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
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