ME AND MY MOTOR-LINDA

This week Linda from the Inish Times office recalls her early experiences driving in Southern Africa.

What was your first car?
A horrible old black Hillman Minx, circa early 1950s. I bought it in about 1960 at the suggestion of my brother-in-law who was a motor mechanic. The gear change was on the steering column, it was a heavy car to drive and had cream leather upholstery!

How old were you?
I was 16 and living in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). The permitted age to apply for a driving licence was 16 and in those days, in addition to using indicators, one had to also use hand signals which involved lots of arm-flapping out of the driver’s window.

How did you get it?
The car cost £40 sterling (which was the currency in Rhodesia then) and at the time I earned £45 a month. I saved up for several months and bought the car for cash.

Was it reliable?
Sort-of, but it guzzled oil and the brakes kept binding. One Sunday afternoon it coughed and died when I was driving on a dirt road many miles out of Salisbury (now Harare). I had to be towed home and I immediately bought a VW Beetle that took me all over Zimbabwe and South Africa, never let me down and I loved my VW with a passion.

How did you feel about being a car owner?
I was living at home with my mother who could not drive, so having a car made a huge difference to both of us, plus gave me great independence.

What is your fondest memory of the VW?
The reliability of my VW, which gave me the opportunity to see so much of Southern Africa including the Victoria Falls, Kariba Dam, Hwangi Game Reserve, Tshipise Hot Springs, Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.

Did you give it a name?
No, but my two sons have subsequently named other cars I’ve owned, one was a VW Passat Station-Wagon that they named “The Sherman Tank” and I currently drive a Fiat Seicento that they’ve named “Mum’s Shopping Trolley”.

What happened to it?
I was so fond of my VW Beetle that I could not bear to part with it, so gave it to my mother-in-law who drove it for many more years without any trouble at all.

What was the best car you ever owned and why?
When my husband became successful in business he owned the latest Mercedes Benz and insisted that for ‘image’ purposes I should drive one too. Mine was a metallic silver Merc (old shape), a full-house with all the buttons and bows. Other than appreciating the air-conditioning, I actually did not enjoy the car very much.

What was the worst car you ever owned and why?
That would definitely have to be my first car.

What are you driving now?
An 1100 Fiat Seicento 2 door. It’s a red 2001 model that I bought quite recently from Joseph Doherty Ltd of Moville.

What is your dream car?
I don’t have a dream car but having driven for over forty years, I’d be lost without a car. A huge necessity for me is to know that my car will always start and be reliable. The little car I drive now is giving me great delight.

GREEN FUNERALS

Paul (Mulcher) Blaker is visiting Buncrana again from Nottinghamshire, England. Here he writes of carbon emissions and Green funerals (which are becoming more common place over there).

Its good to be back for a holiday break, Ian has asked me to help him with the column as he is busy decorating with environmentally friendly paint! There is something about the sea air here that helps me relax and refocus on things that are important. I always feel healthy and refreshed in this green and pleasant land. The refreshment that comes wrapped in re-useable recyclable glass at Roddins bar is particularly welcome.

I arrived here on Monday morning after a long car and ferry journey. We all take the freedom to travel by land, sea or air for granted. It gives us all great pleasure to enjoy the benefits and experiences we have visiting new places and meeting new people.

There is an environmental price to pay for this liberty. The only forms of transport that are carbon neutral in the sense that they do involve the burning of fossil fuels are walking, cycling, skateboarding, skiing, horse riding, rowing and sailing. Cars, trains, motor boats and planes all emit carbon dioxide the greenhouse gas most commonly implicated in global warming into the atmosphere.

My total journey from Nottingham to Buncrana includes about four hundred miles of driving and a two and a half hour ferry crossing. I do not know how much fuel a ferry crossing from Stranraer to Belfast uses but my car trip takes a full tank of petrol. My problem in attempting to make a carbon neutral journey would be that walking and cycling would take too long, I always fall off skateboards!
Global warming over the last ten thousand years has melted all the snow, I’m frightened of horses (strange because I love their emissions to help my organic vegetables grow) and crossing the sea in a rowing boat went out of favour with the Vikings. I like sailing but couldn’t get the car on a tall ship.

It would be worse if I were to fly over. Aeroplanes use huge amounts of fuel and pollute at high altitudes where it has been calculated each molecule causes thirty times more damage than it does at ground or sea level. If my children want to see Mickey Mouse in Florida ‘s Disneyland, one trip would use up their entire carbon dioxide output allowance that during their lifetime would be needed to stabilise the earth’s climate.

I don’t know what the answers are but when we know these facts we can make decisions and acknowledge we have to take responsibility for the consequences. It makes me more conscious to offset some of my carbon miles by taking care with energy use around my home and my responsibility to recycle and reuse. There is also a benefit in planting more trees to lock up carbon as well as the creation of forestry for other uses. I wonder how many trees we would have to plant for every plane trip we make.

Thinking about journeys led me to think about the greenest way to make my final journey. I have endeavoured to travel lightly on the earth and have decided that my return to it should reflect these efforts. Are we always happy to handover the arrangements for our passage to our spiritual home to others or are there decisions we would like to make now for our selves that will save our grieving loved ones the trouble. Without being morbid because, “it’s as inevitable as income tax” (as Mark Twain famously said), I have done a bit of research.

It doesn’t matter if our bodies are cremated or buried. The carbon dioxide emissions are the same. Cremation requires energy from a fossil fuel source and the alkaline ash produced doesn’t benefit the soil. When buried the body feeds the ground but in the traditional six foot grave it takes along time for the nutrients to become available. If it is permitted a shallower burial is better.

There is pollution into the atmosphere or the ground from the glues and resins in the MDF or the chipboard used in coffin manufacture. I don’t like the idea of mature trees or tropical hardwoods being felled to make a box to rot with me. Lots of alternatives are becoming available made from natural sustainable materials like willow woven into baskets, old fruit boxes or recycled pine and cardboard. It is possible to decorate all these as you wish and the woven willow coffins are particularly beautiful. When these decompose they are beneficial rather than damaging to the environment. They are also cheaper than the traditional type of coffin.

I have bought a burial plot in a woodland site in Sherwood Forest, the home of the legendary Robin Hood. My coffin is compressed cardboard and painted in environmentally neutral paint with a picture of a leaping salmon and a running hare, my two favourite wild animals on the sides. I will be buried about three feet deep so I’m readily available to the mountain ash tree and the wild flowering spring bulbs planted on top of me. When I’m laid to rest my friends can have a sing-song in the pub afterwards.

Any way I hope I’ve got a long way to go till then. My work as the Mulcher is far from complete and
If any of this has given you food for thought there is a list of web sites to visit for more information.

www.eco-coffin.co.uk
www.naturaldeath.org.uk
www.peacefunerals.co.uk
www.welfare-state.org

Environmental.

ME AND MY MOTOR -ROBERT GURNEY

It is Me and My Motorbike this week as Robert Gurney from Ture shows us around his fabulous 1976 Honda Goldwing GL1000. For the last eighteen years Robert has run the Auto Electrical Repair shop in Ture (also known as RG Rebuilds) He specialises in alternators, starter motors and diesel pumps. Robert has a lifetime of experience and enjoyment with the combustion engine.

How long have you been interested in bikes?
I have been passionate about bikes for years. I used to race bikes on the track. I was in the Foyle District Motorcycle club and was the Irish champion on 250 and 500cc scrambler bikes three years running in 1973-4 and 5. The bikes used for scrambling at the time had to be adapted from basic road bikes. Boy were they heavy!

Any plans to change the Goldwing?
Not likely! I always wanted a Goldwing with a sidecar and I am not letting it go now!

Is it reliable?
Very, If it does break down I will be able to fix it myself too because there are no complicated electronics.

Best thing about the bike?
The tow bar is very handy. It allows me to attach the trailer tent to it and away I go. Don’t forget the two-seater sidecar too.

How does riding the bike differ when the sidecar is on?
It is totally different and takes a bit of getting used to. When you turn the bike you have to lean in the opposite direction or the steering gets really heavy.

Any modifications?
The wheels on the bike are made especially for carrying the sidecar. They are stronger and have flatter tyres.

How is the sidecar greeted on the road?
There is a lot of interest in both the bike and the sidecar. It is amazing just how many people have never seen a sidecar before. Thankfully cars give me a wide berth as they are not sure what they are passing!

What would you really like to be driving around in?
I have owned Rolls Royce’s, a Lamborghini, and numerous other cars and motorbikes. I can honestly say that my favourite is the Goldwing!

Motoring.

Women in Business

International Women’s Day, which falls each year on 8th March, is a major day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. It is an official public holiday in many countries, and in some has a status somewhat equivalent to Mother’s Day here, but without the commercial trappings that go with it. With attitudes toward women changing a lot in Ireland over the past twenty years, the Inishowen Independent would like to recognize the achievements of local women who have set up their own businesses and who are an integral part of our local economy.

MacBride Conaghan Solicitors, Moville
Geraldine Conaghan from MacBride Conaghan Solicitors in Moville appreciates that women in business have a lot to offer. “Women are good at business,” she explains. “We like to give people support, we care about our customers and staff and we cooperate with our colleagues, passing on opportunities and getting good support for ourselves.”

With the economic downturn, Geraldine’s practice is seeing new demands from the local business community to provide a debt collection service as well as for advice on how to restructure and survive in these challenging times. “Of course, our services encompass all aspects of the legalities people need to deal with from time to time as well, and we are happy to give advice on all official matters, including family law, wills and probate, conveyancing, criminal and road traffic, personal injury litigation and tax planning.”

Geraldine Conaghan, originally from Ballyshannon, qualified in law in the 1980’s. With little work available in Ireland during this time, Geraldine immigrated to America where she spent ten years in New York putting in long hours and gaining plenty of experience. Ten years later, following the birth of her son, Geraldine returned to Donegal, moving to Newtowncunningham, her husband’s hometown. Geraldine had always wanted to have her own practice and on her return she felt she was returning to a whole different Ireland. She explains, “When I left Ireland, it was very hard to find a job and get paid. You were expected to work for the experience. There were very few role models of women in practice unless it was a family company. Coming back in the nineties, it was much easier to break into practice and there were women out there, running their own practices, working hard and being successful.”

Geraldine bought Seán MacBride’s practice when he was appointed a judge in 1998. “It is a great career and I would encourage young women into the profession.” She says, “You can combine long hours with family commitments.”

You can contact the office on: (074) 9382184


Amanda’s Cots N Tots
Amanda Kelly from Clonmany has been providing childcare services in her local community for the past eleven years. She had always been interested in setting up a crèche and after qualifying and working for a while in Derry, she felt the time was right to branch out on her own.

“At that time Clonmany didn’t have a crèche and being from the town where people knew me and my family, I felt there it would be a good opening.” Amanda has taken a little time out from her young charges to talk to us and she is remembering the challenges of the early days. “The Health Board regulations were just coming into effect at the time, they were finding their feet as was I. After I had established the need for the service, I applied for a government grant to get a new purpose built centre and once again I was working closely with the HSE to get the plans right. It took three or four years to get organised but it was worth it.” Amanda smiles.

At Amanda’s Cots N Tots they provide childcare from newborns upward, as well as an after-school service. With eleven years experience behind her, Amanda has established a high quality childcare service and places importance on working in co-operation and partnership with parents and guardians. “We provide a safe, clean and friendly environment where we can care for and stimulate the children.” Amanda says with pride “We have all sorts of activities to support the individual learning of each child in line with the national curriculum, e.g. when children use playdough and draw, they develop their motor skills, sharing toys they learn social skills.” She continues.

Amanda sees the benefits of networking and is part of the Inishowen Childcare Network and the Donegal County Childcare Committee. “I find these networks very useful for meeting with others and sharing ideas. Childcare providers are often women and we co-operate well and get a lot of support from each other.”

The centre can be contacted on : 074 9378737

Glenview Boarding Kennels
Mary Margaret (Maggie) McDaid from Clonmany set up the Glenview Boarding Kennels seven years ago. She always had dogs when she was growing up and after she got married, she and her husband had dogs of their own. “It was always a problem getting some-one to look after our dogs when we went on holiday so we felt there was an opening to set up kennels here in Clonmany” Mary Margaret tells us. “It is very handy as a woman to be working from home as the business and family commitments can be worked around each other.”

With new dog training classes both group and private, running every night of the week, this works out particularly well as Maggie is able to bring her children to the classes. “Puppies and older dogs really benefit from the training which helps puppies with socialising and older dogs improve anti social behaviour such as jumping up and excessive barking. Having the children there is great for the dogs as part of the training is to become used to children and distractions. Training, particularly for puppies helps dogs become more able to read situations and is also great for getting good habits established and breaking bad ones.” Maggie explains.

Glenview Boarding Kennels are now taking bookings for your pets summer holidays so that you can have complete peace of mind for your dog’s need while you are enjoying your own break. Maggie takes great pride in taking care of every pet she looks after. Dogs have a large safe caged area and a run, warm kennelling, plenty of food and are given daily exercise. Kennelling costs are kept to a minimum and owners can opt for two or more of their dogs to share a kennel space at a reduced rate or for their pets to be housed individually. Top dogs and under dogs are all welcomed and lovingly cared for, whatever their breed, age or gender at Glenview Boarding Kennels. Contact : 074 9376058


THairapy Hairdressers
Nicola Baldrick set up THairapy hairdressers 4 years ago and has been working in the business for the last ten years. She always wanted to set up her own business and felt very encouraged by other local women in Buncrana who were successfully running their own salons. THairapy has recently moved to new premises at the Dunree Shopping Centre near Eurospar in Buncrana. “”This has been a great move for us” says Nicola “It means we have had room for our expansion into the whole beauty therapy area. “

Having recently been awarded five stars, the highest accolade in the industry by the Good Salon Guide, Nicola isn’t content to stay still and rest on her laurels. “It is easy to stay interested and motivated in the hairdressing and beauty industry as it is always changing,” she explains. “There is always something new to learn about and myself and the therapists regularly attend courses to ensure we keep up to date with the latest trends.” Nicola continues. “The organic movement is affecting hairdressing and we are delighted to offer organic hair products such as colours to our clients. Other recent courses have taught us new dermatological techniques in facials and anti-aging treatments.”

Nicola feels that women are the backbone of the hairdressing industry particularly in small towns. Male hairdressers may become better known in the profession but it is women who are the day-to-day faces for customers and Nicola enjoys working in a predominantly female environment.

“I am really happy with my clientele. I have been hairdressing for ten years and have a very loyal customer base which is wonderful” Nicola concludes.

Contact : 074 9361649

The Village Kitchen, Carndonagh
Edel Burns has been working in the catering industry for the past twenty-five years after qualifying as a chef. She started her latest business venture, The Village Kitchen in Carndonagh nearly five years ago. “I always wanted to work for myself and my family were very supportive of me going into business.” Edel says, “In fact this business is a partnership with my brother Shane.”

The Village Kitchen was originally set up as a coffee shop but a few years ago Edel received her first contract for providing lunches for a local school. “After the first contract we got another, and another,” Edel explained. “Then that side of the business just snowballed and in the end we decided to close the coffee shop to concentrate on fulfilling the school contracts.”

Edel and her brother also provide chocolate fountains for weddings and parties. She had seen a chocolate fountain at a wedding on a trip to England and decided to look into the possibility of expanding the business. Now if clients want a chocolate fountain for their wedding or party, they will find that Edel’s prices are the best value about.

“I believe our prices are the best value for money in Ireland for the chocolate fountains –they haven’t changed in the past four years and they were good when we started”, she declares. They certainly provide good service as well, taking the fountain to the wedding, setting it up and staying with it to ensure the guests enjoy the delicious chocolate covered goodies.

Edel feels the world of business is more equal for men and women these days. “The hours can be long, but I really enjoy working for myself, being my own boss and not being told what to do.”

Contact: 086 865 9708

Daisy Fresh Dry Cleaners, Muff
Daisy Fresh Dry Cleaners in Muff are celebrating their first birthday this week. Local entrepreneur Sara Plower is delighted with how the business has been going in its first year and is very appreciative of all the support she has had from the local community.

Sara had been involved in a family business, which had been sold a few years ago, and she decided to take a year out as she had young children. When she decided to go back to work she felt she would rather be her own boss and looked around for a business opportunity.

That opportunity presented itself when premises became vacant on the Main Street in Muff. Sara had already spotted a gap in the market with nowhere locally to take her dry cleaning. It took her a year to set up the business, what with buying the machines, going to England for specialist training, getting her suppliers in place and kitting out the shop.

Daisy Clean Dry Cleaners offer a friendly, efficient service specialising in dresses and formal wear. They also provide other services including, wash and folding, drying, ironing, repairs and alterations. All the work is done on the premises by the staff -Sara brought the specialist trainer over from England to ensure all her employees were fully trained.

Sara loves being in business but admits that for some women with children there has to be a bit of juggling going on. “I’m really lucky though, my husband and mother are very supportive with the childcare,” she admits. “Female entrepreneurs aren’t so unusual these days,” she continues. “There are a lot of women running businesses on the Main Street in Muff. When I started last year they all came in to welcome me to the village and wish me the best of luck.”

Daisy Fresh Dry Cleaners are open Monday to Friday 9am –5.30pm and Saturdays 9.30am – 5pm. Contact 074 9327070

Patricia Barnett, Podiatrist and Chiropodist, Buncrana
Patricia Barnett set up her clinic in Buncrana fifteen years ago, not long after graduating in podiatry from Queens University. She started the business on the Main Street sharing a waiting room with Dr Cully the dentist and then moved to an office in the Lower Main Street. Now she operates from the old family home, Aisling House on the Crescent which she has renovated creating a modern clinic.

“I absolutely love what I do and I don’t even think of it as work” Patricia really means what she says. “It is very satisfying helping people and seeing the relief that they receive.”

Patricia helps her patients with all their foot problems. These can include the removal of corns and callouses, nail problems and verrucas. There are specialist areas of work too and Patricia can perform surgery under anaesthetic (saving a wait for ingrowing toenails), can help with sport related injuries and she also has a lot of patients with diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. “We also get clients who like to get cosmetic work on their toe-nails,” adds Patricia.

As well as the services, Patricia has a full range of products for the feet including creams and appliances such as insoles and arch supports for people with flat feet.

As a woman, Patricia feels that being a podiatrist and chiropodist is a lovely profession. “Having the option to work at home means the family aren’t too far away and although I work long hours, I can be flexible if I need time off for a parents teacher meeting” she tells us. This flexibility is great for Patricia’s clients too as she offers evening appointments as well as house calls. With the increase in demand for her services, she has also set up a satellite practice from Dr Devlin’s surgery on the Mill Brae in Carndonagh on Friday afternoons.

Contact: 074 93 63282

ME AND MY MOTOR-GRETA McTAGUE

Greta McTague from Muff drives a 2001 Volkswagen Bora 1.4 petrol. She likes to think of it as her shy Aston Martin. Greta uses her car every day to drive to St Cecilia’s College in Derry where she is head of Drama. Her driving career has seen a catalogue of rather unassuming, (but surprisingly nippy) cars starting with her first car, a Ford Fiesta. An Astra and Peugeot 106 followed but with a growing family there was a need for more space and the Bora fitted the bill.


How long have you had the car?
Two and a half years.

Any plans to change?
Not really but any financial donations to help me upgrade to a newer car wouldn’t be met with rejection!

Is it reliable?
My baby Aston has never let me down. I did have a bit of a starter motor problem, which made awful squealing noises when the engine was turned over. Thankfully that was fixed last week when it had a service.

Best thing about the car?
It works! I also love the two cup holders. These are vital for helping you start the day with a cup of coffee.

Why no wheel trims?
After the NCT my son Eoghan put the trims back onto the wheels. Hours later one disappeared. I decided to take the others off to balance the look of the car. If anyone has the wheel trim in their garden could I have it back please!


How often do you wash it?
It’s nearly Christmas so it must be due another wash. Actually my father can’t bear to see the car dirty so when it gets too bad he usually attends to its hygiene needs.

What would you do to help motorists given the chance?
I would like to see the Zig Zag etiquette that the German road network has. When in a line of traffic you would let out one car from a junction, the car behind you would do the same and so on. It is considerate to other motorists and keeps the traffic moving.

What would you really like to be driving around in?
Well, I quite like to pass other cars so something with good acceleration. (wellie!) My granddad had an old rusty Ford Anglia, which I really liked. Maybe if I could have a customised version of that with extra large fins on the back, a massive sound system and a really big engine. That would be unassuming wouldn’t it?

ME AND MY MOTOR JIM MURPHY

Name: Jim Murphy

Address: Moville

Car: Renault Kangoo 1.2

Strictly speaking this is my wife’s car (a practice nurse), but I seem to be driving it more and more these days. I think this is due to it being very practical and economical. : Its like a great big Citroen 2CV but with an engine and not made of cardboard. If its good enough for the Fir an Post its good enough for me!

I use it for my daily commute to Derry. It isn’t a flying machine, but for me that is not an issue. I have been a fire-fighter for over 25 years and have been to some horrific road crashes. There is nothing (and I mean nothing) worth getting mangled for. I stick a cd in the player (Ian Dury or Madness), chill and watch God’s own county sail by. Apart from its commuting function it also is used for getting the kids to activities. It has moulded plastic cargo floor in the boot and moulded rubber mats in the passenger areas. After horse riding, hillwalking or a day at the beach it can be mopped out.

How long have you had the car?
About 18 months, I got it from Kelly’s Toyota dealers in Letterkenny who have been really good to deal with (nearly as good as Frank Faulkner).

Any plans to change?
No, this vehicle is so practical and reliable that we are going to keep it till it dies, which hopefully is a long way off. We are not into shiny new things for the sake of it.

Best thing about the car?
Apart from the floors and the reliability, I like the rear sliding doors, which if you have had kids throwing doors open against other cars you will understand why. The sliding doors also mean you can sit it the car with the doors open. Apparently it drives with the doors open too which would make it a great getaway car if you did not need to escape in a big hurry. When the rear seats are folded down it becomes a proper van. This actually is a van made into a car rather than a car that does van impressions. The stowage is quite phenomenal. We re-cycle to the max and it carries everything to the amenity site. This means we only need to put a wheelie bin out every five to six weeks. There are also overhead storage bins, which is great for stuff that you want to stay in the car but not rattling around the boot. Did I mention the deep tray over the driver’s head? You could get a side of beef in it.

Worst?
What do I not like about it. It still has a locking petrol cap, which is a bit fiddly. Most cars now have a flap, which does not need a key.

How often do you wash it?
Hardly ever washed, perhaps once a month. Life is too short for such nonsense.

Any modifications?
No need, this car is nearly perfect, although some roof bars would be nice for carrying long stuff (does washing count as a modification?)

If you were minister for finance, what would you change?
Firstly I would abolish VRT, it stinks and is nothing more than government theft. Secondly I would exempt cars adapted to run on bio fuel from any duty or taxation, lastly I would stop people killing themselves on the roads by significantly boosting the Garda Traffic Corps.

What would you like to be driving around in?
Anything convertible, I like the wind blowing in my scalp. The ideal car would be a Morris Minor but I would settle for a Sunbeam Alpine or a Triumph TR4

Motoring.

ME AND MY MOTOR-DERMOTT MCLAUGHLIN

Local Buncrana Councillor Dermot McLaughlin drives a 2007 1.4 Opel Astra estate. The car has to be very versatile as it is used for work, leisure and off road expeditions. Dermot is chairperson of the Inishowen Wildlife Club and he often has to venture down muddy lanes. He was the first appointed Wildlife Ranger in Inishowen and was closely involved in setting up the Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) around Inishowen. He found that estate cars were perfect for life outdoors. Even in a torrential downpour he could sit in the back with the boot open to give shelter whilst observing seals or birds in comfort with a cup of tea on the go. Dermot also got into the habit of an estate car when he was transporting his projector and stuffed animals around the schools giving talks on wildlife. He mainly uses the boot of the Astra now to take his beloved English Setter, Chloe, out for walks.


How long have you had the car?
I bought it new earlier this year from Colm Dillon. I have had Opel estates before and have always been happy with them. Because of my work with environmental issues over the years I have always been conscious of vehicle emissions. The Astra has a low output of pollution because of its small 1.4 litre engine. All of the materials used to make the car are recyclable as well.

Any plans to change?
I have only just bought it so I have no plans to change just yet! I particularly like the Astra as it has a very good turning circle. I had a Peugeot 307 estate before this and it was difficult to get into my garage but I have no such problem with the Astra.

Is it reliable?
All of the Astras have been reliable. Since March the car has just had the regular services.

Best thing about the car?
The inner space is fantastic and perfect for carrying all of my equipment when I am out and about in the countryside. My dog loves the space in the back and is happy to see out of the windows when being chauffeured around. I also like the road clearance. The exhaust stays on when you go down rough roads!

How often do you wash it?
If there is any thing special going off it will get a power wash at the garage. My next special occasion will be the talk at Dunree Fort on the 16th of this month. Barry O’Donoghue will be talking about the Hen Harrier and other tag birds that come to the peninsula. (It starts at 8pm)

What would you do to help motorists given the chance?
There are so many! Road surface improvements for a start. Also, a well thought out infrastructure for towns would help ease the problem of bad manners on the road as this is mostly caused through frustration. Working towards easing parking problems in built up areas, reduce insurance, tax, and petrol prices. Need I go on?! There are loads of things that could be done to make it easier for motorists to accept the cost of car ownership.

What would you really like to be driving around in?
I think I have found the ideal car for my needs but I have noticed the Nissan Qashqai off road vehicle. That looks as though it has a good road clearance, I might give that a test-drive one day!

ME AND MY MOTOR-STEPHANIE COYLE

Stephanie Coyle has a 1991 Ford Sierra 2.0 Twin Cam Ghia i. Stephanie, from Redcastle has always had a keen interest in cars and was able to fix motors from a very early age. When she hasn’t her head under the hood Stephanie is concentrating on her singing career. In the early days Stephanie sang around the pubs and clubs with her brother in a duo called Two of a Kind. From there she joined a band called Xcess, who have been playing to critical acclaim all around the North and South of Ireland. Her latest project is a solo venture. Stephanie has an American Country CD coming out in two weeks time. The recording is currently being put together at the Dean Studio in Derry and there will be a launch night in Mannies Bar in Convoy on the 27th of October.

How long have you had the car?
I have only had the car about three months. It was advertised on E-bay. I phoned up the seller and made them an offer, which was accepted.

Is it modified in any way?
The car was re-sprayed two weeks before I bought it and the wheels are new at a cost of €1100 euro. There are lowered springs fitted and tinted windows. The interior, engine and bodywork are original which keeps the insurance down.

Would you sell?
I have my eye on another car. The Sierra is up for sale at €3300 ono. You can ring me on 0044 7821742956 for more details.

What will you be driving next?
I change my cars often because my dad is a mechanic who deals in motors. I already have another car lined up. It is an Audi A4 1.9 diesel.

Is the Sierra reliable?
Yes. It has only done 66,000 miles since new and everything is working very well.

Best thing about the car?
The colour is very eye catching. It is purple but has blue metallic flecks. It is the top of the range Ghia model so it has all of the extras. It is also has very good acceleration for overtaking slow traffic safely.

How often do you wash it?
It gets washed and polished at least twice a week. I don’t like going out with a mucky car!

What would you do to help motorists given the chance?
Insurance policies for younger drivers are extremely high and should be reduced. Really good drivers under 25 get penalised from the beginning of their motoring lives, which is unfair.

What would you really like to be driving around in?
I would love a Mark 2 Ford Escort 2litre petrol. They are fabulous cars and are perfect for rallying. They are not cheap though, a good one could cost between 15 and 22 thousand euro!


Are you going to take your hobby further?
I would love to get some training in bodywork, but I will have to wait until I can buy some steel toe capped stilettos!

ME AND MY MOTOR-DARREN MCCAULEY

Name: Darren McCauley

Address: Drung

Car: 1991 Ford Sierra Sapphire GLX 1.8

Darren is in the middle of a mechanics course at Magee in Derry. He has always had a keen interest in machinery and was guided by his grandfather from a very early age. He used this knowledge to fully restore a 1974 Ford 4000 tractor last year that had been lying in a field for years until he salvaged it. He has now completed his latest project, his Ford Sierra GLX.


How long have you had the car?
I have had the car since September of last year. Before that I had Ford Fiestas

What condition was the car in when you got it?
The bodywork and interior were in excellent condition. It was a one owner car from new and had been well looked after cosmetically

What work did you do to the car?
I did a complete overhaul of the engine and fitted a new original carburettor. I have used genuine parts to keep the originality of the car intact (apart from the boot spoiler and RS wheels!) The paint was very dull too as red oxidises in the sunlight so this also needed work.

How long did it take you to complete the work?
I lost track! I worked mainly evenings and weekends until it was finished.

Is it reliable?
Yes. I travel to Galway in it every week with no problems at all. If it wasn’t reliable I would probably enjoy fixing it anyway!

Best thing about the car?
The Ford Badge! Ford cars are the main vehicles for our family. My grandparents started the trend and my parents, sister and I have all followed suit with models like the Focus and Granada.

Any plans to change?
Reluctantly yes. I would like to work on another project. (An R.S. Cosworth.)

If you were the Minister for Finance what would you do to help motorists?
Cheaper insurance and improve the condition of the roads.

What would you really like to be driving around in?
A Scania Centurion 143 Topline 500 truck! I would be following in the family haulage tradition. My grandfathers (John McCauley and Billy McDaid) were hauliers and so is my father Billy.

PS

HAPPY 19TH BIRTHDAY DARREN!

Motoring.

ME AND MY MOTOR-CHANTAL BUSAK

We have a pedigree motor this week. Chantal Busek from Moville is the proud owner of a Silver Toyota Celica 1.8 VVTi. Chantal is the reservations manager and E-commerce controller for the Carlton group and works from the Carlton Redcastle hotel. Chantal might have a busy demanding job but she still manages to find the time to polish her beautiful car and run a few marathons!


What made you choose a sports car?
I think that every girl should have a sports car at some time in her life. I drove a Celica owned by a friend of my partner and was hooked, I just had to have one. I have only had it for three months but I now think of it as an extension of my boyfriend!

Any plans to change?
No chance! These cars are hard to find.

Did you buy it privately or through a garage?
I took a bit of a risk and bought it privately. I looked at all of the websites until the right car came up. When I saw it we drove to Dublin that moment to buy it. Specialist motors tends to be sold straight away and I missed a couple before this one. I am pleased though as the car I now have was a better price and had the complete sports pack.

What is in the sports pack?
Loads of stuff! Lowered suspension, extra power in the engine, air conditioning, alloy wheels, leather seats, slide back sunroof and bucket seats for a start.

Is it reliable?
Extremely reliable. It has very low mileage and is like a new car.

How often do you wash it?
Not as often as I should but I do find that silver doesn’t show up the dirt. I shouldn’t worry though as dirt can be fashionable. Did you know there is now dirt in a can? It is used by city folk who have off road cars and never see the countryside!

What would you do to help motorists?
Put some drivers through their test again! Concentrating on how to cope with roundabouts and parking.

What would you like to be driving around in?
My Toyota Celica, thank you!

Motoring.

ME AND MY MOTOR-JOHN BARR

John Barr is better known as a local businessperson than a car fanatic. In fact John doesn’t even know the make of his own van. Better still, on more than one occasion, he has been known to get into the wrong white van and try to start it up! (“They all look the same,” he claims) John might not know what his van looks like but he certainly hasn’t lost his edge as a trader. “I might not know any make of cars on the road but I could tell you the price of anything in 1972”. His van is a 2000 VW Caddy by the way.

John has been trading for thirty years and Barr’s shop has been open in Buncrana for 160 years. As well as clothing and flags, John also supplies a whole range of printing and embroidery items. Whether it is a corporate logo, workwear on a large scale or just a few shirts for a hen or stag night, John can supply the lot. (That’s if he can find his van!)


How long have you had the van?
Let me think….about five years now. I bought it used and as I don’t know the first thing about cars I couldn’t even tell you the registration number.

Any plans to change?
It will get replaced when it stops working.

Is it reliable?
Yes. Patrick Grant here in the town takes care of all of the servicing. He just appears and drives it to his garage then brings it back all serviced and ready to go.

Best and worst thing about the van?
The worst thing is that I have to drive it. The best is that it starts and moves when I want it too.

How often do you wash it?
I have never washed it in five years! It does get cleaned every two years. Patrick cleans it for me before it goes to get an NCT.

What was your fist car?
I had a Fiat 850 bubble car. I bought it for £25 and spent £25 putting in an engine. Putting in the new engine only took a few hours and we were out on the road the next day. It was only small but we could squeeze seven people in it! I drove it for six months until the brakes seized up (at least I think that was the problem) outside the Culdaff Arms. I had to get a lift home but not before I sold the car to someone as it sat on the street for £60. I got a Ford Escort after that but it was a nightmare. I remember it always overheated but I had to travel to Dublin every week. Poor Afke (my wife) had to get out and push many a time - much to the disapproval of the pedestrians on O’Connell Street! I must point out here that I didn’t push because Afke couldn’t drive at the time...honestly!

What would you do to help motorists given the chance?
Do away with cars and get Scotty from Star Trek to beam us where we wanted to go. I think a few good manners on the road will have to do in the mean time.