Thursday, 13 December 2007
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.
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.
ME AND MY MOTOR-ANNE O'HAGAN
I met up with Anne O’Hagan this week after her day with the Dalai Lama in Derry. The Dalai Lama was invited to the Millennium Forum to speak on behalf of the Children in Crossfire charity. His words about respecting other people, kindness, compassion and respect for fellow human beings give a powerful message. One that some motorists should listen to!
Anne has a Holistic Therapy centre in Buncrana where she offers people a range of treatments including Reiki (for deep relaxation), Indian head massage, Crystal healing, Spiritual healing, and Meditation classes. In the first week of August, Anne will be moving to the treatment rooms at the Food for Thought Health Shop in the town. Anne can be contacted on 0871334235
Ann has a new Opel Corsa 1.2 automatic
How long have you had the car?
I have had the car from new since January of this year.
Is this your first new car?
I have had three new cars in the past. The garage man (George Sweeney in Buncrana) said that once you buy a new car you are very reluctant to buy a used one. He is right! This is my first five-door model though and I find it far more practical than the three door models.
You have an ‘ L’ plate on the back of the car. Who is taking lessons?
My daughter Pamela is taking lessons. She hopes to take her test soon.
Is it reliable?
Yes. I love just jumping in and turning the key.
How often do you wash it?
If the weather is good I wash it once a week.
Best thing about the car?
I find the car very solid and you feel safe in it. I drove a Fiat Punto before this and although it had great features such as town power steering, it was a bit tinny.
What would you do to help motorists?
Introduce cycle lanes and increase the speed limit to 120km per hour on dual carriageways and motorways. This would keep things moving.
A bit more civility on the roads would be a good idea too. Sometime you can wait ages at junctions before someone lets you out!
Wise words?
Treat people as you would like to be treated!
Anne has a Holistic Therapy centre in Buncrana where she offers people a range of treatments including Reiki (for deep relaxation), Indian head massage, Crystal healing, Spiritual healing, and Meditation classes. In the first week of August, Anne will be moving to the treatment rooms at the Food for Thought Health Shop in the town. Anne can be contacted on 0871334235
Ann has a new Opel Corsa 1.2 automatic
How long have you had the car?
I have had the car from new since January of this year.
Is this your first new car?
I have had three new cars in the past. The garage man (George Sweeney in Buncrana) said that once you buy a new car you are very reluctant to buy a used one. He is right! This is my first five-door model though and I find it far more practical than the three door models.
You have an ‘ L’ plate on the back of the car. Who is taking lessons?
My daughter Pamela is taking lessons. She hopes to take her test soon.
Is it reliable?
Yes. I love just jumping in and turning the key.
How often do you wash it?
If the weather is good I wash it once a week.
Best thing about the car?
I find the car very solid and you feel safe in it. I drove a Fiat Punto before this and although it had great features such as town power steering, it was a bit tinny.
What would you do to help motorists?
Introduce cycle lanes and increase the speed limit to 120km per hour on dual carriageways and motorways. This would keep things moving.
A bit more civility on the roads would be a good idea too. Sometime you can wait ages at junctions before someone lets you out!
Wise words?
Treat people as you would like to be treated!
WIND TOLERANT TREE
Metrosideros Thomasii. A hardy Australian tree,great for coastal areas.
There are lots of great trees that can stand the wind,even our coastal ones. Check out a few at Coillte
The Backyardgardener has a good list too. (if the link works)
TREES WHICH WILL FORM GOOD WINDBREAKS
DECIDUOUS
Acer Ginnala
Amur Maple
Acer Negundo
Box Elder
Cratxgus mollis
Downy Hawthorn
Maclura pornifera
Osage Orange
Morus alba
White Mulberry
Populus alba
White Poplar
Populus balsamifera
Balsam Poplar
Quercus palustris
Pin Oak
EVERGREEN
Juniperus virginiana
Red Cedar
Picea alba
Canadian Spruce
Picea excelsa
Norway Spruce
Picea rubra
Red Spruce
Pinus nigra
Austrian Pine
Pinus ponderosa
Western Yellow Pine
Pinus resinosa
Red Cedar
Pinus rigida
Pitch Pine
Pinus Strobus
White Pine
Pinus sylvestris
Scots Pine
Pinus thunbergi
Japanese Black Pine
Thuya occidentalis
American Arborvitoe
Tsuga canadensis
Hemlock
Check out windbreaks for the coast
Gardenweb forum for more choice
ME AND MY MOTOR-TERESA FULLERTON
ANGEL POWER
Teresa Fullerton is going to get plenty of use out of her ’99 Suzuki Vitara 2.0 this week. Teresa is the proprietor of Angels Above in Buncrana and she is in the process of moving to larger premises on the Main Street opposite the Town Clock. The car is ideal for moving all of the stock as it has plenty of room in the back. Teresa has previously worked in the Health Service and in Inishowen Woman’s Outreach but has recently set up her own business. Her shop sells cards, books, angel figurines, chakra jewellery, incense, crystals, books and she is getting lots of new stock in for Christmas. Teresa is also a Reiki practitioner and you can contact her for an appointment on 087 052 3611
How long have you had the car?
Only three weeks. Before that I drove a 1998 red Rover my “Wee hedgehog”. I loved the old car but it needed a lot of work doing to it. I feel a lot safer in the new Suzuki now.
Any plans to change?
No. I am just getting used to the size of it. It is a lot bigger than anything I have ever driven. I initially found it very awkward.
Is it reliable?
It’s early days yet but so far so good! There are some bolts to tighten on the alternator but that’s about it.
Best (and worst) thing about the car?
You can carry plenty of stock in the back. I also need a lot of space to get all of the packaging from the shop to the recycling centre. The worst bit about the car is judging the narrow roads, especially if there is a lorry coming the other way.
How often do you wash it?
I have only washed it once. That was the Hallowe’en week when some lads decided to egg the car as I drove down the Cockhill road!
What would you do to help motorists given the chance?
Regulating the speed of the vehicles by tuning engines down. Cars are unnecessarily powerful, especially for younger drivers.
What would you really like to be driving around in?
I have a 1970 BMW Convertible in the garage at the moment which is being renovated as we speak. When I bought it there was no power steering or indicators, but I loved it from the minute I set eyes on it. It should be finished in early spring. I would also like a Harley Davidson motorbike!!
Teresa Fullerton is going to get plenty of use out of her ’99 Suzuki Vitara 2.0 this week. Teresa is the proprietor of Angels Above in Buncrana and she is in the process of moving to larger premises on the Main Street opposite the Town Clock. The car is ideal for moving all of the stock as it has plenty of room in the back. Teresa has previously worked in the Health Service and in Inishowen Woman’s Outreach but has recently set up her own business. Her shop sells cards, books, angel figurines, chakra jewellery, incense, crystals, books and she is getting lots of new stock in for Christmas. Teresa is also a Reiki practitioner and you can contact her for an appointment on 087 052 3611
How long have you had the car?
Only three weeks. Before that I drove a 1998 red Rover my “Wee hedgehog”. I loved the old car but it needed a lot of work doing to it. I feel a lot safer in the new Suzuki now.
Any plans to change?
No. I am just getting used to the size of it. It is a lot bigger than anything I have ever driven. I initially found it very awkward.
Is it reliable?
It’s early days yet but so far so good! There are some bolts to tighten on the alternator but that’s about it.
Best (and worst) thing about the car?
You can carry plenty of stock in the back. I also need a lot of space to get all of the packaging from the shop to the recycling centre. The worst bit about the car is judging the narrow roads, especially if there is a lorry coming the other way.
How often do you wash it?
I have only washed it once. That was the Hallowe’en week when some lads decided to egg the car as I drove down the Cockhill road!
What would you do to help motorists given the chance?
Regulating the speed of the vehicles by tuning engines down. Cars are unnecessarily powerful, especially for younger drivers.
What would you really like to be driving around in?
I have a 1970 BMW Convertible in the garage at the moment which is being renovated as we speak. When I bought it there was no power steering or indicators, but I loved it from the minute I set eyes on it. It should be finished in early spring. I would also like a Harley Davidson motorbike!!
PRACTICAL UTE
We have quite a few practical motors on our roads. We have the MPV to get the kids to school, the hatchback to bring home the knock down furniture from the shops and the off road vehicles to clog up the car parks in town. One machine that would prove very versatile here is the Ute, or more commonly known as the Utility vehicle. Unfortunately we don't see this type of work horse in Ireland but if we did I'm sure it would be a great hit with plumbers and electricians who still like to be seen in something sporty whilst carrying out their daily jobs. The Ute originated in Australia and is one of the most used vehicles on the roads there. It all started in 1932 when a farmer's wife from Gippsland, Victoria, wrote a letter of complaint to Ford Australia, saying that her husband wanted a car that could carry her 'to church on Sundays and pigs to market on Mondays'. In response, a 22-year-old engineer named Lewis Brandt designed and successfully pushed the concept of a passenger/load-carrying vehicle, and the first Ford 'Coupé Utility' rolled off the production line in 1934. This vehicle was a huge success, and spawned many similar cars worldwide. However, most of the overseas pickups were more truck than car based, and to this day, the mighty Ute remains largely a unique Australian body style.
Over the years, Ford and General Motors locally manufactured Ute versions of their passenger cars. Apart from a few dark patches in the 80's/90's, Holden (the Australian arm of GM, Vauxhall/Opel) and Ford have always produced a utility based on their volume passenger car.
Today, in Australia, any load carrying car too small to be a truck or lorry is called a Ute (including 4WD traybacks etc), but among the Ute purists, and given the spirit of Lew Brandt's original design philosophy, a real Aussie Ute is one based on a passenger saloon, preferably with a sporty, seamless body-moulded tray. Fortunately, the Australian icon is still alive and well, and should be driving around the Australian roads for many years to come.
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