company accolade.

Sullivan Upper School’s company named ‘Midas’ delighted shoppers with a wide range of creative gift ideas and an enthusiastic approach

to their business.

North Down MLA Leslie McCree attended the event commenting: “Well done to all of the students and organisers who made this event possible. Our Young People will be the entrepreneurs of the future and it is important that we give them all of the support and encouragement that we can to achieve their full business potential.

“I was delighted to meet students from schools in the South East Education & Library Board as part of the South East Young Enterprise Trade Fair Programme 2014. I am always interested in the broad spectrum of ideas and new initiatives that these young people have to offer. Young Enterprise Trade Fairs are an excellent platform for young entrepreneurs to gain a wealth of experience in disciplines such as communication, sales and marketing and public relations in a business environment.”

Young Enterprise NI is a charity and is part-funded by the Department of Education. For further information and for details volunteering and fundraising opportunities please visit www.yeni.co.uk Chronos from Regent House Grammar School took the top prize of Best Overall Company at the Young Enterprise NI Trade Fair at Bloomfield Shopping Centre on Friday 7th February 2014.

North Down Boilers Oil and Gas Heating • Boiler Services

OIL BOILER SCRAPPAGE

SCHEME Why scrap now?

Register now to scrap your old boiler and save money

Installer of

An old boiler can waste up to 40% of the fuel it burns Modern ‘A’ Rated condensing boilers are over 90% efficient Home heating oil is currently 40% more expensive than natural gas You could qualify for a generous grant when you upgrade to a new high efficiency natural gas central heating system

T: 028 9186 1377 M: 07730 450 450 E: info@northdownboilers.co.uk W: northdownboilers.co.uk

Mark Simpson Electrical

Mark Simpson Electrical

Mark Simpson Electrical is focused on providing high-quality service and customer satisfaction - we will do everything we can to meet your expectations.

We are electricians that cover Newtownards, Belfast, Bangor North Down, and all of Northern Ireland With a variety of offerings to choose from, we're sure you'll be happy working with us. Look around our website and if you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact us.

We cover every thing from an extra socket to fitting a light , so no job to small.

We also cover. . .

About Us We are electrical contractors with over 21 years experience.

Our company is based on the belief that our customers' needs are of the utmost importance. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals.

We would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service in the industry.

1 Copeland Point, Edgewater Donaghadee, BT21 0JY

Faults Rewires Security alarms and lighting Fire alarms Lighting Test and inspections Pat testing Garden power & lighting Please contact us for free quotation

Telephone:

07802 396 405 028 9188 4655

Email: markmse1@aol.com, www.marksimpsonelectrical.com Hours: Mon - Fri: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sat: 10 a.m. - 1p.m. Sun: Closed

17

March 2014

Elim Relief Association working with Vision International Ministries 25 High Street, Newtownards & 2-5 Flagship Bangor Registered Charity No. 251549

HELPING PROJECTS ACROSS AFRICA Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, Kenya VISIT OUR SHOPS at 2-5 Flagship Bangor & First Floor at 25 High Street, Newtownards for quality furniture at affordable prices Beds by ʻStarplanʼ and bedroom furniture at greatly reduced prices to support our many orphan projects across Africa

BOTH SHOPS HAVE A WIDE SELECTION OF QUALITY FURNITURE TO SUIT YOUR POCKET. MANY 2ND HAND SUITES AS WELL AS NEW BRIC-A-BRAC WIDE SELECTION OF BOOKS PLUS CHRISTIAN BOOKS

To donate used furniture to help our projects ring 02891813845 VISIT US AND HELP US AS WE SEEK TO DEVELOP OUR FEEDING PROGRAMMES AND SCHOOLS PROJECTS TO SUPPORT ORPHANS

Showing His Love – Carrying His Message – Telling His Story Pastor Raymond Cotter, who is the Irish Missions Director of the Elim Pentecostal Church in Ireland, has joined forces with Mr Victor Garrett and Vision International Ministries Registered Charity, to help with many projects across Africa. In September, Pastor Ray and

Victor spent two weeks in Malawi, visiting many projects being supported by both Charities. At Chikombe, Vision has opened the Emily Garrett School and Church, with an orphan home at present built for 12 orphans. On Saturday 23rd November, Pastor Cotter and

Raymond Williamson returned from Zimbabwe after a two week trip to visit many projects in this needy land. A major project at present is the building of the Hospital Theatre sponsored by the Charity. At present the Theatre has just been roofed. A team will leave

from Ireland in May to do electrical, plumbing, joinery work and tiling at the Theatre.

Pastor Cotter is looking for donors to help. Already all the plumbing and electrical goods have been donated. Visit us in our Ards Shop, 25 High Street or 2-5 Flagship, Bangor.

Major new hospital theatre being built at Elim Hospital in Zimbabwe

18

March 2014

EXTRA

Ards to ‘Make History’ in raising Commonwealth flag Grate Expectations Does your gas fire look lifeless?

Is it costing too much to run?

Maybe it's time to trade it in for a new, more efficient and realistic gas fire.

old fire and Trade in yourour new one! get £50 off y Call into our showroom and view our wide range of selection of gas fires suitable for bottled gas and natural gas Terms and conditions apply. Offer excludes fitting charge

Grate Expectations, 104 Abbey Street Bangor, Co Down

Tel 028 9146 3344

ARDS is to ‘make history’ on March 10thwhen appreciation of the values it stands for, and the it joins 500 other communities across the UK, opportunities offered to its citizens around the Channel Islands and Isle of Man to raise the world.

Commonwealth in Newtownards.

Charity teams will mark the day by taking Commonwealth Flags to the top of the UK’s four The flag-raising will take place to mark highest National Peaks and use the occasion to Commonwealth Day 2014 on 10 March at raise funds for their worthy causes: Cancer precisely 10am in Conway Square, Research UK - Scafell Pike, England; Help for Newtownards, and will coincide with hundreds Heroes - Ben Nevis, Scotland; Walking with the of other ceremonies being held throughout the Wounded - Mount Snowdon, Wales; and Fields UK. of Life - Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland.

The unique initiative enables people in their The Mayor of Ards, Councillor Stephen local communities to become involved and join McIlveen, will perform the flag-raising locally. with others nationwide in associating He said: themselves with widespread public expression “The Commonwealth remains a significant of commitment to the Commonwealth, entity in our history, our present and our future,

and I am delighted that Ards will join communities right across the UK, as well as those in the 53 countries which form the Commonwealth, to show our support for the Commonwealth’s shared goals of democracy, development and respect for diversity.”

To help raise awareness of the day an interactive map is available at www.esriuk.com/flyaflagmap that shows where the individual flag raising events are taking place, throughout the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man," explained Dr Richard Waite, Managing Director of Esri UK.

WW1 events planned for Ards A NUMBER of special events are scheduled to take place across the Ards to commemorate 100 years since World War One. To commemorate the start of WWI, Ards Borough Council has organised a number of events and activities for all age ranges with the aim of not only remembering the sacrifices made during it, but also educating.

A medal design competition is well underway, which is open to school children across the peninsula, and will see the three best entries have their designs made into actual bronze medals.

However, more is planned. To coincide with International Women’s Day, a special exhibition

entitled ‘Women & War’ will run at the Somme Heritage Centre on Saturday March 8. The centre’s director, Carol Walker, will also give a lecture of the subject.

The exhibition will then move to various venues across the borough.

On a lighter, and more mysterious note, a WWI murder mystery evening will be held on Friday March 14 in the Arts Centre.

The amateur detectives will have to solve the crime of who killed the ruthless Sergeant Major Gibson after his body was found on the firing range.

Tickets have been selling fast for the evening and have nearly sold out.

Good relations funding offer for groups FUNDING for groups to undertake ‘Good Relations’ projects is now available from Ards Borough Council.

Under the grant aid scheme, any group, from youth and sports clubs to historical societies, community associations and churches, can apply for funding for cultural diversity, crosscommunity and single identity work, all of which are intended to build positive relationships between those from different racial, religious and political traditions.

Financial assistance is available for projects taking place between April 2014 and March 2015 and the closing date for applications is Friday 28 March.

For further information about the good relations programme and funding, contact Jim Murdock, Good Relations Officer, Tel: 028 9182 4076, E: jim.murdock@ards -council.gov.uk or visit www.ardscouncil.gov.uk/goo drelations.

EXTRA

March 2014

19

Lara’s incredible 3D cakes wow ‘This Morning’ viewers LARA Clarke first gained the following of the very loyal, largely female fan base of movie star, Johnny Depp, when she immortalised the Hollywood A-lister in cake, but now the former Newtownards woman has won over daytime television viewers by creating life-size cake ‘busts’ of This Morning presenters, Holly Willoughby and Phillip Scofield.

The 27 year old, who now lives in Walsall, England, travelled to the ITV studios where the programme is filmed to present the duo with their cake counterparts last month.

A delighted Lara told the Chronicle that each ‘bust’ took nine hours each to make - making the total time spent on the creations 18 hours. “The reaction from them was incredible,” revealed Lara of the moment Holly and Phil first saw themselves in cake form.

Made out of chocolate sponge with a chocolateorange buttercream, Lara sculpted the two cakes after This Morning producers got in touch after the former Stratherne Grammar pupil made headlines in the national press with her quirky cakes.

“I found them both equally challenging but Holly’s long hair was a bit tricky,” revealed Lara.

But challenges aside, her efforts were certainly appreciated, as on air Holly told her; "Thank you for making them and bringing them in - they're gorgeous!" To which Lara laughed; "Well, you guys are gorgeous, otherwise they wouldn't look so good.”

Having gone from baking novice to spongesculptor extraordinaire in just three years, the cake-maker won an award in the Cake Lara Clarke pictured with This Morning presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Scofield. International Competition for her 5ft 5 inch The former Newtownards woman was on the show to present them with her 3D cakes.

Captain Jack Sparrow. And as a reward for the painstaking 90 hours of work Lara had to put into the work, the judges awarded her with something her sponge creation certainly would have coveted - a gold medal!

Producing 3D cakes in her spare time, Lara added that she continues to work for bingo site, Tombola, which she revealed, have been very supportive of her hobby.

“Tombola are chuffed to bits for me. At the minute the cakes are something that I do in my spare time, I just love my job so much.”

As well as the Pirates of the Carribbean star and This Morning presenters, Lara has captured the likeness of the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, Star Wars’ Yoda, and Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear. Next in her sights could be, arguably, one of Hollywood’s most beautiful couples, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. “I’m just so thrilled that people like my cakes,” added Lara.

E.P. McCormick & Son Monumental Sculptor - Established 1938 -

AN INDEPENDENT FAMILY BUSINESS Large selection of Memorials on view in all classes of stone ENGRAVING - RENOVATING - CLEANING Distance no object - Personal Supervision - Artwork our speciality -

www.epmccormick.co.uk

58-60 Newtownards Road, Bangor Tel/Fax: (028) 9146 0694

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Mark Murphy supplier of

Fresh to your doorstep is in your area now...

Bangor, Helensbay, Craigavad, Holywood and all surrounding areas.

FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH Mark Murphy is offering

4 x 2 Litres of Milk £1 each 7 Pints of Milk 50p each (This offer excludes organic)

Delivering to your doorstep Monday, Wednesday, Friday morning. Call Mark on 07871 374356

We have all gone to the fridge for some milk, for the kids ceral, or to make a lovely cuppa either to start the day or after a very long day!

But you have run out! Grab the car keys, bundle the kids in the car and drive to the nearest shop just for milk...Stop right there, never again run out or forget to put it on your shopping list! Have it delivered to your door by Mark Murphy, your local milkman delivering 3 days a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Mark delivers to suit your lifestyle, family needs or business requirements or even dietary needs.

Products to order - 1 pints of milk, 1 litre milk, 2 litres of milk.

Whole, semi, 1%, skimmed, organic and butter milk.

Cream, eggs, butter, yoghurt, Mr Juico 568ml and 250ml.

Potatoes, flavoured water and pure orange. All delivered to your door.

So whether, you are living alone, a busy working couple, hectic family life, or running a business, Mark Murphy can deliver. Support your local milk man, as they save you time and money. Mark Murphy your local milkman. To order or want more details call 07871 374356

20

March 2014

Killyleagh Street, Crossgar.

Telephone: 028 4483 2880

Home of quality furniture

Why Shop at Whytes?

Only 30-40min from Bangor or Ards Family run business Whytes are owned by One of Ireland's top wholesale furniture companies Have one of Northern Ireland’s Biggest selections of Sofa’s for an independent business.

30,000sqft of Suites, Dining sets, Kitchen tables and chairs, Beds, Recliners, Bedroom furniture, Leather sofa’s, Designer sofa’s and Fabric sofa’s. Home accessories: Mirrors, Rugs, Pictures, Picture frames and ladies, for that hidden shopalcholic inside you, Whytes have an exquisite range of custom jewellery, evening bags and hand bags.

LAZYBOY - Leather recliner seats. 10 year guarantee.

BOUYANT UPHOLSTERY - Best of British.

Slide Door Robe (German) RAUCH Bedrooms from Germany

Occasional Furniture and accessories.

ASHLEY MANOR - Upholstry and fabric of distinction.

Largest selection of Solid Oak pieces.

Free Delivery Free Storage You wont have to wait weeks for your purchase on most goods - majority of goods are for immediate delivery !

With a Great choice to choose from. The staff have a wealth of knowledge and expertise, with a lovely relaxed attitude to all customers.

Northern Ireland’s largest selection of Beds WHERE QUALITY FURNITURE COST LESS

• Free delivery • Easy payment terms

21

March 2014

Killyleagh Street, Crossgar.

Telephone: 028 4483 2880

Sealy Beds - The Worlds Number 1 Bed Brand Wish to Announce

Whytes of Crossgar As Main Stockist in South East Down

Visit Our New Sealy and Silentnight Galleries WHERE QUALITY FURNITURE COST LESS

• Free delivery • Easy payment terms

22

March 2014

EXTRA

Comber supergran’s crusade!

A COMBER grandmother who holds various types of keep fit classes in community centres across the Ards Borough has taken the area by storm and is reaching a vulnerable but vital audience and helping with both their physical and mental health.

physical education.

Debbie is aware that physical exercise and fitness has a good effect on our mental health and wellbeing and she agrees that poor physical health can cause poor mental health and vice versa.

Debbie has recognised that poor self image is a major factor in people, These are normal everyday people particularly women, not joining keep who are not perhaps the typical gym fit classes. If they feel fat, they don’t junkies but are mainly daughters, want other people to see them so wives, mothers and grandmothers they don’t exercise and the vicious who are finding it pleasurable and cycle continues. comfortable to excercise with likeFortunately the atmosphere and minded women. fun of her classes has not been a Debbie Quinn (pictured) did not deterent to such people and women start out in her physical training of all ages, shapes and sizes are career with any formal fitness degree happy to exercise along with each but her passion for keeping fit led her other for the sheer social aspect and to build on her knowledge and skills health benefits. required to be a sport and fitness Debbie also works at a pace to suit instructor. her ‘pupils’ various abilities and The 53-year-old single mother and being qualified to teach aAerobics, grandmother told the Chronicle where Step Aerobics, Dance, Zumba, Pilates, it all began: “I have been doing this Armchair, Balance and Strength and for 35 years. I did 27 years service at Stability Ball she can offer advice to the Shankill and when I did my first each individual. Some of her interview they just said ‘could I members are physically or mentally swim’. At this time I started body disabled and she welcomes everyone. building and entered the Miss In West Winds Community Centre, Northern Ireland competition.

West Winds Estate, Debbie holds a “While at the Shankill there was a Hips, Bums, Tums and Zumba class dance and aerobics teacher. One day on Tuesday nights from 6.30 she didn’t come in and I was asked to 7.30pm. take the class. I knew I could do it but Employed by the South Eastern after that I did a qualification in RSA Health and Social Care Trust Exercise and Music.

(SEH&SCT) Debbie explained: “This “I later worked for Ards Borough class is funded by the Health Council Leisure Services as one of the Development department of the junior managers at Kiltonga before it Trust. It is mainly for West Winds closed.” residents, however, women from Since obtaining her first formal outside the estate are also welcome qualification, Debbie went on to pass and there is no charge for this class.” diplomas in various other forms of The British Legion in Newtownards

NORTH DOWN CLEARANCE SERVICE

FAST, FRIENDLY

WE DUMP YOUR JUNK & RELIABLE WHY PAY MORE FOR A SKIP WHEN WE CAN DO IT ALL We remove old kitchens, bathrooms, etc

Scrap Metal Collected OF CHARGE

FREE

Free disposal of scrap metal and car batteries

Includes old boilers, washing machines, cookers, etc.

Full house clearances, small removals, garages and lofts cleared.

Fully licensed waste carrier

07821 918 197

www.northdownclearance.co.uk

Branch of the u3a. She said: “I do gentle Zumba on a Friday morning with these ladies. The u3a is an organization for those retired and they do all sorts of things like photography, walking, book reading, cooking, outings, bird watching, Pilates... the list goes on. It is a great group to belong to as it is great company and a great way to make friends.”

Apart from her Trust classes this keep fit enthusiast is a living example of how exercise gives you more energy as she also holds private Zumba classes on Monday nights in 1st Comber Presbyterian Church from 6.30pm - 7.30pm.

Although most of her classes are dominated by females, the selfconfessed Christian said: “I have men at these classes plus ladies in their 70’s whom I met at the CFC church in Newtownards. I do gentle dance and armchair with the second half ladies is another venue for Debbie’s classes. at Lisbane Community Centre. on Tuesday at least once every two These start on Tuesdays at 7.45pm to Also on Thursdays Debbie has an months.”

8.45pm with a weigh in at 7.30pm for evening class at Glen Estate As if this wasn’t enough exercise in those who want weighed. This class is Community Centre from 7.30pm a week for anyone, this Super Gran, run by the East End Women’s Group 8.30pm. who says she “loves working with and the charge is £2, which includes Debbie said: “This is a Zumba class people”, also does Zumba at Hen supplied fruit at the end of the class. for the over 50’s although a variety of Nights, birthday parties, etc.

Debbie added: “At this class we do ages and abilities attend this class. It Explaining how she spends her a variety of exercises - hips, bums, costs £2 and fruit and water is offered ‘spare time’, she told the Chronicle: tums, Zumba and armchair exercises after the class plus a weigh in for “For my relaxation I do yoga, I take to facilitate all the ages and abilities those wanting weighed. Contact Salsa lessons and I go dancing. that attend. If you wish to come to Margaret Cox for any further “I spend time with my 16 month this class, please contact Debbie Cox information on 07578478016.” grandson Jenson and my two sons on 07541663103.”

On Tuesdays Debbie does Armchair Bailie, aged 16 and 11 year old Zak; On Thursday mornings Debbie sessions with the residents in and my daughter Jodi, who is a nurse, holds a Hips, Bums, Tums class at Stricklands Glen in Bangor: “These Jenson’s mummy.”

Lisbane Community Centre from 9am residents are all disabled men and Anyone wishing to speak to Debbie - 10am followed by Pilates from 10am women of all ages they really enjoy about any of her classes can contact - 11am. Anyone interested in these the music and the stimulation.” her on 07989718436. classes should contact Avril Torrens She also works with the Comber Debbie Quinn

Killyleagh WW1 plan KILLYLEAGH is gearing up for a series of Agreement was reached to formulate a events to mark the 100th anniversary of the proposal to apply for funding from the Heritage start of the First World War. Lottery Fund.

The convenor of the meeting, Chris Hagan, A draft programme of cross-community explained: “The aim is to look at the events events, entitled Killyleagh Remembers, has been surrounding the declaration of war and how its drawn up and was endorsed by the local outcome has shaped the 100 years that have community at a public meeting in the town. followed.

The proposal is to run a series of events from “The hope is that we can explore and share August to November, acknowledging the the heritage of all those who served. We can only sacrifice of the 245 men from the Killyleagh and do this with the support of the full community Shrigley areas who volunteered to fight. helping us tell the story of their relatives, and A selection of groups and individuals with an there are some amazing stories to tell.'' interest in the Great War gathered in the Lecture One of the highlights will be a Memories Day hall to put forward ideas. Relatives of those who when relatives will be asked to bring along their served and survived the war were among the war medals from the Great War, with lectures, audience. exhibitions and an educational day for the young

people of the town..

Miss Zena McAllister of the Sloane's History group, which is actively involved in the project, outlined the type of material the group is hoping will bring along to its exhibition days, with a view to incorporating this in a book.

Among the suggestions at the meeting was a ceremony to lay hand-made crosses in memory of those who served; re-enactors recreating the scene in Killyleagh 100 years ago; and a night of Great War poetry and readings.

She said: “We are grateful for the advice we have received, especially from Killyleagh-born Philip Orr who has written such hugely regarded histories of the Irish at the Somme and Gallipoli.''

IMPORTANT PUBLIC MEETING Chaired by Jim Shannon MP

FRIDAY 7th MARCH 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., Town Hall, Newtownards

To Discuss CANCER SERVICES And the future of the Cancer Uit

AT THE ULSTER HOSPITAL You need to make your voice heard and your opinion count on this highly important issue.

Jack Moore, secretary and Gillian Reid, treasurer of Ballywalter Presbyterian Church Indoor Bowling Club presenting a cheque for £503 to Richard Kennedy Professor of oncology at Queens University Belfast. The money is proceeds from the annual Bowlers service held at Ballywalter Presbyterian. B1-6-2-1

23

March 2014

Unit 6, Ballyharry Business Park, Donaghadee Road, Newtownards. Tel: 028 9182 8048 (Old Berkshire Factory Site - First Left Past Ray Graham’s Building Merchants)

MANAGER’S SPECIALS

CLEARANCE END OF LINE STOCK Tub chair & footstool

Oak chest & mirror

£199

£499

END OF LINE PRICE

END OF LINE PRICE

£99

£199

Montana oak console

£199

END OF LINE PRICE

£89

Montana small oak sideboard

£299

END OF LINE PRICE

£149

24

March 2014

EXTRA

Scout troop needs home!

THE scouts may be used to exploring the great outdoors and enjoying adventure, but, unfortunately for one Portavogie group, they have found themselves ‘homeless.’

After successfully starting a scouts group in Kircubbin last year, which now caters for 114 members, the Scouting Association was approached by residents in Portavogie who asked something similar in their own area.

Stephen Wilton is District Commissioner of Newtownards, which covers the Ards peninsula. After the request he started the process in October 2013: “Getting the adults in place would have been the focus before we opened up, with regards to accepting young people. So, it’s been in the pipeline for a long time.” He said that members of the community had already ‘stepped forward’ to volunteer

and all have been fully trained and undergone child protection checks.”

Stephen hopes to open the new scout group at the start of March. It already has 25 leaders who will look after four sections, covering children aged from four to 14 years old. They are also expecting 75 children to join it. However, they do not have anywhere to meet.

Stephen admitted it was ‘disappointing’ that, despite the demand for a scouts group, they have not received any offers for accommodation. He added that when the local community asks for it, there is a greater chance of success: “We find, from a development point of view at the Scouting Association, that when the local community come forward to say, ‘Look, this is what we want,’ rather than us trying to put people into place, it has a greater liklihood of lasting. So,

First Kirkisto Beaver Louis Brown.

B45-20-2-14

the disappointment will be from the local community and the young people.”

Stephen said they are exploring different ‘Plan B’ options, such using a local school, but ‘funding constraints’ may led to problems as that would be the more expensive option. “If we can’t get any premises we won’t be able to progress,” he said.

He added that scouting brings many advantages to the community: “Scouting offers fellowship, adventure and outreach within the local area. It gives young people something to do.

There’s nothing in this area for the young people to do, so it offers fun, adventure and friendship.” And because it is a secular organisation, he said, it is open to children from all backgrounds and brings ‘cross community benefits.’

Lorraine Brown (centre) 1st Kirkistown Group Scout Leader with some of the Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Leaders who are appealing for somewhere to meet. B46-20-2-14

Photos on show A NEW photographic exhibition, being held in Newtownards, compels viewers to contemplate the extraordinary nature of our daily lives.

The Photographic Contemplation exhibition in Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards runs from February 27 unil March 21 2014.

Admission is free.

For more information contact Arts Centre, Tel: 028 9181 0803, Email: arts@ardscouncil.gov.uk

Horizon Power Flushing Why Power-Flush your Central Heating System?

HOW ABOUT SAVING UP TO 40% ON YOUR ANNUAL FUEL BILLS??

Where and When Power Flushing is Required:-

FUEL WASTAGE: Debris accumulation within the boiler reduces heat transfer potentially leading to a third of fuel bills wasted.

COLD SPOTS: Temperature difference across radiator may indicate a build-up of sludge restricting the flow of heat.

FREQUENT BLEEDING REQUIRED: May indicate hydrogen build-up, a by-product of corrosion more common in un-treated heating systems.

For further information and a free quotation: Tel: (028) 4065 0728 07854 521049 PROVINCE-WIDE SERVICE! IN ASSOCIATION WITH FERNOX.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Flawless Central Heating with the help of Horizon HOW does Power Flushing work?

Power Flushing is the most efficient and effective method of cleansing a central heating system. The principle is to create a powerful fresh water flow under controlled conditions to remove debris from the system.

By connecting the powerful flushing unit to the heating circuit in place of the system pump, boiler or radiator, the circuit can be thoroughly cleansed of lime scale, sludge and corrosion debris.

When used in conjunction with a specialist Fernox cleaner, a typical power flush can be completed in just 1 day.

Cleaning and treating Central Heating systems...

All new systems should be pre-commission cleansed in accordance with BS7593:1992 and Benchmark.

This ensures flux residues, excess jointing compounds, mineral oil and other contaminants which can affect the performance of the system, are removed.

It is important when installing new boilers into old systems that all sludge is first removed from the system or this could accumulate to cause premature failure.

Additionally, in hard water areas, existing systems will have accumulated lime scale together with corrosion deposits in the heat exchanger, which could reduce boiler efficiency by over five percent.

Problems with an untreated system can be affected by a variety of problems including radiator cold spots and air pockets, boiler noise, pump seizure or failure, all of which could lead to costly repairs or replacements. Trouble shooting & fault finding service also available.

For more information on system Power Flushing and water treatments, contact Horizon Power Flushing on 028 4065 0728 or 07854 521 049.

25

March 2014

SKY HIGH ENERGY BILLS? SKY HIGH SOLUTION! SOLAR MADE SIMPLE THE SOLAR POWER REVOLUTION IS HERE GET INVOLVED AND GENERATE INCOME FACT FACT FACT FACT FACT FACT FACT

Earn tax-free income for every unit of electricity you generate.

Any unused units will be bought by your energy supplier.

Save between £1,000 and £1,500 each year depending on system size.

Receive your ROC payment and export income annually for the next 20 years.

Own your system as opposed to renting out your roof and losing income.

We only sell and install German manufactured systems.

Specialists in the revolutionary 3rd generation water/central heating system

Commercial

Domestic

For information & advice contact us at

www.solarpanelconi.co.uk

028 9187 7454

26

EXTRA

March 2014

A love more touching than Mummy any Holywood Mayhem blockbuster

by Susan Clarke

Former Spectator reporter Susan Clarke went from being the woman who has it all to the woman who does it all when she decided to become a stay-at-home mum to her three young children. This is her life....

know I am a little late for Valentine's Day, but this month I want to tell you a love story. It is nothing that would make a Hollywood blockbuster or a best selling novel.

It is about when two people simply 'fit' each other without suffocation or draughts. There is room for both their likes, dislikes and bad habits. They finish each other's sentences to help the other out, not to have the last word and they always look forward to sitting down with a cup of tea together.

I

It is not my story, but maybe someday if I notch up as many years as my neighbours in Donegal I will have the same contentment.

Mary and Jack have been living next door to our holiday home for 15 years and it is hard to believe a time when they were not part of our lives. The couple are in their late 80s now, but when I first met them they had recently retired and moved to the country to slow down a bit, although at times they seemed to have a lot more energy than me. Driving up towards the house on a fine day we were guaranteed to see Jack painting, clearing the gutters or digging the garden. Mary would be waging her war against pine needles in the driveway or hanging out wet clothes to feed her washing addiction.

She was the mother hen, constantly bustling about, and he was the doting husband who hardly had to stir his tea. They could point out each other's shortcomings and contradict each other about facts or dates or how much work

they should be doing at their age. He had officially given up cigarettes before I met him, and Mary pretended not to notice the smell of tobacco when he returned from his 'walks'.

They accepted that if the bad habits had lasted for 60 years, they were with them forever, but that if their marriage had lasted 60 years the bad habits couldn't be that bad.

They had run a boarding house in their old lives and could never lose the habit of looking after people. Mary's concern about our nutritional deficiencies increased with each baby I brought to Donegal and now no trip is complete without a pot of chicken soup and some home made potato bread as well as various buns and tray bakes. She usually manages to sneak some trifle in too because I had mentioned 10 years ago that it was my favourite dessert. Once when I had been staying alone with my first born eight years ago, she used her spare key to bring me up breakfast in bed.

Before we head off on the three and a half hour journey home the children line up for their 'picnic' of fruit, buns, biscuits and sweets. I give her a big hug and wait for her to sprinkle some Holy Water on me for a safe journey and I promise to call her when we arrive to confirm that it has worked.

They were like the grandparents I don't remember and my children saw them more than their actual grandparents Their house was the first stop when they got out of the car after the long journey.

They were at the top table at my wedding and we were honorary family members at their 60th wedding anniversary.

The couple have slowed down a lot since we first met them and cancer and arthritis, among other illnesses have taken their toll. Over a year ago Jack's health deteriorated so badly that Mary could no longer care for him and he was moved to a nursing home 15 miles away. It is a well run and friendly place but Mary, who had never learned to drive, and now lives in a remote area without bus service is forced to rely on family and friends to get her in to see her husband.

Now our relationship has changed and while I would never be allowed to mother her, she has become more of a close friend than a family member. Many of my nights are spent 'next door' in front of her fire where she will give me advice on how to handle husbands, children and Christmas cakes. We talk of the increase of crime in the village (the shop window had been broken after a drunken brawl) or the whispered confidence that there were two drug addicts in the next town. She tells me who has passed on since my last visit and accepts it as part of the circle of life.

She will also, sometimes, let her guard down and admit she is lonely and 'gets down sometimes'. “But I shake myself and tell myself to count my blessings. I raised five children in troubled times and they all have good jobs and the police never had to darken my door. When you get to this age, you can't ask for anything

Treehouse Interiors

more,” she adds.

Sometimes I accompany her to visit Jack in the home and am shocked by how small he seems lying on top of the hospital bed. I attempt to speak to him as I used to but his understanding seems muffled by painkillers more than the hearing loss which has always been a part of his life. He tires easily and finds it difficult to stay awake after a certain time.

Last week, however, while he was smaller again and his cheeks seemed even more sunken, he was propped up and reading a book when we walked in. He recognised me instantly and smiled. He joined in the conversation and asked us to clarify or repeat something he had not quite understood.

The talk got on to the travels the couple had done in their later years. They talked about the pyramids of Egypt, (and the beggars), the dinner they had in a NATO canteen in Cyprus.

About cruises and coincidences and about the month they had spent visiting family all over America and how relieved they were when their host had to go to work and they could sit and drink tea and read books without having to be treated like a tourist. They recounted with pride how their five children took time out of their own busy lives to run the family business while they were away.

“We had some great holidays,” he said to her.

“We did,” she agreed. “We had a smashing life,” he added. “We did,” she replied and I saw her squeeze his hand. That was more touching and honest than any Hollywood blockbuster.

William Jordan, assistant manager of Ladbrokes, Carryduff presenting a cheque for £1,100 to Lesley Wright from Marie Curie Cancer Care. The money was raised through a variety of fund raising events held at the Carryduff branch of Ladbrokes. Also included is Derek Munroe.

B50-13-3-2-13

are branching out!

Our New Improved

Showroom and Workshop will be opening on 28/2/2014 at 19 Court Street, Newtownards.

INCORPORATING

NG SHAW Paint Spray Finishing Services

Wood Spraying Doors, Kitchens, Furniture etc and also: Chic Unique Furniture

John Gillespie GLASS

19 Court Street, Newtownards Tel: 028 9182 6979 • Mob: 07789 755888

COMPETITION

To Celebrate the Opening of Treehouse Interiors

Incorporating NG Shaw Wood Spraying Service and Chic Unique Furniture on 28/2/2014. We are giving you the opportunity to win a £50 Voucher!

Just simply bring the voucher below into our New Showroom at 19 Court Street, Newtownards or Spectator or Chronicle offices or email office treehouse to email address below and the lucky winner will be drawn on 10/3/2014.

Opening schedule: Friday 28th February - 2pm Official opening by Mayor and Guests • 11am - 2pm, Gillian Espey from Alan Espey Interiors • 3pm - 6pm, Rachel Robb from John Robb Interiors • Evening, Noctura Interiors Bangor. Saturday 1st March - 2pm Raymond from Wardens design team. Don’t miss out. Lots of Great New Stock and Opening Offers.

NAME:

Treehouse Interiors ‘Radiating Style and Quality’

PHONE No:

email address: competitions@spectatornewspapers.co.uk Just simply bring voucher into our New Showroom at 19 Court Street, Newtownards or Spectator or Chronicle offices or email office treehouse to email address above and the lucky winner will be drawn on 10/3/2014.

Usual competition rules apply.

WIN a £50 Voucher!

Flood funds JIM Shannon MP for Strangford has thanked DoE Minister Mark H Durkhan for putting into place the regulations for Council to pay out up to £1000 compensation to those homes that have been flooded due to the terrible storm of the last six weeks.

Mr Shannon said: “I had written to the DoE seeking their implementation of the regulations that gives authority to local councils to assist those worst hit by the storms.

“Over the last six weeks the residents of the Ards Peninsula have been badly hit. It may not be as well known that along with the tide walls and the roads, that some homes have been flooded due to high tides, some on more than one occasion.

“I was made aware that DoE have the power to enable local councils to administer help to those directly impacted.

“It is therefore time house-holders flooded out by the storm, get this assistance of up to £1000.

“Whilst not enough to cover the damage – every bit helps and I therefore call on householders to claim through the council if they have not already done so.”

Replacement glass & frames uPVC / aluminium / wood Misted units, condensation Handles, hinges & locks Bi-Fold doors Patio doors Call now for free, friendly and reliable advice

028 9146 2082 or 07713 081 781

27

March 2014

From a Tap to a Jacuzzi From a Sink to a Wet Room Quality Bathrooms @ Prices to Suit

Deal 1

Deal 2 An exceptiona quality bathro l at an afforda om ble price

The perfect all one package a in very competitivt a e price

Complete Bathroom Refurbishment

Complete Bathroom Refurbishment

£1699

£1999

Packages include: Bath, Pedestal Sink, Toilet, Taps & Tiles

Packages include: Bath, Pedestal Sink, Toilet, Taps & Tiles

Prices include - Supply, Installation & Wall or Floor Tiles Call for a FREE Quote

Splashy Bathrooms 07581 478946 55 Oughley Road, Saintfield BT24 7DB

www.splashybathrooms.com DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL

it Want to vis...

Showroom for Please callnt & appointmens directio

28

March 2014

EXTRA

Members of the Downriders Motorcycle Club, who are organising their third NSPCC Charity Ride-Out on Sunday 2 March. The club will take on a tour of the Ards Peninsula and are encouraging other motorcyclists to come along to raise vital funds for local NSPCC services.

Let’s ride for NSPCC

DALLAS ELECTRICAL & BOILER SERVICES

AROUND 50 members of the Downriders Motorcycle Club (Mcc) will be once again hitting the road for a good cause as they take on their third yearly NSPCC charity ride-out.

20%

O F F

BOOTCUT : STRAIGHT : SLIM INSTORE OR ONLINE Quote "hairy legs" Ends 20th March 2014

Duck and Cover Jeans South Street Newtownards

w w w. l i v e s t r e e t l i f e . c o m

The club will be taking their annual ride-out around the Ards Peninsula on Sunday 2 March and are encouraging other motorcyclists to take part to help raise funds for NSPCC Northern Ireland.

Brian Lyness from Downriders Mcc, along with the help from all the club members, is organising the event and wants to get as many people involved as possible. He told The Chronicle: “Our route takes in the beautiful Ards peninsula coming through Newtownards then onto Bangor. We would love to see the people of Bangor coming out to support us and cheer us on, so I would encourage anyone coming into the town at around 2:30/3:00pm to stop and see us as we ride down Main Street and High Street. Then we will be off to the Donaghadee Community Centre for complimentary refreshments – where everyone is welcome.

“The ride is open to everyone, including learner riders, and we have marshalls to look after all that come along. Last year we had over 200 participants take part, raising £1250.

The ride-out costs just £5 per bike setting off at 1pm from Donaghadee Bus Station.

"We are all looking forward to this annual event, which is growing steadily every year, and I must give a big thank you to the other motorcycle clubs that come to support us each year and to our sponsors Debutdrive of Newtownards. I also want to welcome individual riders to come down on the day and have a chat and a cuppa.”

The NSPCC teams in Northern Ireland provide a range of therapeutic services to children and families through their service centres and ChildLine, the NSPCC’s free 24 hour helpline for children and young people in need of help.

The teams also provide the young Witness for children and young people who are under 18 years old who have to attend court as witnesses and the innovative new ChildLine Schools Service, which delivers assemblies and workshops to primary school children about abuse, giving them the skills to protect themselves and showing them where to go to for help.

For more information contact Brian Lyness on 07584906766, via e-mail downridersmcc @hotmail.co.uk or visit the Downriders

PROFESSIONAL OIL FIRED BOILER SERVICING (Includes new nozzle and electronic efficiency testing and report)

PROMPT BREAKDOWN REPAIRS OFTEC Registered

ELECTRICAL WORK UNDERTAKEN Domestic & Commercial Rewires - New Builds - Alterations Electrical inspection reports carried out'

Approved Contractor Contact: David Dallas 07724 809 875 Bangor 028 9147 9248 Major credit cards accepted.

Are you living with a long term health condition?

(Arthritis, Epilepsy, MS, Parkinsons, Heart Disease, etc)

DO YOU OFTEN: HAVE PAIN? FEEL FATIGUED? FEEL STRESSED? WORRY ABOUT HOW YOU ARE GOING TO COPE? WE ARE HERE TO HELP We are delivering a FREE course in YOUR area which is designed to provide tools and techniques to help you manage your condition more effectively.

The course leaders have a Long Term Condition themselves and understand the difficulties you face.

Venue: Newtownards Leisure Centre, William Street Date: Thursday 13, 20, 27 March, 3, 10, 17 April Time: 2.00pm – 4.30pm We are also running a two week programme called Challenging Pain specifically for those people who are living with long-term chronic pain, as a result of their long term condition.

Venue: Portaferry Hotel, The Strand, Portaferry Date: Tuesday 25 March and 1 April Time: 10.00am -1.00pm This course has been funded by the Health and Social Care Board (South Eastern Area). If you are over 18 and would like to register for a FREE place on either of these courses contact Yvonne on 028 9078 2940 or email yvonnek@arthritiscare.org.uk Registered charity No. 206563/529321.

Transport may be available in certain circumstances.

29

March 2014

Advertising Feature

Natural Gas is coming to your area!

Did you know, in the past 12 months, natural gas has been consistently over 20% cheaper than home heating oil?

FUSION

Fusion Heating has been installing natural gas heating systems and associated products for many years in greater Belfast and North Down.

We have an excellent reputation built up from quality of service, genuine customer care and a dedicated team of highly skilled, proactive engineers.

Fusion Heating is a trusted partner - when you invite us into your home, we promise to be honest, straight-forward and approachable at all times.

We are pleased to advise that Phoenix Natural Gas now is extending their network to Donaghadee and to the Lord Wardens area in Bangor.

So, why switch to Phoenix Natural Gas? • • • • • •

With the constant supply of gas you will never need to worry about reordering or running out of fuel again; Getting rid of the oil tank frees up space in your garden; Instant heat and hot water when you want it means not having to wait for the hot tank to warm up; New “A” rated natural gas boilers are over 90% efficient, compared to around 60% for a boiler of around 15 years old; As well as heating your home, natural gas is great for cooking, tumble-drying, real flame fires and BBQs; Switching to natural gas could cut your homes carbon footprint in half, so helping the environment.

Fusion Heating is excited to be able to offer 0% finance to home-owners who wish to switch to Phoenix Natural Gas. To help local home-owners ask all the questions they want, and to see a range of products such as boilers, cookers, tumble-dryers and gas fires, we are hosting an Energy Roadshow in Donaghadee Community Centre on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd March. The Community Centre is easy to find - right on the sea-front, facing the harbour wall. Pop in any time from 10am to 4pm on either day.

In addition you can pick up information on Fusion Heating’s 0% finance offer, as well as information on Government grants to help you convert to natural gas.

Energy advisers from Fusion Heating will be available to answer questions process and book free, no obligation surveys of your property. Also, Energy Advisers from Phoenix Natural Gas will be available to explain the gas meter installation process.

We would be delighted to meet you on either Friday 21st or Saturday 22nd March. However, if you cannot make it to Donaghadee Community Centre on these dates, please feel free to call our office on 028 9044 9499 or email charlotte@fusionheating.co.uk and we will book a home visit at a time that suits you.

30

March 2014

First business awards launched for Newtownards THE business community of Ards gathered in Newtownards Town Hall recently to attend the launch of what is a first for the town, the Ards Business Awards, hosted by the Chronicle.

The Chronicle has teamed up with Ards Borough Council and the Newtownards Chamber of Trade, to host the inaugural awards in May. The awards’ ethos is to celebrate the best and brightest of Ards - from independent retailers, family businesses to young entrepreneurs.

At last Thursday’s launch, retailers and business owners learned that there are 12 award categories, each one carefully chosen to reflect all aspects of business in Ards and highlight the creativity and passion of the local business owners. Winners of four of the categories; Best Multiple Retailer, Best Independent Retailer, Best Eatery/Coffee Shop and Best Licensee will be selected via a mystery shopping process.

Finalists for the remaining seven categories; Volunteer of the Year, Young Businessperson of

the Year, Best New Business Award, Best Company to Work For, Investment in Health, Best Family Business and Best Business Website will be selected via a written application process.

The Mayor of Ards, Stephen McIlveen, said: “The Ards Borough has suffered its share of losses, but equally experienced its share of success in business, with many companies holding their own, others growing despite the downward trends and yet more starting up as entrepreneurs take on the challenges - and rewards - of self-employment.

“Their commitment, their achievements and their contributions to both the local and regional economies, deserve to be recognised and that is what these awards are about. Ards has much to be proud of in terms of their businesses; their excellence and their commitment to the community.

"There is no better time to focus on business excellence and highlight the achievements of our enterprises, than when we are collectively working hard to ensure investment in the Ards

Chronicle general manager, Stuart Kennedy and Mayor of Ards Stephen McIlveen with Gail Melmo from the Public Health Agency, sponsors of the Investment in Health Award. B14-13-2-14

Borough and to grow our economy. I am delighted that Ards Borough Council is the award's principal sponsor and has this opportunity to celebrate the success of our broad businesscommunity. I look forward to the outcome.”

The Mayor’s sentiments were echoed by General Manager of the Chronicle, Stuart Kennedy, who told guests assembled in the Londonderry Room that he had been left “overwhelmed” by the reaction to the awards, which will bring the best the borough has to offer to be fore.

“This is a positive event for the borough, ” he explained. “The Chronicle, together with the council and the chamber, wants to showcase all the wonderful businesses the borough has to offer. We appreciate the support that has been shown by all involved and it is clear that there is a drive to succeed.”

President of the Chamber of Trade, Leigh Nelson, said she was delighted the chamber is on board. “So much good is going on in the borough, with the innovation and good service

shown by local businesses. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate local businesses and how we can work together for the betterment of the town.”

The 12 category winners will be revealed at a gala evening on Friday, May 2 in Queen’s Hall, West Street where guests will enjoy a threecourse meal, the awards presentation, entertainment and after-party.

The nomination process involves completing an application form which can be found the Newtownards Chronicle each week.

The form can also be filled in online at www.ardsbusinessawards.com. Businesses interested in applying should fill out the application, selecting the award categories they wish to be considered for.

Further information on the application process, as well as deadline details, can be found in the information brochure and online.

In coming weeks, the Chronicle will be looking more indepth into the categories and what they mean to the local community.

LOSING HEAT THROUGH OLD OR INEFFECTIVE WINDOWS AND DOORS?

Let

DOLPHIN WINDOWS DOUBLE GLAZING, SINGLE GLAZING AND DECORATIVE GLASS

SORT IT!

Mayor of Ards Stephen McIlveen and Chronicle general manager, Sgt David Lindsey representing the PSNI, sponsors of Best Licensee Stuart Kennedywith Ards Shopping Centre manager Ken McGavock, Award with Mayor of Ards Stephen McIlveen and Chronicle general sponsors of Best Multiple Retailer Award. B16-13-2-14 manager, Stuart Kennedy. B17-13-2-14

Misted units replaced in pvc/wood or aluminium frames.

Velux windows,broken handles,letter boxes and door locks replaced.

Stained glass made to order.

Custom designed leadwork and sandblasting.

Safety glass,fire glass and mirrors.

Protective window films.

Domestic and commercial enquiries welcome.

Contact us on Tel: 07966 926 821 Or email markbeggs06@btinternet.com

Mayor of Ards Stephen McIlveen, Chronicle general manager, Stuart Mayor of Ards Stephen McIlveen and Chronicle general manager, Kennedy and Leigh Nelson from Newtownards Chamber of Trade with Stuart Kennedy with Stephen Hughes from Hughes Insurance, James Foote, Ulster Bank Newtownards branch manager, sponsors of Best Business Website Award.

B19-13-2-14 sponsors of Best Company to Work for Award. B20-13-2-14

31

March 2014

MK Creations Bespoke Handmade Kitchens

Pop up socket in store

Boiling Tap Operating in store

at factory prices

3D Kitchen Design

Don’t pick your kitchen-create it

108 High St, Bangor 02891 800682 07803 189 728

We carry out kitchen facelifts and refurbishments

www.mkcreations.co.uk Are you planning building works to include a new kitchen?- employ MKConstruction for a complete package and make substantial savings.

For more information -

www.mkconstruction.org.uk

32

EXTRA

March 2014

Members of St Patrick's Indoor Bowling Club pictured attending their opening night of the indoor season.

258/97-2

On Tuesday December 19th 1972, parents and friends of Ballykiegle Primary School enjoyed a performance of 'Sleeping Beauty' written by the principal Miss Shannon.

262/44-1

Rev Adam Stewart, chaplain, pictured with members of Ballygowan Presbyterian Church who attending the opening of the church’s indoor bowling season. 259/68-2

Some of the savers from Academy Primary School, Saintfield, pictured with their 30 year certificate of merit presented to the school by Mr R Jones, MBE, vice-chairman of the Co. Down Savings Committee. Also included are, Mr J.McIlhanney, principal and Mrs WL Wallace, school group secretary.

260/16-1

Mrs FWA Bell, wife of the Rector, officially opens the new indoor season at St Andrew's Parish Church, Ballyeasboro.

259/80-3

Mr W Scott, Town Clerk of Newtownards Borough Council presenting Mr John Lennie, assistant, with a portable radio on behalf his council colleagues. Mr Lennie will shortly be taking up his new post as Assistant Secretary of the Pigs Marketing Board. 258/77-1

EXTRA 33

March 2013

Living lightly

What you believe TO BE contented and successful in creating the life and career of your dreams, you have to believe that you are capable of making it happen. You have to believe in Yourself – pure and simple.

Whether you call it self-confidence, self-esteem, or self-assurance, it is a deep-seated belief that you have what it takes – the abilities, inner resources, talents and skills to create your desired results. Sounds simple, eh? And it is, honestly.

BELIEVING IN YOURSELF IS AN ATTITUDE

TRUDY ARTHURS ...is a professional, certified coach from Holywood, accredited with the Association for Coaching. She is a certified Executive and Career coach, and has recently joined the faculty of the Academy of Executive Coaching in London.

Visit: www.dancingleopards.com

Believing in yourself is a choice. Pure and simple. It is an attitude you develop over time.

Although it helps if you had positive and supportive parents, the fact is that most of us had parents who simply did the best they could, and inadvertently passed on to us the same limiting beliefs and negative conditioning they grew up with.

But remember, the past is past, over, done with.

There is no payoff for blaming them, or any other ‘source’ for your current level of selfconfidence. It’s now your responsibility to take charge of your own concept and your beliefs.

You must choose to believe that you can do anything you set your mind to – ANYTHING AT

ALL – because, in fact, you can. If you assume in favour of yourself, and act as if it is possible, then you will do the things that are necessary to bring about the result.

Equally – if you believe it is impossible, you will not do what is necessary, and you will not produce the result. A self-fulfilling prophecy.

YOU HAVE TO GIVE UP “I CAN’T” If you are going to be successful, whatever that means for you, you need to give up the phrase “I can’t”, and other similar statements: “I wish I were able to,” “if only I could.”

These types of words and phrases, actually disempower you. They literally make you physically, mentally and emotionally weaker when you say or think them. Your brain is designed to solve any problem and reach any goal that you give it. The words you think and say actually affect your body.

When you were a toddler there was no stopping you. You thought you could climb up on anything. No barrier was too big for you to attempt to overcome. But little by little, your sense of invincibility is conditioned out of you by the emotional and physical conditioning that surrounds you and that you inadvertently take on board - until you no longer believe you can.

It’s your responsibility to remove “I can’t” (and its relations) from your vocabulary. Every limiting belief we have about ourselves is a lie.

A lie that we always have a choice about.

DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME BELIEVING YOU CAN’T

Don’t waste your time until you’re too old to decide that you can do anything you want. Don’t waste years of your life. Decide that you are capable of doing anything you want, and start working towards it now.

WHAT OTHERS THINK ABOUT YOU IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS

If having others believing in you and your dream was a requirement for success, most of us would never accomplish anything. You need to base your decisions about what you want to do on your goals and desires – not the goals, desires, opinions and judgements of your parents, friends, spouse, children and coworkers. Quit worrying what other people think about you and follow your heart.

Yes, this will cause waves and disturbance – so what? Just for now, show yourself the evidence that you are starting to believe in yourself.

Today.

Thanks for reading. Send your thoughts and doings to trudy@dancingleopards.com Tel: 07810 511 600. I’d love to hear from you. © Dancing Leopards Ltd. All rights reserved.

Home visit from opticians - a sight for sore eyes!

Kelly Hinds and Hannah Young about to set off for Optomise. B42-20-2-14

Free eye test at Home • Fully qualified, experienced, friendly opticians • Complete spectacle dispensing service • Free delivery, fitting and aftercare

To arrange your free eye test at home call

optomise freephone

0800 5878 248

A NEWTOWNARDS optician’s firm which makes home visits to those who cannot visit a high street optician unaccompanied due to physical or mental disability is striving to break down the barrier preventing such people from making use of the service - the barrier of cost - which is in fact freely funded by the NHS to 99.9 percent of clients.

The Chronicle went along on Tuesday morning to meet two former Boots Opticians from Newtownards and Killinchy who identified the niche for a company, which would solely address the needs of the elderly, dementia suffers and those that suffer with other illnesses by providing a province-wide service for eye tests at the clients’ own home or nursing home.

Optomise is the brainchild of Newtownards man William Stockdale and his former colleague Len Telford from Killinchy.

The firm’s modern business premises are situated at Jubilee Road, Newtownards which accommodates the two directors and their 24strong staff.

Entering Optomise there was a vibrant buzz

domiciliary eye care.

“They know a wee bit about Domiciliary Care, which is support with personal care and other practical household tasks to frail or ill people, to live independently in their own homes.

“We opened in 1999. I had worked for approximately fourteen years in Boots at Ards Shopping Centre and for a time at Forestside.

People came into Boots and asked ‘could you come and do an eyetest on my mum at home’.

We used to refer them to Brian Douglas’ former practice in Newtownards as he did domiciliary visits once a month. He did a great job but there was only a certain number he could see until the next month.

“We were aware of an English company which was doing nothing but domiciliary eye care and using the right equipment, backed up by the correct skills and techniques - they were seeing people in their own homes.”

It was this that influenced William and Len in 1999 to set up their own business in High Street, Newtownards.

“We had a girl from the YTP Scheme and we

optomise eyecare

inaccessible to us.

“The work we do covers mainly elderly people. To have an eye test at home you have to be in position that you can’t come out and have the eye test. This is funded by the NHS and a large number of people with dementia also use our service.

“This is important because eye tests are allocated for approximately half an hour and sometimes it takes longer. Also the person in their own environment is more relaxed and in control depending on their level of dementia.

It also gives us the chance to look at the environment and take into consideration the lighting, carpets and things that pose risks to their visual view and we can advise them on what changes to make.”

William stressed: “Our service is free for everyone over 60 or on benefits. There may be an example that a guy in his 50s with Parkinson’s Disease, who is a company director has a home eye test because of his disability. He is the exception when it comes to paying for part of his treatment.”

Highlighting Optomise’s input to care homes, he added: “If someone has a mini stroke the victim may lose half their sight and because this is an event in the brain they may not be able to see on one side.

“There are 300 care homes across Northern Ireland and we have seen huge links between people’s behaviour due to their eye sight after a TIA with regard to how they prepare to walk to the bathroom and their levels of aggression for example, which have mistakenly been put down to deteriorating dementia.”

It is no surprize that Optimise is a prizewinning company and has received a number of accolades for its contribution to Dementia Services. In November the company was presented with the Dementia Services Development Award acknowledging the Newtownards firm as a leading authority on practical ways to help if you have dementia.

William said: “This is a very difficult area of optometry and there are times we are working in a very challenging environment but this is very rewarding when, for example, we see a change for the better in people who have not had their eyes tested in years.”

The firm has also won awards for Practice of the Year and Community Practice of the Year and William said that has been great for morale stating: “It is really funny, we forget how a good a team we have but when we won these awards the girls downstairs were ecstatic.

34

March 2014

EXTRA

Classifieds

Building Services & Repairs

J.T.K

KITCHEN UPDATE replace • refresh • renew

Joinery & Building

10 Kitchen Doors + 4 Drawer Fronts MEASURED, SUPPLIED AND FITTED

on full kitchen refurbishments with this voucher

FOR ONLY

£499

(Normally £699)

(Terms and conditions apply)

Tel: (028) 9048 0014 Mob: 07527 232 708 BASED IN DUNDONALD www.kitchenupdateni.co.uk

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Doors Fitted Soild Wood & Laminate Floors Skirting Boards & Archetrives Kitchen & Bedroom Units Fitted Kitchen Doors & Worktops Upgraded Flatpack Units Assembles & Fitted Fencing & Decking All Types of Roofing New or Repair uPVC Fascia Boards, Soffit & Guttering Roofspace Conversions Extension & Renovations All Types of House Repairs

No Job too Small or too Big Guaranteed Quality Workmanship •30 YEARS + EXPERIENCE IN BUILDING TRADE FREE Estimates Mobile : 07739 490 890 or 0739 987 737 Tel: (after 6 p.m.): 028 9756 4223 or 028 4483 1069

AFFORD-A-BUILD

Professional Plasterer Available Keen Rates and all work guaranteed

Phone Paul on 07860 491 679 Paul Montgomery

BUILDING & PLASTERING DON’T WANT WAL L PAPER ?

Old and damaged walls professionally skimmed, ready to paint ALL BUILDING, DOUBLE GLAZING, PLASTERING AND RENOVATION WORK, INCLUDING PATIOS OTHER GARDENING WORK UNDERTAKEN All types of work undertaken including storm damage and insurance work

ALSO Patios and Sunrooms Phone for a FREE estimate

028 9147 2649 - 07733 185 668

SCRABO TAR CONTRACTS Brick Paving, Tarmac, Patios, Steps, Fences, Sealing.

Fully Insured 15 Years Experience Call Paul Allen: Tel: 028 9146 5527 07561 411892 / 07526 238403

HOME REPAIR & MAINTENANCE SPECIALISTS AT VERY AFFORDABLE PRICES - FROM £25.

CLADMASTER Roofing & Building Maintenance • New roofs, slate, concrete, fibre, cement, rubber, butyl flat roofs • Roofing & Building Maintenance • Chimney repointing & lead flashing • Aluminium seamless guttering • UPVC soffit & fascias • UPVC windows & doors • Reglazing • Conservatories & refurbishments

KnockBuilding.co.uk • All building and House Repairs Undertaken • Joinery - Plastering • Roof Repairs - P.V.C Windows & Facia • Repointing is our Specialty • Previous work can be inspected ALL WORK GUARANTEED Please visit our website

T: 028 9048 1772 M: 07563 947769

Tel. Michael 9145 5603 or 07724 299 998

WH Roofing

Slates, Tiles and Pots Replaced, Chimneys and Ridge Tiles Repointed, All Gutter Work, Cowls Fitted, All Sewer Work KEENEST RATES AND FREE ESTIMATES

Phone: 028 90 282 063 Mob: 077 6553 8209

Concreting Floors & Driveways, Plastering, Window Replacement, Garages, Porches, Walls Built, Roof Repairs, Pointing

Contact Jonny 079 5586 8307

No Job too Small

Guttering & Butyl Flat Roofing & Extensions • No job too small • Estimates Free • Warranted Builder

Tel: 028 9147 9186 or 07788 120 379

Est. 1979

Bangor 9145 0528 anytime

JOINERY

ALL ASPECTS OF JOINERY & HOME IMPROVEMENTS

r EFDLJOH r EPPST GSBNFT r GFODJOH r LJUDIFOT r TLJSUJOH CPBSET r TUBJSDBTFT r XPPEFOáPPST r áBUQBDLT • loft ladders

803,."/4)*1 (6"3"/5&&% FOR A NO OBLIGATION FREE QUOTATION

Tel: 028 9186 1508 Mob: 07850 946 747 $43 3FHJTUFSFE r $3# "QQSPWFE

www.brianblakelycontractsni.co.uk

B L AKELY Fully Qualified • CSR Approved • Fully Insured Plastering, Skimming, Plasterboarding Domestic & Commercial Tidy, Punctual & Reasonable All work Guaranteed For a Free Quotation

Doors, Floors, Fencing and Flatpacks

J&R PROPERTY REPAIRS

JONATHAN LEWIS JONATHAN LEWIS

Tel: 9186 3556 Mob: 07926 186 539

25 Years experience in the building trade.

No Big overheads, saves you money.

Extensions and Renovations.

Damp problems - No problem.

Chimney & Roof Repairs. Gutters & drains cleared & repaired.

All joinery work and repairs.

Plastering and brick work.

Cracked windowsills repaired / replaced Fence / gates / sheds repaired.

TARMAC DRIVEWAY SPECIALISTS • Paths & Parking Areas • Brick Pavng Steps & Walls • Digger Hire • Kerbing & Alterations • Sealing & Spraying of Driveways FREE ESTIMATES - FULLY INSURED email brian@blakelycontracts.co.uk 07836 290234

028 9186 1736

Newtownards

JOINERY TILING ROOFING FLOORS ROOF CONVERSIONS

Tel: 077 1116 2828 HOME IMPROVEMENTS & MAINTENANCE Doors, Floors, Skirting, Decking, Fencing, Kitchens, Shopfitting, Flatpack Assembly etc.

25 Years Experience • FREE ESTIMATES Call James: 07826

926408

EXTRA CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS Tel: 9145 6007

Top Notch Joinery THE DOOR SPECIALIST 4 Internal Doors from £225.

Supplied & Fitted All Joinery work undertaken.

Free Estimates.

Reliable Service Call 9587/07775 Call 9188 9147 1437 / 07775 500720 500720

Tuition

PRIVATE TUITION with experienced Teacher

ABBEY GARAGE DOOR SERVICES OF NORTH DOWN Garage Door Repairs and Servicing New Cables, Locks, Springs etc.

Tel: 07747 065 343

Cambridge Graduate: English Literature and Language, Politics, History, Sociology and Religious Studies to A2/Degree Levels.

English as a Foreign Language

028 9042 3261 or 07816 327 974

35

March 2014

Gardening

Plumbing & Heating

Bangor Oil Boiler Services

07851 354 055

RPC

doubleM landscapes

All the trades under one roof, let us take the stress out of your landscaping, maintenance or building project, with our team of skilled and certified tradesmen.

• Fencing and decking • Patios and paving

Landscaping • Building • Plumbing Joinery • Electrical • Plastering • Painting General Repairs to full builds - we do it all Telephone Paul: 07868 733 250

• Lawn maintenance • Pressure washing • Driveway restorations

Prompt local reliable installer of:

• Hedge and conifer maintenance

• NEW HIGH EFFICIENCY OIL BOILERS Call for Free Estimate • BOILER SERVICING With Efficiency Test included

SHOWER FIX (N.I.)

BRIAN EVANS OIL-COAL-STOVES OIL-COAL-STOVES-SOLAR

Tel. 07850 464 830

Oil Boiler and Natural Gas Oil Services, Installation and breakdown andServicing renewal.

Linked systems a speciality

Clean and efficient workmanship www.bevansph.com 50 Gregstown Park, N’ards

QUALITY DESIGN • SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION since 1977 All trades. Unbeatable prices. Old suite recycled.

LEAKING SHOWER?? HEATING SYSTEM BALANCE?? SEWERS??

DRIPPING TAPS • FAULTY TOILETS • RADIATORS • SINKS www.cliffordbrownbathrooms.co.uk or just google it - leaking showers Belfast

BANGOR 07850 464 830 • 028 4277 2891

Oil Tanks • Bathrooms • Power Flushing etc.

Contact James on 07894 525 656 All aspects of Plumbing and Heating work undertaken.

EXTRA CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS Tel: 9145 6007

Aran Carson, 9 Beatrice Road, Bangor. Co. Down Tel: 9145 8719 Mobile: 07708 468 988

Glendarragh NOW BOOKING REGULAR GRASS CUTTING

FROM

£5

BANGOR, CO.DOWN

Find us on Facebook, KSplumbing

Promote your Service or Business with an advert in the

PLUMBING & HEATING

Commercial work welcome

T: 07780 550 018 CONTRACT WORK WELCOME

GARDEN & TREE SERVICES Regular grass cutting and one off cuts Hedges, Shrubs trimmed

Conifers faced & topped Trees pruned or illed

Excellent Work, Excellant Prices FREE ESTIMATES

Tel: 028 9147 8322 or Mob: 077 11538221 Lawn Care • Garden Maintenance Grass & Hedge Cutting • Fencing • Tree Surgery Fully Qualified and Insured

Contact Niall 07703807848 www.fromthegrounduplandscapes.com info@fromthegrounduplandscapes.co.uk

ARDS LANDSCAPES PAVING, FENCING & LAWN LAYING LOW MAINTENANCE GARDENS HEDGE AND TREE PRUNING RHS QUALIFIED

Phone 028 9182 0424 or 07746 228 760 HO AD US DI EH TIO OL N D AL FU EL S

Greenday Garden Services Winter Tidy ups.

Snow Clearance.

Hedges cut and tidied.

Conifers topped, trimmed and felled.

All Tree Services.

Fencing and Powerwashing.

Miscellaneous

Free Quote Phone Glenn 07907 527 903

B RYA N S B U R N

THE

BAR & GRILL

10% Discount to over 60s

EXTRA CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS Tel: 9145 6007

TEL 028 9127 0173

Business Services

LOGS • DE-ICING SALT 274 Bangor Road, Newtownards BT23 7PH Tel: 028 9182 0422 Mob: 07712 557373 www.landscapesuppliesni.co.uk

www.stevenharrison.co.uk

Practical & Proactive accounting helping you to cut costs, claim all your allowances and save tax

t: 028 9146 4263 M: 07999 334 536

www.oboyleaccounting.com Tel 07725 613 308 or 028 9145 3212

Wanted Articles

WANTED FOR SPOT CASH Greens 85A Moss Road, Ballygowan. BT23 6LF

Contact our advertising team

Modern old fashioned or antiques bought.

House contents cleared. Good clean Chesterfield Suites Fridges, Washing Machines, Paintings Tables and Chairs etc etc.

Also scrap gold, silver, copper, brass, lead bought.

Bangor Blue Slates If we can sell it, we will buy it

on 028 9145 6007

Ring 028 9181 3437 Mobile 07860 547578 • 07543 981815

EXTRA

Call Neill 07833 502 513

Sticks • Turf • Firewood

www.ksplumbing.org 07970 507581

• Tree thinning/pruning • Conifers/hedges trimmed & shaped • Tree felling & stump removal • All Debris removed from site • No job to small • FREE estimates

Free estimate Call Michael

Specialising in: • Oil to Gas Heating Conversions • Complete Bathroom Refurbs • Domestic and Light Commercial

CL VERHILL

All work carried out by NPTC Certified Arborists

view ards-landscapes.co.uk • Oil Boiler - Service £45 • Repairs and Replacements • Stoves and Flues • HETAS Trained Installer • Powerflushing Service Available • Grant Work Undertaken

email: rpcbuildingni@aol.com www.rpc-building-landscaping.co.uk

TREE AND GROUND SERVICES

Tel: 9181 0640/9181 9136

CLIFFORD BROWN!!

BATHROOMS TO PERFECTION

Oil Fired Boiler Services from £30

07859 075 053/028 9185 3783

All household plumbing and heating repairs and replacements

Proper Shower Repairs Since 1977

Perfect Plumbing & Heating

Free estimates - Tel: Jonathan

GardenServices.co.uk

• BOILER BREAKDOWNS • REPLACEMENT OIL TANKS AND REPLACEMENT TANK SIGHT GLASSES

BUILDING and LANDSCAPING

Friendly and Professional Gardening Services for Belfast, North Down and the Ards area. visit www.hortify.com for more information

David J Bennett & Co Chartered Certified Accountants 9 Londonderry Ave Comber, Newtownards BT23 5ES 13 North St, Newtownards BT23 4DE

Offers a Full Range of Accounting Services.

Including Accounts, Tax, Audit, Payroll Processing and VAT Contact David 028 91 878563 Mobile: 079 6997 8774 davidjamesbennett@googlemail.com All our services are reliable, professional and offered on a friendly basis

36

March 2014

Painting & Decorating

For Sale

4 Verticals ONLY ÂŁ150

CASCADE BLINDS

Verticals ONLY ÂŁ195 4 PVC Blackout

25% OFF ALL OTHER BLINDS

4 VERTICALS ÂŁ140

Any size FREE fitting

ANY SIZE

Telephone: 91 45 57 22

Free Quotation

www.abbecoblindsbangor.co.uk

‘Interior and Exterior All Types of Spraying’

Contact: 078 0395 8432 or 028 9188 2233

SLIDING MIRROR WARDROBES Gavin McCormick

also WOOD EFFECT VENETIANS, WOOD VENETIANS & ROLLERS AVAILABLE AT EXCELLENT PRICES

3 LOWER BALLOO ROAD, BANGOR BT19 6LU TEL. 9188 8118

Free Fitting

Painting & Decorating

EVENING APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

+MACHINE WASHABLE

ONLY

John Moore & Sons

Any size - Selected Fabrics FREE fitting

Vat8ft Free 12 ÂŁ640 ft. from from ÂŁ735 plus fitting fitting Including

SHOWROOM: 21K Enterprise Road, Bangor (Beside TK Motors) Tel. 9147 0272 Tues-Fri. 9am-5pm; Sat. 9am-1pm

DIAMOND BEDROOM SYSTEMS

Painting & Decorating All aspects of paint & decorating work carried out.

Power Washing Service Also Available Please ring mobile no: 07708 651 129

Houston Decor The Apollo House Est 1982 BLINDS

North Down’s leading blind manufacturer

Painting and Decorating Contractors

HOME of

BLINDS

Proprietor David Shields

BIG DISCOUNT ON WOOD VENETIANS 3 VERTICALS From ÂŁ119 FITTED APOLLO HOUSE, 66 FRANCES STREET, NEWTOWNARDS

Tel: 028 9181 4998

WOODEN VENETIANS

ROLLER BLINDS

ROMAN BLINDS

ÂŁ160

4

VERTICAL BLINDS FROM (choice of fabrics and colours)

(028) 9145 7772 Unit 55 Dunlop Commercial Park, Balloo Drive, Bangor

TV & Electrical

DVV

‡ 6A7(//,7( ,16TALLA7,216 6.Y +'

‡ +20( &,1(0A 6281' ,16TALLATIONS ‡ 6833LY ,16TALL 3/$60A /&' TVS DIGITAL-VOICE-VISION ‡ 7(/(3+21( (;7(16,216 029(6

Cabling Ltd

TV & Electrical

EXTRA Contact our advertising team

Extensive range of Vertical fabrics including easy wipe and solar coated for conservatories and offices. Large selection of Roller and Roman blind fabrics including designer ranges and black out. Real Wood and Wood Effect Venetians, Pleated blinds and Velux Roof Window blinds.

Visit our showroom or for an in-home consultation phone:

‡ 79 $(5,$/6 ‡ 57( ‡ )0

Promote your Service or Business with an advert in the

ELECTROCARE Repairs to Repairs to WASHING COOKERS MACHINES, WASHING COOKERS, MACHINES INSTALLATION,etc.

on 028 9145 6007

For ALL your STORAGE & SELF STORAGE Business / Commercial / Domestic Keenest Rates Guaranteed!

Call now! - 028 9145 6222 www.mcgimpseys.com McGIMPSEY BROTHERS (REMOVALS) LIMITED

DIG

7(/

0RE www GYYFDEOLQJ FRP %((&+),(/' &5(6&(17 %$1*25

Bill & Ben

Installations, Sales and Repairs of • Digital Aerials & Satellite Systems • BBC, RTE, FM • Sky + HD • Freesat • CCTV IAL MEN R E  A E TH • LCD TV Fitting and Wall Tracking

N’ards 028 9182 0528

Mobile: 07850 642 082

07729 065 967 Private or Industrial Over 30 Years Experience Free Estimates

SI Decor INTERIOR & EXTERIOR WORK (Over 30 years experience)

All aspects of Painting and Decorating undertaken Fully Insured • Free Estimates

Removals

VALUE REMOVALS AND JUNK DISPOSAL REMOVALS - Single Items to Full House Moves From only £15 • Help with dismantling and re-assembly • Collections and Deliveries • Short Notice • Furniture - Flatpacks etc., delivered and assembled

Junk and Rubbish Disposal from ÂŁ10 Trades & Services

WINTER OFFER

F OFIALS 0 AER ÂŁ1ITAL

Painting • Decorating • Wallpapering

SECURE STORAGE ... and it’s on your doorstep!

Sky Digital & Aerial Specialist Multiroom Link Ups, RTE, FM & Free View Aerials, Dish Resites, Moving Home, Phone Extensions, Foreign Satellite & BT Vision FREE ESTIMATES - INSTALLATIONS

N. Crozier

email: s.i-decor@hotmail.co.uk

Tel. T. CAULFIELD Bangor 9147 2145 or M. 07753 708998 anytime

DB 9147 3440/07706 598672 SATELLITE SERVICES

07872 580 994

Tel: 028 9127 0733 Mob: 07889 532 297

Storage

etc.

NoINSTALLATION call out charge

Contact David Black:

Private & Commercial CSR Registered Fully Insured Specialist in new builds/contract work ★ Rooms from ÂŁ79 inc paint Multi-room Discount Call now for a free competitive quote

• House - Garage and Garden Clearance

Available Anytime - including weekends

Tel Ian 07545 549 142 or 028 9187 8191 Freeview & RTE aerials installed Satellites installed & repaired Extra phone points installed FreeSat, Freeview & Sky multipoint systems Plasma & LCD tv’s wall mounted Fully insured Same day service Top quality materials (no rust) CAI Trained Installer

Tel Paul: 07962 726 835

Fixed Price Assembly

NO JOB TOO SMALL

www.valueremovals.co.uk

9145 1666 Flat Pack Solutions Hassle free Flat Pack Construction Contact us for a free quote 028 9146 4079 / 07766 131 293 www.flatpacksolutions.com email: sales@flatpacksolutions.com

N A V A L DIA A L   S E R V I C E S REMOV

item to From one removals e s u o h ll fu

Mob: 07774 633 418

37

March 2014 Motor Vehicles

Cars / Small Vans - All Makes / Models Welcome

Geoffrey Vannucci (Former supervisor, at Lindsay Ford Rapid Fit, Bangor)

26 Balloo Drive, Bangor. BT19 7QY

t: 07921 464 971 e: gsc.autofix@gmail.com

WIN AN OIL AND FILTER CHANGE* Book your FREE MoT Check and simply present this voucher to be entered into our free prize draw.

Closing date 31st May 2014 *

up to 2 litres

CTS COMBER TYRE SERVICES ADVERTISING FEATURE

PART WORN TYRE SPECIALISTS TYRES, BATTERIES, EXHAUSTS, BRAKES, SERVICING, MOT PREPARATION, ALL WORK CARRIED OUT

81 Killinchy Road, Comber, BT23 5LX Tel: 028 9187 2455 or 07813 010791

GOLDEN YEAR AND RECORD MONTH AT REGENCY CARS!!

S Donnan & Son TYRES - BRAKES - SERVICING

Ê

SERVICING FROM £55 WITH THIS VOUCHER

Building Services & Repairs Home Improvements & Maintenance. Tel: 078 2692 6408 J B Engineering (NI) Ltd. Tel: 028 91 274742 or 077 1180 0850 Paul Montgomery Building & Plastering.

Tel: 028 91472649 or 077 33185668 Scrabo Tar Contracts.

Tel: 075 6141 1892 or 075 2623 8403 Top Notch Joinery. Tel: 028 91 889587 or 07775 500 720 WH Roofing. Tel: 028 90 282063 or 077 6553 8209

Removals Dial-A-Van Removal Services. Tel: 028 91 451666 or 07774 633

Storage McGimpsey Brothers Secure Storage. Tel: 028 91 456222

TV & Electrical Bill & Ben The Aerial Men. Tel: 028 91 820528 or 078 5064 2082 DB Satellite Services.

Tel: 028 91 473440 or 077 0659 8672 DVV Cabling Ltd. Tel: 028 91 271754 or 079 6610 2104 Electrocare. Tel: 077 5370 8998 Picture Perfect: Tel: 079 6272 6835

For Sale

1A Windmill Row, Newtownards. BT23 7DZ

028 9181 2045 s.donnan@msn.com :: www.sdonnan.co.uk

Diamond Bedroom Systems. Tel: 028 91 470272

Painting & Decorating Gavin McCormick Painting & Decorating.

Tel: 077 0865 1129 John Moore & Sons Painting & Decorating.

Tel: 078 0395 8432 or 028 91 882233 N Crozier Painting & Decorating. Tel: 077 2906 5967

Motor Vehicles

EXTRA

Scrap Cars. Tel: 07588 600 220

Classifieds get results

DOWN GARAGE EQUIPMENT SERVICES

t: 028 9044 8184

www.downgarageequipment.co.uk

Plumbing & Heating A.C. Boiler Services.

Tel: 028 91 458719 or 077 0846 8988 Brian Evans Plumbing & Heating. Tel: 028 91 810640 or 028 91 819136.

Clifford Brown Bathrooms. Tel: 028 427 72891 or 078 5046 4830 Perfect Plumbing & Heating. Tel: 078 9452 5656 Shower Fix (NI). Tel: 028 427 72891 or 07850 464830

Gardening Glendarragh Garden Services. Tel: 077 8055 0018 Landscape Supplies.

Tel: 028 91 820422 or 077 1255 7373 MR ROTAVATOR Garden Services Tel: 91478322 or 07711538221

CALL INTO OUR SHOWROOM OR ORDER FROM NEW WEBSITE

Suppliers of: Teng tools, ABAC Air Compressors. Sales, installation & servicing of all garage workshop equipment.

For full details and T&C contact: Alan or Paul on 028 9044 8184 or 07711 126788 / 07843 350071 Email:sales@downgarageequipment.co.uk

What a start for Regency Cars in 2014! Firstly, Regency Cars has had the busiest month in their 48 year history in January when they sold a staggering total of 117 new and used cars.

This was a 30% increase on last January and the increase has been mirrored by orders taken for Febuary and March making the start to 2014 very exciting.

To continue with the great news for Regency Cars they have once again been awarded the LION GUILD OF GOLD award for the third time in four years.The prestigous award is only given to the top preforming 25 Peugeot dealers in the uk and with over 275 dealers, thats quite an achievement.The award is based on sales, service and of great importance to Regency Cars, customer service within the dealership. Nigel

Hegan (dealer principle) said,"We are thrilled with the successes of January. To sell well over 100 vehicles for the first time in our history is a phenomenal achievement. I think our success can be attributed to a combination of factors: the Peugeot model mix has never been more exciting or better value, we have increased our sales team from two sales executives to four so that we can give a better and more professional sales experience and along with the extra sales staff we have also increased our late nights from Tuesday to Thursday, now opening from Monday through to Thursday night. This gives the customer better choice for visiting Regency Cars.

To join in the success story first hand, see why Regency have broken all previous records, and for all the latest new and used car offers please visit regencycars.net or phone 028 9181 4581.

PREMIER VALETING • 07834 735 293 • VEHICLE SERVICING AND REPAIRS

WHY NOT LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

www.facebook.com/pages/Down-Garage-Equipment-Services/136018449753396

Authorised Dealer Sales & Service 07711 126788 / 028 90 448184

Telephone: 028 9181 0500 Unit 1, Glenford Way, Newtownards BT23 4BX

TYRES & BATTERIES

JIM

M

We use MAHA diagnostic and testing equipment as used by the MOT Centre

RR

W

CAR, COMMERCIAL, PLANT

Open: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat 8 a.m.-noon Family run business with over 30 years experience . Knowledgeable & Honest Service & Advice

9754 1637

59 Lisbarnett Road, Comber

s Fo r all yo ur Va let ing Ne ed

New 2 stage Autoglym paint restore and correction service available Special Rates for Trade and Fleet

56A Balloo Road, Bangor

SCRAP CARS ES VANS, MoT FAILUR LY LIFTED IMMEDIATE All disposable documents completed Other vehicles considered Call Billy on - 07588 600 220

FOR ALL YOUR LOCAL MOTORING NEEDS

EXTRA Keeps you in touch with all your local dealers.

38

March 2014

kia.co.uk

The new ‘VR7’ range

from £8,795^

plus 3 years’ servicing for £99

Picanto 3-dr ‘VR7’ from

£8,795

Inc. £750 customer saving

4.9% APR Representative* No minimum deposit

£11,095

Inc. £1,000 customer saving

4.9% APR* No minimum deposit

£13,995

†

Inc. £1,000 customer saving

4.9% APR* £1,000 deposit contribution

To che heck ck outt all our u offfer e s an nd to t see wha at ou o r cu usttomerrs ar a e sayiing, vi visi s t us si u at kia.co kii co.uk k

Downeys Kia

39 Portaferry Road, Newtownards BT23 8NN 028 9181 2525

10, 000 Fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the new Kia ‘VR7’ range are: Urban 32.1 (8.8) – 52.3 (5.4), Extra Urban 53.3 (5.3) – 78.5 (3.6), Combined 42.8 (6.6) – 67.3 (4.2). CO2 emissions are 148 – 99 g/km.

MPG figures are official EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. 7 year /100,000 mile manufacturer’s warranty. For terms and exclusions visit kia.co.uk or see your local dealer. Price, Reevoo score and number of reviews correct at time of going to press and specification is subject to change without notice. Quote taken from Kia customer reviews. Directly comparable quotes occur across the Kia range. ^Models shown: Picanto 3-dr ‘VR7’ 1.0 68bhp 5-speed manual @ £8,795 including customer saving of £750 and excluding optional metallic paint at £455; Rio 5-dr ‘VR7’ 1.25 84bhp 5-speed manual @ £11,095 including customer saving of £1,000 and excluding optional metallic paint at £455; cee’d 5-dr ‘VR7’ 1.4 98bhp 6-speed manual @ £13,995 including customer saving of £1,000 and excluding optional metallic paint at £475. OTR price includes VAT, number plates, delivery, 12 months’ Government Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) and Vehicle First Registration Fee. Retail customers only. Customer savings vary by model derivative. Ask your dealer for full details. †3 years’ servicing (Kia Care-3) for £99 offer is only valid on applicable ‘VR7’ models. Log onto kia.co.uk/care3 for full details. Subject to availability on vehicles registered before 31 March 2014. Participating dealers only. *4.9% APR representative available on Kia Conditional Sale on Picanto, Rio and cee’d models. 10% minimum deposit required on cee’d models. Maximum term of 36 months. Offer not available in conjunction with any other offer. Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. 18’s or over. Guarantees / indemnities may be required. Kia Motors Finance RH1 1SR. We can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers. We may receive a commission from them for the introduction. Customer savings vary by model derivative. Ask your dealer for full details.

39

March 2014

a l u m r o F w e N e c n e i r e p x E t Firs

9 4 1 £ Y L N O

Tel: 028 9050 7010 www.raceschooolireland.com

TEL: 028 9145 1457

WWW.EDDIEIRVINESPORTS.COM

40

March 2014