East Down Advertiser

22/08/2024

https://issuu.com/edamedia/docs/eda_244_binder

East Down Advertiser Issue 244

16/08/2024

Fresh mural transforms grey wall into vivid scenes of Saintfield village

A long grey wall at the entrance of the forthcoming Windmill Community Park in Saintfield has been transformed with the addition of a vivid new mural.
Thanks to a grant from Choice Housing, Saintfield Community Association (SCA) commissioned local artist Kerrie McNeill to paint a bright and cheerful display for the drab wall at the side of Saintfield Community Centre that leads to the Community Garden.
Kerrie has chosen scenes from around Saintfield and portrayed them in attractive primary colours on fourteen panels, each eight feet long and four feet high.
The mural will stretch for 112 feet along the passageway, which is the access to the community garden and will be the main pedestrian entrance to the new park being developed in the Windmill Field.
Saintfield’s Men’s Shed have kindly put the panels up at no cost for their time.
“The mural offers another good reason to come and explore what is available on the community centre site,” said SCA chairman Martyn Todd.
Choice Housing Good Relations Officer Mark Kent said: “Following the success of our five-year action plan in Saintfield and the work carried out by lots of community volunteers, we wanted to finish with a legacy, an arts feature that everyone can enjoy for many years to come.
“The mural will be something we all can be proud of and shows Saintfield as an inclusive and diverse area. We wish all the local community groups in Saintfield every success going forward.”

15/08/2024

Ragwort – a noxious nuisance or a life line for moths?
JV Allister reports

When I was growing up in north Armagh, I was aware that the yellow-flowered plant I called ragweed had a bad reputation, designated as a ‘noxious weed’ which should be destroyed on agricultural land. I remember cutting them down with a toy sword.
Recently I observed a slight spat on social media after someone photographed a ragwort plant in a local park and demanded that this ‘poisonous plant’, a danger to livestock, and perhaps other beings, should be removed. This triggered a bit of a pile-on of supportive comments. While someone helpfully pointed out that there were unlikely to be horses, cows or other livestock grazing in the park, I thought I should try my hand at explaining a bit more about this plant.
First, ragwort is not some sort of alien invader, it is a native plant. Second, yes, it is poisonous if eaten by livestock, particularly horses, and a very real problem if it contaminates hay or other fodder, and should definitely be removed from anywhere near paddocks or other land used by livestock.
The other side of this particular coin is that, as with all native plants, it has a role to play in nature. It is attractive to and feeds many insects such as moths and butterflies and is the specific foodplant of the beautiful black-and-red cinnabar moth whose black-and-yellow-barred caterpillars sometimes cover the plant, totally stripping the leaves.
So, if you see a ragwort blooming on a roadside, or even in your garden, it doesn’t need to be removed unless it could contaminate livestock pasture; you never know, it might have moth eggs attached, whose occupants, when they hatch, will likely gobble it up.
JVA

13/08/2024

13/08/2024

Apply online today.

22/07/2024

🎉🎉 COMPETITION TIME 🎉🎉
Prize includes a free Padel 1hr lesson for 4 people together with an expert coach!
At Padel54
To enter: Like!⁠ 😎 Tag your friends!⁠ 📲 Share!⁠
Competition Closes 31st July 2024. Terms & Conditions Apply. Winner will be notified after closing date via Private dm, EDA Media will not ask for bank details!!!

Introducing Padel54 – the new activity just down the road in Moira!

Ever thought about trying Padel for your next friends, family, team-building, customer or corporate event? Whatever your preference, we're here to make it happen.

Played by celebrities and sports -stars padel is the fastest-growing racquet sport across Europe. The BBC recently highlighted the sport and its growth across the UK & Ireland.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-68607780

It's perfect for team building because it combines fun and physical activity in an easy-to-learn game suitable for all ages, fitness levels, and skill sets. And, it's great for socializing and networking.

Situated in Moira, less than 20 minutes from Belfast with easy access from the motorway, Padel 54 has six indoor courts ensuring your team event takes place no matter the weather.

At Padel54, our primary mission is to ignite the passion for Padel by introducing this sport to as many members of the community as possible. Our special focus lies in introducing the game to the younger generation, and we're actively seeking sponsors for our youth and local school programs.

https://www.instagram.com/padel_54/
https://www.facebook.com/Padel54N/
www.padel54.com

17/07/2024

06/07/2024

04/07/2024

🎉🎉 COMPETITION TIME 🎉🎉
Prize includes a family pass (2 adults and 2 children /concession) to attend Peter Pan: The Musical on Friday 2nd August 2024 at 7:30pm. The performance will take place at Belvoir Studio Theatre! This competition closes on Wednesday 24th July, winner will be notified Thursday 25th July via Private dm, EDA Media will not ask for bank details!!! Terms & Conditions Apply.

To enter: Like!⁠ 😎 Tag your friends!⁠ 📲 Share!⁠

East Broadway Theatre Company brings Peter Pan to Stage this summer!
East Broadway Theatre Company is a local theatre group based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Founded in 2016, they began their journey in a living room with a vision for performance. In their inaugural year, they staged a delightful “Night at The Musicals” and also performed a play they had written at Sunflowerfest. Their motto is simple yet powerful: “teach, inspire, perform.”
This cross-community, non-profit charitable organization aims to provide theatre opportunities for all and want to instil confidence in the young people who work with them through, singing, dancing and acting. Whether you’re passionate about theatre or simply want to learn more and make friends, East Broadway invites you to join them as they create together.
ALEX MCKELVEY is CO-OWNER AND MUSICAL DIRECTOR of East Broadway Theatre Company. Alex studied at Bath Spa University and obtained a Certificate of Higher Education in Musical Theatre in 2018. He started his passion for performing at Belvoir Players Theatre Academy, where he has been a member for 15 years. Alex also musically directs for many theatre companies in Northern Ireland including, NISMAT, Rainbow Factory, New Lodge Arts and Queens Musical Theatre Society.
KATIE-ROSE SPENCE CO-OWNER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR Katie-Rose was trained in classical and theatre style singing by Leila Webster from age 9. She has performed with the Opera House Summer Youth Project and was a member of Belvoir Players for 5 years performing in both their academy musicals and pantomimes. Katie has most recently obtained a high distinction in her grade 6 musical theatre exam. She hopes that through East Broadway she can bring her passion for mental health awareness and the benefits of theatre to young performers.
Development officer Chloe Moreland has been in theatre for 10 years, playing roles from ensemble to leads. She achieved highest in her class for GCSE and A-Level drama which gave her the passion that she now has for theatre. Chloe was a member of The Rainbow Factory from the age of 13 and has been a dance captain for 5 shows. In Chloe's most recent show, she played Janis Ian in a miniature version of “Mean Girls the Musical”.
This Summer Eastbroadway Theatre will present three performances of Piers Chater Robinson’s Peter Pan on the weekend of 2nd/3rd August.
If you’re curious about their shows, you can explore more on their website www.eastbroadwaytheatre.co.uk. And remember, the magic of theatre knows no bounds—it’s a place where dreams take centre stage!

29/06/2024

20/06/2024

More Award Wins for Bridgeen King!

A well known personality and ‘trailblazer’ in the world of hair styling Bridgeen King runs a hair salon and hair loss clinic located at The Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle.
Bridgeen and her team consistently feature in Award Winner listings.
Bridgeen’s recently won the Contribution to Beauty gong at the prestigious UlsterTatler Influential Women Of The Year Awards 2024 which took place at the Ulster Reform Club.
This followed on her success at the Aesthetic Excellence Awards Ireland, a glamorous ceremony held at The Slieve Donard Hotel, where she won the Best Hair restoration Clinic Award. Bridgeen is dedicated to staying ahead of the trends, a passion for pushing the boundaries, and delivering looks that her customers love!
Providing both hairdressing and hair loss services, Bridgeen is known for her personalised approach and attention to detail. She is also committed to sustainability and is an advocate for eco-friendly practices in the industry!
These awards are just some of the list that Bridgeen and her multi-award winning salon have garnered so far this year!
For more information about Bridgeen’s Multi Award Winning Salon & Clinic or to make an appointment Contact (0)77 3947 5737 Or see www.bridgeenkinghairlossandreplacementclinic.co.uk

20/06/2024

Amgen Irish Open industry engagement event

Tourism Northern Ireland has brought together key stakeholders and local businesses from the Northern Ireland tourism industry to showcase the exciting opportunities to get involved in the 2024 Amgen Irish Open.

The tournament, which takes place at the world class Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle, Co Down from 11-15 September, will bring some of the top golfers in the world to Northern Ireland.

At the Slieve Donard Hotel this week, over 90 representatives from local businesses joined Tourism NI, Newry Mourne and Down District Council, Royal County Down Golf Club, DP World Tour, and the NI Fire & Rescue Service to discuss how best to maximise the business opportunity offered by the tournament.

The businesses in attendance were advised of plans for marketing, accommodation certification requirements, transport and traffic, briefed about expected quality and fire safety standards, and found out how they could get ready to welcome visitors to the tournament.

Siobhan McGuigan, Head of Events at Tourism Northern Ireland said: “Northern Ireland is truly made for golf, and we have a big year ahead of us with the Amgen Irish Open coming to Royal County Down this year and the 153rd Open Championship returning to Royal Portrush in July 2025. Tourism NI is a proud partner of both events.
“Northern Ireland is famed for its 19th hole hospitality, and we want visitors not only to enjoy the golf but also experience all that NI has to offer off-course too, including local food, drink, music, accommodation and visitor attractions. We are also known as a value-for-money destination, so would encourage our industry to apply fair-pricing principles, to encourage visitors to extend their stay, and come back to visit again.”

Paul Gillmon, Championship Director of the Amgen Irish Open from the DP World Tour, said: “We are excited to be heading to Royal County Down for this year’s Amgen Irish Open and we are grateful to all our partners for their support in building what will undoubtedly be one of the highlights on the island of Ireland’s sporting calendar.

“The community spirit and buy-in from local people and businesses alike make this event what it is, and it was wonderful to see so many express an interest in finding out how they can get involved this year.”

The Irish Open was first played in the 1920s and most recently took place in Northern Ireland in 2020, when it was hosted by Galgorm Castle Golf Club. The tournament was last staged at Royal County Down in 2015. Previous Irish Opens held in Northern Ireland have each generated in excess of 20,000 bednights across the region, and significant global broadcast coverage.
The day before this year’s main tournament begins, celebrities including Patrick Kielty, Johnny Sexton, Tommy Bowe and James Nesbitt will be taking part in the Amgen Irish Open Pro Am competition.

Tourism NI recently revealed that the overall value of Golf Tourism in 2023 increased to £68.2m, the highest figure ever recorded for golf tourism in NI, and well above the £52m recorded in 2019, the year which saw The Open Championship return to Royal Portrush. The increase was driven by more spend by golfers from Great Britain and North America.

The figures were published as Northern Ireland was named the Best Golf Destination in Western Europe by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).

27/05/2024

Benevolent Fund Provides Support for UDR Veterans

ULSTER Defence Regiment veterans in Northern Ireland are being reminded of The UDR Benevolent Fund, which provides assistance to former members and their dependants who are in need.

The UDR Benevolent Fund is a registered charity, which provides support to those former members of the Ulster Defence Regiment and their dependants who are affected by illness, disability, infirmity, poverty, or other adversity.

Brian Kennedy, Secretary of the UDR Benevolent Fund explains more about the Fund, “The Benevolent Fund has been providing support for over 50 years to the Ulster Defence Regiment community.

“In the past fifteen years, the Benevolent Fund has spent over £6 million on the welfare and respite care of former members of the Regiment and their dependant families who are in need. As our veteran community is getting older, their needs are becoming more complex. These could include health conditions, mobility issues and financial hardship. The Fund may be able to assist in numerous ways, for example with specialist chairs or beds to help improve quality of life, contributing towards the cost of home adaptions for health conditions, and financial assistance, with food vouchers, oil fills and to help with household goods.

“Respite care is also an important aspect for the Benevolent Fund. Last year, 534 UDR veterans and their families benefitted from a respite break at our apartments on the North Coast, which are available free of charge and a further 233 veterans took part in other respite activities.

“Whenever a veteran contacts the Benevolent Fund office, a case worker from the Veterans Welfare Service NI, the Royal British Legion or SSAFA will be assigned. The case worker will then establish how the Benevolent Fund can assist and will help the veteran to complete a grant application form. All applications are dealt with in the strictest confidence.”

Many thousands served within the ranks of The Ulster Defence Regiment between 1970 and 1992. If you were one of them and are now in need due to illness, disability, infirmity, poverty, or other adversity, please contact the Benevolent Fund office, by calling: 07720677838 or emailing: [email protected].

26/05/2024

Most popular times of the year to quit smoking

New analysis has identified the months of the year when most people show interest in stopping smoking, with spring months of March and May ranking second and third.
The study conducted by GoSmokeFree analysed Google searches for quitting-related terms made across UK regions over the last three years and scaled this against local populations to calculate the searches made per 100k residents.
Terms analysed include 'give up smoking’,’ smoking cessation aids’, and ‘nicotine gum’. Searches for fitness-related terms like 'gyms near me’ and ‘exercise routines’ were also compared to see if people prioritise fitness alongside their lung health.
The most popular time of year is January for both fitness and quitting smoking, with an average of 893,110 and 440,670 Google searches made related to each goal.
This spike can be attributed to New Year's resolutions, where individuals set goals for the upcoming year that often focus on improving their health. The start of a new year symbolises a fresh start and motivates many to stop smoking.
March is the second most popular time to kick the habit, with 438,830 average monthly searches for quitting smoking made across the UK. However, fitness goes on the backburner with March sitting in 11th place with 643,030 searches.
As the weather begins to warm up, March could see an increase in quitting attempts - albeit not as high as January - as the beginning of spring might symbolise renewal and motivate some to restart their New Year's resolutions.
Like March, May marks the onset of spring; a time when people engage in outdoor activities and may want to quit smoking to improve their health and fitness levels.
The improved weather conditions can also enhance mood and increase motivation to pursue lifestyle changes. This is evident in the data, as May took third place as the best month to quit with 410,920 average Google searches per month.
May took fifth place for health and well-being related queries with 819,680 overall, meaning it’s on people’s minds, but not as prevalent as at the start of the year.
With 406,510 average searches for stopping smoking-related terms, October's increase in interest that places it in fourth may be due campaigns like Stoptober actively encouraging smokers to quit.
The month also lands in sixth place for interest in health and fitness activities, which could also be attributed to kick starting a healthy routine while partaking in Stoptober (803,330 average Google searches per month).
With November and December leading into and during the holiday season, they likely see reduced quitting attempts due to social gatherings, holiday stress, and a general postponement of major lifestyle changes until after the festive season.
November takes fifth place with 402,570 quitting-related searches and December ranks last (12th) for smoking cessation-related queries with 355,190.
Article supplied by https://www.gosmokefree.co.uk/

25/05/2024

Introducing Padel54 – the new activity just down the road in Moira!

Ever thought about trying Padel for your next friends, family, team-building, customer or corporate event? Whatever your preference, we're here to make it happen.

Played by celebrities and sports -stars padel is the fastest-growing racquet sport across Europe. The BBC recently highlighted the sport and its growth across the UK & Ireland.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-68607780

It's perfect for team building because it combines fun and physical activity in an easy-to-learn game suitable for all ages, fitness levels, and skill sets. And, it's great for socializing and networking.

Situated in Moira, less than 20 minutes from Belfast with easy access from the motorway, Padel 54 has six indoor courts ensuring your team event takes place no matter the weather.

At Padel54, our primary mission is to ignite the passion for Padel by introducing this sport to as many members of the community as possible. Our special focus lies in introducing the game to the younger generation, and we're actively seeking sponsors for our youth and local school programs.

https://www.instagram.com/padel_54/
https://www.facebook.com/Padel54N/
www.padel54.com

25/05/2024

Hundreds of Local Families celebrate World Autism Acceptance Week

Northern Ireland’s autism charity, Autism NI, recently welcomed hundreds of local autism families to celebrate World Autism Acceptance Week at W5 in Belfast. The event saw families come together to celebrate and show their support for our autistic community.

The Family Fun Day was the final event in a week of celebrations hosted by Autism NI. The Charity organised several activities and campaigns with local businesses, schools, families and the wider public during World Autism Acceptance Week, which is taking place from 2nd – 8th April 2024.

Autism NI CEO, Kerry Boyd said, “Our key message this World Autism Acceptance Week is to ‘Be Kind To Different Minds’. It is vital that everyone within our society takes the time to understand autistic people and learns how to support our autistic community, whether that is within the classroom, at work or within the local community. Our Charity’s mission is to build an inclusive society in Northern Ireland where autistic children and adults have the best support and opportunities to live fulfilled lives, and we need the general public to help us achieve this.

Ms Boyd continues, “It was fantastic to see so many families across Northern Ireland come together for our Family Fun Day. Nearly a thousand children and families came together to enjoy the fun interactive activities on offer. It was a day where our children could really be themselves in a safe setting, and I would therefore like to thank our amazing volunteers that made this possible.”

Local Mum, Pauline Taggart, adds “Days like this let my child be free and enjoy time with other children without fear or judgement, and it is also good to interact with other families and share experiences.”

With over 35,000 autistic people in Northern Ireland, the local charity is encouraging everyone to get involved and show their support for our vibrant autistic community.

To find out more or for further information please call 028 9040 1729 or visit www.autismni.org

24/05/2024

hacks – the dos and don’ts, revealed by experts

and have 50.9 billion views combined, so it’s no surprise that there are thousands of creators giving tips, tricks, and hacks that supposedly make your hair the best it can be.
The amount of information can be overwhelming, so Remy hair extension salon experts at foxyhair.com have offered their dos and don’ts of the most popular haircare trends.

– 8.9 billion views
It’s no secret that using too much heat is bad for our hair and can cause breakage and dryness. Heatless curls allow you to wake up with perfect waves without the damage – in theory.
There are a few different tools you can use, like socks, a dressing gown cord, or a specially designed heatless curling rod.
Like most things, there is a learning curve when trying heatless curls. Some twist their hair around the tool, whilst others use a braid-like technique, which can be fiddly and difficult to get the hang of. Don’t try these out for the first time if you have important plans the next day, as they might not turn out perfect on the first go.
Those with short hair may also struggle, as it can be difficult to wrap the shorter pieces from the back of your head and keep them secure. Depending on your hair type, the curls may not last as long as they would from using heat. Try using different hair products, like a mousse, hair spray or gel, to keep them in place for longer.

– 24.2 million views
Hair dusting is a technique where you cut off your split ends, strand by strand. It can be done by professionals in a salon, or even at home, and the process allows you to keep the length and shape of your hair whilst removing the visible damage.
The first thing you’ll need is a pair of hair-cutting scissors – don’t use your standard kitchen ones, as the blade needs to be sharp and thin to get a precise cut. Section your hair, then loop the hair under your index finger and over your middle finger tightly. Move your fingers down the hair slowly and snip off any split ends that poke out. You can also twist your hair and do the same thing.
This is a very time-consuming process, particularly if you have thick hair, as you’re cutting individual strands. Don’t go into this process expecting to catch every single split end on your head. You also need to be careful that you’re only cutting ends that have already split and not healthy strands, as this can affect your hair density in the long run.
Those with curly hair, textured hair, or those who have layers may need to experiment with different techniques to get their split ends to become visible, but there are several tutorials available online. If you’re not confident you can find the split ends, visit a hairdresser who specialises in your hair type to get the best result.

– 7 million views
The idea of double shampooing or double cleansing is that the first wash breaks down any oils, dirt, or buildup on your scalp, whilst the second helps to wash these impurities away, particularly any stubborn products on the hair.
By removing all impurities, you allow for haircare products to pe*****te the hair more deeply. You can also reduce the number of times you need to wash your hair, as your scalp is cleaner the first time around.
However, this method might not suit everyone. If you already have a dry scalp, shampooing more than once can strip the hair of its natural oils, causing dandruff and irritation. This is also true if you like to wash your hair every day, so if you want to start double cleansing, your routine might need to change.
Make sure to only target your scalp when double shampooing, as the lengths of your hair don’t produce any oil and will, therefore, be dryer to begin with. Use a hair mask or conditioner through your ends afterwards for soft, hydrated hair.

Charlie Winman from foxyhair.com has commented on these tips:
“The most important thing to remember is that everybody’s hair is different due to genetics and lifestyle choices. TikTok trends can make it seem like certain hacks will work for everyone when this isn’t necessarily the case.
“It is crucial to research any trends that you see before trying them out. Hopefully, this advice will provide some help to those in their haircare journey, allowing them to make choices that are suited to their haircare needs, which will ultimately yield the best results.”

Article used courtesy of https://foxyhair.com/

23/05/2024

Commonly asked questions about personal finance

Handling finances can be complicated, and it’s something that most people have difficulty with at some point in their lives. In fact, many people find themselves with more questions than solutions on how to manage their money and achieve financial stability.
However, finances don’t have to be overwhelming, and there are ways to feel more in control of your money by being informed and implementing strategies that will keep you on top of things.
Nina Appelgren, personal finance expert at Lånea, has answered some of the most frequently asked questions about personal finance to demystify some of the confusion around finances and provide guidance on how to make the most of your money.

How do I create a budget?
While creating a budget can be an individual task, there are steps that most people should follow to keep track of their money accurately and budget more efficiently.
Tracking income is the first step to creating a successful budget. This should include your annual salary including bonuses, any income from side hustles or freelance work, and any benefits that you may receive.
You should then compile a list of all your potential monthly expenses. This will include rent or mortgage repayments, groceries, utilities and other bills such as phone and Wi-Fi bills, subscription services, leisure and transportation expenses.
From this, assign a specific amount of your salary to each expense. Prioritise the essentials and don’t forget to factor in savings. Ideally, you can save a portion of your annual salary – around 10-20% is a good amount to aim for.
Be sure to consider financial goals or future big purchases that you’re building towards, as you may want to set aside more money for these.
Try using spreadsheets or budgeting apps to help track your finances. Some people may opt to create their budget manually, or some may prefer to rely on technology – regardless of your preference, there are many tools at your disposal that can help you.
Remember, you can adjust your budget whenever you need to, or whenever your financial circumstances change.

What is a good credit score?
Credit scores fall between 300 and 850. Good is generally considered around 670-700 and up – 800 and over is excellent.
While credit score requirements may vary, having a good credit score will make you more likely to be approved for loans which you are likely to need for big purchases such as buying a house. In general, it will approve your access to borrowing and may also bring other benefits such as lower insurance and interest rates.
There are different factors that can affect credit scores, such as payment history, credit usage and length of credit history. It’s a good idea to regularly check the score and work to maintain or improve it.

What are ways to improve credit score?
To improve your credit score, it's important that you are paying your bills on time, as a consistent payment history will keep it high. Similarly, reduce any debt where you can and pay them off as soon as possible.
Additionally, be sure to use your credit cards responsibly. Avoid maxing out, and don’t take on more debt than you can handle. Regularly check your credit report to ensure the information is accurate.
Where you can, limit new credit applications – only apply for them when necessary, as applying for a lot of credit within a short period can negatively affect your credit score.
It is important to note that if you have never taken out a line of credit, you won’t have a credit score at all.

What are the best ways to manage debt?
The first step to dealing with debt is looking at your budget to see where you can cut back and reallocate funds to paying off your debt. This may not go very far, but it is best to start somewhere manageable, as this will further motivate you to handle these debts. You should try to prioritise high-interest debt first to save money long-term and avoid accruing more interest payments.
Look into debt consolidation if you need to, which is where several loans are combined into one. This can make things simpler and may also reduce your borrowing costs and interest rates.
Try negotiating with creditors if you’re struggling as you may be able to agree on a lower interest rate, payment plan or settlement amount. If necessary, don’t be afraid to seek professional help as this may be the best route if you’re overwhelmed by debt.


Story used courtesy of https://www.xn--lnea-qoa.se/