Mid & East Antrim Chatterbox - Jan 2016

028 9336 5823

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Breakdown / Repair / Replacement

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Gas Fires, Cookers & Tumble Dryers

[email protected] yourself and others by having all boilers and appliances serviced annually“

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A range of Volkswagens starting from nil advance payment with £400 cashback.£400 Cashback inclusive of VAT for each Motability Car order from 1st January and delivered by 31st March. Subject to availability. To qualify for the Motability Scheme, you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP). Standard EU Test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Official fuel consumption figures for the Volkswagen model range in mpg (litres/100km): urban 24.4 (11.6) – 72.4 (3.9); extra urban 42.2 (6.7) – 91.1 (3.1); combined 33.2 (8.5) – 83.1 (3.4). Combined CO2 emissions 198 – 88g/km. Excludes battery, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Our CO2 and consumption values are provisional and are currently under review. Revised values will be published if necessary.

Edwin May BallymenaLarne Road, Pennybridge Industrial Estate,Ballymena, Co Antrim, BT42 3HB. Telephone: (028) 2544 2434.www.edwinmay.volkswagen.co.uk

ChatterboxChatterbox Ballymena Office: 028 2568 90895 Broadway Avenue, Ballymena, BT43 7AA

Carrick Office: 028 9336 520658 Albert Road, Carrickfergus, BT38 8AE

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FABRIC GALLERYTHE

59 - 61 Church Street, Ballymena, BT43 6DDTel: 028 2565 4884

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MID & EAST ANTRIM

JAN2016

Chatterbox is delighted to announce the opening of a it’s second office, at 5 Broadway Avenue, Ballymena, BT43 6FF. This has coincided with the change from three papers to two. The First being this, the Mid & East Antrim Edition covering Ballymena, Carrickfergus & Larne. The Second being the Antrim & Newtownabbey Edition covering Antrim, Ballyclare & all of Newtownabbey.pictured above: Chatterbox Office now open at Broadway Avenue, Ballymena

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Chatterbox | January 2016 | Local News2

ContentsTHE BIGGEST PUBLICATION IN MID & EAST ANTRIM EMAIL: [email protected] TEL: 028 2568 9089 | 028 9336 5206 FIND US FACEBOOK: CHATTERBOX PAPER . . .

JANUARY2016

Welcome to the first edition of the New Mid & East Antrim Edition of Chatterbox for residents in Ballymena, Carrickfergus & Larne

This is your local community newspaper delivered to you for free every month with 45,000 copies produced and almost 40,000 home delivered

We have new offices now open at 5 Broadway Avenue, Ballymena and a revamped office at 58 Albert Road in Carrickfergus, why not call in & say Hi!

04 LOCAL NEWSRECORD NUMBERS ATTEND NEW YEAR’S SWIM AT CARNLOUGH

Around 70 Swimmers attended the New Years Swim for Charity Raising Money for Spina Bifida. It was the 43rd year running that the event took place with event organiser,organiser Billy McIlroy, 70, said 78 people took part in the event and the 600 spectators who travelled to Carnlough “was the biggest crowd of onlookers ever”.

ChatterboxMANAGING DIRECTORNOEL [email protected]

SALES & MARKETINGMARK [email protected]

SALES MANAGERWILLIAM [email protected]

SALES EXECUTIVEJOE [email protected]

GRAPHIC DESIGN | EDITORIALDANIELLE [email protected]

TRAINEE: GRAPHIC DESIGN | EDITORIALCALUM [email protected]

ACCOUNTSMICHAEL [email protected]

WWW.CHATTERBOXNI.CO.UK

CHATTERBOXPAPERFIND US ON FACEBOOK

BALLYMENA OFFICE5 BROADWAY AVENUEBALLYMENABT43 7FFTEL: 028 2568 9089CARRICK OFFICE58 ALBERT ROADCARRICKFERGUSBT38 8AETEL: 028 9336 5206

Any views expressed within are not neccessarily endorsed by Chatterbox Publications. Reference to any specific product or service does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by Chatterbox Publications. Any reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

10 HEALTH & WELLBEINGOUR NEW COLOUMNIST SALLY ANN WITH HELPFUL HINTS AND TIPS FOR THE NEW YEAR

Sally Ann has been a Weight Watchers Leader and has the exerience and knowledge required to pass on helpful hints and tips. In her first monthly coloumn, Sally-Ann talks about our New Years resolutions and gives us tips on how to eat smart for the year ahead. Look out for her regular monthly coloumn throughtout 2016.

12 HEALTH & WELLBEINGTHE FOOT & ANKLE CLINIC HELPS OUR MANAGING DIRECTOR, NOEL ANDERSON TO RUN AGAIN.

The Foot & Ankle Clinic, with office in Belfast, Glengormley & Lisburn, have made a revolutionary product aptly named the “Rocker”, because it absolutely rocks! Our very own Managing Director, Noel Anderson, had to retire from playing his beloved football after many failed attempts of getting mobile again after breaking his leg in April 2014. Amazingly he has started running again after using his rocker!

19 IN THE SPOT-LIGHT-DESIGN

Unique hand-embroidered art from Victoria Foster is the first in our new artist “In the spot-light” Feature. Victoria’s VF Design is a unique product created with a love and passion of embroidering that deserves the recognition. Turn to page 19 to see the amazing art Victoria has created.

20 Digital Image Photography (DIP) is the baby of Hugo McNeice, renowned and respected photographer who has had his work published in nearly all of the local Newspapers, inlcuding our very own Chatterbox. DIP provides photographic images for weddings, portrait shoots and much more. With over 20 years experience, check out the pictures on page 20.

28 Bill “The Thrill” Buchannon is the first feature writer in Chatterbox. A very colourful and funny character, with an absolute wealth of knowledge in the entertainment circle in Mid & East Antrim. Bill “The Thrill” has done us a proud here with the low down on an upcoming band named “Conjuring Fate”. I don’t want to say they are the next big thing though, as that might be tempting fate.

VF DESIGNS SHOWCASED

IN THE SPOTLIGHT-PHOTOGRAPHY

DIGITAL IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY

IN THE SPOTLIGHT-THE SOUND OF MUSIC

BY THE THRILL PROJECT

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Chatterbox | January 2016 | Local News 3

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Chatterbox | January 2016 | Local News

EDUCATION AUTHORITY PREPARED TO EVICT THE VERY CHILDREN THEY ARE THERE TO SUPPORT

aul Frew, the DUP assemblyman, says he has ‘caught wind’ of a plan to ‘evict’ children who use the Ballee Youth

Club which has existed in the building for many years. Mr. Frew said: “ I have been contacted by concerned parents and children who are extremely worried that the only youth club in the Ballee area will be closed down. This is simply to accommodate the mass movement of the Education

Authority from County Hall to the old Ballee High school site. “This is a preposterous idea filled with self indulgence on the part of decision makers. Why would they stop something that has been highly successful in giving up to 50 young people from Ballee the confidence to get on in the world? Why would you not want the building to be used day and night?” He continued: “I would add that this

would be a good use of government property. The Ballee site in extensive, the building is of a good age and of good scale. I have no doubt that it could accommodate the office staff during the day with all their wants and needs and still continue with the youth club in what was the original community part of the building from its design.

P

Paul Frew MLA pictured at the Ballee Youth Club Entrance

RECORD NUMBERS ATTEND CHARITY SWIM AT CARNLOUGH THIS NEW YEAR’S DAY

wim organiser Billy McIlroy, 70, said 78 people took part in the event and the

600 spectators who travelled to Carnlough “was the biggest crowd of onlookers ever”. Around 70 swimmers, aged from around five to their late 60s, took the plunge for the 43rd consecutive year to raise funds for Spina Bifida. Mr McIlroy, a retired manager at Michelin, said they hope to raise around £6,000 for the charity. “The general public are very generous,” he said. “Over the years we have raised tens of thousands of pounds through the New Year’s Day swim.”

He said he would like to thank the St John’s Ambulance Brigade from Larne who attend the event every year. “A lot of the swimmers taking part are accredited life savers,” he added. “But if the weather was really, really bad we wouldn’t let them into the water. “We don’t take any chances. The cold does not bother them as much as the tide. It is 10 or 11 degrees in Carnlough today but the water is icy. After the swim those involved are presented with a certificate and a medal.” Among the group was 67-year-

old Arthur Chapfield from Glasgow who said he had seen pictures of the event last year “and thought I would like to give it a go”. He said he and his wife were coming to Carnlough anyway to see family. “But I was one of those stupid enough to do it,” the former police officer joked. “I went in wearing shorts and a T-shirt. I jumped off the pier twice. When I jumped in it was freezing but I quite enjoyed it. I jumped in off the highest point and when you come out you feel invigorated.”

S

Pictured is Robert Carey receiving his winning prize from William Logan Sales manager of the Mid Antrim Chatterbox also pictured is Sandra Wylie, Vice Principal and staff members Patsy McAleese, Natasha Russell and Laura Logan.

MOORE ELECTRICS AND CHATTERBOX HELP SPREAD A LITTLE CHRISTMAS JOY

id & East Antrim Chatterbox in conjunction with Moore electrics ran a colouring competition in December for the pupils of Castle Tower, Loughan Campus. The standard

of colouring was exceptionally high but the winner was Robert Carey who received his prize of a tablet from William Logan Sales manager of the Mid & East Antrim Chatterbox.

4

M

Unit 1a Oakland Park, Carrickfergus, BT38 7QN

+ FREE MICRO FIBRE WASH (worth £4.99)

UCB UNITEDCHRISTIANBROADCASTERS

Changing Lives For GoodBy The Power of God’s Word

SEEING YOUR WORK AS GOD’S WILL‘Do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.’

Colossians 3:17

Research shows that the best moments of our lives don’t come from leisure or pleasure. They come when you’re immersed in a significant task that’s challenging, yet matches up well to your highest abilities. In those moments, you’re so caught up in an activity that time somehow seems to be altered; your attention is fully focused without your having to work at it. You’re deeply aware, without being self-conscious; you’re being stretched and challenged, but without a sense of stress or worry. You have a sense of engagement or oneness with what you are doing. This condition is called ‘flow’, because people experiencing it often use the metaphor of feeling swept up by something outside themselves. Studies have been done over the past thirty years with hundreds of thousands of subjects to

explore this phenomenon of flow.

Ironically, you experience it more in your work than you do in your leisure time. In fact, your flow is at its lowest ebb when you’ve nothing to do. Sitting around doesn’t produce flow. This picture of flow is actually a description of what the exercise of dominion was intended to look like. God says in Genesis that we’re to ‘rule’ over the earth, or exercise ‘dominion’ (See Genesis 1:26, 28). We often think of these words in terms of ‘dominating’ or ‘bossing around’. But the true idea behind them is that you’re to invest your abilities to create value on the earth, to plant and build and write and organise and heal and invent ways that bless people and cause God’s kingdom on

earth to flourish.

Zech 11-12, Rev 20

Margaret BowersNorthern Ireland Co-ordinator UCB

I became involved with UCB 10 years ago when I volunteered to join their prayerline team and have had a real passion for this Ministry since them. Galatians 6:2 ‘Carry each others burdens and you will fulfil the law of Christ.’

Way back in 2008, I felt led to help raise some money for this wonderful Ministry as they are listener supported and depend so much on the generosity of their supporters. I held a coffee morning and cake sale in my Church hall, it was such a success that I have been doing this on a yearly basis since and have raised around £30,000 for UCB.

In October past I was offered the role of Northern Ireland Co-ordinator and am now the face of UCB here in Northern Ireland, this is a very exciting time for me as this is a Ministry so close to my heart.

What is the Word for Today and what’s the point in it?

Word for Today is such a great devotional! It helps people to engage with God’s Word over a cuppa in the morning when time’s short and you need a kick start! We aim to be that injection of inspiration, equipping you to give God the first fruits of your day, meditating on His word in devotion. Part of my role is to promote the Word for Today and to encourage people to have this sent out to them on a quarterly basis.

UCB’s Vision Statement“Changing lives for good by the power of God’s word. We believe God has called us to reach every person, every place, every moment of the day with His life changing word.

Sounding Good? Get your FREE copy now!

If you would like to get a FREE copy of UCB’s word for today, please contact

0845 6040 401(Please Quote Chatterbox when ordering)

www.ucb.co.uk

Have you been inspired by UCB?

If anyone has been encouraged or helped through reading WFT or has even been blessed by our radio programmes, letting me know about it helps others to get connected through these testimonies. Another part of my job is to try and encourage people to fundraise for us, this enables the Ministry of UCB to continue to do what they do. Email us today with your stories!

[email protected]

Chatterbox | January 2016 | Local News 7

Call now for your new Boiler Installation Quote

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‘Waveney Tyre’s,’ Who are now the main suppliers of quality part worn tyres in the Ballymena area would like to wish all their customers old and new a very happy, peaceful and prosperous new year and sincerely hope you all enjoy a safe winters motoring.

We would also like to extend our offer of a free no obligation tyre check. Just call next time you’re passing and some of our fitters will be happy to check your tyre pressure and tread depth. Customers can be assured of a pressure free professional opinion and a speedy service. Although we have a large selection of German imported part worn tyre’s with most sizes in stock, we also stock new tyre’s. If your size is not in stock we can supply it same day or next day. We believe our prices are

competitive and would be happy to quote for an size of tyre’s.

Our depot also carries a selection of solid fuel products for your home heating requirements. These include 25kg household coal at £5.00 per bag and four bags of blocks for £10.00. We also stock other grades of coal, as well as slack, peat, kindlers, block ends and fire lighters all at very good prices. All in all, be it tyre’s or solid fuel, we should have something to suit even the smallest of budgets.

Thank you again for your past support and we look forward to caring for your tyre requirements in 2016.

Whether it be solid fuel or tyre’s, we have something for the smallest of budgets

IN PAIN?Why wait? See an Osteopath today, we are now open 5 DAYS A WEEK to keep you moving without pain

Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy, Osteopaths use a wide range of hands on techniques. We do a 4 year degree and are trained in diagnosis so a GP referral is not necessary.

“What is osteopathy?”

Here is some of what we treat:• Back and Neck pain, • Joints and muscles strains, • Arthritis pains, • Sports injuries(Not sure if we can help, give us acall or check out our website.)

For an appointment call: 028 9332 8851www.carrickosteopathicclinic.co.uk 53 Albert road, Carrickfergus

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Opening HoursMon - 9.30am till 5.30pmTues - 7.30am till 8pmWed - 9.30am till 8pmThurs - 9am till 8pmFri - 9.30am till 5.30pmNow offering 3 late nights - Tue, Wed and Thurs till 8pm

Chatterbox | January 2016 | Health & Wellbeing8

"Self-kindness is the key to weight loss," says local slimming expertWeight loss expert Shirley Hussey, a Slimming World Consultant who runs the Whitehead and Carrick’s Loughshore Hotel Slimming World groups, says that if people want to lose weight for good this year then they need to learn to be kinder to themselves when things go wrong.

Shirley revealed that a new Slimming World survey of 1,722 slimmers found that almost everyone who had tried to lose weight in the past (98%) had experienced a slip-up where they went off-track in a way that they worried would affect their weight loss journey. After they lapsed, 84% of slimmers automatically criticised themselves, calling themselves ‘weak’, ‘stupid’ and ‘a failure’ - words they would never have used to describe someone else in their position. This harsh criticism was found to lead to comfort eating or giving up on those diets completely. As a result 78% were unsuccessful with their weight loss, with at least 47% gaining weight.

The survey found that at Slimming World, members had learned how to reduce how critical they are of themselves when things go wrong and have instead become more self-reassuring. As a result of recognising that they’re only human and applauding their own determination, the research found that Slimming World members are now less likely to comfort eat and more likely to get back on track within a day or two, and more likely to lose weight and keep it off. In the survey, 84% of Slimming World members went on to lose weight after a lapse.

Shirley, who lost 3 stone and now helps others in Carrickfergus and Whitehead to shed the pounds, says: “As someone who had struggled with my weight for many years I had tried lots of different diets in the past. Life would always get in the way at some point though and I’d go off track. It would knock my confidence and I’d end up feeling like a failure and like I couldn’t stick at anything.

“Since joining Slimming World my outlook has changed completely. With the support of other people who have experienced the same thing I gradually started to realise that I wasn’t the only one who this happened to. We’re all human and we all have our off days, the important thing is that we’re able to forgive ourselves and draw a line under it.

“Now if I ever have a lapse I’m careful to always talk to myself as I would any of the members of my group - with encouragement, support and without any judgement or blame. And that’s why the support of a group is so important, as by sharing problems and solutions with other people, you realise that you’re really not alone and you have a network of people like you who really understand and care, to help pick you back up when things go wrong. After all, things will often go wrong, and learning to cope with lapses, forgive yourself and get back on track is the key to successful weight loss in the long-term.”

For more information about the local Slimming World group at Loughshore Hotel or Whitehead or to speak to a successful Slimming World member who has changed their life for the better, please contact Shirley at [email protected] or call 07761 968581.

slimmingworld.co.uk0344 897 8000

visit the website for delicious recipes

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Slimming World

MONDAYSBarn Social ClubCarrickfergus7.30pmTel: Diane07741 765 705

TUESDAYSWoodburn Community CentreCarrickfergus5.30pm & 7.30pmTel: Doreen07521 976 632

TUESDAYSCastleview PavillionWhitehead5.15pm & 7.15pmTel: Shirley07761 968 581

THURSDAYSLoughshore Hotel(Formerly Clarion Hotel)Carrickfergus5.30pm & 7.30pmTel: Shirley07761 968 581

WEDNESDAYSBarn Social ClubCarrickfergusMorning:10.00am, 12.00pmEvening:5.30pm & 7.30pmTel: Elspeth: 07810 003440

pain freeat last

first came to the clinic after my mum’s friend recommended Kathryn. I then found out that actually quite a few of my

friends have been to see her as well. I’ve had a constant burning and stabbing pain in my neck and upper back, sometimes it would go into my left arm leading to short periods of numbness. It’s been going on for the last 6-7 years and initially I went to my GP for help. After numerous tests and an MRI scan they weren’t able to pinpoint the cause and I lost all hope of it ever going away. I’m generally pretty active and I play hockey for Belfast Harlequins Hockey club but after changing jobs meant more time sitting at a computer, it worsened and the constant pain was really getting me down. After my first session I had two days completely pain free and I was later able to go on holiday without any pain. I’ve had a few sessions now and there’s been such a

difference – it feels amazing. I can’t believe I’ve had the pain for so long and Kathryn was able to sort it so easily. She assessed my spine standing and lying down then explained what she would do. This consisted of working on the muscles in my neck, shoulders and upper back and loosening the joints in my back, ribs and shoulder. I wish I’d found the clinic sooner. I recommend her to all my friends and family now!

I

Cathy Vizard (26)

Chatterbox | January 2016 | Health & Wellbeing 9

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02893 366 446www.carrickchiropractic.co.uk

20a High Street, Carrickfergus BT38 7AF

Headaches / MigraneVertigo / Dizziness

Neck PainJaw PainNeuralgiaShoulder PainArm PainCarpal TunnelSyndrome

ScoliosisBack Pain

ArthritisSciatica

Hip PainKnee PainFoot Pain

TheSpinalColumnSciatica - Don’t Let Your Spine Get on Your Nerves!By Graeme Ritchie MChiro,

Doctor of Chiropractic Neck pain and its related problems can become incapacitating for sufferers. Millions of people will experience neck pain at some point in their life. The head is heavy and balanced on a narrow support made up of seven bones called vertebrae. Because the neck is so mobile, it is easily injured. Neck pain can take many forms and there can be a variety of presentations. It can be either localized pain or it can refer into other areas such as the head creating a headache, numbness or pain in the arms or hands, dizziness, sinus troubles, and TMJ Syndrome. Neck pain can even affect your thinking process! One of the most common causes of neck pain that chiropractors see is the result of misalignments of the spine. Other causes of neck pain may be postural problems, and traumas such as accidents, knock or falls. Emotional stress can be a trigger for neck pain particularly in combination with other predisposing factors. Chiropractic offers a unique approach to a wide range of cervical spine problems. Chiropractic adjustments are a precise and gentle therapy with the aim of returning motion to restricted spinal joints and to improve the overall mechanics of the spine. A new study shows that simple remedies like chiropractic treatments and home exercises relieve sub-acute neck pain better than pharmaceutical drugs – and without all the negative side effects! The goal of chiropractic care is not only to reduce pain, but it is to treat the cause. Part of the process also involves educating patients on how to prevent future injuries, maintain good posture and live healthily. Dr Graeme practices in Carrick Chiropractic Clinic. Please feel free to

contact the clinic on 02893 366446 for advice or to arrange an appointment.

Smart eating with Sally-Ann

Sally-Ann is a local weight

loss consultant and can be

contacted at Weight Loss with

Sally-Ann

What did the New Year hold for you? Peace, joy and a burning resolve to be a better person....or feelings of overweight, lethargy and regret?

It’s that time of year again... when we promise to be different..... Lose weight, join a gym and transform ourselves into this ‘better person’. Unfortunately over a third of our New Year resolutions have fallen by the wayside long before February approaches!

So how can we undo the unhealthy eating/drinking that was ‘forced’ upon us (albeit by ourselves!) over the festive season? We’ve all heard the buzz words - detoxing, clean eating, rehydrating, superfoods etc.

Are these just celeb gimmicks or can we embrace a healthy lifestyle without falling into the trap of quick fixes/faddy diets that are here today and gone tomorrow, leaving us with even more cravings and self loathing?

Like many of you, I overindulged a bit over Christmas and am now trying to regain control in the eating department. Having lost two and a half stone myself seven years ago and managed to keep it off, I have learnt that quick fixes are not the answer! However motivation and determination are definitely a great help!!

What works best, and has been backed up by extensive research, is that developing a healthy LIFESTYLE equips ourselves with TIPS, TACTICS and TOOLS to make SMART CHOICES whether we are eating out or eating in.

In a society where time is of the essence, we have fallen foul to processed foods, quick-fix diets etc. However, all these so called ‘helps’ simply compound the issue by feeding our cravings and compelling us to a life of yoyo dieting!! (Trust me, I’ve tried that!)

There are many things that I learnt in my weight loss journey and I hope to share these with you in my column in future months, however the first to embrace in 2016 is... ditch the processed and get back to smarter, healthier choices!

Don’t panic you don’t have to be a cordon blu chef. What I’m suggesting is try to cook from scratch rather than the processed ready meals that are full of additives and hidden sugars.

Fresh fruit and vegetables contain natural sugar and fibre, much better rather than crisps, sweet snacks etc.

Chicken, fish, eggs and any lean meats...even steak with the fat trimmed off, are all great sources of protein and essential for a healthy body. Potatoes, whole grain wheat, oats, brown rice and whole-wheat pasta/couscous are all great forms of complex carbohydrate and provide us with a slow release energy instead of the quick sugar rush we get from processed foods.

The idea is not to eat less like a ‘diet’ but rather to eat better...eat smarter!! Having meals that look great, taste great and leave us feeling great are definitely the answer to the post holiday blues.

Having a balance of protein, fibres and carbohydrates isn’t as difficult as you may think. Getting back to raw foods and cooking from scratch can be fun and fulfilling especially as you see the festive weight drop off!! Fill yourself up on good food and you have no room left for rubbish food!Cast your mind back to our ancestors, most of them ate ‘from the land’ with healthy soups, stews etc. ‘Hidden sugars’ were unheard of because they didn’t have processed snacks and meals!

So as we look to the future, let’s grasp some of the healthy traits from the past...ditch the hidden sugars and processed foods and eat fresh food... that’s the best form of detox there is and cheap too!

Smart eating with Sally-Ann

Chatterbox | January 2016 | Health & Wellbeing 11

Stress

Anxiety

Depression

Family Therapy

Relationship Issues

Loss & Grief

Unit 8B Kilroot Business ParkCarrickfergus

BT38 7PRwww.eastantrimcounselling.com

Tel: Noel McKee 07926 361201 or Margaret Lavery 07788 880 022

57-59 Irish Quarter West, Carrickfergus, BT38 8AT

FORMERLY KNOWN AS DAPPER DANS - Based on Irish Quarter West

- 4 Fully Trained Barbers

- Hair Cuts & Shave

For a healthier, happierMore confident you

@ Christchurch, Oakfield Drive

Wednesday9.30am & 5.15pm

Carrickfergus Weight Watchers

Telephone: Lynne: 07763 924 933

Telephone: Sally-Ann: 07854 262552

Offer ends 31st January 2016

*To Qualify join by January 31st 2016Attend for 8 consecutive weeks and stay for each class talk and lose 10lbs on the

new Smart Points Programme. Full Terms and Conditions Apply at:

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THE CLINIC AT THE HEART OF BELFAST GETS A FACE LIFTCity Chiropody and Physiotherapy based in Church Lane Belfast has received a much needed face lift. The scheme to update the clinic is an initiative of the new owner David Hallowell.

ity Chiropody and

Physiotherapy was

first established in 2001 when it was Belfast’s city centres first combined Physiotherapy and Chiropody

clinic. “When we took over

the clinic I knew we already

had a strong loyal customer

base so I had two aims, firstly to maintain the high clinical

standards that the clinic

has become known for and secondly to give the clinic an

upgrade in terms of its overall look, facilities and hours of business. Staying true to the clinics original ethos of giving a high quality service

has been at the core of all the changes we’ve made.”

“The real key to the clinics

success has always been its

staff. Our Physiotherapist Michelle Terrins is one of the most experienced and highly respected Physiotherapists in

the province and as such she

has built a great reputation.

Michelle has worked in clinics

in London and New Zealand

before returning home to work in Belfast. Our latwest addition to the team, Michelle

Gawley is a Chiropodist and

Podiatrist with many years

of experience in private practice. Her ideas and

cinput into the changes and

improvements have been

invaluable. The Staff have all been very supportive and I

feel that we’ve a really strong team which will be able

to carry the clinic forward through 2016.”

The most obvious changes in

the clinic are probably the

face lift to the outside of the building which had become

very rundown. In terms of some of the clinical changes we’ve made it’s really

been about adding more

treatments. We now keep

a full range of off the shelf orthotic supports and insoles

which will allow the treatment

of generalised biomechanical pain. Our range of cushioned insoles will allow patients to

get much longer out of their treatment before needing to return for corn or callous reduction. Nail surgery for ingrown toe nails will also

be carried out under local

anaesthesia. Nail surgery is

a permanent fix for patients suffering with ingrown toe nails and should be of particular benefit to those with chronic nail problems.”

We also know that many of our patient’s love being able

to combine a trip to Belfast

with a relaxing Chiropody or Physiotherapy treatment

so we’ve increased the

number of appointments times available to keep up

with demand. We want the

whole experience of making an appointment and having a

treatment to be as pleasant

as possible and while it’s

possible that we will put in

a computer based booking

system in the future, for the moment we’d really like to

maintain a strong human

contact element. To this end

we’ve increased not only our

clinical hours but also our

reception cover. In the old

days we had only three days

reception cover which meant

patients often spoke to an answering machine. This

to me was not satisfactory and I know that most people

prefer to speak to someone when they ring to make an

appointment.

As the new year begins we hope to continue to improve

the facilities and treatments to optimise the patient

experience.

If you’d like to make an appointment, then just ring 02890 241212.

T h e L o o p | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 6 | C i t y C h i r o p o d y a n d P h y s i o t h e r a p y

“We now keep a full range of off the shelf orthotic supports and insoles which will allow the treatment of generalised biomechanical pain. Our range of cushioned insoles will allow patients to get much longer out of their treatment before needing to return for corn or callous reduction.”

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n 2014 I started getting pain in my ankle.

It was tender to touch and would get

progressively worse during each day. It

began to have a real impact on my day to day

activities. I am on my feet all day at work and each

day it would begin to get more and more painful as

the day went on. Outside of work I was unable to go

for walks especially up hills, I couldn’t run or play

football. My GP referred to an NHS Podiatrist who

I saw me three times. The insoles they gave me had

absolutely no affect at all.

I noticed the sign for the Northern Ireland Foot and

Ankle Clinic while driving through Glengormley and

I decided to check out their website. I was pleased

when I read the testimonials of the patients they

had treated and I rang to make an appointment.

I had a consultation with David Hallowell the

Podiatrist and he very clearly explained that the

source of my problems was that my ankles were

not moving correctly. He let me try one of the new

rocker insoles that he had developed for patients

with injured ankles. I immediately felt that I could

walk better and he ordered one for me.

After using the rocker for four weeks my walking

has improved greatly and the pain in my foot

and ankle has gone. My walking action is much

improved, my days in work are more comfortable

and as a result I get more done. My quality of life

outside work has also been greatly improved.

I have received the most professional and courteous

care I could imagine and I am very thankful and

grateful to David and the staff at The Northern

Ireland Foot and Ankle Clinic for their help.

F O O T & A N K L E C L I N I C3 2 5 A n t r i m R o a d G l e n g o r m l e y B T 3 6 5 D Y0 2 8 9 0 8 3 3 5 6 8

STANLEY KEEPS ON ROCKING THANKS TO SPECIAL INSOLEI

T h e L o o p | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 6 | F O O T & A N K L E C L I N I C

“Working with motivated patients like Stanley is a real pleasure especially when we see the improvements that pain free walking has on their overall quality of life. We have issued the rocker to so many patients now and the results have been beyond all our expectations”.

DAVID SAYS:

“After using the rocker for four weeks my walking has improved greatly and the pain in my foot and ankle has gone. My walking action is much improved, my days in work are more comfortable and as a result I get more done.”

who took over in October 2015.

Chatterbox | January 2016 13

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Chatterbox | January 2016 | Politics14

2015 was an eventful year for me andmy Constituency Office. Below is aroundup of the issues and challengesthat I and my staff dealt with duringthe year.

Despite political musical chairs atStormont, me and my Party carried ontrying to reach agreement and movingNorthern Ireland forward for thebenefit of everyone.

My offices in Carrickfergus and Larnedealt with hundreds of issues andqueries ranging from housing to publictransport and employment.

In 2016 we hope to continue providingassistance to our constituents, and witha more functional Assembly, being ableto move Northern Ireland forward.

At the start of the year I hosted anumber of work experience students atmy Carrickfergus Office and theAssembly. The three young students,who were all studying A-Level Politics,were excited about getting a first-handinsight into what happens at Stormontand an MLA’s Constituency. They arebright, articulate teenagers, who willundoubtedly carve out a splendidcareer for themselves.

If any student wishes to undertakework experience in my Offices, pleaseget in touch.

In February and March I put pressureon the Utility Regulator to give thego-ahead for Gas to Whitehead.Phoenix has informed me that they areready to install mains as soon as theyare allowed. I met with PhoenixNatural Gas, and petitioned the UtilityRegulator and DETI Minister tochange their policy. Unfortunately,

they have refused to act, abandoningresidents and businesses in Whiteheadto inefficient, and potentiallyprohibitively expensive means ofheating.

I don’t intend to let the Regulator orthe Minister off the hook however, andwill make this a key issue for EastAntrim in the upcoming elections!

In April, I pushed Translink and theDRD Minister to commit to future-proof the Dargan Link during the YorkStreet Interchange project. Failing todo this would mean that rail servicesto East Antrim would be seriouslyconstrained by an inability to dual thetrack over York Street in the future.

I was pleased that in November 2015DRD confirmed to me that works toensure that the Dargan Link can bedualled will take place during the YorkStreet project.

In June, I proposed a Motion in theAssembly defending our Human RightsAct from attack by the ToryGovernment. The Assembly supportedmy Motion and we sent a clear messageto Mr Cameron - “Hands off our humanrights!”. Ultimately it is importantthat we stand together to defend ourrights or we may lose them.

In July I secured new traffic calmingmeasures for the village of Glenariff.

Following complaints of speeding fromconcerned residents, I contactedTransportNI and met with theirengineers.

It was agreed that new road surfaceswould be installed which will includenew roundels, and the PSNI agreed tomonitor the is situation.

I also supported the Trussell Trust’sFoodbank fundraising efforts atCarrickfergus Tesco.

It was tremendous to see such a bigFoodbank Team at Tesco and observeTesco customers giving so generously.

In October and November my Officewas inundated with complaintsregarding Translink’s new Larne LineTimetable.

I asked numerous questions to theDRD Minister, brought a debate to theAssembly on the matter, and met thenew Chief Executive of Translink. Itwas clear that they were feelingpressurised and I was able organise ameeting with myself, the Minister andthe Larne Line Passenger Group.

Translink and the Minister acceptedmany of the problems highlighted,especially regarding connections withthe late and early Dublin train.Therefore, we are expecting Translinkto start addressing these problems intheir January 2016 Review.

In December, a number of constituentscontacted me about flooding in theGreenisland Station underpass. I metwith Translink’s Senior Engineer todiscuss the issue in detail, and toensure that someone tookresponsibility for the flooding andensuring it would not happen again.

Greenisland Station underpass is avital North-South link for pedestriansin the village, and the flooding had amajor detrimental impact oncommuters and schoolchildren. It wasunacceptable that people should haveto start or end their working days bywading through water, or even dicingwith death by walking on the StationRoad.


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Chatterbox | January 2016 | Motor16

Xmas voucher’sNow

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NORTHERN IRELAND ROAD SAFETY: CHAMPIONS HONOURED

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NI Road Safety Awards Driving Instructor Winner Mark Johnston - Spectrum Driving School, Bangor. L-R: Jonathan McKeown of event sponsors CRASH Services, Mark Johnston - Spectrum Driving School and TV Personality Frank Mitchell

NI Road Safety Awards Voluntary Sector – Highly commended Terry Malcolm receiving his award from Jonathan McKeown of event sponsors CRASH Services and TV Personality Frank Mitchell

Northern Ireland’s first Road Safety Awards recently took place in Cultra Manor, honouring those across the country that have worked tirelessly to improve road safety in their communities.

Amongst the winners to be recognised were individuals and groups from the business, voluntary, education, emergency service and public sectors.Supported by the Road Safety Council Ni and sponsored by leading accident management specialist, CRASH Services, a total of 25 awards were presented across 10 categories in front of over 160 invited guests. Tony McKeown, Sales & Marketing Director at CRASH Services, said: “We are delighted to support these important awards. We were overwhelmed with the response as we received over 70 entries. There is so much great work going on across the Northern Ireland to help keep our roads safe and help eliminate the tragic incidents of road death and injury. The award winners’ work reflects the value of educating all road users, but particularly vulnerable groups like pedestrians, young drivers, cyclists and motorcyclists. We hope that others will be inspired by the work of the winners. I congratulate everyone for the extraordinary commitment to road safety” Winner of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, following a dedicated 22 years of service and a commitment to road safety with the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIRFS), was Station Commander Rory Dumigan, who said; “It is a real privilege to be recognised with this award and it’s a genuine testament to the stellar work being delivered by first response teams based right across Northern Ireland. Often among the first on the scene of many road traffic collisions, firefighters encounter extremely difficult and harrowing experiences, seeing first-hand the tragic consequences of dangerous driving. Alongside our partner agencies across the Emergency Services, firefighters are members of the local communities they serve and the devastating incidents they attend have the same impact as those directly affected. I am also privileged to play a part in making our roads safer by being able to educate and inform current and future motorists by attending groups and schools, and this award recognises the commitment and determination of the emergency services to spread this message and continue to help our communities.” Winners across the various categories included Holy Cross Boys’ PS and the Active School Travel Programme (Joint Winners; Primary School Project), Young Passengers and Drivers Awareness Raising (Secondary School Project), Mark Johnston of Spectrum, Bangor (Driving Instructor), Station Commander Kieran Doherty (Emergency Services Person), The YEAR Project, Coleraine (Voluntary Sector Organisation), PSNI Roadsafe Roadshow and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council (Joint Winners; Public Sector Project), Cornmarket Insurance Services (Business Award), and Station Commander Rory Dumigan (Lifetime Achievement). The awards, which were also supported by JMK Solicitors, Green Motion car and van rental and New Driver NI, were judged by an expert panel made up of senior representatives from the private, public and voluntary sectors.

Further details of each of these projects and details can be found at www.crashservices.com/niroadsafetyawards.

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Chatterbox | January 2016 | Motor 17

Just Add Fuel® covers all key driving expenses for three years, including insurance, with one fixed monthly payment. And it’s now available on the Peugeot 108 Active, which offers you a 7” colour touchscreen, Bluetooth®, DAB digital radio and manual air conditioning. Want to know more? Just get in touch.

PEUGEOT 108 ACTIVE WITH JUST ADD FUEL® - NOW AVAILABLE FROM AGE 18

Official Fuel Consumption in MPG (l/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km) for the 108 Range are: Urban 52.3 – 56.5 (5.4 – 5.0), Extra Urban 74.3 – 78.5 (3.8 – 3.6), Combined 65.7 – 68.9 (4.3 – 4.1) and CO2 99 – 95 (g/km).MPG figures are achieved under official EU test conditions, intended as a guide for comparative purposes only, and may not reflect actual on-the-road driving conditions. Terms and conditions apply, participating dealers only or visit peugeot.co.uk Curtis Cars Ballymena is acting as a credit broker and is not a lender. ^Representative 4.9% APR over 37 months. To finance your purchase we will only introduce you to Peugeot Financial Services, the exclusive provider of Just Add Fuel®. A guarantee may be required. Finance provided by and written quotations available from PSA Finance UK Ltd t/a Peugeot Financial Services, Quadrant House, Princess Way, Redhill, RH1 1QA. +The first year Road Fund Licence (RFL) is included in the on the road price. The Dealer will provide customers with a cheque equivalent to twice the current RFL cost. The customer must apply for years 2 & 3 RFL. Just Add Fuel® is subject to status.*Minimum age 18, maximum age 75. Drivers are required to install the Telematics Box & consent to Data capture & transmission to qualify for insurance. All drivers must hold a full UK licence & meet eligibility criteria including limits on driving convictions & claims. Insurance subject to cancellation if you receive four warnings for poor driving. Excesses apply. 3 years motor insurance is provided and underwritten by U K Insurance Limited which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Payments will vary according to age, post code and annual mileage. Customer deposit may be required. The costs of insurance, servicing and Roadside Assistance are included within the monthly cost of Just Add Fuel® Passport but are provided on a monthly pay-as-you-go basis and can be cancelled at any time without penalty or affecting the remainder of the Just Add Fuel® Passport contract. Excess mileage charges may apply. Routine servicing included only. Excludes wear parts. All offers available on qualifying vehicles ordered and registered between 01/12/15 and 31/12/15 or until such time as they may be withdrawn by Peugeot at its complete discretion. Calls maybe recorded for training purposes. Calls charged at local rate. All information correct at time of going to press. Visit peugeot.co.uk for full product details.

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THE THRILLOF SIMMING

an a driving simulator really be

sophisticated enough to be used as a reliable training tool for track driving? That’s what we’ve come to Simraceway’s Performance Driving Centre at Infineon Raceway in Sonorna, California to find out- by driving the new Palstow D4 track car in both real and virtual environmanets. Should be fascinating... For those of you not familiar with these things, Simraceway, developed by the California-based and extremely well-funded Ignite Game Technologies, is the latest entry into the world of ultra realistic driving simulation. In devleopment since 2008, Simeraceway was launched in late 2011.

Underneath a slick, modern interface is a driving physics model that’s constantly being improved. Allan McNub and Dario Franchitti are actively involved in its development and even the late Dan Wheldon worked with Simraceway before his untimely death. During our visit, McNish is on site, just prior to the 2012 12 Hours of Sebring, to put the finishing touches to the vertual version of the Audi R18. All in all I really appreciate the forthright design and application of this and it amazes me how far technology is coming. Is it the same as on-track driving? That’s the next thing on my agenda!

c Are simulators now so good that they can actually be used to train track drivers? Simraceway

promises just that. Brian Makse put it to the test.

DONNELLY & TAGGART 120 ANTRIM ROAD, BALLYMENA BT42 2HD028 2564 9833 WWW.DONNELLYGROUP.CO.UK

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Start as you mean to go on With up to £750 deposit contribution + 5-year warranty

Dacia Sandero = from £89 per month

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Dacia Duster = from £169 per month


Dacia Sandero Stepway = from £99 per month


Dacia Logan MCV Lauréate = from £139 per month


48 monthly payments of £89Customer deposit £771Cash price £6,795Dealer deposit contribution £500Total amount of credit £5,524Finance facility fee £99Optional final payment £2,319Option to purchase fee £149Total amount payable £8,110Duration (months) 49Fixed interest rate p.a. 6.76%8.3% APR representative

Dacia Sandero Ambiance 1.2 16V 75 REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLE

The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the cars shown are: urban 37.2 (7.6)–65.7 (4.3); extra-urban 57.7 (4.9)–80.7 (3.5); combined 48.7 (5.8)–74.3 (3.8). The official CO2 emissions are 135–99g/km. EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008 test environment figures. Fuel consumption and CO2 may vary with driving styles, road conditions and other factors.Finance provided by Dacia Finance, PO Box 149, Watford WD17 1FJ. Subject to status. Indemnities may be required. UK resident (excludes the Channel Islands). Over 18s. Terms and conditions apply. Offers cannot be used with other schemes or finance offers and are available on featured new vehicles when ordered by 31 March 2016 and registered by 30 June 2016 (excluding Access versions). We may introduce you to other finance providers. We may receive a commission from the finance providers. Offers based on 6000 miles per annum, excess mileage 8p per mile inc VAT. EXTENDED

WARRANTY Extended warranty applies to the models shown for up to 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, when purchased on Dacia finance deposit contribution scheme (excluding Access versions). The extended warranty prolongs the warranty coverage from the date of first registration and expires on the first of the two limits reached. Warranty offer provides ongoing protection from mechanical and electrical failure after the standard manufacturer’s warranty has expired and is valued at £395. The warranty plan is not transferable to another vehicle, but should the vehicle be sold while the warranty plan is still active, the remaining cover transfers to the new owner. Visit shop.dacia.co.uk/ product/5-year-extended-warranty for full terms and conditions. *Deposit contributions shown are available to new Dacia Finance customers, when taking Dacia finance on a new Dacia Sandero, Dacia Sandero Stepway, Dacia Logan MCV or Dacia Duster (excluding Access versions). Vehicles shown with optional metallic paint at an additional £495.

Chatterbox | January 2016 | Motor18

DACIA DUSTER COMMERCIAL 4X4 WINS ‘BEST 4X4 VAN’ AT WHAT VAN? AWARDS 2016The Dacia Duster Commercial 4x4 has won ‘Best 4x4 Van’ at the What Van? Awards 2016, at a ceremony held in Central London.

Based on the popular Duster SUV and launched at the Commercial Vehicle Show 2015, the capable commercial crossover, was praised by judges for its off-road capability, driving style and value for money. The Duster Commercial is based on the road-going version of the vehicle yet benefits from the same tax advantages of light commercial vehicles, making the SUV even more affordable to own and run. Paul Barker, Editor, What Van? said: “The

arrival of the Dacia Duster Commercial has given this niche area of the market a new, interesting and well-priced alternative that offers something unique in the marketplace, which is why we have awarded it our 4x4 Van of the Year title. A simple, well-driving and good value proposition capable of accessing muddy and off-the-beaten-track sites, the Duster Commercial is a sensible and welcome addition to the UK’s light commercial vehicle sector.”

On collecting the award for the Duster Commercial 4x4, Louise O’Sullivan, Head of Dacia UK said: “It’s great to see the Commercial 4x4 being recognised by the What Van? team after launching in April this year. The Duster Commercial 4x4 provides a no-nonsense solution to businesses looking for an affordable, reliable vehicle that’s also capable of heading off-road when needed. Dacia has really struck a chord with the British public since it was launched in 2013

– becoming the most successful new car brand launch ever in the UK. The introduction of the Duster Commercial now brings Dacia’s brand values of ability, affordability and simplicity to the LCV market.” Available in two different trim levels – Ambiance and Lauréate – the Duster Commercial 4x4 receives Bluetooth

connectivity, electric front windows and a heated rear screen even on entry level versions. The Lauréate version adds cruise control, leather steering wheel, alloy wheels and electric heated wing mirrors. Dacia offers a comprehensive selection of low-priced option packs to help owners secure payloads and protect their vehicle during a life of hard work. There is a

choice of steel or mesh bulkheads between the passenger and cargo areas; privacy film for the tailgate window and mudguards. The Duster Commercial is offered with one business-oriented diesel engine – the dCi 110 unit, the best-selling Renault Group diesel powertrain, either as a 4x2 or a robust, go-anywhere 4x4. The 4x2 dCi 110 returns up to 56.5mpg (NEDC

Combined), with CO2 emissions as low as 130 g/km and is available from £9,595 (excluding VAT) for the Ambiance entry level trim. Meanwhile, the 4x4 dCi 110 returns up to 54.3mpg (NEDC Combined), with CO2 emissions as low as 137 g/km and is available from £11,295 (excluding VAT) for the Ambiance trim.The What Van? Awards are decided by

the expert editorial panel of What Van? Magazine, calling on their combined decades of experience in the light commercial vehicle industry. The What Van? Awards seek to reward the best products, companies and services in the industry for their ability to make life easier, cleaner, safer and more efficient for light commercial vehicle operators in the UK.

WHO ARE YOUMy name is Victoria Foster, I am the designer and creator behind VF designs. I live and work from my home in beautiful Whitehead.

What do you do?I am a self taught textile artist. Creating one of a kind original wet felt embroidered pictures. I use the traditional wet felting method with my own contemporary twist. With mixed media elements, such as copper, Harris and Donegal tweeds added. Finished with lots of textural hand embroidery giving each piece depth, character and uniqueness. Using locally sourced materials. Each piece is instantly recognisable from their vibrancy and textural finish.

what inspires you?My inspiration comes from a love of colour, textures and our beautiful landscapes.

Why do you love it so Much?I love what I do, each picture contains a part of my heart and soul. My goal is to make people smile when they view my art.

where can we find your work?OnlineWww.facebook.com/VFdesignsNI www.etsy.com/uk/shop/designVFWww.artbyvfdesigns.com

N.Ireland The bank house, whiteheadJavart, Carrickfergus

R.O.IArtists Gift Gallery, Dublin

U.KItch Gallery, Oakham Victoria Fearn Gallery, Cardiff

stockists

In The Spotlight : VF DESIGNS

WHO ARE YOUMy name is Hugo McNiece and I own DIP (Digital Image photography). I live outside of Ballymena with my wife and children. I am a new Christian as of May 2015 and have been planted and baptised in Green Pastures Church, Galgorm, where we have found our new Christian home and family.

What do you do?Firstly let me introduce DIP (Digital Image Photography) to you. It was a new company set up in August of 2006. I worked for the Ballymena Guardian for 21 years and took photographs as an amateur for five years previously. Work undertaken by me has included school formals, portraits, weddings, PR and press work. I am self taught in photography and computer professional photoshop programmes. I am also one of the few “old school” printers who can develop and print films preferring black n white

what inspires you?I aim to capture that “one” image so every bride looks stunning so she can feel special on her big day. To me it’s the brides day the grooms are important accessories. This gives me a special feeling that I can see the beauty in everyone.

where can we find your work?OnlineWww.facebook.com/DIPniWww.facebook.com/HugoMcNiece

In The Spotlight : Digital Image Photography

Address 10 Oldstone Park, Clough,Ballymena, Co. Antrim, N.I..BT44 9SF

Contact 07990 [email protected]

I am Access NI Approved to work with children and vulnerable adults.

Budget Package £299DVD and CD of all pictures taken.

Package A £37024 side photo book DVD and CD of all pictures taken

Package B £46540 side photo book16 x 12 inch printDVD and CD of all images taken.

Package C £63060 side photo book30 inch x 20 inch canvas of your choiceDVD and CD of all photographs taken

Package D £74012x12 story book (30 sides) 30x20 canvasDVD and CD of all photographs taken.

Package E £88012x12 story book (20 sides)2 matching parent 8x8 story books4 mini 5x5 story books (10 sides)DVD and CD of all photographs taken.

www.facebook.com/ Digital-Image-Photography

Find Us on Facebook

Wedding Packages for 2016

Chatterbox | January 2016 |House & Home 21

WE WON’T BE BEATEN ON VALUE, CLEANLINESS & FRIENDLINESS

Cleansweep Private Homes & Business Premises

Domestic Cleaning Services

One off spring cleans or can clean on a weekly or fortnightly basis

New Builds

Dusting and Hoovering

Kitchen and Bathrooms

Private lets for Land Lords

CALL CAROLYN FOR A FREE QUOTE ON:

07845 490 422

Our local business was established in 2005, and was nominated for New Local Business of the year shortly after

(Left to right, Cerys, Lorna, Carolyn, Katrina)

CLEANSWEEP ARE CELEBRATING THEIR 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

Carolyn along with her team of superb local girls all of whom are friendly, discrete and reliable bring everything needed to your door customers don’t need to supply a thing! Working weekdays in the Larne, Carrick, Ballyclare & surrounding areas with competitive prices tailor made to fit the service you need!

Looking forward to hearing from you, our new customers.

Carolyn Wilkinson

Managed by Carolyn Wilkinson, cleansweep has established a wonderful customer base with daily, weekly & fortnightly general cleans in private homes and also local businesses. Along with one off deep spring cleans. References from these satisfied customers are available on request anytime.

If you are interested in contacting Cleansweep for their services please contact Carolyn on: 07845490422

SalesLaptops / Custom-built PCs / Peripherals / SoftwareRepairsVirus Removal / Anti-Virus Software Installation / Data Recovery / Upgrades / Broadband / Home & Business Networking / Games ConsolesScreen RepairsiPhones / iiPhones / iPads / Tablets Call out Servce or Pick up & Return Service Available

Professional Website Design now available at affordable pricing

www.hadesigns.co.uk

JAVA IS UNSAFE he company that makes Java (oracle) has been forced to confess publically that their Java Plugin leaves users at risk of Malware. In America the Federal Trade Commission has forced Oracle to display a security warning on its website

and also post warnings on Twitter and Facebook for any links to it. One of the main problems with Java is that updates did not remove earlier versions of Java which were left unpatched. This left security flaws that hackers could have exploited. My advice is if you do not require Java uninstall it. If you are not sure then check for any earlier versions of Java and uninstall them (add remove programs). Most computers now do not require Java installed as a separate program because any good program that requires Java has the plugin built into it. Larne Computers no longer installs Java on any computers. As usual if you want any advice please feel free to contact us on 02828279190.

T

Chatterbox | January 2016 | Council Info22

What’s On in Ballymena & CarrickfergusWelcome to the whats on guide for Carrickfergus. We’ve included whats happening in your local area, but as you can see, we have room for more. Get in touch using the information below. In our guide we’ve included a list of classes, events including times and the days that they are on. If you are looking something to do then why not pop along.

Oakfield Community Development Centre

Contact for all bookings and activities information on 02893 364747 or email: [email protected] or [email protected]

MONDAY9:15am – 10:15am – Tiny Tutus Uk, Ballet Class with Samantha Burrell11:15am – 1:15pm – Yoga, with Miriam Chambers2pm – 4pm – Crochet Class3:00pm – 5:00pm - Tiny Tutus Uk, Ballet Class with Samantha Burrell3:30pm – 5:30pm – Dizzy Rascals & Little Pop Stars, Dancing with Jo7:00pm – 9:00pm – Craft Class, Patchwork with Linda Charlton7:30pm – 8:00pm – Unisex Fitness Class, with Joyce Walker 7:30pm – 10.30pm – Oakfield Bridge Club

TUESDAY10:00am – 12:00pm – Textiles with Lorna McIlwrath10:00am – 12:00pm – Sewing Class with Brenda Shephard 2:00pm – 3:00pm – Junglenastix, Gymnastics with Candy Le Roux4:30pm – 5:30pm - Junglenastix, Gymnastics with Candy Le Roux7:00pm – 9:00pm – Cast offs Craft Group with Anne Langley7:00pm – 9:00pm - Textiles with Lorna McIlwrath7:00pm – 9:00pm - Sewing Class with Brenda Shephard7:00pm – 9:30pm – Yoga Class with Jane Waugh

THURSDAY9:00am – 11:00am – Beginners computer class with Beryl McKnight 10:15am – 11:15am – Keep fit for Seniors7:00pm – 8:00pm – Overeaters Anonymous

FRIDAY9:30am – 10:30am – Dance Fitness with Loiri Morea 10:00am – 12:00pm – Crafts and Textiles with Lorna McIlwrath10:15am – 1:15pm – La Leche League with Sarah McCann (every 2nd Friday in month)10:30am – 11:30am – Chair Yogo with Jane Waugh

SATURDAY12:00pm – 1:00pm – Class Act, Drama Class with Lisa Semple Woodburn Playgroup – Monday to Friday Jollytots After School Club – Monday to Friday

Sunnylands Community Centre

22 Bridewell Drive, Carrickfergus

WEDNESDAY10:00am – 12:30pm – Norsun Community Group, Tea morning with Sally Campbell8:00pm – 10:00pm – AA Meeting

THURSDAY6.30pm – 7.30pm – Carrickfergus Free Presbyterian Bible Club for kids

FRIDAY8:00pm – 10:00pm – AA Meeting

SATURDAY10:00am – 1:00pm – Royal Tara Irish Dance with Marti Shields

SUNDAY8:00pm – 10:00pm – AA meeting

MONDAY TO FRIDAYRainbow Playgroup Bumble BZ School Club

OAKFIELD CAFÉ

(In Oakfield Community Development Centre) Come and sample Jacqui’s tasty food Monday to Friday from 9amPlease contact: 07988 066 631 for further information on private catering

THURSDAY7:00pm – 9:00pm – Jump NI with Paul Allen

SUNDAY2:00pm – 4:00pm – Metro Sunday School

GREENISLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE

TUESDAY7:30pm – 8:30pm – Fitness & Aerobics Class with Lisa Crossen

WEDNESDAY6:00pm – 9:00pm – Knockagh School of Irish Dance with Joan Caldwell

THURSDAY7:00pm – 9:00pm – Fitness and Kickboxing with Stephen Conor

SATURDAY10:00am – 4:00pm - Knockagh School of Irish Dance with Joan Caldwell10:00am – 12:00pm – DUP Advice Office (every 2nd Saturday in Month)

MONDAY TO FRIDAY

Alphabet Playgroup

CASTLEVIEW PAVILLION, WHITEHEAD

TUESDAY4:30pm – 9:00pm – Slimming World with Shirley Hussey

WEDNESDAY10:00am – 12:00pm – Ballycarry Art Club 6:00pm – 9:00pm – Martial Arts & Ju Jitsu with Lee Savage

THURSDAY7:00pm – 9:00pm – Army Cadets

EDEN COMMUNITY CENTRE 42 Beltoy Road, Carrickfergus

MONDAY7:00pm – 9:00pm – Bentra School of Irish Dance, with Jackie Haggan 7:00pm – 9:00pm – Crafts, Crachet Class with Anne McCready

TUESDAY7:00pm – 9:00pm – Juku Ryu jitsu Club, Martial Arts with Alan McKee

WEDNESDAY7:00pm – 9:00pm – Lorraine Telfair School of Sewing 7:00pm – 8:00pm – Zumba

THURSDAY7:00pm – 8:00pm – Dance Fitness with Loiri Morea

MONDAY TO FRIDAYKilroot Playgroup

EDEN CAFÉ42 Beltoy Road, Carrickfergus

TUESDAY TO FRIDAYServing a range of hot and cold food – Tuesday – Sunday 9:00am – 4:00pm

TUESDAY5.30pm – 9:30pm – Slimming World with Doreen Wilson

WEDNESDAY9:00am – 2:00pm Slimming World with Elspeth Turner-Warke5:00pm – 9:00pm - Slimming World with Elspeth Turner-Warke

WOODBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE

68 Woodburn Road

MONDAYSt John Ambulance Cadets – 9:00pm

guide to what’s on in ballymenaMONDAY

FRIDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

High Kirk Playgroup9.10am - 12.10pm. High Kirk Presbyterian Church, 65-71 Thomas Street, Ballymena, BT43 6AZ. 028 2564 4834. (Monday - Friday)Parents and Toddlers10:00 AM. Ballyloughan Presbyterian Church, Doury Road, Ballymena BT43 6. TEL: 028 2564 8502.Pitter Patter Toddler Group10:00 AM - 12.00PM. All Saints R C Church, 2 Broughshane Road, Ballymena BT43 7DX. TEL: 028 2564 0968.Tots ‘n’ us9.30am - 11.30am. All Saints Parish Centre, Railway Street, Antrim. TEL: 0770 92 55965.

Busy Bees10 am – 11.30 am. Greystone Road Manse , 2 Brantwood Gardens, Antrim, BT41 1HP. TEL: 028 9446 2844.Little Borrowers toy and book play10 am – 12.00 pm. 54 Greystone Road, Antrim, BT41 1JZ. TEL: 028 9446 2076. Mothers and Toddlers Group10.00am. St Patrick’s Church, Castle Street, Ballymena, County Antrim BT43 7BT. TEL: 028 2589 2740.St MacNissi Pre-School Playgroup10.00am-12.00pm. Parish Centre, Station Road, Randalstown. TEL: 028 9447 2109.Tothers10.00am 12.00 noon. High Kirk Presbyterian Church, 65-71 Thomas Street, Ballymena, Antrim BT43 6AZ. TEL: 028 2564 4834.

Grange Mother n Toddler Group10.00am -12.00 noon. Grange Presbyterian Church Hall, Taylorstown Hill, Toomebridge.Tiny TotsFirst Antrim Presbyterian Church, 82 Church Street, ANTRIM, BT41 4BA. TEL: 028 9446 6415.The Kids’ Club6.30pm. Ballymena Congregational Church, Kinhilt Street, Ballymena, BT43 5BD. TEL: 028 2565 1526.First Antrim Girls Brigade6.30pm-9.30pm. First Antrim Presbyterian Church, 82 Church Street, Antrim BT41 4BA. TEL: 028 9446 6415.Ballymena Elim Parents and Toddlers10.30am-12.00pm. 42 Castle Street, Ballymena, Co Antrim, BT43 7BT. TEL: (028) 2564 0818 - Sabrina.

Antrim Baptist Mums & Tots10.15am - 12noon. 3 Greystone Link, Antrim, BT41 1QW. TEL: 028 9446 4881.Wee Winners10:30am-12pm. Living Rivers Church, 2-4 Railway Street, Ballymena, BT42 2AB. TEL: 028 2563 8700.MOPS and MOMS9.15am. High Kirk Presbyterian Church, 65-71 Thomas Street, Ballymena, BT43 6AZ. TEL: 028 2564 4834. (Every other month)Tea & TotsCloughwater Presbyterian Church, 127 Cloughwater Road, Ballymena BT43 6QR. Find Tea&Tots on facebook. Contact Gemma on 07759346316 or Rachael on 07738751996

Greystone Tots10am-12noon. Greystone Primary school, Greystone Road, Antrim. St Comgalls Playgroup / Pre-School Centre9am - 11.45am. Parish Centre , Parochial House, 3 Oriel Road, ANTRIMBT41 4HP. TEL: 028 9446 1012.Naiscoil Ghleann Darach (Irish nursery school) Crumlin9.00am to 12.00pm. 15C Glenavy Road, CRUMLIN, ANTRIM, BT29 4LA. TEL: 028 9442 3977. (Monday to Friday).Round Tower Community Playgroup9.00am to 12.00pm. Durnish Road, Springfarm, Antrim, County Antrim, BT41 2TH. TEL: 07765 841 898. (Monday to Friday).

CONTACT INFO: [email protected] OR TEL: 02893 365206

guide to what’s on in CARRICKFERGUS

Chatterbox | January 2016 | Council Info 23

Amphitheatre Prince William Way Carrickfergus BT38 7HPT: 028 9335 8342 W: www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Aqua AerobicsWellness Programmein Amphitheatre, H2O.(Shallow end of main pool)

Every Thursday from 7.45pm to 8.30pmCost £2.50 per class (for all users)

For further information please contact the Amphitheatre Wellness Centre on 028 9335 8342

Count the wildlife

that’s counting on you

Big Garden Birdwatch

Find out more at rspb.org.uk/birdwatch

Tel: 028 9335 8231

Take part in the world's biggest

wildlife survey, The Big Garden

Birdwatch, and make your very

own bird box to take home.

Dixon Park, Larne

Saturday 30th January

2pm – 4pm

Free Event

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Outdoor event,

please wear suitable clothing and footwear.

The Big Garden

Birdwatch

Count the wildlife




Tel: 028 9335 8231





Dixon Park, Larne


2pm – 4pm

Free Event



The Big Garden

Birdwatch

Count the wildlife




Tel: 028 9335 8231





Dixon Park, Larne


2pm – 4pm

Free Event



The Big Garden

Birdwatch

Count the wildlife




Tel: 028 9335 8231





Dixon Park, Larne


2pm – 4pm

Free Event



The Big Garden

Birdwatch

Count the wildlife




Tel: 028 9335 8231





Dixon Park, Larne


2pm – 4pm

Free Event



The Big Garden

Birdwatch

Count the wildlife




Tel: 028 9335 8231





Dixon Park, Larne


2pm – 4pm

Free Event



The Big Garden

Birdwatch

Count the wildlife




Tel: 028 9335 8231

Get close to our feathered friends during a

hands-on bird ringing demonstration and

take part in The Big Garden Birdwatch,

(Bird ringing is the attachment of a small numbered tag

to the leg or wing of a wild bird to enable individual

identification and is vital for bird conservation.)

Bashfordsland Wood &

Oakfield Glen, Carrickfergus

(Meeting at Oakfield Community Centre)

Sunday 31st January

10am - 1pm

Free Event



the

world's biggest wildlife survey.

The Big Garden

Birdwatch

Carrickfergus Larne

Bird Box Making on Saturday in LarneWe are Bird Ringing in

Carrick on Sunday

People have travelled from all over Europe to view his well-known eye-popping piece on Heisenberg from the hit AMC series Breaking Bad (2008-2013).

Dean said: “Just last week a lady from Paris was over in Belfast to see the piece, she had got in touch with me and I had to break the bad news to her that it was no longer here.

“I’ve had quite a lot of attention over this piece, it was painted over by another artist, this is what hap-pens and how trends in street art keep changing, by constantly being updated.”

Belfast businesses such as art supplier Ink Monkey, Dr. Martens, The Maverick bar, The National Café and The Dirty Onion all have pieces by Visual Waste.

In The Spotlight : VISUAL WASTESince 2011 Visual Waste has worked with a broad range of clients from painting caravans for Northern Ireland Tourist Board to working with global clients such as James-on whiskey and Dr Martens. Visual Waste, aka Dean Kane who is best known for his standout pieces round Northern Ireland, especially round the North Street area of Belfast which seems to becoming a ‘Graffiti street’.

Ink Monkey have an entire wall that depicts what is going on in the outside world by Visual Waste, not his usual style as he ‘tries to avoid a lot of colour’ and work with ‘black and white’ and ‘small amounts of colour’ to make pieces really stand out.

Corn Market’s Dr. Martens store have the walls surrounding their staircase totally covered with Dean’s work, while he was working in the store he also put his stamp on some custom Dr. Marten boots which sadly are not for sale.

Dean never set out to make this his full-time job, he said: “One job just led to another and it just sort of happened…. I absolutely love it.”

Businesses are quickly getting on trend by hiring talented street artists such as Visual Waste to make their company stand out amongst competitors.

Dean said: “Street art is becoming its own art form and a great way for businesses to advertise and also a really efficient way of tapping into certain demographics and engaging with specific types of audiences.

“In order to take out a billboard in the City Centre I think it’s approximately £600 a month, when you could commission an artist to do a huge piece in your shop. Then people will want to come down and see it, photographic it, put it on their instagram and tag your location. Then it all spirals from here.”

The people of Belfast and farther afield will be pleased about the possibility of Visual Waste bringing back Heisenberg this Summer ‘if I get the chance to paint another Heisenberg on North Street, of course I’m going to take it.’

Branding, Murals, Sign Writing, Urban Art, Graffiti Art, Bars Pubs, Clubs, Workshops, Bedrooms, Boats, Planes, cars and caravans there’s nothing Visual Waste wont paint.

Facebook/Visualwasteartist

Twitter@viswaste

instagramvisualwaste

Visit Visual Waste online

Websitewww.visualwaste.co.uk

Dream

alongside our new fully qualified interior designer

Beggs Of Class

Let your become a reality...

Beggs Of Class are delighted to welcome their new INTERIOR DESIGNER,

Wendy McConnell on board their team!

"Your home is a reflection of $who you are. $That's why at Beggs Of Class, $our clients are the inspiration $for every home we design"

Wendy McConnellBDes (Hons) Interior Design

Meet our designer...

59/61 Church Street Ballymena

"Small enough to care, big enough to cope"

Wendy is a fully trained graduate of the University of Ulster with a wealth of experience in the interior design industy.She is a creative and dedicated design professional who will be happy to help any customer who wishes to use the interior design services.

JANUARY

OFFER

- FREE home consultation

- FREE fitting service

- 20% off all stock fabric

Have your home designed

professionally at an affordable

price!

Tel: 028 2565 4884 Email: [email protected] 9 - 5 Monday - Saturday

Chatterbox | January 2016 | Arts & Crafts 25

Chatterbox | January 2016 | Food & Drink26

Preparation methodCream the butter and sugar together then slowly add the eggs, mix for three minutes. Add the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, stir to combine, then refrigerate for at least an hour, preferably overnight.

Place a spoonful of muffin mixture into each muffin case, filling each to just over half way. Stud each muffin with about eight blueberries.

Bake in an oven set at 200C/400F/Gas 6 for 20 minutes, or until golden on top. Serve with cream.

B l u e b e r ry110g/4oz plain flour110g/4oz butter65g/2½oz caster sugar2 free-range eggs1½ tsp baking powder125g/4½oz blueberries, or equivalent in frozen pinch nutmegdouble cream, to serve

Ingredients

Mu

ffins

Delectable Delights

1

2

3

Preparation methodPreheat oven to 180 C / Gas mark 4. Line a baking tray with parchment.

Combine peanut butter, eggs and sugar and mix until smooth. Mix in chocolate chips and nuts, if desired. Spoon mixture by tablespoons onto tray.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 to 10 minutes before removing.

Peanut Butter500g Peanut butter

300g caster sugar

4 eggs (beaten)

300g chocolate chips (optional)

180g chopped pecans (optional)

Ingredients

Cookies

12

3

B L F S T N I

N E W S , R E V I E W S & P R E V I E W S

A STORIED HISTORY THAT INCLUDED A STINT AS THE POINT LED

TO THE CARRICKFERGUS EATERY IN THE SHADOW OF THE CASTLE

TO BECOME THE SWIFT.

HAVING BEEN IN ITS PREVIOUS ITERATIONS AND HAD MIXED

EXPERIENCES I DECIDED TO GIVE THE SWIFT A WIDE BIRTH UNTIL

IT FOUND ITS FEET. I HAD SEEN SOME GOOD REVIEWS RECENTLY

AND DECIDED IT WAS HIGH TIME I GAVE IT ANOTHER GO.

INSIDE IS DECORATED TASTEFULLY WITH A SLIGHT FUNKY EDGE.

NICE ENOUGH FOR MORE FORMAL DINNERS BUT CASUAL ENOUGH

FOR A QUICK BITE. I CUT STRAIGHT TO THE CHASE AND ORDERED

THEIR SIGNATURE BURGER, IT HAD BEEN RECOMMENDED TO ME

AND I WAS IN THE MOOD TO EAT WITH MY HANDS.

THE PRESENTATION WAS GREAT, CURLY FRIES IN A WEE MOCK

FRYER BASKET, SAUCE IN A METAL RAMEKIN AND THE BURGER

SERVED ON A WOODEN BOARD ALL DEPICTED THE RUSTIC AND

STURDY NATURE OF THE MEAL I WAS ABOUT TO ENJOY.

THE CURLY FRIES WERE GREAT, REALLY TASTY AND CRISPY AND

AS MUCH FUN AS CURLY FRIES SHOULD BE. THE BURGER WAS

ONE OF THE BEST I’VE HAD IN NI. A HOMEMADE BUN THAT WAS

FLUFFY AND RESILIENT ENOUGH TO NOT FALL APART AS I ATE THE

WHOLE BURGER. THE MEAT WAS NOT TOO TIGHTLY PACKED AND

HAD A REAL BEEFY MEATY TASTE, A TASTE OF WELL-SEASONED

GROUND STEAK INSTEAD OF THE LESSER CUTS THAT OFTEN FIND

THEIR WAY INTO BURGERS THESE DAYS.

IT WAS TOPPED WITH LIGHT CRISPY ONION RINGS AND HAD

FRESH SALAD AND A TANGY HAND-MADE MAYO BASED SAUCE.

A VERY SATISFYING MEAL THAT LEFT ME HIGHLY IMPRESSED. IT

WOULD CERTAINLY GIVE ME ENOUGH CONFIDENCE TO BE A BIT

MORE ADVENTUROUS NEXT TIME!

F O O D R E V I E W :

The Swift – Carrickfergus

If you would like more information about Pastie Bap Reviews, check out their website:

W W W . PA ST I E B A P . COM


all italian luxury

Eros corner sofa

Uno Modern Living52 Boucher Road, Belfast, BT12 6HR

T: 028 9068 2496 www.unomodernliving.comA member of the Albert Graham Limited Group

Algram1-5 Railway St, Ballymena, BT42 2AA

T: 028 2564 0206 www.algram.co.uk

massive reductions across the natuzzi range*

£1799

*All models not available in both stores

NOW£2499

£3784RRP

33% off

NOW£599

£999RRP

Venice 2 seater sofa

Angelo 2 seater sofa

Venice corner sofa

NOW£1949

£2924RRP

NOW£999

£1675RRP

40% off

40% off

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Sorrento corner sofaNOW

£1799£2999RRP

40% off

Who & What Inspires You?This is a tough one! I grew up listening to Queen. So naturally Brian May became my 1st real guitar hero. I just loved his tone, it’s very distinctive. That’s all I listened to for years. I then eventually discovered other music outside of Queen.. A Boston based musician called Nuno Bettencourt attracted me to his band Extreme by his funky virtuoso styled playing. Although bands that inspire me musically nowadays would include Iron Maiden, Saxon, Megadeth, Helloween. I’m also a huge horror fan. So dark horror based theme’s appear in alot of our songs. Although we can have the odd meaningful song. It all depends on the mood and the riff you are writing.

Introducing Conjuring fateWho are you? Tell us a bit about yourselves.Phil: We are Conjuring Fate, a twin lead heavy metal band from Co. Antrim! I founded the band initially back in 2005. Although the band didn’t play live until 2010. Back then we played some good shows which included supporting a childhood hero, Blaze Bayley of Wolfsbane and formerly Iron Maiden. Over the last year couple of years we’ve underwent a slight lineup change. Things have strangely picked up since then. We recorded our debut music video in the old H&W Titanic Drawing Offices, that was GREAT fun! Since then we’ve released our HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL E.P, we got a Rotosound string endorsement, supported heavyweights such as Mordred, Diamond Head, Xentrix, Rage Of Angels, Acid Reign and the 2 Irish Dragonforce shows. Plus all of our own shows. It’s been a pretty good comeback for us!

Facebook/ConjuringFate

Reverbnation.com/conjuringfate

bandcamp.comconjuringfate.bandcamp.com

Where to find them

in the spotlight: CONJURING FATETHE SOUND OF MUSIC : NOT THE ONE WITH NUNS...

The Thrill's ThoughtsPerhaps not a soundtrack for a Sunday morning recovery session, but if you’re a heavy metal lover you’ll find yourself adding these gentlemen to your playlist, pronto! Conjuring Fate provide ample amounts of soaring guitar riffs and thunderous vocals . They could be the sound that makes your Saturday Night worth the Sunday Morning!

Bill "The Thrill"Buchanan/BillTTBUCHANAn

@BillTTBUCHANAN

Who does he think he is?I know what you’re thinking...What qualifies me to talk about music, well I’m a former Radio DJ and Live Entertainer who’s had the pleasure of interviewing, reviewing and occasionally even sharing a stage with some of Northern Ireland greatest acts but on top of that I SIMPLY LOVE MUSIC.We’re all aware that music is like clothing everyone certainly has their own taste. While rock and roll music might be your daily pair of jeans, your friend might be more inclined to wear his spar-kling neon shirt of dance music..I’m a firm believer that as long as music invokes an emotion, it is most certainly doing it’s job.So don’t take my word for gospel and simply think of it as a‘Suggestion’ that you might just discover a love for.

Song choice of the weekI know it's wrong but I have to say I've been addicted to listening to Daddy by PSY. If I’m honest I'm not overly sure what he's saying but the beat is undeniably catchy.

Fun FactWe’ve all heard the ‘Diva Stories’ about artists demanding only brown M&Ms in their dressing room. However this story actually originates from legendary rock band Van Halen.The band would place the request for a bowl of Brown M&Ms in amongst the health & safety requirements in their rider, this way when they arrived at venues they could instantly tell if the correct safety measures had been taken by the crew and venue. If the M&Ms weren’t present the band would refuse to play!

My Favourite TrackHouse On Haunted HillHouse On Haunted Hill E.P.

Sounds likeIron Maiden, Saxon, Megadeth

Star power

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls allow me to introduce you to Conjuring Fate, a Heavy Metal band direct from County Antrim. I recently caught up with their Lead Guitarist Phil Horner to find out more about these musicians of metal.

Who's who in the band?Tommy Daly on Vocals, he’s been by my side since the start. Karl “Billy the Kid” Gibson on Lead Guitar, he’s the baby of the band, but man he can shred! Steven Legear on bass guitar, this is our 2nd band together, he’s a great song writer. Bogdan “Boggy” Walczak on Drums. Hes a real power horse on the drums! Then of course myself on lead guitar.

If you had to pick one track to let the world hear your music, what would it be? If I HAD to pick one track it would probably be 'House On Haunted Hill'. This is our video and E.P. title track. It has hooks, a catchy chorus and 2 solos. What more could you ask for? Actually wait a minute, I know. 4 solos! Then that would have to be our track 'Backwoods Witch'!

Where can we check out Conjuring Fate?You’ll find our music video for “House on Haunted Hill” on YouTube.We’re taking a break from live shows as we are currently recording our next CD, but you can find our music and keep up-to-date via our Social Media.

The Music Tuition Alternative0845 680 3405

Sponsored by

www.music-rooms.com

CoveringAntrimBallymenaCarrickfergus

Happy New Year from Aurora Dance Company! If you’re wondering what Aurora Dance Company is, it is a company which I, Erin Lyle, formed in 2011 after working for two years as a freelance dance teacher.

Noticing the increasing amount dance teachers were in demand, with dance becoming a more and more popular form of exercise, sport and extra curricular activity, I decided to put together a company which would make dance classes readily available for children in local areas.

We are now currently running children’s dance classes, which are open to the public in Larne, Carrickfergus, Newtownabbey and North Belfast, with the plans to begin new classes in Carryduff, East and South Belfast in 2016.

We also run a large program of afterschool clubs in the same areas and Holiday camps, which are an intense week 9am-3pm training

in various styles of dance and performing for friends and family at the end. It has been extremely rewarding to work with the children from these local areas, who maybe otherwise would not have partaken in such an activity as dance! The children who attend our classes are truly thriving in the art and becoming budding stars! We also like to give our kids a chance to perform and so far have staged two annual dance shows which has brought all the children from all the different areas together in order to dance on a stage in front of a large audience and show what they’ve learned!

Dance is becoming a highly popular form of entertainment with shows such as So You Think You Can Dance, Strictly, Britain’s Got Talent, to name a few. With the interest rising in such an activity, it is important to make sure that young people in our society are able to participate in something they find fun and entertaining, but which also reaps great benefits to health and mind.

Not only will dance help shape a child in knowledge of safe exercise and stretching, it will help generate their movement memory, co-ordination, improve fitness and flexibility, as well as develop rhythm and movement. On top of all this the children who attend our classes at Aurora Dance Company all become great friends! Many children who have began our classes as a quiet, shy child have all come out of their shell by a few weeks into the lessons!

As for adults, did you know you can burn around 430 calories an hour in an adult dance fitness class? Even if you have had no prior dance training there are classes available to you. Styles such as Zumba, Jazzercise, Dance fitness and Hip Hop workouts are becoming ever more popular. Aurora Dance Company is also hoping to offer some of these styles to our timetable within the next year!

So if your children…or yourself are interested in getting involved in something fun and rewarding in your local area, then visit our facebook page to check out more information:

www.facebook.com/auroradancecompany

Chatterbox | January 2016 | Beauty30

Beauty BizHOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR GEL MANICURE AT HOME

Unlike ordinary polish which has UV protection, gel polish does not, as it is cured under a UV light, because of this when you go on holiday or spend a lot of time in the sun, the sun can fade your gel polish. To avoid this happening, when you go on holiday, apply an ordinary nail polish top coat to your nails every 2 to 3 days, this will prevent fading and also prolong your gel polish and help prevent chipping.

Use cuticle oil 3 times a day, massage into cuticles and nails.

1

2 Do not use your nails as tools. This is a sure way to make your gel polish chip.

3

Ashley Cahoon of Sinful Beauty, 9 North Street Carrickfergus (Above House of Hair and Beauty).

www.facebook.com/sinfulbeautycarrick

Sinful Beauty

Wear gloves when using cleaning products. Chemicals in cleaning products can break down the gel causing chipping or staining.4

This months beauty tip was brought to you by:

My name is Caroline Hawthorne.

I am married to Stuart and we have four children - Caleb (7), Joel (6), Eli (3) and Mollie (1). To say life is busy would be an understatement! I’ve just recently opened my own business doing makeup, HD Brows and soon will be doing 3D lash extensions. I’ve always loved doing makeup and have done it for friends and family for a long time. I’ve worked full time in different administrative roles since I was 17 but never imagined that I would end up doing makeup as my full time profession - a hobby that I now call work and I love it! I am a people person and so I enjoy meeting new people and feel especially privileged when I am invited into a bride’s home on the morning of her wedding. This is definitely my favourite part of the job. The makeup industry is constantly changing and it’s a challenge keeping up with the latest trends. If you’re looking for tips YouTube can be helpful. However, some tutorials can make it look extremely easy, even for Makeup Artists!

For this issue I am going to focus on contouring and highlighting. People are going crazy for this at the minute but don’t over think it - and there is no need to go out and buy an expensive contour kit. A simple but effective way to achieve this look is to apply a darker powder for contouring. I have used a Mac Mineralise Skinfinish in dark tan for this. Be careful when choosing the shade as warm brown colours can look orange over foundation. After you have applied your foundation take a brush and apply the dark powder under cheekbones, then under your jawline and on that double chin, if you have one!

When applying under your cheekbone start from your ear and work in to about half way between your nose and ear - this is usually in line with your pupil. I usually apply blusher to the apple of my cheek after I have contoured. Apply the highlighting powder to the eyebrow bone, top of cheekbone, and your cupid’s bow (above top lip). Be careful when highlighting e.g. avoid highlighting on mature skin (wrinkles), hairy or spotty areas as it will draw attention to these places! A piece of helpful advice that I was given by Ciara Daly during my makeup course was to remember that “light brings forward, dark makes areas recede.”I hope you have found this useful. It would be great to meet you in my studio in the near future - I can guarantee a Nespresso coffee with every treatment!

You can follow my work at:

www.carolinejaynemua.com

Facebook Instagram

07974104112

Chatterbox | January 2016 | Beauty 31

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41 COMBER ROAD, DUNDONALD, BT16 2AA 028 9048 6222WWW.MCWATTERSOPTICIANS.CO.UK

T h e L o o p | J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 6 22

1. Have regular sight tests. Keeping your regular appointment every

1-2 years for a check can pick up signs

of underlying general health conditions,

such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Remember that your optometrist is always

the first person you should visit if you

have any eye concerns. They can assess

the problem and, if necessary, refer you to

the right place for treatment.

2. Eat healthily. A well- balanced diet reduces your risk of

eye disease. Think about including lots of

omega-3 fats, found in oily fish, and lutein,

found in dark-green, leafy vegetables such

as spinach and kale. Vitamins A, C and E

are also helpful, so eat at least five por-

tions of fruit and vegetables a day

GIVE THE GIFT OF CARE IN 2016Can you imagine going a whole day, week or month without speaking to anyone at all? hockingly, this is a reality for many of the elderly or those living alone in our society. It is estimated that one million elderly people across Britain live on their own.

People can become

socially isolated for a variety of reasons, such

as getting older or weaker, no longer being the hub of their family, leaving the workplace, the deaths of spouses and friends, or through disability or illness. Whatever the cause, it’s

shockingly easy to be left feeling alone and vulnerable, which can

lead to depression and a serious

decline in physical health and

wellbeing – which in turn creates

an even heavier burden on our

already struggling health service.

Someone who is lonely often finds it hard to reach out. There is a

stigma surrounding loneliness, and

older people tend not to ask

for help because they have too much pride.

Bryson Care, part of Northern Ireland’s leading social enterprise,

Bryson Charitable Group, is

helping to combat this problem

with the introduction of their new Bryson One2One service - a

privately funded, paid-for service which provides home support for those caring for older people. The new initiative launched last

T

HEALTH BEAUTY & WELLBEINGmonth, offers services that includes befriending, support with shopping, chaperoning to appointments,

respite, light housework and meal

preparation, to name but a few.As Jo Marley, Director, Bryson Care explained: “People in later life are particularly vulnerable to loneliness, and this can reduce

their quality of life and wellbeing. It is estimated one in 10 people

aged 65 or over say they always or

often feel lonely. Research across the world shows that people in

strong social relationships are

more likely to remain healthy

and independent and live longer.

Preventing isolation also has a

positive impact on the immediate

community. Well-connected people,

with good support and care are

more likely to volunteer or support

others. From research that Bryson

Care carried out in conjunction

with the Ulster University, we know

that people in Northern Ireland are

now willing to pay for such care privately, and our organisation

has the experience and access to support and training to deliver key

services compassionately, having

supported communities here since

1906. Our new package provides real support to the elderly and

vulnerable in our society. It is

imperative that we as members of

our own society do what we can to

help these older people integrate

back into the community. At Bryson One2One, one of the ways we help combat loneliness for older people is through our professional befriending service. The service works by assigning each older

person a care-giver or ‘befriender’, who provides friendly conversation and companionship on a regular

basis over a long period of time. Whilst this is something that

anyone of us can provide, family and friends of older people often find themselves time-poor due to a multitude of commitments – which is why we have introduced this

paid-for service which has already proved extremely popular. Through this service, one of our specially trained carers, whose likes and

dislikes are matched with the

service users – makes regular visits

to the individual’s home.”

One of the first service users to sign up to the new initiative,

Jim Dick age 91 from Belfast commented: “I would like to thank

Bryson Care for introducing me to this wonderful service. I have lived on my own for the past five years whilst my wife is in a care home, and this new service has been

something I have really enjoyed

and has made a real difference to

my life. To have a smiling, friendly face to come into the house each week, is lovely and simply to have

someone to talk to brightens my

day.

Jim concluded: “I get help with washing, vacuuming and a bit of laundry. It’s a great service that I

would recommend to others.”

Jo concluded: “I urge anyone who feels that they can help an individual who may be feeling lonely this winter to get in touch

as we are currently recruiting for support workers in Greater Belfast Area, North Down and Ards and Bangor. The paid, job role is to

support people in their own home,

providing quality, personalised care

and companionship allowing them

to remain in their home for longer. I also urge anyone who feels they can benefit from the Bryson One2One service – whether they

are caring for an elderly loved-one, or they themselves are in need of help and support outside of family - to get in touch with our team as

soon as possible where we can

provide a home-visit and set the

service up very quickly.”

For further information on Bryson Care One2One, phone 028 9034 7731 or visit www.brysonone2one.org

EYE CARE | YOUR LOCAL EXPERT

Rosemary McWatters

NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

Your resolution was to look after yourself better, to get fitter and to eat healthily – so how is it going? But have you thought about your eyes and what you can do to help them?

3. Wear prescribed glasses. Contrary to the myth, wearing glasses and

contact lenses doesn’t make your eyesight

worse – they help your eyes work more

efficiently.

4. Wear sunglasses. As well as making your vision more com-

fortable in the sun, sunglasses protect

your eyes from UV light.

5. Stop smoking. If you smoke you should stop for the

sake of your eyes. Smoking significantly

increases the risk of developing eye dis-

eases, such as cataracts and age-related

macular degeneration. However long you

have smoked it’s never too late to benefit

from quitting and reducing your risk.

6. Research your family history. Many eye conditions run in families,

from simple long and short sight to more

serious diseases, such as glaucoma.

Knowledge of problems with sight can

help detect a condition before it becomes

serious.

Your eye health should be your New Year’s resolution. So if you have not been for a while, now is the time to make an appointment to go for an eye examination.

41 COMBER ROAD | BT16 2AA | 02890 486222 mcwattersopticians.co.uk

Capitalists Took My Baby AwayBy PJ Hart

I woke up one morning to terrible shouts,And shiny Chevrolet cars parked out front of my house.Plush leather loafers had ruined my lawn,and that’s when I realised my baby was gone!

I ran down the stairs and guess what I found,A cheque on the table for five hundred pounds!Offended, I thought She’d be worth more than that,but I hadn’t accounted for shipping or VAT.

The next thing I did was to pick up the phone,and call Hugo Chavez to ask for a loan.I told him I needed to fly round the world,‘Cause capitalist pig-dogs had stolen my girl.

But then Chavez told me there was naught he could do,since half Venezuela was down with the flu.He needed the money for medical use,But if you ask me, that’s an awful exucse!

I’d heard there were still many Maoists in Nepal,but even those guys would do nothing at all.The response from the Wobblies was also severe,Since I don’t think I’d paid any dues for a year.

I called Hillary Clinton but got through to Bill,He told me my girl was there of her own free will.Things were bad but they weren’t all that grim,As long as she wasn’t staying in the same room as him.

That night Joe Strummer came to me in my sleep,It was a dream, so that doesn’t make him a creep.We talked just as if we were lifelong best mates,and he told me all about his time in the states.

“America’s okay for a couple of weeks,but for every cool person there’s twenty five freaks.Your girl will be back and I know what she’ll say,She’ll be singing, ‘I’m so bored with the U.S.A!’”

Why are they called fun size mars bars, surely they should be called disappointing

I was once bitten on the backside by a German Shepherd. He apologised afterwards

and even introduced me to his dog.

I’m doing a survey to find out what shampoo women like best in the shower. I’ve asked loads and so far they have all said ‘how the heck did you get in

here, get out’. Is that by head and shoulders?

One Liners by Jim McDowell

I Woke Up this Morning By Phyllis Mckenna

I woke up this morningMy lover he had fledLying on his pillowWas a rose of pure blood red

Oh my handsome strangerWhy did you thus departAfter our night of naughtinessYou really stole my heart

Your eyes lit up with pleasureWhen I produced the ropeThe handcuffs didn't faze youAt least that's what I hope

Perhaps it was the dinnerThat I prepared for youAfter just one mouthfulYou went a funny shade of blue

I just added a few spicesTo enhance my home made stewSome herbs and a clove of garlicWhich didn't agree with you

You choked, coughed and splutteredAs towards the door you wentOh no, says I you're stayingAfter what I've spent

So as the morning brightensI lie lonely on my bedAnd what have I for my effortsA bloody rose of red.

Chatterbox | January 2016 | Entertainment 33

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Immediately after Christmas peoples mind turn to two things – how to lose weight and where to go on holiday! The resolution to lose weight mostly wears off (unless you are very good!) But the need for a break is a necessity most of us can’t do without. That break can be anything from a relaxing week spent at home doing the DIY, a family fun time on a beautiful Spanish beach, a cruise round the Baltics, or like most of us, a good hotel in the center of a resort that give everything from a Theme park to cobbled streets; out of the way local restaurants to familiar food; huge stretches of sand and, of course, if not guaranteed at least better than home weather!

Choosing a holiday is difficult. You read the brochures with every other hotel looking better than the one before; you go online, find the perfect place and discover you can’t get there on a direct flight; get totally confused with the amount of information on Trip advisor, and then, when you finally think you have the right one the price is the cost of a small car! This is where your local agent Taylormade World will help!

The long strip of the Costa Blanca (White Coast) is one of Europe’s most heavily visited areas. Flight duration from Belfast is just under three hours into Alicante Airport taking you to just over one thousand miles away. If you’re after a secluded midsummer strand, stay away or head inland to enjoy

traditional villages and towns. Then again, if you’re looking for a lively social scene, good beaches and a suntan. Although the original fishing villages have long been engulfed by the sprawl of resorts, a few old-town gems, such as those of Jávea and Altea, still survive.The other side of Benidorm is the old town, set on a hill between the two beaches. From the platform where a castle once stood, the evening light and sunsets can be incredible. The cobblestone streets with the local vendors ensure you know are in a different country by offering you local specialties such as sangria and tapas.Benidorm is also popular with families for its excellent theme parks: Terra Mítica and the enormous water park Aqua landia among several others. A family could spend a week exploring them all. Various combined passes are available from Taylormade World. There are variety of water sports in Benidorm to choose from including water skiing, diving, para-sailing and more. Or if you feel like chilling out and enjoying the sun, Benidorm coasts offer the best options. There are a few different operators traveling to Benidorm from Belfast and the choices of accommodation can be vast with all-inclusive options being the most popular. With deposits from only £60 per person contact Mandy at Taylormade World to confirm your ideal summer break! As they say in Spain ‘Maravilloso vacaciones!’

Benidorm

ZakynthosZakynthos, also known as ‘Zante,’ is a hidden treasure amongst the Aegean islands. Bathed in sunlight, clothed in 6km of sandy beaches and surrounded with jaw dropping cliffs, Zakynthos is easily one of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean.

Not only does it host a multitude of beaches which are accompanied by bars, restaurants and nightlife, but the island is very important for Loggerhead Sea Turtles. Zakynthos, like many places in Greece and Turkey, host the annual influx of nesting Caretta Caretta (Logger-head Sea Turtles). Zakynthos is the most significant nesting site in Greece, (fol-lowed closely by Kyparissia) harbouring between 800 - 1200 nests along a 6km stretch of beach. Laganas bay is a Nation-al Marine Park and has measures in place to protect the ecology and nesting habitats. While you are on the nesting beaches please take note of the regulations as they are to protect the incubating nests and protected flora and

fauna species in and around the sand dunes. Aside from the turtles, there is an abundance of things to see and do! Hiring a car is the best way to see the beauty of the island as a majority of the authentic Greek villages and tourist sites are in the North. Car rental varies in price according to the time of the season from €30-50 per day. In the North of the island is the world renown ‘Shipwreck’ (pictured above) which is spectacular just as the sun rises.

Visit: www.zakynthos.net.gr for more information

The Land of Sun, Sea and Turtles

Taylormade World Travel 7 North StreetCarrickfergus

Tel: 02893 [email protected]

Family HolidaysCruisesHoneymoonsPackage HolidaysSkiBespoke HolidaysCity Breaks Ferries FlightsCamping Holidays

An independent consultancy that offers impartial and genuine advice and guidance on hotels, and destinations presenting you with diversity and choice and fantastic value for money! Fully ABTA and ATOL bonded for financial security offering you the expertise of

enthusiastic and passionate guidance gained over 30 years working in Travel.

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Eat. Beach. Sleep. Repeat.

Cruises • Long Haul & Tailormade • Weddings & Honeymoons • Ski & Snowboard • UK Breaks - Coach Tours & Ferries • Airport Parking, Hotels & Lounge Passes • Worldwide Hotels, Villas & Apartments

Im Donna Hutchinson, previously of Henry Gowans and Co-op Travel High Street. With 32 years experience I now run my own business as a Co-Operative Personal Travel Advisors. I can help you create your perfect holiday, all with the support of some of the biggest names in the travel industry.

FOR ALL YOUR HOLIDAY REQUIREMENTSCall me on 028 9335 1701 or [email protected] surcharge of 2% will be applied to all credit card transactions. Agents for ATOL protected tour operators.

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Like hotels floating on water, with onboard facilities including gym; spa; children’s clubs; en-suite accommo-dation; entertainment; service and meals, cruise holidays cater for a wide range of passenger tastes. Each one varies, but our All Inclusive cruis-es can include everything from tips onboard and shore excursions to soft drinks and alcoholic drinks. It means you won’t have to worry about watch-ing the pennies while you’re away. All Inclusive really does mean that you get the Hollywood treatment, so you can just sit back, relax and order another cocktail.

Fleets of fantastically equipped ships cruise the Mediterranean all year round, offering a massive choice of options and a variety of destinations.

Cultural and historic or tailored to family needs, there is a Mediterranean cruise to suit everyone. Whether you want to sample the ancient archaeological delights of the Aegean or the modern club facilities of the Balearics, cruising the Med provides the ideal opportunity to enjoy both.

Tip: Cruises to the Mediterranean offer a vast selection of ships, it may be hard to choose the right one for you ! If you can’t find what you are looking for and what some genuine, honest advice call Donna Hutchinson who will talk you though which ship is for you.

02893 368436

Or email:

donna.hutchinson@ co-operativepta.co.uk

Cruises to the MediterraneanCruises to the MediterraneanCruise ahead with Co-Op Travel

Chatterbox | January 2016 | In the Spotlight-Past & Present36

A step back in timeexploring the paths that went before us

1 2 3

4 5

9

6

7 8

1. Town hallOriginally built as a market house and assembly rooms in 1755 it was used as the Town Hall and Petty Sessions courthouse from the late 1830’s until 1934. It has been occupied by a variety of businesses since then, including Stewarts Cash Stores and the Ulster Bank. The fine iron railings at the front of the building were removed to provide metal for the war effort.

2. Taylor’s avenueIn 1862 the railway line was extended from Carrickfergus towards Larne. A level crossing was maintained at Taylor’s Avenue from that time until it was replaced by the current road and footbridge in 1924.

3.St.nicholas ChurchThe tower on the left hand side of the photograph is the original war memorial bell tower. The structure was declared to be unsafe and was demolished in 1959 and replaced in 1962 by the bell tower over the Market Place entrance to the churchyard.

Written by Graham walton from old carrickfergus postcardsIf you would like more information check out their facebook page/Old-Carrickfergus-Postcards

4. North gateThis is the only surviving gate of 4 which were built into the 17th century town walls. The gateway was restored in 1911 to commemorate the coronation of King George V. It has been previously known as Spittal Gate (after St Brides Hospital which was a short distance outside the walls) and Glenarm Gate (before the coastal route northwards was established)

5.North street Presbyterian church.The First Presbyterian Church in the photograph was built in 1827 on the site of an earlier meeting house. In the foreground you can see the ‘new’ market yard which opened in 1838. The fire station now occupies this site.

6. Whitehead Promenade This photo shows the original promenade at Whitehead. This was built in 1900/01 by the Belfast and Northern Counties Railways out of railway sleepers and shingle. It would be damaged by storms every winter and was eventually replaced in 1936 by a concrete and tarmac promenade.

7. Sunshine houseSunshine House was designed by Berkely Dean Wise and was opened in 1903. It had a variety of uses ( café and tea rooms, temperance hotel) before eventually becoming a private residence. It’s best known occupant was probably Jack McClelland, the famous Irish distance swimmer.

8. Cable roadThere were two telegraph cables laid between Scotland and Ireland (1879 and 1888) which came ashore at Whitehead. These were run up what is now known as Cable Road to it’s junction with the Belfast to Larne Road. The large diamond shaped sign on the right hand side of the road is a leading mark which warns ships not to anchor over the line of the cables.

9. Whitehead Recreation GroundThe bandstand in the foreground was built by the Belfast and Northern Counties Railways in 1901. It was a very popular venue which hosted many musical and variety performances during the summer seasons. The structure was declared unsafe and demolished in 1959. In the background you can see Kennedy’s Hotel which was destroyed by fire in 1915 and never replaced.

Dawn McConnellThis months hero is:

Who are you and who are you nominatingMy name is Leah McConnell and I wish to nominate my amazing Mother to be the Hero Herald of the month. I want to nominate Dawn McConnell (Founder of Hope House Ireland)

Why do they inspire youMy mum inspires me because she such a heart

for others. Even amidst her own troubles she will put others before herself.

She has made me incredibly proud. She has stood by my father when he’s had cancer twice, she has

fought her own breast cancer battle. And she is still smiling and doing for others.

Such a selfless act should not go unnoticed. She founded the Hope House Ireland charity based in

Whitehead which provides rest and retreat for those affected by a cancer diagnosis (which is completely

free of charge).

Experience has taught our family, that recuperation and rest can aid with coping with such a horrible

disease. Experience has also demonstrated that such a thing is not possible when your disposable income

decreases significantly.

But my mother makes it possible for others, her charity allows others to escape their realities and

rest in a beautiful environment with sea views. Hope house has already/effected touched many lives.

She inspires me because she never gives up, she is determined, she is driven, she is selfless, she has

such a thirst to assist others, she is a role model, she is a fighter and she is still standing!

Why do they deserve to be our heroes herald of the monthMy Dawney deserves a little recognition for her amazing work and

her selfless heart. I have seen her finish chemo sessions and call other people to see how they are. I have seen her stand at charity events with her hair falling out. I have seen her open her heart to help others when she was the one needing the help, I have seen her give more than she takes. She is an inspiration to not just me

but to everyone around her. Mum’s life motto is:

Have Only Positive Expectations

Tell us more about hope house Hope House is run entirely on donations and fundraising events throughout the year.

If you would like to support us financially, you can do so through our website where you can donate money through ‘Just giving’ or Paypal:

http://hopehouseireland.org/donation

You will also find information on the website about applying to stay in the facilities if you are

struggling with Cancer.

Getting a cancer diagnosis can be devastating, not only to the person

receiving it, but also immediate family. Experience has taught us, one of the

best things to do, is to remove yourself from normal everyday life and take a

few days break to adjust to the changes a cancer diagnosis brings. Hope House Ireland is available to

patients and their carers at any time during or on completion of their

treatment, for a short time of quiet rest and recuperation. It is a two bedroom

self catering apartment which is offered free of charge.

How can we help

www.facebook.com /hopehouseireland

Find us on facebook and keep updated on all our work

Know a local Hero?Know a local Hero?We want to support the unseen Heroes in our

community! Do you know someone who inspires you? Nominate them today by emailing us for an application form at:[email protected]

We want to support the unseen Heroes in our community! Do you know someone who inspires you? Nominate them today by emailing us for an application form at:Dawn McConnell

Chatterbox | January 2016 | Services38

Not sure about LED lighting? TRY BEFORE YOU BUY!At A1 Electrics we believe it is important to know how much energy, and money you could save by switching to LED lighting, that’s why in store we have a program that gives you accurate results based on your actual usage, we provide you with your annual cost saving and how long it will take for you to make your money back on the cost of the lamps.This is all printed out on a handy sheet for you to take home with you, the advert to the right is just 1 example using the homes most common bulb.As well as this, we are the ONLY business in Ballymena who offer ‘TRY-BEFORE-YOU-BUY’ on our entire LED lighting range, you can test out the product at home for free before deciding whether you want to pay for it.

A1 Electrics, formerly Fluorescents PlusAs you may already know, we have changed our name from Fluorescents Plus to A1 Electrics. Aside from the name and logo, nothing else has changed, the owner, staff, address, contact number, are the same and we still provide the top quality products and services that our customers have come to expect. Why not pay us a visit? Our shop is open to everyone, both trade and public.The new name better reflects our product range, not only are we specialists in fluorescent lighting, over the 29 years we have been in Ballymena our product range has evolved to include everything you need for electrical DIY projects in the home and

garden, as well as electrical products for commercial and industrial use, including switches, sockets, cable, light bulbs and fittings, waterproof connectors and a huge range of circuit protection products.

A1 E L E C T R I C S . C O MWe are also delighted to announce our new website A1electrics.com, the site will be live this month and new products will be added everyday. Sign up to our newsletter or follow our Facebook page to receive future special offers and discounts.

A1 Electrics is located on the Wakehurst road, behind where the Ballymena sportsbowl used to be, Unit D11, BT423AZ, new signs have been installed at the road to help you find our shop.

We are open Monday – Friday: 9 – 5.30pm. Call us on 02825 642228, message A1 electrics on Facebook or e-mail us at:

[email protected].

Thank you and Happy New Year

Staff and management at A1 Electrics would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers and suppliers for your continued support we have received since 1986. Through hard work and determination we’ve went from a local business, to a business that are proud to deliver to customers in every country of the world. We wouldn’t be where we are now without your support. We look forward to seeing you in 2016.

Save money by switching to LED

60W to 9.5W

LED bulb cost : £4.40

Return on Investment : 5 months

Energy Saving : 84%

Yearly cost saving : £11

Cost saving over life of lamp : £112

Based on 1 bulb used 4 hours a day:

Mon - Fri 9 - 5.30pmA1 Electrics, Unit D11, Wakehurst Ind. Est. Ballymena, BT42 3AZ

TEL: 028 25642228

FLUORESCENTS PLUS ARE NOW

Chatterbox | January 2016 |Services 39

Carrickfergus Town Centre Partnership Established

Noel Williams (Pictured Right) is the Chairman of the newly established Town centre Partnership in Carrickfergus

Carrickfergus has a new Town Centre Partnership which has been established to represent the views of all organisations and businesses within the Town Centre with an interest in the towns’ ongoing development, improvement, activities, promotions and events.Following four initial meetings, which were encouraged and supported by Mid & East Antrim Council staff, the partnership has appointed a Chairperson and some Area Representatives. The Chairman is former Councillor Noel Williams who manages an Advice facility in the Town Centre.Mr Williams said: “The partnership is an informal body which seeks to draw membership from the widest possible range of organisations situated and operating within the Town Centre; be they retailers, service providers, charitable facilities, social enterprise and third-sector associations.“I am focussed on bringing Town Centre organisations together to allow it to strike a consensus around identifying common current issues and opportunities for future development, with the broad intention of providing a powerful, collective voice to its membership in order to enable more effective engagement with other stakeholders, local partnerships and associations, the local authority, and the many public and statutory bodies who have an input or influence within this area.“The CTCP has defined the Town Centre area (as depicted) but welcomes input from organisations not based within the specified area but adjacent to the immediate catchment, if they demonstrate a positive interest and a willingness to contribute to CTCP goals. “In order to ensure fair and equitable participation and representation from across the Town Centre, CTCP has identified a number of areas within which it seeks to ensure representation, and thereby an equal voice within the partnership through Area Representatives. “The eight areas currently identified are listed below but may be re-defined or amended as the partnership matures:1. Albert Road & St Brides Street.2. Antrim Street, Castle Street & High Street.3. Cheston Street, Market Place & West Street.4. Courtyard, Joymount & Scotch Quarter.5. DeCourcey Centre.6. Irish Quarter South & Irish Quarter West.

7. Lancastrian Street & North Street.8. Maritime & Rodgers Quay.

“Initially the main objective are to establish an effective and robust partnership and through discussions at initial meetings develop emerging themes such as:• Image and marketing - Carrickfergus’ unique selling points, Town Centre brand etc.• Car parking - usage, zoning and on-street timings.• Events - capitalise on events to impact positively on business performance.• Reducing costs - potential training opportunities, funding opportunities and joint advertising.• Tourism potential - utilising the Castle and further developing other attractions.“It is my earnest hope that the CTCP will provide a mechanism to allow debate on these and other issues in order to formulate agreed actions and policies in the Town Centre and its areas. This will help ensure that those organisations operating within the Town Centre can make representations to statutory bodies and other stakeholders with a powerful unified voice and more effectively lobby for resolutions to issues. In addition, to these self-identified themes, the partnership sees itself having a vital role in inputting into the ongoing economic development and tourism strategy currently being undertaken by Mid & East Antrim Council. I would like to thank the Council for its continued support and encouragement; we must now demonstrate that an effective Partnership can be built that will gain the respect of the Council and other organisations. “Currently the CTCP is focussed on expanding its membership to ensure that it reaches its objective of securing broad representation right across the Town Centre so it needs people to step forward and play an active part in shaping the partnership. “Meetings will take place on the third Tuesday of the month and all are welcome. The next three meetings are: 19 January, 16 February & 15 March 2016 at 6:00pm in Carrickfergus Civic Centre and Museum. I ask anyone interested in participating and contributing to the Partnership to contact me on:

07739 191958 or [email protected]”

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1. DEFINE YOUR CHALLENGE.Write down your ultimate phy-sique goal and how you’d like to look. Include weight, body fat, and any physique improvements you’d like to see. Now divide it by 3. That’s roughly your 90-day goal—to get you a third of the way.

2. MAKE TIME FOR YOUR HEALTH.Work up to 60 minutes of physical activity each day. That doesn’t mean you’ll be on the weight-room floor seven days a week, but strive to get some kind of activity—even if it’s a walk with your dog or a leisurely bike ride. Take advantage of great weather when it happens by taking your workouts outdoors. If you’re new to fitness, start with two 15-minute sessions or three 10-minute sessions to help you become acclimated.

3. DISCOVER WHAT YOU ENJOY.Weights are one of the best ways to make significant physical changes to your body. Unfortunately, not everyone enjoys lifting. The most important

determinant of long-term success with fitness is how much you enjoy an activity. Choose something that makes fitness fun! Explore new exercise classes and activities to determine which you prefer. As a beginner, almost anything you choose will be challenging, but gains will be made starting your very first week.

4. DON'T GO IT ALONE.Train with a friend who’s at about your level of ability and hassimilar goals. You’ll be far less likely to skip your workout when you know someone is depending on you. It’s also more motivating when you push each other, and you’ll be far less likely to cut your sessions short.

5. BE AROUND PEOPLE WHOSE GOALS ALIGN WITH YOURS.Friends can help in other ways too. Surround yourself with five new friends at the office, school, or in your personal life who are committed to health and fitness. People who choose healthy life-

styles will engage in behaviours that will rub off on you. Similarly, if your friends are just the opposite, they’ll likely reinforce the wrong kinds of behaviours.

6. AVOID COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS.Instead, compare yourself to you of last week. If you make every week better in some way than the preceding week, you’re moving forward and making progress. Aim to improve yourself 5-10 percent versus last year’s version of you. It’s hard for any of us to feel good about ourselves when we try to measure up to physique athletes who may have been training for a decade or more. What these cham-pions have in common with you is that they decided to improve their fitness one day, and then came back for a second, and kept going.

7. READ TO GET MOTIVATED AND LEARN.An easy way to get inspired and increase your knowledge of fitness, training, and nutrition is to commit to reading one online fitness article

each day. Thousands of such articles cover a huge number of areas on this site alone! You won’t know everything there is to know in a week, but knowing a little more every day helps you better understand the what, why, and how of what you’re doing.

8. EMBRACE PHYSICAL CHALLENGES OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE.We all want to live comfortably, but workouts produce the best results when they make a little—or even more than a little—uncomfortable. Your body adapts to changes when you ask more of it than it’s used to giving. To make improvements, you must push just outside your comfort zone. Adjust your mind set to seek greater chal-lenges over time.

9. DON'T RUSH TO SELF-JUDGE.Many individuals will drop out of their training programme because they’re not seeing results fast enough. However, physiological adaptations occur incrementally. You most likely won’t see much—if

any—improvement from one week to the next, but you surely will over 90 days. That’s why you should make an iron-clad commitment of at least three months when starting any exercise programme. Only then should you compare before-and-after pictures and measurements.

10. CONSULT YOUR DOCTORRemember always consult your doctor before returning to exercise if you have not exercised for three months or more. It is especially important to speak to your doctor if you suffer from any chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis. Your doctor can advise you on the best ways to return to exercise and can offer support in your quest.

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough, Councillor Billy Ashe has today launched the Borough’s first Sports Awards. Cllr Ashe said: “I am delighted to officially launch the 2015 Sports Awards for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.“This is a fantastic opportunity for us as a Borough Council to acknowledge and congratulate the past success of our talented athletes, coaches and volunteers. They all deserve recognition for all their hard work and ongoing dedication,” Cllr Ashe added. “Nominations have now opened in advance of judging and the celebratory events that will take place across the three legacy council areas Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne,” he said.Boxing legend, Dave McAuley is backing the Awards. Speaking in person at the launch he said: “There is a broad range of categories on offer and I would urge the nomination of outstanding people, be they juniors, veterans, managers or coaches as everyone has a vital role to play in promoting sporting excellence.”Veteran sports presenter, Jackie Fullerton, who also attended, said that he is a great advocate of the Sports Awards concept and commented: “I am delighted they are continu-ing in Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.”

Although unable to attend the launch in person, rugby star, Trevor Ringland has already added his support: “These Awards will provide the opportunity to celebrate not only the success of the sportspeople themselves, but also to recognise the commitment of so many involved in sport.“This may be through volunteering, coaching, helping with the benefits of teamwork, sheer hard work, overcoming adversity, building a sense of community and so many other qual-ities in the people of the Mid and East Antrim Borough that we should all take great pride in.”Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is now actively encouraging all those involved in sports to get behind their players and athletes, coaches and volunteers by nominating them for one of the nine awards to be decided upon at the ceremony. Athletes are also being urged to take this opportunity to recognise and show their appreciation for the support they have received over the years from their coaches, managers, and administrators and to take the time to nominate an individual for a Manager/Coach of the Year award or Services to Sport Award.Nominations are being sought in nine categories overall.These are:

Mayor Announces New Sports Awards

Topstar kickboxing's 10 Steps to FitnessDon't know where to start on your New Year's resolution? Here's how to successfully implement fitness into your lifestyle, no matter your goal!You may have resolved to make this the year you finally start—and stick with—an exercise programme, but you're fighting an uphill battle, and it's all too easy to give up after a few weeks. Judging by the fact that the January crowds in the gym are long gone by February, you're not alone!

Chatterbox | January 2016 | Services 41

MATCH REPORTWarrenpoint Town 1 - 1 Carrick Rangers

A crucial point was secured at Milltown as Brian Neeson's fine goal-keeping performance in the second half proved vital for the 'Gers.The first real chance of the game came on the 10th minute when Ben Roy found himself through against Warrenpoint Town goal-keeper Jonathan Parr. Roy impressively crashed his shot in off the crossbar however the assistant referee had already flagged for offside.Carrick then took the lead seven minutes later. Miguel Chines' corner was met by the head of Daniel Kelly who, despite the efforts of a Warrenpoint player on the line, gave Carrick the lead.The Gers' defence then had to be alert to stop a lengthy Warrenpoint attack in which they repeatedly hovered around the Carrick box, but to no avail.A swift counterattack on the 26th minute by the home side looked very dangerous however Mark Surgenor was on hand to make a tactical foul and slow the play down.A bad tackle on midfielder Kyle Cherry four minutes later gave set piece specialist Chines a prime opportunity to score from a freekick on the left hand side and he came oh so close, flashing his effort just wide of the near post.Captain Aaron Harmon then showed good feat under pressure to find Cherry who turned towards goal however his weak shot was collected with ease by Parr.Against the run of play Warrenpoint Town drew level on 33 minutes. Stephen Murray was released down the left wing and his low cross found strike partner Daniel Hughes whose shot couldn't be held by Neeson, allowing Sean Donnelly to poke home.The last chance of the half came on the 42nd minute as Chines again stepped up to take a freekick, and again narrowly shot wide leaving the game tied 1-1 at half time.

Warrnepoint Town started the second half the much brighter side, and could have scored twice through the strike partnership of Mur-ray and Hughes however they were both denied by the heroics of Neeson in the Carrick goal.Kyle Cherry's corner on the 57th minute found make shift right back Brian McCaul unmarked, however he powered his free header well over the bar.A freekick from the home side soon after caused problems in the Carrick box however the scramble was eventually cleared by Glenn Taggart.Roy then had a good chance as he found himself in space on the left hand side of the 18 yard box however his attempted cross was read well by Parr who collected.Hughes again attempted to sign off his final game for Warrepoint with a goal before joining Cliftonville however Neeson was deter-mined to keep his side in the contest, saving well again.The Carrick keeper continued his man of the match performance on the 74th minute; the ball found its way to Murray only yards from goal however Neeson made a phenomenal save to push the ball away from danger.The game preceded to die out from this point, Gary Haveron at-tempted to spur his side to victory as Gary Browne and Kyle Mackie replaced Miguel Chines and Ben Roy on the 86th minute and then Joe McNeill replaced Kyle Cherry on the 88th minute however nei-ther side was able to register any real chances with the points being shared between the basement sides.Carrick Rangers: Neeson, McCaul, Surgenor, Taggart, Traynor, Har-mon, Kelly, Johnston, Cherry (McNeill, 88), Roy (Mackie, 86), Chines (Browne, 86).

Cliftonville H 12/01/16 DBP

Ballymena Utd A 16/01/16 DBP

Coleraine H 23/01/16 DBP

Linfield A 30/01/16 DBP

Dungannon Swifts H 12/02/16 DBP

Warrenpoint Town H 20/02/16 DBP

Portadown A A 27/02/16 DBP

Ballinamllard Utd H 12/03/16 DBP

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Mid & East Antrim Chatterbox - Jan 2016

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