Monday 24 November 2008
5 MINUTES WITH - RONA MCLAUGHLIN
It’s a busy time of the year for Rona McLaughlin as Christmas approaches. Rona is originally from Dublin and has been living in Inishowen since 2002. From June this year Rona has taken over the marketing and promotion of the Buncrana Chamber of Commerce. She is no stranger to the corporate sector and has worked for large organisations through the University of Ulster. As a business and marketing graduate she is very well qualified to take on the next challenge of redesigning the Buncrana gift vouchers and promoting the Shop Local initiative. Rona lives in Carndonagh with her husband Noel, daughter Shannon and son Neil.
What music do you like?
I tend to like particular songs rather than a set type of music. But with a toddler and a teenager in the house the music tends to range from nursery rhymes to Girls Aloud and Snow Patrol so it’s very wide ranging.
What would you never throw away?
I am a little bit of a hoarder and keep loads of useless items but I do have a cross and chain that belonged to my brother, I would hate to lose that.
What book are you reading?
Potty Training, for my son’s benefit I hasten to add. But I recently re-read the 'Dark Materials Trilogy' By Philip Pullman.
What was your favourite childhood game?
Just messing about outdoors, I don't think we ever had a set game it was just outdoor fun. It is sad for me to think that our kids probably won't experience the same games as the world has moved on and we are all afraid of not knowing where they are and what they are doing.
Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
No, we haven't been to the cinema since before my son was born.
What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
Definitely not sport. It is generally the local community pieces on the notice boards first.
What is your idea of a good night out?
I love my sleep, so I tend to be home by midnight at the latest. A meal with friends is great.
Most embarrassing moment of your life?
Nothing really stands out; generally I talk too much so I am always putting my foot in it.
Have you a favourite TV programme?
I am not a fan of soaps, but I love Heroes.
How do you relax?
Again, I love having friends over for a meal or going over to them is even better...no washing up. We are members of the Inishowen Kindergarten and have met some great friends from that so it’s nice to meet up with them and the kids, not guaranteed to be relaxing, but it is enjoyable.
What job did you want to do when you were a child?
Just the normal, baby sitting.
Where would you like to go for your holidays?
I really like Andalusia in Spain, we been a couple of times and its like Inishowen but with sun.
Your idea of heaven?
Being at home with the husband and kids on a sunny day and just deciding to go to the beach. Packing the car and kids and being on a great beach within 30mins. It’s a great day out and we are so lucky to have so many beautiful beaches in Inishowen.
Your idea of hell?
Living in the city. I was born and raised in Dublin, but I really am not cut out for city living. I love the sense of community we have here and the friends we have made so I really couldn't go back to it now.
What would you spend a lottery win on?
Updating the home, pay off some bills and put some aside for the kids education.
My husband would probably get another polytunnel. I wouldn't mind
upgrading the car too.
Favourite animal?
Dogs. Man’s best friend
What couldn't you live without?
Family goes without saying but I was at home for a year with my son and we didn't have broadband so no e-mail or Internet and it was really hard. I felt quite lost without it. I lost contact with a lot of people.
Biggest fear?
I think all parents fear losing a child or anything happening to them
The world's most irritating invention?
Shower Caps, I really don't understand the point.
What is your idea of a good night in?
Getting a chance to sit and relax with my husband, probably a glass or two of wine wouldn't go a miss either.
Do you have a hobby?
We have a polytunnel, so I like to garden. I do the weeding and seeding but Noel tends to do the heavy donkey work. But I am a lightweight once the cold weather hits in, I tend to lose interest and leave it to the hubby.
Biggest disappointment?
Nothing in life seems that important given enough time to get over it so I try not to dwell too much on things.
World's most useful invention?
I love the Internet. So much information, most of it unnecessary but brilliant none the less.
What do you have for breakfast?
Porridge and honey, a good hearty breakfast
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
My mum always said to remember how lucky you are.
Personal philosophy?
Be grateful for what you have.
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN BUNCRANA
Pulls
Hubert McLaughlins (HML) is the Wains World for grown up men who love to play.
When you walk up the grand red staircase of the Elite Electrical shop and go to the second floor you are greeted with what most of us wouldn’t be without, it’s not Santa, but it’s a great choice of wide screen televisions.
The smell of Christmas greets you as you walk into Finishing Touch and that’s because Georgina, the proprietor, always has some mulled (alcohol free) drinks to hand to warm up any cold shoppers.
Even before stepping into Bloomin’ Marvellous you will see gorgeous outdoor planters that are brimming with winter colour and will be flowering well after the festive period.
THINK OUTSIDE OF THE GIFT BOX AND SHOP IN MILLTOWN AND ARDARAVAN
The Milltown and Ardaravan shopping areas of Buncrana are the newest additions to the town. In a very short period of time the areas have become a much-needed expansion to the town merging seamlessly with the older shopping areas.
The Inishowen Independent would like to take you on a tour of the area starting on the top of the hill at Milltown, the thriving retail park that is such an easy walk from the town centre. Parking is free and plentiful. The first port of call is Wains World.
Wains World
Walking into the bustling atmosphere of Wains World you are greeted by both the friendly staff and a giant picture of Winnie the Pooh. The large images don’t stop there as Peter Pan and Batman are looking down on you from above as you walk into the downstairs play area. The key points for most parents is for their children to have a good time, to be safe, eat well and eventually to tire themselves out so they sleep well at night. Wains World ensures all of these things and gives parents the chance to sit and relax and read the paper whist the children enjoy themselves. Here is what a recent visitor said on the Tripadvisor website:
“ Finally a place where you can let your kids run a muck!” The Cafe was lovely and open so the children could come and go to us as they pleased and the food was very good- which was a pleasant surprise. Not to mention the cleanliness, the place was impeccable. Go and have the craic and stress less for a few hours.
Wains World has just introduced a fabulous new menu for Christmas and is planning a Christmas disco for a bit closer to the day. Check out the party packs, they can cater for large groups of children for parties and special occasions. Next door the Wains World is Elite Electical.
Elite Electrical store
Elite electrical is looking forward to a busy Christmas. On entering the shop you are greeted with a wide choice of low energy festive lighting for both inside and outside of the house. “People are only too aware of the extra costs involved at Christmas and low energy lighting is one are we can lessen the shock of a large ESB bill.” John, the proprietor tells us. The shop also stocks low energy bulbs for everywhere else in the house and the savings can be tremendous. “We stock low energy downlights that now fit flush into the sockets.” He continues. When you walk up the grand red staircase of the Elite Electrical shop and go to the second floor you are greeted with what most of us wouldn’t be without, it’s not Santa, but it’s a great choice of wide screen televisions. “I sell products that I know and trust,” says John. “We have two new innovative products new to the market. The Sink Erator and the Frank ‘Little Butler ‘ kettle. The Sink Erator is a waste disposal unit and can cut your waste bill by up to a third, as it will even grind chicken and chop bones up. The Little Butler is an innovative device that does away with the need for a kettle. It is a third tap on the sink and boiling water is always available.” Elite also sell top of the range fridges should you need to upgrade your old one to get all of the Christmas goodies in
Premier Carpet Co
Are you stuck for a gift idea for a loved one? Have you ever considered buying a rug? Rugs are a very prominent part of any room and they would be welcomed in any area from beside the bed to the fireside. Premier Carpet Company based on the Milltown estate is stocking a wide choice of different sized rugs for any space. It doesn’t have to be for a present either; maybe your home deserves one too. Ronan from the shop tells us of another incentive for ordering your carpets now before the Christmas period. “If you order your carpets now we will guarantee that you will have it fitted before the reindeers come onto your roof.” There is a wide range of top quality carpets to choose from. The shop also stocks a wide range of wooden and laminate flooring as well as vinyl’s for the more practical areas of the house.
HML
Hubert McLaughlins (HML) is the Wains World for grown up men who love to play. The store is packed to the rafters with well-known brands. Bosh, Ryobi, Stihl and Makita tools are all well laid out and ready for holding to see if they are the tools for you. HML cater for both the DIY’er and the professional. On a more festive note HML have some really good ideas for Christmas presents, not just for the man who wants to mix concrete or fix the coupling on a tractor linkage. If you fancy converting a room in the house into a pool or mini snooker room then HML will have the perfect table for you. Made from top quality materials these tables are flat and precise so you can show off your skills to the children, unless they are too busy outside on one of HML’s Berg go-carts. Berg go-carts are made in Holland to a very high specification and can withstand even the Inishowen potholes. They have pneumatic tyres and some have more gears than a flappy paddle Ferrari.
Before we go anywehre else we need some refreshment... there's no better place than The Lunchbox.
O’Donnell’s Premier Meats
Heading down the hill from Milltown and into the Ardaravan area we come toO’Donnell premier Meats. When you walk into the shop the professional butchers, who know a good cut of meat, greet you. They are expecting a lot of trade as people stock up their fridges and freezes for the Christmas period. To make life easier for people who have enough on over the festive period, the staff has put together some Handy Packs of choice products. There are different ones depending on the size of family so you can choose from the basic Tea Time Pack, Handy Packs, Weekly Planner Packs and if you need to feed all of the family that come over for the big day they will make up a Freezer Top Up. There are plenty of accompaniments on offer in the shop as well so if you need a bag of spuds a packet of stuffing, fresh or frozen food it’s all conveniently laid out for an easy shopping experience.
Finishing Touch
Up the road from O’Donnell’s meats you get to Finishing Touch, the furniture and gifts shop. The smell of Christmas greets you as you walk into Finishing Touch and that’s because Georgina, the proprietor, always has some mulled (alcohol free) drinks to hand to warm up any cold shoppers. Georgina has sourced fabulous gifts and Christmas stock from all over the world, most of which you have never seen before so it has a fresh and unique feel to it. All of the products on sale have come through the Ifat and Bafts Fair Trading companies so you have piece of mind that people who make the goods are well paid and work in safe working environments. “The decorations are flying out of the shop.” Georgina tells us. “There are going to be some very beautifully decorated Christmas trees this year”
Brennans Pharmacy
Across the road and heading into the town we get to Brennans Pharmacy. The chemist has secured a strong foothold in the area and is perfectly positioned for easy access with disability ramps and ample free parking. The shelves and counter are brimming with gift ideas from perfumes to toiletries and the friendly staff are always happy to answer any of your questions when it comes to keeping the dreaded colds at bay. Brennans are also offering a €10 gift voucher scheme, ask in store or check out the advert for more details.
Bloomin Marvellous
Popping up the street a short distance we get to Bloomin’ Marvellous, which certainly lives up to it’s name. Karen, the owner and driving force behind this successful business has everything you will need for a bloomin’ good Christmas (‘scuse the pun). Even before stepping into Bloomin’ Marvellous you will see gorgeous outdoor planters that are brimming with winter colour and will be flowering well after the festive period. Polyanthus, cyclamen, ivy and skimmia all go together beautifully to warm up the winter doorway. Inside the shop you are greeted by a wide selection of cut flowers and accessories as well as indoor plants. The Christmas cacti are budding and will be in full flower and a perfect gift - and where would we be at this time of year without the poinsettia, a must for everyone’s front room. Karen stresses that we need to get any flower orders in soon “There is a big demand all over Europe for cut flowers this year and we are making sure that we will be getting the best. Get your order in now so we can let the growers know exactly what we need to make Inishowen beautiful.”
McGuigan Opticians
McGuigan’s opticians next door to Karen’s have some fabulous frames on offer for those of us that wear spectacles. The shop is set up in a minimalist fashion and is very well laid out with plenty of room to float around and try all of the frames from the practical steel racks. There are well-known brand names like D+G, Prada, Versace, Gucci and of course the famous Ray Ban range. To make buying the glasses more affordable for Christmas McGuigan’s are offering 20% off a range of designer frames and this year they have taken the innovative step of offering Christmas gift vouchers . It would be impossible to choose frames for someone else so a gift voucher will allow the recipient to choose their new style… fantastic idea.
Elaine’s Hairdressers
You only have to hop next door to get to An Siopa Gruaige - Elaine’s hairdressers. This warm and friendly salon has the most comfortable settees in the town and very welcoming staff that will make sure that you have the best service whatever the occasion. “We have some lovely Pampering Packages this Christmas.” Says Elaine in between dealing with happy customers. “You can get a complete package of a Californian tan, Hair styled, make-up and manicure from €70. We also do Indian Head Massages to relieve the stresses of doing the last minute shopping.” The salon also sell hair products and are offering the JHD straighteners at €20 less that last years prices. “We also have discounts for men too with 20% off on Tuesday and Wednesdays. “If men say they are pushed for time then we also have a late night session on Thursdays until 8pm, so there’s no excuse for men to look untidy for the Christams holidays”
Shopping in the Milltown and Ardaravan area of Buncrana is a very enjoyable experience and has so much to offer on it’s own and as a part of the lager town of Buncrana. When you are thinking of Christmas shopping think outside of the gift box and use all of the facilities that Buncrana has to offer… you won’t need to shop anywhere else…
Hubert McLaughlins (HML) is the Wains World for grown up men who love to play.
When you walk up the grand red staircase of the Elite Electrical shop and go to the second floor you are greeted with what most of us wouldn’t be without, it’s not Santa, but it’s a great choice of wide screen televisions.
The smell of Christmas greets you as you walk into Finishing Touch and that’s because Georgina, the proprietor, always has some mulled (alcohol free) drinks to hand to warm up any cold shoppers.
Even before stepping into Bloomin’ Marvellous you will see gorgeous outdoor planters that are brimming with winter colour and will be flowering well after the festive period.
THINK OUTSIDE OF THE GIFT BOX AND SHOP IN MILLTOWN AND ARDARAVAN
The Milltown and Ardaravan shopping areas of Buncrana are the newest additions to the town. In a very short period of time the areas have become a much-needed expansion to the town merging seamlessly with the older shopping areas.
The Inishowen Independent would like to take you on a tour of the area starting on the top of the hill at Milltown, the thriving retail park that is such an easy walk from the town centre. Parking is free and plentiful. The first port of call is Wains World.
Wains World
Walking into the bustling atmosphere of Wains World you are greeted by both the friendly staff and a giant picture of Winnie the Pooh. The large images don’t stop there as Peter Pan and Batman are looking down on you from above as you walk into the downstairs play area. The key points for most parents is for their children to have a good time, to be safe, eat well and eventually to tire themselves out so they sleep well at night. Wains World ensures all of these things and gives parents the chance to sit and relax and read the paper whist the children enjoy themselves. Here is what a recent visitor said on the Tripadvisor website:
“ Finally a place where you can let your kids run a muck!” The Cafe was lovely and open so the children could come and go to us as they pleased and the food was very good- which was a pleasant surprise. Not to mention the cleanliness, the place was impeccable. Go and have the craic and stress less for a few hours.
Wains World has just introduced a fabulous new menu for Christmas and is planning a Christmas disco for a bit closer to the day. Check out the party packs, they can cater for large groups of children for parties and special occasions. Next door the Wains World is Elite Electical.
Elite Electrical store
Elite electrical is looking forward to a busy Christmas. On entering the shop you are greeted with a wide choice of low energy festive lighting for both inside and outside of the house. “People are only too aware of the extra costs involved at Christmas and low energy lighting is one are we can lessen the shock of a large ESB bill.” John, the proprietor tells us. The shop also stocks low energy bulbs for everywhere else in the house and the savings can be tremendous. “We stock low energy downlights that now fit flush into the sockets.” He continues. When you walk up the grand red staircase of the Elite Electrical shop and go to the second floor you are greeted with what most of us wouldn’t be without, it’s not Santa, but it’s a great choice of wide screen televisions. “I sell products that I know and trust,” says John. “We have two new innovative products new to the market. The Sink Erator and the Frank ‘Little Butler ‘ kettle. The Sink Erator is a waste disposal unit and can cut your waste bill by up to a third, as it will even grind chicken and chop bones up. The Little Butler is an innovative device that does away with the need for a kettle. It is a third tap on the sink and boiling water is always available.” Elite also sell top of the range fridges should you need to upgrade your old one to get all of the Christmas goodies in
Premier Carpet Co
Are you stuck for a gift idea for a loved one? Have you ever considered buying a rug? Rugs are a very prominent part of any room and they would be welcomed in any area from beside the bed to the fireside. Premier Carpet Company based on the Milltown estate is stocking a wide choice of different sized rugs for any space. It doesn’t have to be for a present either; maybe your home deserves one too. Ronan from the shop tells us of another incentive for ordering your carpets now before the Christmas period. “If you order your carpets now we will guarantee that you will have it fitted before the reindeers come onto your roof.” There is a wide range of top quality carpets to choose from. The shop also stocks a wide range of wooden and laminate flooring as well as vinyl’s for the more practical areas of the house.
HML
Hubert McLaughlins (HML) is the Wains World for grown up men who love to play. The store is packed to the rafters with well-known brands. Bosh, Ryobi, Stihl and Makita tools are all well laid out and ready for holding to see if they are the tools for you. HML cater for both the DIY’er and the professional. On a more festive note HML have some really good ideas for Christmas presents, not just for the man who wants to mix concrete or fix the coupling on a tractor linkage. If you fancy converting a room in the house into a pool or mini snooker room then HML will have the perfect table for you. Made from top quality materials these tables are flat and precise so you can show off your skills to the children, unless they are too busy outside on one of HML’s Berg go-carts. Berg go-carts are made in Holland to a very high specification and can withstand even the Inishowen potholes. They have pneumatic tyres and some have more gears than a flappy paddle Ferrari.
Before we go anywehre else we need some refreshment... there's no better place than The Lunchbox.
O’Donnell’s Premier Meats
Heading down the hill from Milltown and into the Ardaravan area we come toO’Donnell premier Meats. When you walk into the shop the professional butchers, who know a good cut of meat, greet you. They are expecting a lot of trade as people stock up their fridges and freezes for the Christmas period. To make life easier for people who have enough on over the festive period, the staff has put together some Handy Packs of choice products. There are different ones depending on the size of family so you can choose from the basic Tea Time Pack, Handy Packs, Weekly Planner Packs and if you need to feed all of the family that come over for the big day they will make up a Freezer Top Up. There are plenty of accompaniments on offer in the shop as well so if you need a bag of spuds a packet of stuffing, fresh or frozen food it’s all conveniently laid out for an easy shopping experience.
Finishing Touch
Up the road from O’Donnell’s meats you get to Finishing Touch, the furniture and gifts shop. The smell of Christmas greets you as you walk into Finishing Touch and that’s because Georgina, the proprietor, always has some mulled (alcohol free) drinks to hand to warm up any cold shoppers. Georgina has sourced fabulous gifts and Christmas stock from all over the world, most of which you have never seen before so it has a fresh and unique feel to it. All of the products on sale have come through the Ifat and Bafts Fair Trading companies so you have piece of mind that people who make the goods are well paid and work in safe working environments. “The decorations are flying out of the shop.” Georgina tells us. “There are going to be some very beautifully decorated Christmas trees this year”
Brennans Pharmacy
Across the road and heading into the town we get to Brennans Pharmacy. The chemist has secured a strong foothold in the area and is perfectly positioned for easy access with disability ramps and ample free parking. The shelves and counter are brimming with gift ideas from perfumes to toiletries and the friendly staff are always happy to answer any of your questions when it comes to keeping the dreaded colds at bay. Brennans are also offering a €10 gift voucher scheme, ask in store or check out the advert for more details.
Bloomin Marvellous
Popping up the street a short distance we get to Bloomin’ Marvellous, which certainly lives up to it’s name. Karen, the owner and driving force behind this successful business has everything you will need for a bloomin’ good Christmas (‘scuse the pun). Even before stepping into Bloomin’ Marvellous you will see gorgeous outdoor planters that are brimming with winter colour and will be flowering well after the festive period. Polyanthus, cyclamen, ivy and skimmia all go together beautifully to warm up the winter doorway. Inside the shop you are greeted by a wide selection of cut flowers and accessories as well as indoor plants. The Christmas cacti are budding and will be in full flower and a perfect gift - and where would we be at this time of year without the poinsettia, a must for everyone’s front room. Karen stresses that we need to get any flower orders in soon “There is a big demand all over Europe for cut flowers this year and we are making sure that we will be getting the best. Get your order in now so we can let the growers know exactly what we need to make Inishowen beautiful.”
McGuigan Opticians
McGuigan’s opticians next door to Karen’s have some fabulous frames on offer for those of us that wear spectacles. The shop is set up in a minimalist fashion and is very well laid out with plenty of room to float around and try all of the frames from the practical steel racks. There are well-known brand names like D+G, Prada, Versace, Gucci and of course the famous Ray Ban range. To make buying the glasses more affordable for Christmas McGuigan’s are offering 20% off a range of designer frames and this year they have taken the innovative step of offering Christmas gift vouchers . It would be impossible to choose frames for someone else so a gift voucher will allow the recipient to choose their new style… fantastic idea.
Elaine’s Hairdressers
You only have to hop next door to get to An Siopa Gruaige - Elaine’s hairdressers. This warm and friendly salon has the most comfortable settees in the town and very welcoming staff that will make sure that you have the best service whatever the occasion. “We have some lovely Pampering Packages this Christmas.” Says Elaine in between dealing with happy customers. “You can get a complete package of a Californian tan, Hair styled, make-up and manicure from €70. We also do Indian Head Massages to relieve the stresses of doing the last minute shopping.” The salon also sell hair products and are offering the JHD straighteners at €20 less that last years prices. “We also have discounts for men too with 20% off on Tuesday and Wednesdays. “If men say they are pushed for time then we also have a late night session on Thursdays until 8pm, so there’s no excuse for men to look untidy for the Christams holidays”
Shopping in the Milltown and Ardaravan area of Buncrana is a very enjoyable experience and has so much to offer on it’s own and as a part of the lager town of Buncrana. When you are thinking of Christmas shopping think outside of the gift box and use all of the facilities that Buncrana has to offer… you won’t need to shop anywhere else…
WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 34
I’m Nobody
One day, a rabbi, in a frenzy of religious passion, rushed in before the ark, fell to his knees and started beating his breast crying, “I’m nobody! I’m nobody!”
The cantor of the synagogue, impressed by this example of spiritual humility, joined the rabbi on his knees. “I’m nobody! I’m no-body,” he too started to proclaim.
The “shamus” (the custodian), watching from the corner couldn’t restrain himself either. He ran over and joined the other two, falling on his knees and calling out, “I’m nobody! I’m nobody!”
At which point the rabbi, nudging the cantor with his elbow, pointed at the custodian and said, “Look who thinks he’s nobody!”
Chassid
One day, a rabbi, in a frenzy of religious passion, rushed in before the ark, fell to his knees and started beating his breast crying, “I’m nobody! I’m nobody!”
The cantor of the synagogue, impressed by this example of spiritual humility, joined the rabbi on his knees. “I’m nobody! I’m no-body,” he too started to proclaim.
The “shamus” (the custodian), watching from the corner couldn’t restrain himself either. He ran over and joined the other two, falling on his knees and calling out, “I’m nobody! I’m nobody!”
At which point the rabbi, nudging the cantor with his elbow, pointed at the custodian and said, “Look who thinks he’s nobody!”
Chassid
Sunday 16 November 2008
SHOPPING IN CARNDONAGH - EDITORIAL
CARNDONAGH – THE PLACE TO BE FOR SHOPPING
Take a look at the map of Inishowen and you will see that at its centre is the town of Carndonagh. Carn Domhnaigh or ‘Cairn of Donagh’ is a thriving market town - and has been for centuries. It is the place that farmers and traders have always come to serve the wider community from Ballyliffin to Culdaff, Gleneely and Moville. The thriving Inishowen Co-op and cattle market still serve the farming community but in today’s economic climate a town needs to serve all the consumer interests of an even larger catchments area. Carndonagh does this.
Driving in on any road, the prosperity of the town is apparent. Carefully planned new developments are still being built even though there is a down turn in the economy. New retail outlets will soon be in place to add the already comprehensive choice of shops. Carndonagh boasts one of the largest community schools in Ireland, which shows just what a large population the town and catchment area has, the last census showed over 2000 people living in the townland alone.
CATERING FOR THE CHRISTMAS SHOPPER
If you are asking yourself how Carndonagh can cater for the Christmas shopper then let us take a trip around town, starting in the Diamond, the fresh looking central point of the town.
The Heel Bar
Situated conveniently next to the Diamond, the Heel Bar knows all too well what men want for Christmas….High visibility jackets, trousers and safety boots. Men like a bargain and when they find out that the whole set costs a credit crunching €44.50, they will insist that they get a set for their birthday too. The bargains don’t stop there either. The shop stocks top of the range brand names such as Gore-Tex and Snickers work wear which will also make the ideal gift. Make sure that Santa doesn’t get left out in the cold either by getting him a key cut at the Heel Bars key cutting counter. Better still get a couple of sets for yourself and the family that will be popping around. No-one likes to be left in the cold. The Heel Bar also stock Alike locks, which allows on key to fit all of the doors of the house. They do free estimates and free fitting as well.
Shoe & Sport Store.
The Shoe and Sport store in the town have plenty of Christmas gifts for every-one. There’s €5 off a wide range of their boots and they have the latest stock just in of team calendars and teddies. These products are highly sought after so don’t leave the shopping until the last minute as stocks are limited. Check out the other bargains in store as they have €10 off a range of their sports shirts of all the top teams like Liverpool and Chelsea.
Hirrells of Carndonagh
Next we come to Hirrells, a shop that is bursting with a huge selection of vital Christmas goodies. As soon as you walk into the shop you are aware of the huge selection of lights and decorations for both indoors and outdoors. Christmas would be a dull place without the shimmering glows on the trees and houses. Talking of trees, Hirrells are selling fabulous fibre optic ones for only €49.00, and because you can use them every year they make fantastic financial sense. If you are decorating the doors, walls and tabletops then Hirrells have a great range of cribs, candles, wreaths and garlands too. Let’s not forget what Hirrells are well known for, they also have a fabulous range of toys for all ages. If you are looking for board games, crafts or techno games for the PSP, Nintendo DS and X Box the Toyland section of the shop is now open.
THERE’S MORE THAN SHOPPING IN CARNDONAGH
Take a look at the map of Inishowen and you will see that at its centre is the town of Carndonagh. Carn Domhnaigh or ‘Cairn of Donagh’ is a thriving market town - and has been for centuries. It is the place that farmers and traders have always come to serve the wider community from Ballyliffin to Culdaff, Gleneely and Moville. The thriving Inishowen Co-op and cattle market still serve the farming community but in today’s economic climate a town needs to serve all the consumer interests of an even larger catchments area. Carndonagh does this.
Driving in on any road, the prosperity of the town is apparent. Carefully planned new developments are still being built even though there is a down turn in the economy. New retail outlets will soon be in place to add the already comprehensive choice of shops. Carndonagh boasts one of the largest community schools in Ireland, which shows just what a large population the town and catchment area has, the last census showed over 2000 people living in the townland alone.
CATERING FOR THE CHRISTMAS SHOPPER
If you are asking yourself how Carndonagh can cater for the Christmas shopper then let us take a trip around town, starting in the Diamond, the fresh looking central point of the town.
The Heel Bar
Situated conveniently next to the Diamond, the Heel Bar knows all too well what men want for Christmas….High visibility jackets, trousers and safety boots. Men like a bargain and when they find out that the whole set costs a credit crunching €44.50, they will insist that they get a set for their birthday too. The bargains don’t stop there either. The shop stocks top of the range brand names such as Gore-Tex and Snickers work wear which will also make the ideal gift. Make sure that Santa doesn’t get left out in the cold either by getting him a key cut at the Heel Bars key cutting counter. Better still get a couple of sets for yourself and the family that will be popping around. No-one likes to be left in the cold. The Heel Bar also stock Alike locks, which allows on key to fit all of the doors of the house. They do free estimates and free fitting as well.
Shoe & Sport Store.
The Shoe and Sport store in the town have plenty of Christmas gifts for every-one. There’s €5 off a wide range of their boots and they have the latest stock just in of team calendars and teddies. These products are highly sought after so don’t leave the shopping until the last minute as stocks are limited. Check out the other bargains in store as they have €10 off a range of their sports shirts of all the top teams like Liverpool and Chelsea.
Hirrells of Carndonagh
Next we come to Hirrells, a shop that is bursting with a huge selection of vital Christmas goodies. As soon as you walk into the shop you are aware of the huge selection of lights and decorations for both indoors and outdoors. Christmas would be a dull place without the shimmering glows on the trees and houses. Talking of trees, Hirrells are selling fabulous fibre optic ones for only €49.00, and because you can use them every year they make fantastic financial sense. If you are decorating the doors, walls and tabletops then Hirrells have a great range of cribs, candles, wreaths and garlands too. Let’s not forget what Hirrells are well known for, they also have a fabulous range of toys for all ages. If you are looking for board games, crafts or techno games for the PSP, Nintendo DS and X Box the Toyland section of the shop is now open.
THERE’S MORE THAN SHOPPING IN CARNDONAGH
Branching out a few steps from the Diamond we get to more shops, not all of them are selling products, some are giving us that much needed services that boost to our self confidence and well being.
The Natural Touch Beauty Salon
The Natural Touch Beauty salon on Chapel Street has fantastic offers available from now until Christmas. Fancy a facial or an Indian head massage? Maybe you would enjoy a full body wrap and body massage to get you in the mood for going out to the staff party. Whilst you are enjoying the pampering; why not get a gift voucher from them for a loved one too.
The Loft
Just off of the main road we find a brand new row of shops. The Loft on the New Road in this complex has full beauty and tanning treatment facility for the serious beauty seeker. They offer exclusive Glamma Puss products. There are injectable treatments for wrinkles and a wide range of other services from lip enhancement, mesotherapy, restylane/perlane fillers, facial line smoothing sclerothereapy and cosmetic enhancements. Their next clinic is on the 2nd December, and booking is essential.
Serenity Hair Design by Collette
Don’t forget your hair, the winter weather can be hard on your head insulation. Serenity hair designs in the town are stocking a full range of organic hair colours and mineral products. These are generally more expensive products in the salons but at Serenity they are used at no extra cost to you. There might be time to get a couple of styles in before Christmas and if the man in your life wants a trim them at Colette’s then there are reduced rates (they have less hair after all) On Tuesdays there are special rates for senior citizens too so all of the family can go along
ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET
Ryan Carpets
Heading down the Malin road out of the town you will see Ryan Carpets. There’s no better time to roll out the red carpet for your guests over Christmas and the New Year. Ryan carpets also stock a wide range of vinyl and wood flooring for those of us who need a low maintenance, practical surface to mop up the spilt wine and trodden in mince pies that were dropped over the festivities. If you are having friends and family staying over the holidays and would like their stay to be comfortable and luxurious, then a new bed and bedroom furniture might be on the cards. Just make sure they are not too comfortable, you don’t want them staying too long after the New Year…
WISDOM OF THE WORLD - 34
IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER
(By Erma Bombeck (written after she found out she was dying from cancer).
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime. Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more ‘I love you’s’ More ‘I’m sorry’s.’But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute, look at it and really see it, live it and never give it back.
STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!
Don’t worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what. Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.
SHOPPING LOCALLY - EDITORIAL
Investing for the future: A marketplace of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term.
Your community is unique, and local traders understand this.
“I go to many different shops around Buncrana for my shopping, that means I get the best prices around and it also has a great social aspect too as I see a lot of people I know.” IG Buncrana
A wide variety of small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices
SHOP LOCALLY - MAKING YOUR COMMUNITY SUSTAINABLE
No one can tell you where to shop. You will use your head when it comes to getting the best value and best products for your family. Sometimes though the answers go a little deeper that saving 10 cent on the price of a tin of beans or getting an item for the house from miles away because they appear to have a better sale price. Often by the time transportation costs, customer support and time are taken into account we can find ourselves out of pocket.
Face value prices are just the tip of the consumer iceberg. Delve deeper and you see that shopping locally and supporting your local suppliers helps the local economy to grow. It’s not just the retail shoppers at the end of the supply chain that benefits; it is the whole community.
Significantly more money re-circulates in an area like Inishowen when purchases are made locally which helps the sustainability of the community. Money keeps flowing through the community especially if these businesses buy from other local businesses and service providers; such as accountants, solicitors, printers, insurance agents and fuel companies. This has great benefits for the local economy, which is needed in these difficult financial times.
REASONS TO SHOP LOCALLY
Environmental Sustainability
Local shops help to sustain vibrant, compact town centres, which in turn are essential to reducing urban sprawl, car use, and air and water pollution.
Small businesses provide jobs for local people, who then do not have to drive so far to get to work.
Going a shorter distance to get what you need saves your precious free time.
Small businesses generally have a much smaller environmental footprint than big shops.
Shopping locally saves precious fuel.
The quality of items sold locally tends to be better, since the shop owners realise you might be back to complain! That means less cheap junk ends up in a landfill or incinerator.
Local business may stock locally made or grown items, like honey or vegetables.
MAKING YOUR COMMUNITY SUSTAINABLE
For every euro spent at a locally owned business, 48 cent stays in the local economy. This makes a huge difference to the wealth of an area like Inishowen. A market place of small businesses like the ones found around the peninsula is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices. This will help make the area economically healthy for a long time into the future.
Product Diversity
A town full of small businesses, each selecting products based, not on a national sales plan, but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices. This competition and diversity leads to more choices for the customer. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of Inishowens distinct character: This unique character is what brings people here and can keep us here. A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.
Jobs
Locally owned businesses means more jobs in the area which is good for the community. Customers can get more friendly service whith staff that understand their needs.
Community Well-Being
Locally owned businesses build strong ties by sustaining communities, linking neighbours, and by contributing more to local causes. Our euro spent in locally-owned businesses have three times the impact for the community, then a euro spent else where. When shopping locally, you simultaneously create jobs, fund more local services through sales tax, invest in local improvement schemes and promote community development. You help to keep the euro in the local economy
Local Decision Making
Local ownership means that important decisions are made locally by people who live in the community and who will feel the impacts of those decisions. Local traders care about your community. They will donate to your school sports team and work with activists on community improvement campaigns. Not because they want to make themselves look good, but because the owners of these shops live and work next to you. Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services. Local businesses pay council taxes, funding town services.
Local interest
Local businesses care about the community. They are closely connected to it, and thus consider their impact on it. They are more willing to invest in its future. Many owners generously donate time, money and products to efforts that benefit their neighbours. Non-profit organizations receive an average 350% greater support from local business owners. Local businesses are owned by people who live in the community, and are less likely to leave and are more invested in the community’s future.
Element of surprise
The element of surprise and discovery in a small local shop whose inventory is carefully chosen by the owner means you can find all sorts of unexpected treasures. And with food shops, you may find a wider assortment of fresher, locally originating, and organic products. In a local shop, you can build a relationship with the staff, the owners and employees get to know you as people, and the smart ones know how to make you feel special. To be greeted by name and be told that something has just come in that your spouse will just love means a lot.
BUNCRANA SHOPPERS COMMENTS
“To support local businesses, I'll sometimes pay a little more than I would in a large store in the city. But once everything is taken into consideration, travel, time, environmental impact and customer support, I think I would be better off staying within a couple of miles of my house.” – MD Buncrana
“I go to many different shops around Buncrana for my shopping, that means I get the best prices around and it also has a great social aspect too as I see a lot of people I know.” IG Buncrana
HOW LOCAL SHOPS DO THEIR BIT
Mac’s Bookstore
Eunan McLaughlin from Mac’s bookshop stocks as much as he can from local suppliers. A majority of the cards and calendars in the shop are from Irish companies “ We stock O’Brien cards that are made in Ireland, they are top quality. Our books come from Irish suppliers and closer to home we have hand crafted cards from a company in Malin Head.” Eunan sources other products locally too. “We deal with a local cash and carry supplier in Gleneely for our minerals and confectionary and deal directly with companies such as Kerry Springs, the drinks manufacturer,” he explains.
Kavanagh Supervalu
Kieran Doherty is manager of the Supervalu store in Buncrana. The company employs 85 staff locally and their motto “Local food for local people” is part of their major branding and marketing strategy. “We stock as many local products as possible,” says Kieran. “In the cooler department we have local companies such as Country Kitchens from Malin, who supply soups and salads, Crana Foods make coleslaws and fresh vegetable mixes for our customers and our eggs come from Inishowen Eggs. We source fresh seasonal vegetables from small suppliers locally as well as larger set ups like Doherty’s potatoes from Bridgend. Our distribution network is also based locally to save unnecessary transportation.”
Elaine’s Hairdressers
It’s not only food suppliers that source their products locally. There are some surprises like Elaine’s Hairdressers in Buncrana. Elaine’s hairpieces come from a local supplier. “We also have a supplier in Burt who manufactures an organic moisturiser and cosmetic range”. Elaine works in a fast moving industry and new product ranges are released almost daily. It’s very popular for customers to choose organic product and ones that are gentle to the hair. We get organic hair colourant from Letterkenny and are in the process of having and organic range made even more locally.” she tells us. “The staff are also constantly upgrading their skill with courses and I try to get these courses brought to Inishowen instead of us having to travel away.” The salon is a good example on how a business such as this has a knock on effect on the local economy as the sales of magazines and coffee increases with every customer…….
LOCAL MUM WINS NATIONAL AWARD
Mother of three, Sarah Quigley-Burns is in complete shock after being presented with the National Student of the Year Award from Portobello School in Dublin. Sarah graduated last June from the regional course in Letterkenny, with a first class distinction in her Diploma in Montessori Teaching. It was a tough year for Sarah, juggling the responsibilities of parenting alongside her studies, all while she was pregnant with her third child, Saorla, (now aged four months). In fact, she gave birth to her baby daughter just ten days after sitting her final exam. “It was a bit close alright.” Sarah remembers, “I was worried that I was going to have her before the exam.”
“This award isn’t just for me,” explains a delighted Sarah, “It was a total family effort. My mother would look after Cillian (3) and LÃoda (2) and my husband Steven would have to organise to work at home some days to be with the children so I could go to my placement and to the course.”
Wednesdays were the most challenging days for Sarah as she juggled work placements, evening classes and obstetric appointments, often running from one to the other.
So what motivated Sarah to take on this challenge at this stage of her life? “I really wanted to get out and work, but really I was a full-time mum and I was breastfeeding too, so it was hard to find something that would fit. Also, if I were working part-time I wouldn’t be taking home much after paying for childcare. Working as a Montessori teacher seemed to fit in with my life style.”
Last September, Sarah and her partner Jennifer Grant, set up the Little Acorns Montessori Playschool in Carndonagh. They work it as a co-operative where each takes it turn about, working one week in the playschool and the other week looking after the under 3’s as Jennifer has a baby too. It is an arrangement that suits Sarah well as she finds that working part-time gives her more energy to be with her children and she is totally happy with her childcare arrangements.
Sarah really enjoyed the course and found that as well as the benefit of having a qualification to teach children aged 3-6, it helped her in her approach as a parent. The Montessori philosophy says that children are happiest when they are busy working and that if a child is able to choose its own work freely then they learn faster and more happily. Children don’t struggle to keep up with others as they work at their own pace. Sarah’s role is to direct and show the children how to use the materials. There is also a strong emphasis on connecting the children to nature and teaching them how to take care of the environment. Sarah and Jennifer’s Little Acorns Montessori Playschool is open on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and Sarah can be contacted on 0749374096.
“This award isn’t just for me,” explains a delighted Sarah, “It was a total family effort. My mother would look after Cillian (3) and LÃoda (2) and my husband Steven would have to organise to work at home some days to be with the children so I could go to my placement and to the course.”
Wednesdays were the most challenging days for Sarah as she juggled work placements, evening classes and obstetric appointments, often running from one to the other.
So what motivated Sarah to take on this challenge at this stage of her life? “I really wanted to get out and work, but really I was a full-time mum and I was breastfeeding too, so it was hard to find something that would fit. Also, if I were working part-time I wouldn’t be taking home much after paying for childcare. Working as a Montessori teacher seemed to fit in with my life style.”
Last September, Sarah and her partner Jennifer Grant, set up the Little Acorns Montessori Playschool in Carndonagh. They work it as a co-operative where each takes it turn about, working one week in the playschool and the other week looking after the under 3’s as Jennifer has a baby too. It is an arrangement that suits Sarah well as she finds that working part-time gives her more energy to be with her children and she is totally happy with her childcare arrangements.
Sarah really enjoyed the course and found that as well as the benefit of having a qualification to teach children aged 3-6, it helped her in her approach as a parent. The Montessori philosophy says that children are happiest when they are busy working and that if a child is able to choose its own work freely then they learn faster and more happily. Children don’t struggle to keep up with others as they work at their own pace. Sarah’s role is to direct and show the children how to use the materials. There is also a strong emphasis on connecting the children to nature and teaching them how to take care of the environment. Sarah and Jennifer’s Little Acorns Montessori Playschool is open on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and Sarah can be contacted on 0749374096.
5 MINUTES WITH - PADRAIG DOHERTY
PÃ draig is in his transition year at the Carndonagh Community School. He was recently voted onto the Donegal Youth Council to represent young people in the Inishowen electoral area and throughout Donegal. He is one of 36 teenagers who will be lobbying for more facilities for young people around the county and will be working closely with local councillors to implement initiatives.
PÃ draig is a keen sports person and last week was part of the winning Carndonagh team in the under 16B’s hurling county final championships….beating Buncrana 3-1 to 1-2…..
What music do you like?
Rock. Pop. Anything and everything. I tend to listen to chart music mostly.
What would you never throw away?
Hurley sticks. I would only get rid of one if it was really badly broken.
What book are you reading?
The Road by Cormac McCarthy. It’s a post-apocalyptic tale of a man and his son trying to survive by any means possible
What was your favourite childhood game?
When I was younger I used to play tag. I enjoyed allof the running around. When I got to about four years old I found Gaelic and Hurling. It’s the same sort of running around but it’s more structured and competitive.
Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
I went to see The National Treasure starring Nicholas Cage, who is a treasure hunter in hot pursuit of a mythical treasure. It was very enjoyable.
What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I will have a look to see if there are any good headlines and read those. Generally though it would be the sports pages to read up on hurley, gaelic, soccer and rugby. If I knew that friends were going to be in the paper, I would look them up first.
Have you done anything really daft recently?
Last week I was making a snack of beans on toast. I opened the can of beans then went to lift a heavy pan off the cooker. I was still holding the lid of the can in my hand when I squeezed hold of the pan handle. I needed three stitches. Luckily NowDoc were in Carndonagh or I would have had to travel into Derry or Letterkenny to be treated.
Have you a favourite TV programme?
I tend to watch factual programmes when I have the time. There are a couple of good talk shows on that I would watch. The Panel and the Blame Game are both entertaining.
How do you relax?
I play the computer. I spent a lot of time on the Football Manager game. I managed to get my team to the top of the division.
What job do you fancy doing when you leave the education system?
Keeping in the education system……I fancy being a primary school teacher.
Where would you like to go for your holidays?
Australia has always appealed to me. The laid back lifestyle is similar to ours and you get the benefit of the good weather
Your idea of heaven?
If Donegal won the All Ireland final.
Your idea of hell?
Recently that would have been last week when Carndonagh lost the Junior Ulster quarterfinal. Malin stayed up.
What would you spend a lottery win on?
I would buy an English football team. The team I bought would depend on the amount of money I won. It would make more sense to buy a club that is low down in the divisions and build it up to be a super team.
What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
Roy Keane the ex Man. United player and now Sunderland manager, Sean Cavanagh, the Tyrone footballer, Hector Ó hEochagáin from Hanging with Hector and the comedian Des Bishop for a bit of craic.
Favourite animal?
Dogs. We had a lassie type dog for years and now we have Darky, the scruffy 11-year-old collie.
What couldn’t you live without?
Sport. I have training most nights of the week.
Have you been anywhere interesting recently?
The family and I went to Bodega near San Francisco in the United States recently. It was for a family wedding. The scenery was a bit like Malin Head. We all took over a holiday village very close to the telephone box where Alfred Hitchcock filmed a woman getting attacked in a scene in the film The Birds.
Biggest fear?
Looking up at heights. I can climb up anything without any fear and look down but there’s just something very strange about looking up at tall buildings.
Biggest thrill?
I can only think of rollercoasters
The world’s most irritating invention?
It’s not a can opener although it comes close. It would have to be ticking clocks.
What is your idea of a good night in?
Enjoying something interesting on the telly. When people recommend a film to me I will always give it ten minutes to see if it’s any good.
Do you have a hobby?
Sport, sport and sport.
Biggest disappointment?
Two years ago I was in the Division 2 under 14’s Inishowen Gaelic team and we were in 5 finals. We won four – The championship and county championships, but were beaten by Moville on the last one, depriving us of a grand slam.
Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
From the year 0 (2008 years ago) to see what really happened.
World’s most useful invention?
The Internet with broadband. I use it a lot for school projects and surfing.
What do you have for breakfast?
Plain porridge.
What are the best pieces of advice you have been given?
There are a few that family members have told me. Don’t look at the negatives. You can do as many courses and exams as you like, but knowledge will only get you so far, you have to be willing to take a few risks. The school journal quoted a good one last year “The biggest risk in life is not to take a risk at all.”
Personal philosophy?
Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
PÃ draig is a keen sports person and last week was part of the winning Carndonagh team in the under 16B’s hurling county final championships….beating Buncrana 3-1 to 1-2…..
What music do you like?
Rock. Pop. Anything and everything. I tend to listen to chart music mostly.
What would you never throw away?
Hurley sticks. I would only get rid of one if it was really badly broken.
What book are you reading?
The Road by Cormac McCarthy. It’s a post-apocalyptic tale of a man and his son trying to survive by any means possible
What was your favourite childhood game?
When I was younger I used to play tag. I enjoyed allof the running around. When I got to about four years old I found Gaelic and Hurling. It’s the same sort of running around but it’s more structured and competitive.
Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
I went to see The National Treasure starring Nicholas Cage, who is a treasure hunter in hot pursuit of a mythical treasure. It was very enjoyable.
What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I will have a look to see if there are any good headlines and read those. Generally though it would be the sports pages to read up on hurley, gaelic, soccer and rugby. If I knew that friends were going to be in the paper, I would look them up first.
Have you done anything really daft recently?
Last week I was making a snack of beans on toast. I opened the can of beans then went to lift a heavy pan off the cooker. I was still holding the lid of the can in my hand when I squeezed hold of the pan handle. I needed three stitches. Luckily NowDoc were in Carndonagh or I would have had to travel into Derry or Letterkenny to be treated.
Have you a favourite TV programme?
I tend to watch factual programmes when I have the time. There are a couple of good talk shows on that I would watch. The Panel and the Blame Game are both entertaining.
How do you relax?
I play the computer. I spent a lot of time on the Football Manager game. I managed to get my team to the top of the division.
What job do you fancy doing when you leave the education system?
Keeping in the education system……I fancy being a primary school teacher.
Where would you like to go for your holidays?
Australia has always appealed to me. The laid back lifestyle is similar to ours and you get the benefit of the good weather
Your idea of heaven?
If Donegal won the All Ireland final.
Your idea of hell?
Recently that would have been last week when Carndonagh lost the Junior Ulster quarterfinal. Malin stayed up.
What would you spend a lottery win on?
I would buy an English football team. The team I bought would depend on the amount of money I won. It would make more sense to buy a club that is low down in the divisions and build it up to be a super team.
What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
Roy Keane the ex Man. United player and now Sunderland manager, Sean Cavanagh, the Tyrone footballer, Hector Ó hEochagáin from Hanging with Hector and the comedian Des Bishop for a bit of craic.
Favourite animal?
Dogs. We had a lassie type dog for years and now we have Darky, the scruffy 11-year-old collie.
What couldn’t you live without?
Sport. I have training most nights of the week.
Have you been anywhere interesting recently?
The family and I went to Bodega near San Francisco in the United States recently. It was for a family wedding. The scenery was a bit like Malin Head. We all took over a holiday village very close to the telephone box where Alfred Hitchcock filmed a woman getting attacked in a scene in the film The Birds.
Biggest fear?
Looking up at heights. I can climb up anything without any fear and look down but there’s just something very strange about looking up at tall buildings.
Biggest thrill?
I can only think of rollercoasters
The world’s most irritating invention?
It’s not a can opener although it comes close. It would have to be ticking clocks.
What is your idea of a good night in?
Enjoying something interesting on the telly. When people recommend a film to me I will always give it ten minutes to see if it’s any good.
Do you have a hobby?
Sport, sport and sport.
Biggest disappointment?
Two years ago I was in the Division 2 under 14’s Inishowen Gaelic team and we were in 5 finals. We won four – The championship and county championships, but were beaten by Moville on the last one, depriving us of a grand slam.
Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
From the year 0 (2008 years ago) to see what really happened.
World’s most useful invention?
The Internet with broadband. I use it a lot for school projects and surfing.
What do you have for breakfast?
Plain porridge.
What are the best pieces of advice you have been given?
There are a few that family members have told me. Don’t look at the negatives. You can do as many courses and exams as you like, but knowledge will only get you so far, you have to be willing to take a few risks. The school journal quoted a good one last year “The biggest risk in life is not to take a risk at all.”
Personal philosophy?
Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 33
PRAYER FOR WORLD PEACE.
We ask that the time of world peace is now.
May each person surrender to their higher selves and gain a new inner peace and serenity.
May we leave behind the residual conditioning and emotions of the past. And cultivate a new level of understanding, forgiveness and compassion.
Enabling the world’s population to live together in acceptance of each person’s individuality, diversity and beliefs.
Embracing a new level of stability, security, world peace, plenty for everyone, harmony and unity.
As each person moves forward on this level of unconditional love, may they shine and become empowered as they recognise their individual strengths, gifts and talents, and accelerate their own learning, experience, knowledge and wisdom.
Let us understand how all of this can effect a new foundation and benefit the highest good of mankind and humanity.
May each person make a difference in our World and from this life experience move forward with understanding and enlightenment.
As this prayer is said with the highest levels of love, sincerity and integrity.
In Love, and Light and Healing
So be it, and so it is
Vanessa Edwards
We ask that the time of world peace is now.
May each person surrender to their higher selves and gain a new inner peace and serenity.
May we leave behind the residual conditioning and emotions of the past. And cultivate a new level of understanding, forgiveness and compassion.
Enabling the world’s population to live together in acceptance of each person’s individuality, diversity and beliefs.
Embracing a new level of stability, security, world peace, plenty for everyone, harmony and unity.
As each person moves forward on this level of unconditional love, may they shine and become empowered as they recognise their individual strengths, gifts and talents, and accelerate their own learning, experience, knowledge and wisdom.
Let us understand how all of this can effect a new foundation and benefit the highest good of mankind and humanity.
May each person make a difference in our World and from this life experience move forward with understanding and enlightenment.
As this prayer is said with the highest levels of love, sincerity and integrity.
In Love, and Light and Healing
So be it, and so it is
Vanessa Edwards
5 MINUTES WITH – KASIA WOJTACH
Kasia, her husband Robert and her three children settled in Buncrana from Poland just over four years ago. Her work at the Inishowen Development Partnership office as the Immigrant Integration Development Officer, she finds both varied and interesting. Kasia works with people from Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Romania and Poland organising trainings, courses, integration projects and information meetings. One of her latest integration project with the VEC is a story project for parents . The course teaches parents how to read and tell stories to their children in English. All nationalities attend, which strengthens both the integration of parents and nationalities. On the 11th of November (today), Buncrana library on St Mary’s Road are having their official opening of the Polish Library section within the library. Nearly 1000 books were collected by Kasia and her friends in Poland and brought over to Inishowen. These books will be available to borrow throughout Donegal and will be hugely beneficial to Polish children, adults or anyone who wishes to learn a new language.
What music do you like?
I enjoy listening to Sting, ever since he started with the Police. I also enjoy Jazz, especially soft jazz from Louis Armstrong and more recently Chris Botti. He is an Italian trumpet player, and I was introduced to his music at a wedding in Poland. Irish musicians from the Different Drums project are great too
What would you never throw away?
Books. Any books, I have lots of books at home and there will be even more in the library after today.
What book are you reading?
I read a lot of fiction books but at the moment I am reading a biography about Marina Vlady, the wife of an alcoholic Russian singer. It’s a very enjoyable book.
What was your favourite childhood game?
When I was really young I played with dolls and dolls houses. When we were a bit older we played a game called podchody. Translated this means to go over or to come up. We would divide ourselves up into two groups; one group would set off and hide. It could be anywhere in town. They would leave clues for us to follow and we tried to track them down. This could take all day sometimes. It was great fun
Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
I went to see High School Musical 3 with the children and before that I went to see Sex in the City with my friends; they are from Dungloe so we meet up half way in Letterkneny.
What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I start from the back, avoiding the sport, as I am not too familiar with it.
What is your idea of a good night out?
A party with friends or a trip into town.
Most embarrassing moment of your life?
Robert and I met in a dormitory that had both university students and technical school teens in it (Robert was in the tech). The pupils called it Alkatraz, as there were so many rules. I was with the girls on the fourth floor and Robert was in the boys wing downstairs. We had just started seeing one another and I decided to treat him to a candlelit dinner. There was just one shared kitchen, but I managed to cook some spaghetti bolognaise. I really, and I mean really overcooked the pasta until it was a soggy mess. Robert ate it and was so polite, he didn’t even comment although I could see a look of disappointment on his face.
Have you a favourite TV programme?
I occasionally watch Desperate Housewives when I remember it’s on.
How do you relax?
A good book and a glass of wine.
What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I wanted to be a vet or observing and filming animals for nature programs.
Where would you like to go for your holidays?
Just somewhere sunny
Your idea of heaven and hell?
Watch the film - What Dreams May Come with Robin Williams…..
What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
My father, he passed away three years ago and I still miss him. I would also invite Pop John Paul II. As a teenager I was involved in Catholic groups through the church and I thought his ideas about the whole of life were inspirational.
Favourite animal?
The lioness, she is strong and takes care of her cubs.
What couldn’t you live without?
Family and friends.
Biggest fear?
Darkness, especially driving over the hills from Carndonagh at night.
Biggest thrill?
A hug from my children and when they say “ I love you” I like to see people getting on together.
The world’s most irritating invention?
The answering machine. I don’t want to talk into a machine….
Do you have a hobby?
Books and psychology, I have always been interested in Freud
World’s most useful invention?
That would be the telephone, to be able to talk to anyone at anytime around the world.
What do you have for breakfast?
Sometimes porridge and sometimes a slice of toast and jam.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
It’s a bit of good advice from my granny. She said to spend 15 minutes of good quality time with your children every day.
Personal philosophy?
“It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked”. That’s a quote from an Arabic poet called Khalil Gibran.
What music do you like?
I enjoy listening to Sting, ever since he started with the Police. I also enjoy Jazz, especially soft jazz from Louis Armstrong and more recently Chris Botti. He is an Italian trumpet player, and I was introduced to his music at a wedding in Poland. Irish musicians from the Different Drums project are great too
What would you never throw away?
Books. Any books, I have lots of books at home and there will be even more in the library after today.
What book are you reading?
I read a lot of fiction books but at the moment I am reading a biography about Marina Vlady, the wife of an alcoholic Russian singer. It’s a very enjoyable book.
What was your favourite childhood game?
When I was really young I played with dolls and dolls houses. When we were a bit older we played a game called podchody. Translated this means to go over or to come up. We would divide ourselves up into two groups; one group would set off and hide. It could be anywhere in town. They would leave clues for us to follow and we tried to track them down. This could take all day sometimes. It was great fun
Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
I went to see High School Musical 3 with the children and before that I went to see Sex in the City with my friends; they are from Dungloe so we meet up half way in Letterkneny.
What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I start from the back, avoiding the sport, as I am not too familiar with it.
What is your idea of a good night out?
A party with friends or a trip into town.
Most embarrassing moment of your life?
Robert and I met in a dormitory that had both university students and technical school teens in it (Robert was in the tech). The pupils called it Alkatraz, as there were so many rules. I was with the girls on the fourth floor and Robert was in the boys wing downstairs. We had just started seeing one another and I decided to treat him to a candlelit dinner. There was just one shared kitchen, but I managed to cook some spaghetti bolognaise. I really, and I mean really overcooked the pasta until it was a soggy mess. Robert ate it and was so polite, he didn’t even comment although I could see a look of disappointment on his face.
Have you a favourite TV programme?
I occasionally watch Desperate Housewives when I remember it’s on.
How do you relax?
A good book and a glass of wine.
What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I wanted to be a vet or observing and filming animals for nature programs.
Where would you like to go for your holidays?
Just somewhere sunny
Your idea of heaven and hell?
Watch the film - What Dreams May Come with Robin Williams…..
What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
My father, he passed away three years ago and I still miss him. I would also invite Pop John Paul II. As a teenager I was involved in Catholic groups through the church and I thought his ideas about the whole of life were inspirational.
Favourite animal?
The lioness, she is strong and takes care of her cubs.
What couldn’t you live without?
Family and friends.
Biggest fear?
Darkness, especially driving over the hills from Carndonagh at night.
Biggest thrill?
A hug from my children and when they say “ I love you” I like to see people getting on together.
The world’s most irritating invention?
The answering machine. I don’t want to talk into a machine….
Do you have a hobby?
Books and psychology, I have always been interested in Freud
World’s most useful invention?
That would be the telephone, to be able to talk to anyone at anytime around the world.
What do you have for breakfast?
Sometimes porridge and sometimes a slice of toast and jam.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
It’s a bit of good advice from my granny. She said to spend 15 minutes of good quality time with your children every day.
Personal philosophy?
“It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked”. That’s a quote from an Arabic poet called Khalil Gibran.
CABLE AND ACCESSORIES - EDITORIAL
Stephen McKeever demonstrates the smooth action of a Click switch.
Damian and Stephen are able to find stock easily in the well-designed warehouse.
Stephen cutting a piece of armoured cable to length for a customer.
Damian and Stephen are able to find stock easily in the well-designed warehouse.
Stephen cutting a piece of armoured cable to length for a customer.
Cable and Accessories offer a professional and friendly service to both complete novices and main contractors in the electrical industry.
Why are Cable and Accessories so successful?…… They listen to their customers.
Cable and Accessories are a trusted name in the electrical supply industry and hold major contracts with the ESB and Regional Health Boards.
The reduction of waste is a key factor in the company…. you can walk in and buy single items…… Sometimes you just need one 13 amp fuse, one light switch or a bulb.
CABLE AND ACCESSORIES ELECTRICAL WHOLESALERS
Cable and Accessories, the electrical wholesaler is proud to have a newly opened branch here in the peninsula. Centrally located on the Milltown Business Park in Buncrana, Cable and Accessories caters for both the retail and wholesale electrical market.
Established 25 years ago in Derry, they have now grown to be the largest independent electrical wholesaler in the North of Ireland, with well-established premises in Derry, Letterkenny, Omagh and Limavady. At present they employ 42 people around the country. Expansion plans won’t stop there either as they are planning to open more outlets around the country over the coming months.
Partnerships
Cable and Accessories value their capacity to build up and establish a working relationship and partnership with their trade customers. One of their selling points is that they will provide quotes for tendering purposes. This supports their customers to accurately price small and large contracts which can be an advantage in a successful tender.
Open to both the trade and public.
Making both retail and wholesale customers feel at ease is important to the success of the company. There’s no such thing as a silly question and if you have any product queries, Damian and Stephen are there to help. Damian has 26 years experience in the electrical industry and although Stephen has a long way to catch up in years, he makes up for it in enthusiasm. Between them they make a friendly and dynamic team.
Armoured cables
If you are considering underground cables for outdoor lighting and water pumps, Cable and Accessories are the only stockists in Inishowen that stock armoured cables. These cables are vital to ensure that the protective covering isn’t damaged by stones when buried. Stephen and Damian will cut the heavy-duty cable to any length saving you money and sparing any waste.
Reducing waste
The reduction of waste is a key factor in the company, with this in mind you can walk in and buy single items instead of multi packs. Sometimes you just need one 13 amp fuse, one light switch or bulb.
Get an account
Getting a customer account at Cable and Accessories enables the buyer to go into any of the outlets around the country to buy what they need, which frees the contractor to be mobile in any part of the country.
Nationwide back up of products
If for any reason the item you are looking for is not in stock in the Buncrana unit they have a fully stocked 20,000 square foot warehouse in Derry and an express delivery service. The item you require can be sourced and delivered to you in a matter of hours. The Buncrana branch has access to the companies HGV lorries and vans which; operate around the country, ensuring you get the products you need when you need them.
Stockists of household names
Cable and Accessories have sourced top quality brand named products that reflect their reputation for supplying the industry with the best.
Click wall accessories
Click are a world leader in products such as junction boxes, flush mounted switch and socket boxes, cable clips and connector strips. All Click products are manufactured to the highest quality levels and comply with all relevant British and European standards. Guarantees of up to 20 years against materials or manufacturing faults show how confident they are with product quality.
Hager
Hager is part of a dynamic, global company and is a world-class manufacturer of voltage distribution and electrical equipment. Their products cover all residential and commercial electrical installations, and ensure quality and flexibility to the installer and end user. They also offer a unique service of design solutions to meet customer needs, in the areas of energy distribution, building control, connection systems and cable routing. They are the main suppliers of MCB’s (Miniature Circuit Breakers) for the main fuse box in the house.
Robus
Robus is one of the leading brands of LED fixtures and includes LED products for both exterior and interior use. The new range of durable and corrosion resistant outdoor lighting products available from Robus includes bollards, bulkheads and wall lights. They also supply efficient, over-door convectors.
Dimplex
Dimplex heating systems cater for the domestic and commercial market. They produce high-energy efficient products such as heat pumps, electric under-floor heating and condensing gas boilers. Dimplex is an established world leader, with hundreds of products dedicated to energy efficient usage and comfortable lifestyles.
Their line-up covers heat pumps and solar water heating; commercial heating and air curtains; water heating; award winning electric fires and suites; portable heaters and domestic heating solutions for all around the home.
Ansell
Ansell Lighting design and manufacture lighting products that fall into six distinct groups. These are display, amenity, floodlighting, industrial, commercial and emergency lighting. Their design expertise provides multiple solutions for almost every interior and exterior application that includes a commitment to fulfilling the increasing requirement for products that are energy efficient.
Pyrolix and Response Burglar Alarms
With a home security system, your home is two to three times less likely to be broken into than a home without one. Cable and Accessories stock two class-leading companies Pyrolix and the wire free Response system. Call into the store and see what system suits your property.
Opening times
The unit is Open from 8 am to 5pm Monday to Friday….. They don’t close for lunch.
LEE TEDSTONE - EDITORIAL
Buncrana businessman, Lee Tedstone of Nvolve Ltd is ‘over the moon’ after scooping three business awards in the Shell Livewire All Ireland Finals last Thursday. The three categories are for the Best Use of Innovation, the Entrepreneurial Spirit award and the Export Potential award. “I am absolutely delighted,” says Lee “They are the best categories too as they reflect a good product, a good business and a good market reach.” It is a testament to the work and effort Lee has put into his business, that in two years he has created, from his Letterkenny base, a successful global company with clients across all industry sectors.
Clear vision
Lee was brought up in Buncrana on the Railway Road and always had a clear vision that he was going to work for himself. As a child he would go to work with his dad and watch his father and his business partner, Bertie Cartmill run their amusement business. “These two men had a big impression on me” Lee recalls. “I was fascinated by their lifestyle and how they interacted with their customers and their suppliers. I am sure it had an influence on me. I have fond memories of Buncrana in my childhood, being around the amusement arcades, going down to the shore front to go on the bumpers, the bingo at the weekend. There was a real buzz about the place.”
Lee went to St Columba’s boy school (now Scoil Iosagain) and Scoil Mhuire. He didn’t do particularly well at school as he always felt he needed to do things his own way and could do things better himself. Lee explains, “I liked to break the mould, if I was messing around and the teacher would tell me I was going to fail, I felt determined I would prove them wrong. I would challenge myself to go and do what I needed to.”
Lee did well enough to go to the University of Ulster to do his degree in electronics/software design and then went on to Queens to do his Masters in Semi-conductor Design. From there he went to Edinburgh where he worked for a company designing microchips, before moving to London to work in recruitment, project management and business development for a variety of employers, all within the electronics field. Through his work, Lee identified a gap in the market, where he felt he could make a contribution and as he wanted to come home, he moved back in 2006 to set up Nvolve Ltd.
Learning Solutions
The gap Lee had identified was a need for organisations to co-ordinate recruitment, training and performance management. Nvolve’s learning solutions division has developed software that trains staff faster, better and more cost-effectively than ever before, enabling organisations to manage and deliver their training at a fraction of the time and cost of more traditional methods. The business owners / managing directors can set objectives, which are filtered through the business hierarchy in the form of individual objectives for each worker that are measured against a timescale. Each employee can work on their own objectives and feed back what resources or training they need. This allows businesses to streamline and the success of the product is measured by the amount of money saved for the organisation. “The learning management side fits perfectly with organisations that have legislative requirements but it is effective for any business that wants to align their training activities to performance objectives,” Lee clarifies.
Software Solutions
The other division of Nvolve Ltd develops bespoke software to match the needs of their clients. Their customers include start-up businesses as well as large enterprises; any-one who needs a professional software solution in place quickly and efficiently. One recent example was a package for a community forum of golfers so they could keep in touch and chat on-line. Lee outsources his software development to a company in India, a partnership that has worked so well that Nvolve recently bought a majority share in the company. This means very competitive rates for his clients.
Lee is keen to point out that although their customers include large corporations and companies, more and more small local businesses are getting in touch with him. He explains, “Over the last few months about forty small businesses, local people from the Northwest have contacted me with an idea for a software package. There are some really good business ideas out there; I have found the entrepreneurial spirit has really gone through the roof. Some of these young businesses however, don’t have many resources or can’t afford to get a software package developed. I would encourage any-one in this situation to contact us for advice on how they could get their software developed.”
Sharing business skills
Lee is open to sharing his business skills. He recently gave a talk to 600 young people at Mount Errigal Hotel, which was organised by the Donegal County Enterprise Board. So what advice has he got for young entrepreneurs? “I would encourage people to engage with organisations such as the Inishowen Partnership, the Donegal County Enterprise Board and Enterprise Ireland,” he says. “I would also suggest that before they invest serious time and money on a service or product, they should try and get a commitment from some-one to buy it. You need qualities such as perseverance in business, drive and ambition as well as being able to keep your feet on the ground. If you have business acumen and skills, that is great, but you need perseverance to get through the hard times. However when you see the fruits of your hard work, there is no better feeling.”
Lee employs six people locally in Ireland and has sixty employees in the Indian software engineering company. He believes in meritocracy in the business culture and believes that employees in Nvolve get out what they put in. Two recent graduate employees have worked so well that they will soon be heading a new software division.
The future
So what about the future for Nvolve? Well, there are two new software products in the pipeline that are being developed and with the large amount of exports to the United States, Lee is looking at opening a sales office in the U.S. possibly in California. He is also going on a fact-finding mission to Dubai and has already secured business over there.
If you would like to contact Lee his e-mail is leetedstone@nvolve.net and his phone number is 0749116000.
Clear vision
Lee was brought up in Buncrana on the Railway Road and always had a clear vision that he was going to work for himself. As a child he would go to work with his dad and watch his father and his business partner, Bertie Cartmill run their amusement business. “These two men had a big impression on me” Lee recalls. “I was fascinated by their lifestyle and how they interacted with their customers and their suppliers. I am sure it had an influence on me. I have fond memories of Buncrana in my childhood, being around the amusement arcades, going down to the shore front to go on the bumpers, the bingo at the weekend. There was a real buzz about the place.”
Lee went to St Columba’s boy school (now Scoil Iosagain) and Scoil Mhuire. He didn’t do particularly well at school as he always felt he needed to do things his own way and could do things better himself. Lee explains, “I liked to break the mould, if I was messing around and the teacher would tell me I was going to fail, I felt determined I would prove them wrong. I would challenge myself to go and do what I needed to.”
Lee did well enough to go to the University of Ulster to do his degree in electronics/software design and then went on to Queens to do his Masters in Semi-conductor Design. From there he went to Edinburgh where he worked for a company designing microchips, before moving to London to work in recruitment, project management and business development for a variety of employers, all within the electronics field. Through his work, Lee identified a gap in the market, where he felt he could make a contribution and as he wanted to come home, he moved back in 2006 to set up Nvolve Ltd.
Learning Solutions
The gap Lee had identified was a need for organisations to co-ordinate recruitment, training and performance management. Nvolve’s learning solutions division has developed software that trains staff faster, better and more cost-effectively than ever before, enabling organisations to manage and deliver their training at a fraction of the time and cost of more traditional methods. The business owners / managing directors can set objectives, which are filtered through the business hierarchy in the form of individual objectives for each worker that are measured against a timescale. Each employee can work on their own objectives and feed back what resources or training they need. This allows businesses to streamline and the success of the product is measured by the amount of money saved for the organisation. “The learning management side fits perfectly with organisations that have legislative requirements but it is effective for any business that wants to align their training activities to performance objectives,” Lee clarifies.
Software Solutions
The other division of Nvolve Ltd develops bespoke software to match the needs of their clients. Their customers include start-up businesses as well as large enterprises; any-one who needs a professional software solution in place quickly and efficiently. One recent example was a package for a community forum of golfers so they could keep in touch and chat on-line. Lee outsources his software development to a company in India, a partnership that has worked so well that Nvolve recently bought a majority share in the company. This means very competitive rates for his clients.
Lee is keen to point out that although their customers include large corporations and companies, more and more small local businesses are getting in touch with him. He explains, “Over the last few months about forty small businesses, local people from the Northwest have contacted me with an idea for a software package. There are some really good business ideas out there; I have found the entrepreneurial spirit has really gone through the roof. Some of these young businesses however, don’t have many resources or can’t afford to get a software package developed. I would encourage any-one in this situation to contact us for advice on how they could get their software developed.”
Sharing business skills
Lee is open to sharing his business skills. He recently gave a talk to 600 young people at Mount Errigal Hotel, which was organised by the Donegal County Enterprise Board. So what advice has he got for young entrepreneurs? “I would encourage people to engage with organisations such as the Inishowen Partnership, the Donegal County Enterprise Board and Enterprise Ireland,” he says. “I would also suggest that before they invest serious time and money on a service or product, they should try and get a commitment from some-one to buy it. You need qualities such as perseverance in business, drive and ambition as well as being able to keep your feet on the ground. If you have business acumen and skills, that is great, but you need perseverance to get through the hard times. However when you see the fruits of your hard work, there is no better feeling.”
Lee employs six people locally in Ireland and has sixty employees in the Indian software engineering company. He believes in meritocracy in the business culture and believes that employees in Nvolve get out what they put in. Two recent graduate employees have worked so well that they will soon be heading a new software division.
The future
So what about the future for Nvolve? Well, there are two new software products in the pipeline that are being developed and with the large amount of exports to the United States, Lee is looking at opening a sales office in the U.S. possibly in California. He is also going on a fact-finding mission to Dubai and has already secured business over there.
If you would like to contact Lee his e-mail is leetedstone@nvolve.net and his phone number is 0749116000.
Sunday 2 November 2008
BETTER HOMES GUIDE- EDITORIAL
How your home looks, reflects your own personal style and taste and a beautiful, practical home is a joy to come in to.
For those of us who love cooking, new units and fittings can help to make the kitchen a comfortable and effective working environment.
Professional landscapers and ground workers will make your outdoor space an all year round enjoyable experience, from a full garden makeover to clearing the leaves out of the guttering
BETTER HOMES GUIDE
With Christmas just round the corner now is a good time to get your home all ship-shape for the celebrations. How your home looks, reflects your own personal style and taste and a beautiful, practical home is a joy to come in to. With visitors and family coming home and neighbours popping in, there is still time to do all those little jobs and improvements to make your house as homely as possible.
Warm and Cosy
Start by making your home warm and cosy. Make sure your heating system is in good working order by getting it checked out. Radiators might need to be bled or the system flushed out. Boilers should be serviced and the system checked for leaks. Nothing spoils the look and integrity of your wooden floor than damp patches around the radiator pipes. Make sure the system has anti-corrosive additives as the fins of the radiators can block up with rust and make the system inefficient.
It can also be worth getting your chimneys swept out to avoid the risk of fires and increase the upward draw of the smoke. This will in turn make your back boiler more efficient. Consider putting in a wood-burning stove to cut down on the cost of oil and coal.
Heat rises, so a lot of heat can be lost through your roof. You can cut this down by insulating your loft. There are recommendations about the thickness of the insulating material and this will cut down on your heating bills. Another way to cut heat loss is to put in double-glazing. This can be an expensive out-going but the comfort will be felt straight away and it should pay for itself over the years.
Insulate your hot water tank. A special jacket that fits around the tank will slow down the amount of heat loss and keep your hot water at the right temperature for longer. Your cold water tank should also be insulated to stop it from freezing over in the winter months. Make sure that your taps aren’t dripping or leaking. Don’t forget to insulate outdoor taps in case of heavy frosts.
Revamping a Room
Giving a room a facelift needn’t be too expensive. A new coat of paint can make a big difference. Getting carpets, curtains and furniture professionally cleaned can also make a room feel fresher. Old pieces of furniture can be given a new lease of life by having them restored or re-covered. Built in cupboards and shelves can be a practical way of creating storage solutions for all your bits and pieces and can look good as well.
Kitchens
Kitchens are used a lot in the run up to Christmas to prepare the turkey and all the other trimmings for a family celebration. The kitchen is traditionally known as the heart of the home, as it is where women prepared nourishment for their loved ones. For those of us who love cooking, new units and fittings can help to make the kitchen a comfortable and effective working environment. Good storage, ergonomic worktops and sinks and enough storage can make the kitchen a pleasure to be in. Washable floors and surfaces ensure good hygiene. Think about your needs for your kitchen when making changes.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms can be a fun place to redecorate and stamp your own personality as well as being functional. Some people have themes such as the sea or garden, which is reflected in tiles, shower curtains or pictures. Power showers are a popular start to the day and leave you feeling wide awake and ready to tackle the day. A lovely warm bathroom is a great joy and still feels like a luxury. General maintenance of the bathroom is important such as seals around the bath need to be intact and water tight to avoid damp. Check that there is no leakage from the toilet overflow and that all the parts are working freely. Details like new tiles, a new floor or a funky toilet seat can add a bit of character to the room.
Gardens and Drives
Gardens and drives are worth a bit of attention too. No-body wants to slip on moss or wet decking so make sure these are kept clean through power hosing or washing down with appropriate cleaning products that will kill the moss and stop it from returning over the winter.
It can be a battle to keep the outdoor space outdoors. It is all too easy to tramp muck in when you go out to collect the coal or coming in from the car. Unfinished driveways covered in muddy hardcore can be laid with stone to make them safe to walk on and this is really important with the days being short and the long periods of darkness. The last thing you want is to fall and twist your ankle on a pothole. Professional landscapers and ground workers will make your outdoor space an all year round enjoyable experience, from a full garden makeover to clearing the leaves out of the guttering. There are jobs you could do yourself as well though. Start by cleaning all of the old summer bedding plants out of the window boxes and hanging baskets and replace them with colourful winter displays. There are plenty of plants to choose from and the impact is powerful. Your home looks loved and cared for and the sight of winter pansies and heathers is a warm welcome for visitors.
Brighten up the Bedroom
Make sure that you have the winter bedding in the bedrooms. Nothing warms a sleeping body for that “long winter’s nap” like a nice feather duvet and flannel bed linens. Rest your head on fluffy, soft down pillows. Since we tend to sleep longer in winter its important to be sure beddings are warm and comfy. Warm colours on bedroom walls can add to the cosiness, just one wall with a bold colour can make you feel as though the heating is on in the room. Don’t forget your hot water bottles too.
Planning and Preparation
With a little planning and preparation, you can make your home warm and comfortable for the long winter months so that family and guests enjoy the time together indoors. Nothing feels better and keeps people cheerful through the cold months of winter than a home that is well maintained and full of cosy winter décor.
KEEP WARM THIS WINTER
With the weather getting very cold over the last few weeks and the nights getting longer, we need to ensure our house is warm and comfortable for the winter. There are lots of practical cost efficient ways to keep your home cosy making sure you keep the draughts out and the heat in. Putting up a well-fitting curtain over the front door and using draught-proofing strips between the part of the window that moves and the frame and along the bottom of the back and front doors can help and of course insulating the loft is another effective way of making your home more energy efficient.
For older people, make sure that you eat regularly and have good food such as warming soups and stews and don’t forget, plenty of hot drinks. Keep yourself warm by wearing layers and keep as active as possible. Warm dressing gowns, slippers and blankets are useful for all the family.
Having a fire with a back boiler or a range in the kitchen not only adds warmth to the house, but can also give your home a heart.
Andy McLaughlin (Mac’s Coals)
Andy McLaughlin started working in the family coal business along with his father when he was 16. The business has been serving the heating needs of the peninsula for over 40 years. Andy has a drive in cash and carry in Buncrana and has opened a small depot in Carndonagh. Mostly though Andy serves his customers through his coal delivery service, six days a week. Mac’s offers keen rates for delivery of tons and half tons of coal as well as delivering slack and peat, cosyglow, doubles, anthracite and ecologs. You can contact their head office on 074 9361542.
Fuelog
With the price of oil becoming more unpredictable these days and with talk of global warming, a lot of people are looking at the wood burning stoves for an efficient and cleaner way of keeping their homes warm. John McCloskey has been in the business of supplying high performance clean burning logs for the last five years. He has two logging machines that can cut the logs to the size customers need whether it is a big stove to keep your outside shed warm or smaller logs for ranges and open fires. John has seen the demand for logs rise since he has started and delivers all over the area, from Derry, to Muff, Burt, Burnfoot and up to Malin and Moville and Glengad. Some people buy it loose and get a better price, otherwise John bags the logs in red netting to keep the wood dry and stop condensation. John can be contacted on 0862899369.
For older people, make sure that you eat regularly and have good food such as warming soups and stews and don’t forget, plenty of hot drinks. Keep yourself warm by wearing layers and keep as active as possible. Warm dressing gowns, slippers and blankets are useful for all the family.
Having a fire with a back boiler or a range in the kitchen not only adds warmth to the house, but can also give your home a heart.
Andy McLaughlin (Mac’s Coals)
Andy McLaughlin started working in the family coal business along with his father when he was 16. The business has been serving the heating needs of the peninsula for over 40 years. Andy has a drive in cash and carry in Buncrana and has opened a small depot in Carndonagh. Mostly though Andy serves his customers through his coal delivery service, six days a week. Mac’s offers keen rates for delivery of tons and half tons of coal as well as delivering slack and peat, cosyglow, doubles, anthracite and ecologs. You can contact their head office on 074 9361542.
Fuelog
With the price of oil becoming more unpredictable these days and with talk of global warming, a lot of people are looking at the wood burning stoves for an efficient and cleaner way of keeping their homes warm. John McCloskey has been in the business of supplying high performance clean burning logs for the last five years. He has two logging machines that can cut the logs to the size customers need whether it is a big stove to keep your outside shed warm or smaller logs for ranges and open fires. John has seen the demand for logs rise since he has started and delivers all over the area, from Derry, to Muff, Burt, Burnfoot and up to Malin and Moville and Glengad. Some people buy it loose and get a better price, otherwise John bags the logs in red netting to keep the wood dry and stop condensation. John can be contacted on 0862899369.
5 MINUTES WITH - GERRY MURRAY
Gerry has been working as a Money Advisor for MABS in Buncrana for four years. MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting services) is funded by the Government and is a free, confidential, independent and non-profit making service for people in debt or at risk of getting into debt. The service can also help low-income families develop the knowledge and skills they need to avoid getting into debt and deal with situations as they arise. MABS also identifies sources of credit that best meets people’s needs and helps them access these sources. There are four important steps that MABS uses to help people get to grips with their finances:
1.Assessing the situation,
2.Working on your budget,
3.Dealing with debts and
4. Managing payments.
MABS also provides information and advice through their website http://www.mabs.ie/ or you can call the MABS help line on: 1890 283438
What music do you like?
I enjoy Blues and Gospel music. Eric Bibb is a favourite of mine at the moment; he’s a singer from New York and has just released his latest album Get Onboard. The album was recorded in Nashville and has Bonnie Raitt and Ruthie Foster featuring as guest performers. Eric is in his 60’s but looks far younger with his smooth skin.
What book are you reading?
Strip Jack by Ian Rankin, it’s an entertaining read. He is the author of the Inspector Rebus series of books which was made into a TV series and winner of the ITV3 Thriller Awards.
What was your favourite childhood game?
When I was really young I was obsessed with teddies. I would talk to them all day and dress them up. I still have four of my favourites. When I was a bit older my friend and I played with toy farms (we lived in London and didn’t see much of the countryside). We named them after my uncle’s farms in Ireland. Most of the games were about pony trekking and we would fight to get our favourite horses.
Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
I very rarely go to the cinema, although I occasionally go to the Film Club in Letterkenny. The last film I saw at the main cinema was Sex in the City. I took my daughters to see it and they loved the glamour.
What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
The crossword page. I am not much of a paper reader… I just don’t have the time. I get the paper on Saturday and it sits there unread until the following week.
What is your idea of a good night out?
I love going to the theatre or a live gig. The Grianan in Letterkenny and the Balor in Ballybofey are both brilliant and handy to get to.
Most embarrassing moment of your life?
Before I went to Art College I got myself a job road sweeping on the North Circular road in London. We were in an open top truck, being shown what stretch of road we were to look after and as I was the only girl, I tried to be cool and jump out of the back of the lorry. Even though I did gymnastics I still managed to fall off the back in a very clumsy way. I was mortified as all eyes were on me. It was a very good job though and worth the embarrassment.
Have you a favourite TV programme?
TV dramas such as Prime Suspect are enjoyable. I also enjoyed The Street recently.
How do you relax?
Walking the dog. I have a lovely 18-month-old wired haired fox terrier called Ellie. She takes up a lot of my time as she is into everything.
What job did you want to do when you were a child?
Gymnastics were my life. I wanted to be the next Olga Corbett.
Where would you like to go for your holidays?
Italy as it is such an un-commercialised country. Sardinia is particularly lovely.
What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
There would be a few. Tony Benn, Helen Mirren, Jonathan Ross (even though he was in trouble last week), John Hannah the actor, Ian Rankin and my colleague here at MABS, Liz Wilson. I think that would be a lively enough party.
Favourite animals?
Dogs, cats, horses, and loads of others….
What couldn’t you live without?
My two lovely daughters.
Biggest fear?
I am not keen on heights and I don’t like the tube trains in London either, they can be so oppressive and claustrophobic.
Biggest thrill?
When I was 14, my sister and I went to see Rory Gallagher sing live at the Albert Hall in London.
The world’s most irritating invention?
Cars with more than two headlights. Especially jeeps that have an array of spotlights for show.
What is your idea of a good night in ?
Tea, toast and a great Alfred Hitchcock film.
Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
The 1940’s and 50’s. The men wore suits and the women were so elegant. It’s probably linked into the glamour of the old Hitchcock films.
World’s most useful invention?
The telephone is very useful.
What do you have for breakfast?
Tea, toast, butter and marmalade.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
I was unknowingly brought up with a good sense of budgeting. My parents had very little and had to make it go a long way. I was told to live within my means and if I wanted something, to save up for it.
Personal philosophy?
Treat everyone equally.
MABS also provides information and advice through their website http://www.mabs.ie/ or you can call the MABS help line on: 1890 283438
What music do you like?
I enjoy Blues and Gospel music. Eric Bibb is a favourite of mine at the moment; he’s a singer from New York and has just released his latest album Get Onboard. The album was recorded in Nashville and has Bonnie Raitt and Ruthie Foster featuring as guest performers. Eric is in his 60’s but looks far younger with his smooth skin.
What book are you reading?
Strip Jack by Ian Rankin, it’s an entertaining read. He is the author of the Inspector Rebus series of books which was made into a TV series and winner of the ITV3 Thriller Awards.
What was your favourite childhood game?
When I was really young I was obsessed with teddies. I would talk to them all day and dress them up. I still have four of my favourites. When I was a bit older my friend and I played with toy farms (we lived in London and didn’t see much of the countryside). We named them after my uncle’s farms in Ireland. Most of the games were about pony trekking and we would fight to get our favourite horses.
Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
I very rarely go to the cinema, although I occasionally go to the Film Club in Letterkenny. The last film I saw at the main cinema was Sex in the City. I took my daughters to see it and they loved the glamour.
What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
The crossword page. I am not much of a paper reader… I just don’t have the time. I get the paper on Saturday and it sits there unread until the following week.
What is your idea of a good night out?
I love going to the theatre or a live gig. The Grianan in Letterkenny and the Balor in Ballybofey are both brilliant and handy to get to.
Most embarrassing moment of your life?
Before I went to Art College I got myself a job road sweeping on the North Circular road in London. We were in an open top truck, being shown what stretch of road we were to look after and as I was the only girl, I tried to be cool and jump out of the back of the lorry. Even though I did gymnastics I still managed to fall off the back in a very clumsy way. I was mortified as all eyes were on me. It was a very good job though and worth the embarrassment.
Have you a favourite TV programme?
TV dramas such as Prime Suspect are enjoyable. I also enjoyed The Street recently.
How do you relax?
Walking the dog. I have a lovely 18-month-old wired haired fox terrier called Ellie. She takes up a lot of my time as she is into everything.
What job did you want to do when you were a child?
Gymnastics were my life. I wanted to be the next Olga Corbett.
Where would you like to go for your holidays?
Italy as it is such an un-commercialised country. Sardinia is particularly lovely.
What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
There would be a few. Tony Benn, Helen Mirren, Jonathan Ross (even though he was in trouble last week), John Hannah the actor, Ian Rankin and my colleague here at MABS, Liz Wilson. I think that would be a lively enough party.
Favourite animals?
Dogs, cats, horses, and loads of others….
What couldn’t you live without?
My two lovely daughters.
Biggest fear?
I am not keen on heights and I don’t like the tube trains in London either, they can be so oppressive and claustrophobic.
Biggest thrill?
When I was 14, my sister and I went to see Rory Gallagher sing live at the Albert Hall in London.
The world’s most irritating invention?
Cars with more than two headlights. Especially jeeps that have an array of spotlights for show.
What is your idea of a good night in ?
Tea, toast and a great Alfred Hitchcock film.
Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
The 1940’s and 50’s. The men wore suits and the women were so elegant. It’s probably linked into the glamour of the old Hitchcock films.
World’s most useful invention?
The telephone is very useful.
What do you have for breakfast?
Tea, toast, butter and marmalade.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
I was unknowingly brought up with a good sense of budgeting. My parents had very little and had to make it go a long way. I was told to live within my means and if I wanted something, to save up for it.
Personal philosophy?
Treat everyone equally.
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