Charity fashion tea in aid of Multiple Sclerosis in Inishowen. Una Rodden organised the event at the Plaza
Saturday, 28 February 2009
5 MINUTES WITH - TRACY HARLEY
Tracy Harley is originally from Chasetown in Staffordshire in England. She moved over to Ireland 16 years ago after living and working in Greece. He sister was working in the Citizens Advice Centre in Derry and asked her to come over for the Trip-to-Trip summer festival (now O2). The festival came and went but Tracy stayed and fell in love with both Ireland and Paul, her husband who runs Castle Silver Jewellers in Ferryquay Street in Derry. She lives in Quigley’s Point with Paul and they have three children, Joseph, Seamus and Eden.
Tracy is in her 2nd year as Chairperson of Childrens Point Childcare Centre. The committee that runs the playgroup consists of parents of children that attend the playgroup, they are elected each year at their A.G.M. The work of the committee is on a voluntary basis and is a great way of meeting other parents and neighbours. The Playgroup recently moved to new premises located within Quigleys Point Community Centre and has a large room for educational activities and a smaller wet room for all messy play. They also have an outdoor play area and use of the large hall. Their move to the new premises was due to the hard work of previous and present committees and the co-operation of the Community Centre Committee. The Playgroup has some places available both am and pm and are taking registrations for Sept 2010! Give them a ring on 086 0802153 for more information
What music are you listening to at the moment?
I tend to listen to the radio more that CD’s now that I have children. The radio just keeps going and you don’t have to think what to put on. BBC Radio 2 can be entertaining with DJ’s like Chris Evans in the afternoon.
What book are you reading?
My mum gets old library books that have been taken off the shelves and gives them to me, so I read whatever I am given. It can be anything from a trashy novel to a reference book. I can hang on to the books which is just as well, as I am really bad at getting library books back on time.
What was your favourite childhood game?
I loved playing Tig, which we used to call Ackie 123. The rules are the same, you hide from people or chase them, and ran back to a post if you were spotted or found someone… Hours of fun.
What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I get the Sunday papers and just read the glossy magazines; they don’t require a long attention span, which is ideal when the children are running around.
What would you never throw away?
Childhood toys. I have an old style Jack in a box and Fisher Price radio that I adored. I gave them to my children and they are now a bit worse for wear, but still loved. My old cassette tapes are special to me as well. I have collected compilation tapes from friends over the years and their choices of music reflect past times and memories, I wouldn’t throw those away.
Most embarrassing moment of your life?
We did a fundraiser for the playgroup a while back and someone suggested a charity boxing match. It seemed like a good idea at the time but I had to fight a very determined 6-foot woman. Some people loved it, mainly those that saw us get flattened.
Favourite TV programme?
Larkrise to Candleford is very good and I enjoy the Victorian farm series, it’s a reflection of simpler times. My sons and I also watch Masterchef together.
What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I was influenced by Peter Pan, so was quite happy being a kid. I did take an interest in photography when I was a bit older though.
Where was your best holiday and what made it special?
We have a campervan and we had a lovely driving holiday through France recently. It was like Ireland in a way. We also love our annual trip with friends to Gweedore for an Easter egg hunt.
What do you do for a special treat?
Simple pleasures like going to the beach in Moville with the children and popping into the Cosy Cottage Café for a hot chocolate are special treats for me.
Favourite animal?
I am a big animal lover and have a dog called Rudi, which is short for Rudolph. We found him at Christmas, so it was either Noël or Rudi. Noël would be a bit of a strange name for a dog…..We also have a cat called Fluffy, he gets on great with the dog.
Biggest Challenge?
Setting the playgroup up would be the biggest challenge for me. It was a big learning curve. There was such a lot of negotiating with government bodies for funding and it is a full time job. You have to learn quickly.
What was the best present you ever got?
I got a fabulous digital camera and try to make loads of photo opportunities so I can use it.
What was the last thing you bought just for yourself?
I bought a swimsuit. I was going away on a pampering weekend with some of the girls from the playgroup committee.
What charity do you support?
Since having children I tend to support children based charities, the more local the better.
The world’s most irritating/most useful invention?
The electric juicer I have falls into both categories. It can be extremely useful and beneficial for giving the children some nutrition, but it does take up a lot of cupboard space.
Most memorable Christmas present?
I have always had good presents given to me. One of my most memorable was when a friend bought me my first rabbit. I didn’t think that my parent’s would let me have one so I thought if someone else bought it they would have to let me keep it. It worked, and the rabbit was called Biscuit.
Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
I liked the Victorian Farm series for its simplicity but also enjoy different things from different era’s. I would take the best from periods in history and make up my own period I think….
What do you have for breakfast?
Porridge, raisins and seeds, usually sesame or sunflower seeds, they give you plenty of energy for the day.
Do you have a favourite cartoon character?
I loved Noddy… My kids love it too. It can be educational as well as sometimes he has a go at teaching the children French… Say it with Noddy…
What was your first paid job?
I worked in a photo processing shop as a sales assistant for two years. I learnt a lot about photography and the art of printing. The owner decided to get rid of us just before our 2 year YTS scheme came to an end, which saved him having to pay us himself.
Best/worst household chore?
My worst is mopping. I like the word, but find doing it very exhausting. My favourite would be ironing. Invest in a good iron and it’s a pleasure. I have a fancy iron where the water is in the base; it’s worth every cent…
What is the best/worst piece of advice you have been given?
A good marriage is like a fire it needs to be tended to regularly or the flame or spark will go out.
Personal philosophy?
Treat people as you would like to be treated yourself.
Mill Brae Buncrana clean up
WORKING TOGETHER
Pupils from Scoil Mhuire in Buncrana have been busy on the banks of the Mill River, clearing invasive weeds to make way for more wildlife friendly planting. Brendan McLaughlin, the secretary of the Mill River Angling club was on hand to supervise the team and explains how the venture is a joint initiative.
“The Buncrana Tidy Towns Committee have been working closely with the Mill Angling Club to clear the encroaching ground elder and ivy from the banks. The Tidy Towns sponsorship has allowed us to buy plants and shrubs that will thrive along the riverbank and surrounding areas near the trees. We will be putting in Verbena, Buddleia, Sedum for ground cover, Echinacea, hardy shrubs such as Mahonia and aromatic plants like Rosemary and Salvia. These plants will be a great low maintenance cover for the area and have the added benefit of attracting insects and birds to the area.”
Pupils from Scoil Mhuire in Buncrana have been busy on the banks of the Mill River, clearing invasive weeds to make way for more wildlife friendly planting. Brendan McLaughlin, the secretary of the Mill River Angling club was on hand to supervise the team and explains how the venture is a joint initiative.
“The Buncrana Tidy Towns Committee have been working closely with the Mill Angling Club to clear the encroaching ground elder and ivy from the banks. The Tidy Towns sponsorship has allowed us to buy plants and shrubs that will thrive along the riverbank and surrounding areas near the trees. We will be putting in Verbena, Buddleia, Sedum for ground cover, Echinacea, hardy shrubs such as Mahonia and aromatic plants like Rosemary and Salvia. These plants will be a great low maintenance cover for the area and have the added benefit of attracting insects and birds to the area.”
Of course, these plants will not plant themselves, so Luke, Kevin, Andrew and Paddy, all pupils from Scoil Mhuire have been working hard over a two-day period to get the area cleared so planting can begin. “The lads have been great,” says Brendan, “They have made a big difference in a short time and cleared all the pathways too. We have done a lot of work on the banks of the Mill river over the last year and this will improve access and also the look of the area.”
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
COMPLAINTS
Roscommon Council complaints - These are genuine clips from council complaint letters:....well.. what do you think?
1. My bush is really overgrown round the front and my back passage has fungus growing in it.
2. He's got this huge tool that vibrates the whole house and I justcan't take it anymore.
3. It's the dog mess that I find hard to swallow.
4. The man next door has a large erection in the back garden, which isunsightly and dangerous.
5. I want some repairs done to my cooker as it had backfired and burntmy knob off.
6. And their 18 yr old son is continually banging his balls against my fence.
6. And their 18 yr old son is continually banging his balls against my fence.
7. I wish to report that tiles are missing from the outside toilet toroof. I think it was bad wind the other night that blew them off.
8. My toilet seat is cracked, where do I stand?
8. My toilet seat is cracked, where do I stand?
9. Please send a man with the right tool to finish the job to satisfymy wife.
10. Will you please send someone to mend the garden path? My wifetripped and fell on it yesterday and now she is pregnant.
11. I request permission to remove my drawers in the kitchen.
12. Our kitchen floor is damp. We have 2 children and would like a third, so please send someone round to do something about it.
13. I am still having problems with smoke in my new drawers.14. The toilet is blocked and we cannot bath the children until it is cleared.
15. Will you please send a man to look at my water, it is a funny colour and not fit to drink.
16. I am writing on behalf of my sink, which is coming away from the wall.
17. I want to complain about the farmer across the road, every morningat 6 a.m. his cock wakes me up and its now getting too much for me.
18. I wish to complain that my father hurt his ankle very badly, thenhe put his foot in the hole in his back passage.
19. 50% of the walls are damp, 50% have crumbling plaster and 50% are plain filthy.
20. I am a single woman living in a downstairs flat and would you please do something about the noise made by the man on top of me every night.
21. Our toilet seat is broken in half and is now in three pieces.
21. Our toilet seat is broken in half and is now in three pieces.
22. I have had the clerk of works down on the floor 6 times but I still have no satisfaction.
23. This is to let you know that our toilet seat is broke and we can'tget RTE1
Saturday, 21 February 2009
WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 45
Different Perceptions
It didn't take the blind men long to find an elephant at a nearby market. The first blind man approached the beast and felt the animal's firm flat side. "It seems to me that the elephant is just like a wall," he said to his friends.
The second blind man reached out and touched one of the elephant's tusks. "No, this is round and smooth and sharp - the elephant is like a spear."
Intrigued, the third blind man stepped up to the elephant and touched its trunk. "Well, I can't agree with either of you; I feel a squirming writhing thing - surely the elephant is just like a snake."
The fourth blind man was of course by now quite puzzled. So he reached out, and felt the elephant's leg. "You are all talking complete nonsense," he said, "because clearly the elephant is just like a tree."
Utterly confused, the fifth blind man stepped forward and grabbed one of the elephant's ears. "You must all be mad - an elephant is exactly like a fan."
Duly, the sixth man approached, and, holding the beast's tail, disagreed again. "It's nothing like any of your descriptions - the elephant is just like a rope."
And all six blind men continued to argue, based on their own particular experiences, as to what they thought an elephant was like. It was an argument that they were never able to resolve. Each of them was concerned only with their own idea. None of them had the full picture, and none could see any of the other's point of view. Each man saw the elephant as something quite different, and while in part each blind man was right, none was wholly correct.
There is never just one way to look at something - there are always different perspectives, meanings, and perceptions, depending on who is looking.
5 MINUTES WITH - FRANKIE VELDMAN
Frankie Veldman is originally from Letterkenny and has spent the last 14 years offshore working on Oilrigs. He started at the bottom as a labourer and moved up to the pipe deck before trying a hand at the drill floor. Frankie then studied Health and Safety in his time off and completed a Health and Safety Course in Aberdeen University. After stints working as a Safety Coach and advisor for a drilling company Frankie was offered a contract offshore on a fleet of Offshore Flotels (accommodation Barges), where he was responsible for the health and safety of 580 staff. Frankie has worked out of Ireland, UK, Holland, Denmark, and Norway and was onboard the Sedco 711 when they first discovered gas in the Corrib field back in 1999. In June last year Frankie came home full-time and set up a training centre to cater for personnel wishing to seek employment in the Offshore Oil and Gas Industry. With all the doom and gloom in the country at the moment Frankie feels that the best way forward is training and has opened up the Feidhm Mara Teoranta Training Centre. The future plans for the centre will be to run more and more offshore courses so personnel will not have to leave the country to do these. Frankie feels, that this will benefit the county as a whole and put Donegal firmly on the map up there along with Aberdeen, Huston, and Dubai.
What music are you listening to at the moment?
I am not listening to anything as the phones are constantly ringing….I like most kinds of music and I suppose in my younger days I liked AC/DC a lot. I would loved to have gotten tickets for the concert this year in Ireland but unfortunately they sold out very quickly.
What book are you reading?
I don’t really have much time on my hands these days to read books. I can tell you the last book I read was Roy Keane’s. I read it 3 times, I enjoyed it that much. It’s the first thing I pack in my suitcase before I go on holiday.
What was your favourite childhood game?
If you are talking about board games then it would have to be Escape from Colditz. I remember my mum bought it at the market in Strabane many years ago for a pound. Ours disappeared and I remember looking for it in many game shops over the years and could never find it. Then one day offshore in the games room and snooker hall I spotted a familiar box….You now know what I was playing for the rest of my offshore hitch.
Have you been to the cinema recently?
Yes. The last film I saw was James Bond Quantum of Solace. I suppose it was fine. I would like to have seen more of the Aston Martin DB9 though.
What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
It has got to be the sports pages first.
What would you never throw away?
The telephone numbers of good-looking girls. (Laughing).
Most embarrassing moment.
Getting off on the wrong oil-rig. I had to listen to that for years from the crews I work with.
Favourite TV programme?
I like comedy on TV and my favourite is Father Ted. I have the DVD box collection and my favourite two favourite episodes are a Song for Europe where they sing about My Lovely Horse. (I am humming it to myself just now LOL) and the book signing episode where Mrs Doyle swears a lot at Father Ted. Brilliant
What job did I want to do when I was a child?
Well my father spent 25 years of his life Offshore and I always wanted to be a sailor, just like my Dad. I got my childhood wish 15 years ago but on an oil rig and not a supply boat. So in a way I have followed my father’s footsteps.
What was my best holiday and what made it special?
My best holiday was in 2002 where I went to the World Cup in Japan and Korea. I travelled with my younger brother Dennis and Brendan Dunnion from Letterkenny. Things that made it special for me was sitting next to Packie Bonner all night in the team’s hotel. I was starving, as I am a very fussy eater and said this to Packie. He popped up to his room and landed back with a box of Tayto Cheese and Onion crisps. No doubt Dennis, Brendan, and I ate most of them. Later in the night he gave me his Irish training jersey.
What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
Firstly I would have invite Jamie Oliver. He would do the cooking. If Pope John Paul were still alive he would be top of the guest list as he could say the grace and have good stories to tell. I think there might be a seat for JR Ewing (Larry Hagman, Dallas) just for a few pointers. Shaun Gallagher would also be there I think he is doing a brilliant job rallying all over the world and putting Donegal on the Map. It would be good to have chat with him. Elvis would be there for a few tunes and I suppose one of the Pussycat Dolls for dessert….. I would have an Irish polititan to do the cleaning up but I’m not certain who would be the best person for the job….
What do you do for a special treat?
Well, with working offshore I have plenty of time off, so treats are always on the menu. I like going to the Indian restaurants and other activities include swimming with sharks and rally school. For a special treat I like going to the hairdressers…….
Favourite animal
Dog.
Biggest Thrill?
Being on an oil rig on a little ledge throwing in drill pipe to the travelling blocks. This means that you are standing 90 feet up in the air on a bit of metal, throwing things.
Biggest Challenge?
That would have to be getting the training centre up and running. Our backs were put to the walls more times than enough but we have come through. I have been working solidly on this project for the last 10 months. (It has not been easy)
What was the best present you ever got?
My dad is a dab hand at the carpentry work and one time he made me a 3 foot model of an oil rig. I still remember to this day pushing toys around the decks of it. I don’t think it was a present for a special occasion though.
What was the last thing you bought yourself?
I honestly can’t remember it’s been that long since I treated myself to a new pair of jeans or trainers. If it’s any item, then that would have to be a litre of milk.
What charities do you support?
I sponsor Whales and Dolphins and receive an update on my Dolphin in the Moray Firth Scotland.
The world’s most Irritating Invention/Most useful Invention?
Most irritating would have to be the mobile phone especially if you are sitting on a train and you want some chill time.
The most useful invention would have to be the Iron Roughneck. The Iron Roughneck is a robot, which is used for making up drill pipe on the rig floor. When it breaks down you know you are in for a hard shift ahead. It’s a Roughneck’s best friend and it is always the first piece of machinery you should check before your shift.
Favourite pastime?
I used to swim a lot but have not had the chance recently.
What do you have for breakfast?
That depends, mostly 2 cups of coffee. When I get up in the morning the last thing on my mind is breakfast and it is about lunchtime before I even think about food. Maybe once a month I might have a big fry.
What was your first job?
My first job was selling the Donegal Democrat on a Thursday afternoon after school. I would get 1p per paper I sold. I usually ended up selling 40 of them. I would normally pocket a pound for the evening’s work that is including tips.
Best/Worst household chore?
I do not really mind any chores about the house. I live alone and am quite a tidy person so there are not many chores to be done.
What is the best advice you have been given?
My dad told me before I went offshore for the first time that, any job I do make sure you do it to a standard you would expect if you were inspecting the job yourself. I have never had anyone over the past 14 offshore years complain about my work.
Personal Philosophy?
I suppose it would be Live Life to The Pepsi Max. That reminded me of a storm we had on a rig west of Shetland back in 1999 or 1998 Hurricane Mitch. They asked for volunteers to go down to the spider deck to unlatch the Blow-Out Preventer as the weather was seriously rough. My pal Craig from Aberdeen and I headed down. We were frightened as there were big waves hitting the underside of the rig. It was the time the Pepsi Max ads were on telly and we just kept say Pepsi Max to each other
What music are you listening to at the moment?
I am not listening to anything as the phones are constantly ringing….I like most kinds of music and I suppose in my younger days I liked AC/DC a lot. I would loved to have gotten tickets for the concert this year in Ireland but unfortunately they sold out very quickly.
What book are you reading?
I don’t really have much time on my hands these days to read books. I can tell you the last book I read was Roy Keane’s. I read it 3 times, I enjoyed it that much. It’s the first thing I pack in my suitcase before I go on holiday.
What was your favourite childhood game?
If you are talking about board games then it would have to be Escape from Colditz. I remember my mum bought it at the market in Strabane many years ago for a pound. Ours disappeared and I remember looking for it in many game shops over the years and could never find it. Then one day offshore in the games room and snooker hall I spotted a familiar box….You now know what I was playing for the rest of my offshore hitch.
Have you been to the cinema recently?
Yes. The last film I saw was James Bond Quantum of Solace. I suppose it was fine. I would like to have seen more of the Aston Martin DB9 though.
What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
It has got to be the sports pages first.
What would you never throw away?
The telephone numbers of good-looking girls. (Laughing).
Most embarrassing moment.
Getting off on the wrong oil-rig. I had to listen to that for years from the crews I work with.
Favourite TV programme?
I like comedy on TV and my favourite is Father Ted. I have the DVD box collection and my favourite two favourite episodes are a Song for Europe where they sing about My Lovely Horse. (I am humming it to myself just now LOL) and the book signing episode where Mrs Doyle swears a lot at Father Ted. Brilliant
What job did I want to do when I was a child?
Well my father spent 25 years of his life Offshore and I always wanted to be a sailor, just like my Dad. I got my childhood wish 15 years ago but on an oil rig and not a supply boat. So in a way I have followed my father’s footsteps.
What was my best holiday and what made it special?
My best holiday was in 2002 where I went to the World Cup in Japan and Korea. I travelled with my younger brother Dennis and Brendan Dunnion from Letterkenny. Things that made it special for me was sitting next to Packie Bonner all night in the team’s hotel. I was starving, as I am a very fussy eater and said this to Packie. He popped up to his room and landed back with a box of Tayto Cheese and Onion crisps. No doubt Dennis, Brendan, and I ate most of them. Later in the night he gave me his Irish training jersey.
What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
Firstly I would have invite Jamie Oliver. He would do the cooking. If Pope John Paul were still alive he would be top of the guest list as he could say the grace and have good stories to tell. I think there might be a seat for JR Ewing (Larry Hagman, Dallas) just for a few pointers. Shaun Gallagher would also be there I think he is doing a brilliant job rallying all over the world and putting Donegal on the Map. It would be good to have chat with him. Elvis would be there for a few tunes and I suppose one of the Pussycat Dolls for dessert….. I would have an Irish polititan to do the cleaning up but I’m not certain who would be the best person for the job….
What do you do for a special treat?
Well, with working offshore I have plenty of time off, so treats are always on the menu. I like going to the Indian restaurants and other activities include swimming with sharks and rally school. For a special treat I like going to the hairdressers…….
Favourite animal
Dog.
Biggest Thrill?
Being on an oil rig on a little ledge throwing in drill pipe to the travelling blocks. This means that you are standing 90 feet up in the air on a bit of metal, throwing things.
Biggest Challenge?
That would have to be getting the training centre up and running. Our backs were put to the walls more times than enough but we have come through. I have been working solidly on this project for the last 10 months. (It has not been easy)
What was the best present you ever got?
My dad is a dab hand at the carpentry work and one time he made me a 3 foot model of an oil rig. I still remember to this day pushing toys around the decks of it. I don’t think it was a present for a special occasion though.
What was the last thing you bought yourself?
I honestly can’t remember it’s been that long since I treated myself to a new pair of jeans or trainers. If it’s any item, then that would have to be a litre of milk.
What charities do you support?
I sponsor Whales and Dolphins and receive an update on my Dolphin in the Moray Firth Scotland.
The world’s most Irritating Invention/Most useful Invention?
Most irritating would have to be the mobile phone especially if you are sitting on a train and you want some chill time.
The most useful invention would have to be the Iron Roughneck. The Iron Roughneck is a robot, which is used for making up drill pipe on the rig floor. When it breaks down you know you are in for a hard shift ahead. It’s a Roughneck’s best friend and it is always the first piece of machinery you should check before your shift.
Favourite pastime?
I used to swim a lot but have not had the chance recently.
What do you have for breakfast?
That depends, mostly 2 cups of coffee. When I get up in the morning the last thing on my mind is breakfast and it is about lunchtime before I even think about food. Maybe once a month I might have a big fry.
What was your first job?
My first job was selling the Donegal Democrat on a Thursday afternoon after school. I would get 1p per paper I sold. I usually ended up selling 40 of them. I would normally pocket a pound for the evening’s work that is including tips.
Best/Worst household chore?
I do not really mind any chores about the house. I live alone and am quite a tidy person so there are not many chores to be done.
What is the best advice you have been given?
My dad told me before I went offshore for the first time that, any job I do make sure you do it to a standard you would expect if you were inspecting the job yourself. I have never had anyone over the past 14 offshore years complain about my work.
Personal Philosophy?
I suppose it would be Live Life to The Pepsi Max. That reminded me of a storm we had on a rig west of Shetland back in 1999 or 1998 Hurricane Mitch. They asked for volunteers to go down to the spider deck to unlatch the Blow-Out Preventer as the weather was seriously rough. My pal Craig from Aberdeen and I headed down. We were frightened as there were big waves hitting the underside of the rig. It was the time the Pepsi Max ads were on telly and we just kept say Pepsi Max to each other
JR AUTOS IN BRIDGEND
“Regular servicing is vital to keep your car in top condition; saving the you money in the long run as potentially expensive problems can be avoided.” James
“We offer a complimentary mini valet and wash with every service.” Ruairi
JR AUTOS BRIDGEND – FOR ALL YOUR MOTOR REPAIRS
A new, state of the art, motor repair shop has opened in Bridgend offering full servicing, repairs, pre NCT/MOT and diagnostics. Conveniently located on the Elaghbeg Industrial Estate on the main Derry to Letterkenny Road, JR Auto’s combine mechanical and technical know-how with good business practice. Partners, James Lavelle and Ruairi O’Reilly have twenty-five years relevant experience between them and are passionate about their business. James, originally from Meath, is not put off by the recession.
Regular Servicing
“I feel it is a good time to be setting up a new motor repair business,” James tells us, “With the change in the economy, people are keeping their cars for longer. This means that regular servicing is vital to keep cars in top condition; saving the customer money in the long run as potentially expensive problems can be avoided.
As cars get older, they require important preventative maintenance like new timing belts. Sometimes they need to be changed every 30,000 miles like in the Corsa, so it’s important to get them checked.” James advises. “We also realise that there is a need for taxi drivers to have cars that are faultless as they get so much wear. Regular servicing can also reduce the amount of petrol you use by up to 40%.”
Recovery and Breakdown Service
Ruairi, from Derry is, like James, a time served mechanic and has spent the last four years working both in garages and on the road dealing with breakdowns for the AA and RAC. “We have a 24/7 breakdown and recovery service in operation” James tell us. “Logistically, Bridgend is a great area for us as we are accessible to road networks for Inishowen, Derry and Letterkenny. This is handy; not only for our breakdown and recovery service, but for our free collection and return of the vehicles into the workshop which is very convenient for our customers.
Diagnostics
Modern cars need a lot more diagnostic electronic work. James and Ruairi are up to speed with the latest technology and have invested in all of the software. “We have two systems running in the workshop and we use portable laptops so the information is to hand when we are working on the car. The first system is Auto Data; this is a general check that narrows down the potential problem areas where the fault lies. Then we have the Diagnostic Software that will pinpoint the problem, enabling us to fix it quickly. Technology such as this is vital as you couldn’t even switch a warning light off without it.”
Customer Service
James and Ruairi ensure their customers are getting the best price and are keen to offer a personal service. They realise that a vehicle is important to a family or business and work long hours to get the car on the road again. “We offer a complimentary mini valet and wash with every service as well.” Ruairi says.
The large premises have all of the tools to hand for coping with every eventuality in car repair and the shop area stocks general parts for most vehicles. So if your car needs a service and you want mechanics that are up to date with all of the latest techniques, then pop into JR Autos in Bridgend and talk to James and Ruairi, or give them a ring on 086 8894290 (James) or 004479 22345336 (Ruairi)
James’s Safety tip
“As soon as you feel there is something wrong with your car like any kind of irregular noise, vibration, shimmer, or you note some leak or any warning light comes on while driving or anything that seems to be irregular – let us know as it might be unsafe to drive. It's definitely better to check any small problem straight away”
Does your car need a service?
Have you gone over the manufacturers recommended servicing time or miles?
Is the car not running as well as it did and is slow to pull away?
Is there wheel wobble?
Is the servicing warning light on?
Is there knocking and banging when you go over a bump?
If you answer YES to any of these then take your car into JR Auto’s for a check.
Tips for safer and more efficient driving.
Keep your tyres inflated at the right pressure. This can save fuel, give a better ride and lengthen the life of the tyres.
Check your windscreen wipers and replace them if worn and check the screen wash regularly.
Drive sensibly. Aggressive driving can shorten the life of the engine and increase fuel consumption by up to 30%
Don’t wait until a problem occurs, get down to JR Autos for a service…..
Saturday, 14 February 2009
WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 44
Breaking Free
In this world, it is so easy to feel helpless and powerless. We do not realise the power we actually possess.
Look at an elephant. It can uproot huge trees with its trunk. When an elephant living in captivity is still a baby, it is tied to a tree with a strong rope. The baby elephant tries with all its might to break the rope. Realising its efforts are of no use, it finally gives up.
Fully grown, it can be tied to a small tree with a thin rope. It could then easily free itself by uprooting the tree or breaking the rope. But because its mind has been conditioned by prior experience, it doesn’t make the slightest attempt to break free. This is what is happening to people throughout the world, particularly women.
We all have infinite potential inherent in our beings, but we need to break the shackles of the conditioning imposed on us. We do have strength. We can find courage. We can go beyond our imagined limitations. We already possess the power to do this.
Live your dreams, fulfil your potential, be true to yourself.
In this world, it is so easy to feel helpless and powerless. We do not realise the power we actually possess.
Look at an elephant. It can uproot huge trees with its trunk. When an elephant living in captivity is still a baby, it is tied to a tree with a strong rope. The baby elephant tries with all its might to break the rope. Realising its efforts are of no use, it finally gives up.
Fully grown, it can be tied to a small tree with a thin rope. It could then easily free itself by uprooting the tree or breaking the rope. But because its mind has been conditioned by prior experience, it doesn’t make the slightest attempt to break free. This is what is happening to people throughout the world, particularly women.
We all have infinite potential inherent in our beings, but we need to break the shackles of the conditioning imposed on us. We do have strength. We can find courage. We can go beyond our imagined limitations. We already possess the power to do this.
Live your dreams, fulfil your potential, be true to yourself.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
With the new Government grants available to make your home more energy efficient as well as older grants for solar panels and the likelihood of the ESB buying back surplus energy produced from wind turbines, it has never been a better time to consider exploring alternative energies and how to make your home as cost-effective in terms of energy as possible. Building energy ratings assessment is a legal requirement if you plan to sell or rent you home, but it is also the best place to start to check what work needs to be done.
Build your own solar panels
Energy Audit Solutions
Gerry Kelly is friendly and approachable and likes to give a personalised service when Energy Assessing your new build or existing domestic property: “I like to meet prospective customers face to face, to make sure that are getting the best possible advice, in terms of reducing their home heating costs.” he explained.
“We all have to be careful with our money these days and simple actions, such as improving insulation, can make a big difference, in terms of reducing energy bills and future proofing the value of your property.”
Gerry’s expertise and understanding of energy solutions, along with his honest approach, means that his customers know where they stand. Locally based, in Burt, at the gateway to Inishowen, Energy Audit Solutions is accessible and Gerry is well placed to respond quickly to his customers needs. For more information call Gerry on 074 9386620
National Energy Assessors
National Energy Assessors (NEA) are one of the leading providers of energy efficient solutions in Ireland. They provide a comprehensive range of services for both home-owners and businesses. The fully registered, fully insured company will send a professional assessor to your home who will report on what energy measures your home needs, and the most cost effective solution for saving money and energy. NEA provide free thermal imaging as part of their service so customers can see exactly where heat is being lost from their home. After the improvements have been carried out, a second visit takes place, to give you your quality assured BER certificate.
NEA also provides free energy assessment for small to medium sized businesses such as offices, hotels and factories. Simply call Jim Duffy on 0857190000 to register. NEA undertakes air tightness tests, checking where a building might be losing energy through ‘holes’ such as ventilation. As hot air escapes, cold air gets in and little holes in your building can lead to a big hole in your profits. NEA is one of the ten companies nationally that is registered to assess large public buildings that require the new energy certificate, which legally needs to be displayed.
Build your own solar panels
Energy Audit Solutions
Gerry Kelly is friendly and approachable and likes to give a personalised service when Energy Assessing your new build or existing domestic property: “I like to meet prospective customers face to face, to make sure that are getting the best possible advice, in terms of reducing their home heating costs.” he explained.
“We all have to be careful with our money these days and simple actions, such as improving insulation, can make a big difference, in terms of reducing energy bills and future proofing the value of your property.”
Gerry’s expertise and understanding of energy solutions, along with his honest approach, means that his customers know where they stand. Locally based, in Burt, at the gateway to Inishowen, Energy Audit Solutions is accessible and Gerry is well placed to respond quickly to his customers needs. For more information call Gerry on 074 9386620
National Energy Assessors
National Energy Assessors (NEA) are one of the leading providers of energy efficient solutions in Ireland. They provide a comprehensive range of services for both home-owners and businesses. The fully registered, fully insured company will send a professional assessor to your home who will report on what energy measures your home needs, and the most cost effective solution for saving money and energy. NEA provide free thermal imaging as part of their service so customers can see exactly where heat is being lost from their home. After the improvements have been carried out, a second visit takes place, to give you your quality assured BER certificate.
NEA also provides free energy assessment for small to medium sized businesses such as offices, hotels and factories. Simply call Jim Duffy on 0857190000 to register. NEA undertakes air tightness tests, checking where a building might be losing energy through ‘holes’ such as ventilation. As hot air escapes, cold air gets in and little holes in your building can lead to a big hole in your profits. NEA is one of the ten companies nationally that is registered to assess large public buildings that require the new energy certificate, which legally needs to be displayed.
McGee Insulation Services
Once your home is assessed, one of the recommendations may be to get the attic or the cavity walls insulated. McGee Insulations are registered with Sustainable Energy Ireland to carry out this work. McGee insulations prides itself on using eco-friendly insulation, Warmcel. Warmcel is a high performance thermal insulation which can save you up to 40% off your heating bills and provides a complete seal, minimising heat loss, eliminating gaps, cracks and other cold bridges. To get efficient insulation, prevent energy loss and save money, contact McGee Insulation on 087 9320155
Solar Panel Installation
SOS Plumbing and Heating are registered with Sustainable Energy Ireland to install solar panels here in Inishowen. Grants are available from SEI for houses that have been lived in for the past twelve months. Solar panels work on daylight hours and so are highly effective for us here in Inishowen. The solar panels are so efficient, that between May and September, you get 100% free hot water. For the rest of the year, the solar panels provide on average about 40% of your domestic hot water for free. There are two types of panel, flat plated and evacuated tube systems. The evacuated tubes are 20% more efficient and the Government provide more of a grant for these. The grant is applied for and processed by SOS and they are happy to provide free advice and quotations. Contact SOS on 087 7607117.
Peninsula Renewable Energies
Renewable energy resources are abundantly available in Ireland and offer sustainable alternatives to our dependency on fossil fuels and reduce our reliance on imported fuels. Main sources of renewable energy include the sun (solar energy), the wind, heat from under the ground (geothermal energy) and biomass (wood, waste and energy crops). With all the options available, it is crucial to be aware of what system would work best for your house. Every home is different and you need to make sure you get the most suitable system for your property. Peninsula Renewable Energies offer a range of renewable energy options and will be happy to advise you on what is the most appropriate solution for your needs. They are registered by Sustainable Energy Ireland. Peninsula Renewable Energies supply Proven Wind Turbines. Peninsula Renewable Energies can be contacted on Tel 0749370533/Mobile 0866076301
Energy Cert Ireland
Energy Cert Ireland is a family run local business who offer Building Energy Rating Assessments. Paddy and Ronan McCole are a father and son partnership with a strong construction background and over fifty years experience between them. “The service we provide is more than just getting your certificate” Ronan explains. “We offer a personal service, pointing our customers in the right direction to make savings in their heating bills. We make recommendations on the most cost-effective way of implementing improvements.” With their local knowledge of reputable contractors they can price up the best way to improve your energy ratings and provide their customers with the choice of 3 or 4 options.
BERindonegal
Whether you want to take advantage of the Home Energy Saving Scheme, or are selling or letting your property then you will need a BER. At BERindonegal we offer an independent, friendly and professional service to those needing a BER. Our customers include property professionals such as Estate / Letting Agents, Solicitors, Architects and of course the public.One of our trained assessors will inspect and report on your property and complete the appropriate registration with SEI.Why not visit our website http://www.berindonegal.ie/ Here you will find a host of information on BERs from Frequently Asked Questions to handy hints and tips on how to improve your BER. You will also find details of our competitive pricing. You can book online and there is an option to pay by credit card if you wish. Alternatively call us on 086 1729508.
Intelligent Heating with Evergreen
Evergreen are pleased to announce the arrival in Ireland of the solar vent wood pellet boiler. Manufactured under strict German quality control and designed with high efficiency operation as its sole task this boiler is an essential investment in any home. The solar vent boiler uses patented German technology and the “INTELLIGENT HEATING” system is only available from solar vent which makes this unit truly unique.
With current economic conditions and the need to reduce our monthly outgoings becoming a matter of urgency, householders across the land are examining ways they can save money. Heating our homes is one of the most costly outgoings and this cost will continue to rise in the not to distant future, as we have seen last year with the dramatic rise in oil prices. Compared to oil, wood pellets still offer considerable savings and with the solar vent boiler, your wood pellets stretch even more.
If a wood pellet boiler is not your thing then Evergreen can offer a number of alternatives. If you have access to your own supply of timber, then a log gasification boiler may be your ideal heating source or if you have a large area of ground surrounding your home one of our heat pumps could do the trick.
For the person who just wants a cheaper way to heat their water then we can design and fit a solar system specific to your needs. All the technologies mentioned are grant assisted for homes older than 12 months. We are able to provide full assistance with grant applications
So if you are planning to build, buy or renovate and are thinking renewable, then think Evergreen.
Get your grant before the banks get theirs!
Doherty Brothers Clonmany
Doherty Brothers Clonmany have been involved in all aspects of Insulation and Energy Conservation Measures for over 30 years. Their professionally qualified advisors (C.S.R.T. Surveyor and Building Energy Rating Assessors) will survey your property and advise you on all energy saving measures. To cut your heating costs call Doherty Brothers Clonmany on 074 9376182
NEW GRANTS
New Grants Available to Help Insulate Local Homes
INISHOWEN'S Green Party candidate, Sheenagh McMahon welcomed the announcement made earlier this month by the Energy Minister, Eamon Ryan that €100 million in new grants are available to make homes more energy efficient. This eco-friendly scheme will not only help local economies, through creating jobs but will also make homes warmer, more comfortable and cheaper to heat.
Sheenagh urges local homeowners to take up the new grants that are going to be split evenly between public and private householders and will target homes built before 2006. National Insulation Programme
INISHOWEN'S Green Party candidate, Sheenagh McMahon welcomed the announcement made earlier this month by the Energy Minister, Eamon Ryan that €100 million in new grants are available to make homes more energy efficient. This eco-friendly scheme will not only help local economies, through creating jobs but will also make homes warmer, more comfortable and cheaper to heat.
Sheenagh urges local homeowners to take up the new grants that are going to be split evenly between public and private householders and will target homes built before 2006. National Insulation Programme
"The new national insulation programme has the potential to create hundreds of lasting, local jobs. Householders who take advantage of the scheme can expect to reduce their heating bills by up to €700 per year," said Ms McMahon. "The scheme will open to the public in March, and I urge homeowners particularly those with older homes and big energy bills to register their interest now with Sustainable Energy Ireland. Householders should also think about arranging a Building Energy Rating Assessment, which will highlight the type of work that will bring about the best cost and energy savings," she continued adding that the measures make "total sense" in the current economic climate.
"The refurbishment of our local authority housing will also tackle the scourge of fuel poverty, particularly during cold weather. Heating will not be wasted going out the roof or up the chimney. Reducing energy use and CO2 emissions will also help us meet our climate change targets. This is a programme that benefits our economy, the environment and the householder at the same time," added the Buncrana-based candidate.
The national insulation programme, administered through Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) hope to benefit 50,000 homes throughout the country.
The money is being split in half with €50 million a piece for private and council housing. Under the home energy scheme, targeted at private middle-income homes, householders will get grant aid of between €500 and about €5,000 for improvements carried out on the insulation of their homes. The lowest grant available is €250 for improved attic insulation, which will provide 30% of the cost for a typical suburban house for the work. The largest single grant is a €4,000 contribution to work on external wall insulation. This will contribute an estimated 21% for the €19,000 cost for a typical home. Householders are entitled to avail of all the grants that are applicable to their own situation. Between €500 - €700 will be available for heating control upgrades and €200 will be paid towards the building energy rating assessment.
Estimates provided by the Department say that most of the investments can be fully recouped within six years, save for wall insulation, which will take between seven and 20 years, depending on the house.
The Green Party Energy Minister, Eamon Ryan has already spoken to four of the main banks to persuade them to lend to homeowners getting involved in the programme and has received positive feedback.
“There is a lot of support. They see that it makes sense. It’s an attractive prospect. Banks have a real opportunity and role here to make up the amount. This is the best lending that you can do,” he said.
Professor Wilson from Sustainable Energy Ireland said that they would begin a registration programme immediately for contractors with the required competence to carry out such works.
The other €50 million will expand the existing Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) for low income households and a scheme aimed at social housing. WHS is currently being locally administered by Action Inishowen. Upgrades available include the provision of lagging jackets, attic insulation, cavity wall insulation and draught-proofing.
INISHOWEN MEN'S HELPLINE
Don’t Suffer Alone
Inishowen Men’s Helpline
Free and Confidential Service
Offering support, understanding and information
Available Monday-Friday 9am-10pm
Tel 074 9329300
Inishowen Men’s Helpline celebrates its second birthday
“Big boys don’t cry!” “Take your oil!” “Get on with it!” These stereotypes still exist all over Ireland.
“Real men” don’t whine about their physical, mental or emotional problems. They work it out, suck it up and walk it off. As children, boys play a lot of physical games and traditionally didn’t talk about their thoughts and emotions, so they never got much practice in using words to describe their feelings. This inability to name emotions means that men often dismiss problems and hide depression and loneliness through overwork, drinking, anger or withdrawal. Sometimes men don’t even realise they are depressed.
Two years ago a group of local men, some with their own history of mental health problems who had had positive experiences of seeking help, decided to do set up the Inishowen Men’s Helpline. They saw the success of the Inishowen Women’s Outreach Project and felt there was a need for the men of Inishowen to also have support and guidance on personal matters. A spokesman from the helpline explains.
“Society has changed a lot over the past thirty years and men don’t have the same support structures in place that past generations have had. At one time men would meet up in their houses for an evening of chat. These social evenings (a ceilidh) provided a bit of company and an opportunity to meet others and have a bit of craic, but it was also a place where men could talk problems through. There was also far less competitiveness in every day life. If work on the farm became stressful, then the community would get together and help out. It is different now. Television has led to people staying at home and people are busier and more self-sufficient. This leads to greater isolation.”
Isolation is a big problem for many men particularly in rural areas, but there are lots of other difficulties that local men have where they could use a listening ear. Financial difficulties are a major problem for a lot of people at the moment, drinking too much can cause a lot of harm in many areas of your life and often men are worried about health and sexuality issues. Sometimes men, not realising they have a problem, avoid them until they become so big they seem insurmountable.
Inishowen Men’s Helpline (Tel 074 9329300) offers a totally private and confidential listening ear service. With funding from the HSE and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltact Affairs, the Helpline has trained up ten volunteers (including two women as not all the callers feel comfortable talking to another man), for their listening ear service. There is also a trained professional counsellor available. The Helpline also has connections with a network of support services and agencies and if a caller needs specific help, they can refer them on to the best service to meet their specific needs. A spokesman says,
“ Often just putting problems into words can reduce their impact on your life…problems can be put into perspective and resolved.”
The service was officially opened two years ago this month by Daniel O’Donnell and has grown significantly in this time. When they started the phone line was only available on a Wednesday evening and Saturday morning, now the volunteers can offer their impartial and sympathetic support Monday to Friday from 9am to 10pm. Volunteers are always needed to provide the best service available to callers and full training is provided.. So if you are interested in volunteering or you need a sympathetic listening ear, you can call the confidential Helpline on 074 9329300.
Inishowen Men’s Helpline
Free and Confidential Service
Offering support, understanding and information
Available Monday-Friday 9am-10pm
Tel 074 9329300
Inishowen Men’s Helpline celebrates its second birthday
“Big boys don’t cry!” “Take your oil!” “Get on with it!” These stereotypes still exist all over Ireland.
“Real men” don’t whine about their physical, mental or emotional problems. They work it out, suck it up and walk it off. As children, boys play a lot of physical games and traditionally didn’t talk about their thoughts and emotions, so they never got much practice in using words to describe their feelings. This inability to name emotions means that men often dismiss problems and hide depression and loneliness through overwork, drinking, anger or withdrawal. Sometimes men don’t even realise they are depressed.
Two years ago a group of local men, some with their own history of mental health problems who had had positive experiences of seeking help, decided to do set up the Inishowen Men’s Helpline. They saw the success of the Inishowen Women’s Outreach Project and felt there was a need for the men of Inishowen to also have support and guidance on personal matters. A spokesman from the helpline explains.
“Society has changed a lot over the past thirty years and men don’t have the same support structures in place that past generations have had. At one time men would meet up in their houses for an evening of chat. These social evenings (a ceilidh) provided a bit of company and an opportunity to meet others and have a bit of craic, but it was also a place where men could talk problems through. There was also far less competitiveness in every day life. If work on the farm became stressful, then the community would get together and help out. It is different now. Television has led to people staying at home and people are busier and more self-sufficient. This leads to greater isolation.”
Isolation is a big problem for many men particularly in rural areas, but there are lots of other difficulties that local men have where they could use a listening ear. Financial difficulties are a major problem for a lot of people at the moment, drinking too much can cause a lot of harm in many areas of your life and often men are worried about health and sexuality issues. Sometimes men, not realising they have a problem, avoid them until they become so big they seem insurmountable.
Inishowen Men’s Helpline (Tel 074 9329300) offers a totally private and confidential listening ear service. With funding from the HSE and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltact Affairs, the Helpline has trained up ten volunteers (including two women as not all the callers feel comfortable talking to another man), for their listening ear service. There is also a trained professional counsellor available. The Helpline also has connections with a network of support services and agencies and if a caller needs specific help, they can refer them on to the best service to meet their specific needs. A spokesman says,
“ Often just putting problems into words can reduce their impact on your life…problems can be put into perspective and resolved.”
The service was officially opened two years ago this month by Daniel O’Donnell and has grown significantly in this time. When they started the phone line was only available on a Wednesday evening and Saturday morning, now the volunteers can offer their impartial and sympathetic support Monday to Friday from 9am to 10pm. Volunteers are always needed to provide the best service available to callers and full training is provided.. So if you are interested in volunteering or you need a sympathetic listening ear, you can call the confidential Helpline on 074 9329300.
5 MINUTES WITH - MAGRETH MCGILL
Magreth McGill was born in New South Wales, Australia, and married a Derry man who has ties to St Johnson. He convinced Magreth to make the move to Inishowen and she has never looked back. Since arriving in Donegal, Magreth has been busy, setting up her ionised water business venture -Microwater Ltd with her partners Sharon McGilloway and Robbie Henry. Their bottled water, inishOH! can be found around local shops and they also provide a water cooler service to local businesses. Magreth is a great believer in sustainability and not only believes in supplying locally and employing locally but the company also supports local charities with five cent from every bottle going to health and children’s charities. The company are re-building their premises at MicroWater in Burt after a serious fire. Margreth would like to thank all of the people of Burt, who have been extremely supportive and Margreth is very proud to be a part of their community. They hope that MicroWater will be up and running in the very near future.
Magreth had two children. Her 26-year-old son Michael, who she loves dearly, is, in her words “in Australia doing what all young men do” Magreth hopes he will come over for a visit soon and fall in love with Ireland as she has done. Her daughter Helene, was tragically killed in a car accident in 2001. She was 21 years old. As Magreth says “ It isn’t easy to come to terms with, and is still hard even now. I think about her every day, but I have good memories and I try to focus on them.”
What music are you listening to at the moment?
I listen to the radio a lot and enjoy a very varied list of music from Beethoven, The Beatles, Bee Gees, Pink Floyd (especially Dark Side of the Moon) and Santana. I also enjoy Motown and the likes of Diana Ross,
What book are you reading?
The Rise and Rise of Kerry Packer. It’s a biography about the Australian Media Magnate Kerry Packer.
What was your favourite childhood game?
Monopoly. I was good at the buying and selling and collecting rent, even though the friend I played with liked to cheat
Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
Not recently, but the last film I saw was really good, but I can’t remember the name of it!
What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
It’s usually the front page of the local paper to see what is going on in the area.
What would you never throw away?
My record collection and photos.
Most embarrassing moment of your life?
When I met Prime Minister John Howard shortly after he came to power, I said something to him that made everyone including me blush. He had already tried for two previous elections to become Prime Minister and when on the third attempt he was successful, I wanted to let him know that I had been in his corner for a long time….. My words came out “Congratulations John, I’ve been rooting for you for years!”
Favourite TV programme?
Lost, what can I say; I love the way it shifts from past, present and future. You have to watch carefully not to miss any clues, and remember what has happened to understand where it is going. The concept is interesting and futuristic. The actors are a good mix, and you can't help but love them all.
What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I wanted to be a nurse. I always wanted to help people who were not well, for whatever reason. I personally had a childhood illness at age 12, which is maybe what motivated me. I endured 3 months in bed with Hep A and then 2 years of recovery afterwards which was plagued with associated illnesses. When someone is ill they can't help themselves and they don't often have the understanding of what made them sick. I actually did start my nursing career but this was cut short due to things that happened within the hospital that I worked at in Australia, it was a geriatric hospital and some of the nurses were very cruel and hurt the patients, I complained but was told to put up with it. I couldn't agree and was forced to leave. I have always had an interest in the human body and how it works. My father who was a medic during WWII was stationed in Indonesia for five year. As I grew up he was still always interested in health and wellbeing. This must have rubbed off.
Where was your best holiday and what made it special?
The island of Morea in Tahiti. It was glorious. I just rested and enjoyed the time out without the trappings of the shopping trips.
What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
Sharon Osborne – because I think she would be interesting to listen to.
What do you do for a special treat?
Go shopping. I always love buying kitchen things, or hardware and tools for projects. Clothing is only a thing I like to shop for when I have to.
Favourite animal?
My pet Shih Tzu, Miescha.
Biggest thrill?
Rollercoaster at age 16. Never went on another one again…..
Biggest Challenge?
Raising my children.
What was the best present you ever got?
I got a foot spa, which was a thank you from my children for all the running around I did for them.
What was the last thing you bought just for yourself?
I bought myself some New Ugg Boots. Anything to keep my feet warm in this cold weather.
Do you feel the inishOH! water is beneficial to your health?
Yes. After 9 years I still drink only alkaline ionised water and my own health is excellent (for a 51 year old woman). In fact I was recently very ill with carbon monoxide poisoning through my gas fire and blocked chimney, probably the reason for surviving was the water! long story....
What charity do you support?
Cancer Research
The world’s most irritating/most useful invention?
Most Useful must be the Internet. Most irritating, the phone
Favourite past-time?
I love reading and try to sit down with a book as often as I can.
Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
The 1700’s when they knew how to dress well.
What do you have for breakfast?
Something simple like Weetabix or oatmeal porridge.
What was your first paid job?
Packing strawberries in punnets. I did this during school break, for a farmer friend of my fathers - I was paid $1 per hour, which was .50c more per hour than my first real paid job!
Best/worst household chore?
Worst - Cleaning the fireplace…., Best – Cooking and baking. I love experimenting with food. If I get a notion to try a different culture, such as Indian or Italian - I will cook in that style for weeks or months until I can do it without the books, or become an expert. I love to bake cakes and slices.... my present favourite is banana cake and cheesecake.
What is the best/worst piece of advice you have been given?
Best – to believe in myself – Worst – I never listened to the worst advice!
Personal philosophy?
Never burn bridges; you never know when you will need them again.
Magreth had two children. Her 26-year-old son Michael, who she loves dearly, is, in her words “in Australia doing what all young men do” Magreth hopes he will come over for a visit soon and fall in love with Ireland as she has done. Her daughter Helene, was tragically killed in a car accident in 2001. She was 21 years old. As Magreth says “ It isn’t easy to come to terms with, and is still hard even now. I think about her every day, but I have good memories and I try to focus on them.”
What music are you listening to at the moment?
I listen to the radio a lot and enjoy a very varied list of music from Beethoven, The Beatles, Bee Gees, Pink Floyd (especially Dark Side of the Moon) and Santana. I also enjoy Motown and the likes of Diana Ross,
What book are you reading?
The Rise and Rise of Kerry Packer. It’s a biography about the Australian Media Magnate Kerry Packer.
What was your favourite childhood game?
Monopoly. I was good at the buying and selling and collecting rent, even though the friend I played with liked to cheat
Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
Not recently, but the last film I saw was really good, but I can’t remember the name of it!
What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
It’s usually the front page of the local paper to see what is going on in the area.
What would you never throw away?
My record collection and photos.
Most embarrassing moment of your life?
When I met Prime Minister John Howard shortly after he came to power, I said something to him that made everyone including me blush. He had already tried for two previous elections to become Prime Minister and when on the third attempt he was successful, I wanted to let him know that I had been in his corner for a long time….. My words came out “Congratulations John, I’ve been rooting for you for years!”
Favourite TV programme?
Lost, what can I say; I love the way it shifts from past, present and future. You have to watch carefully not to miss any clues, and remember what has happened to understand where it is going. The concept is interesting and futuristic. The actors are a good mix, and you can't help but love them all.
What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I wanted to be a nurse. I always wanted to help people who were not well, for whatever reason. I personally had a childhood illness at age 12, which is maybe what motivated me. I endured 3 months in bed with Hep A and then 2 years of recovery afterwards which was plagued with associated illnesses. When someone is ill they can't help themselves and they don't often have the understanding of what made them sick. I actually did start my nursing career but this was cut short due to things that happened within the hospital that I worked at in Australia, it was a geriatric hospital and some of the nurses were very cruel and hurt the patients, I complained but was told to put up with it. I couldn't agree and was forced to leave. I have always had an interest in the human body and how it works. My father who was a medic during WWII was stationed in Indonesia for five year. As I grew up he was still always interested in health and wellbeing. This must have rubbed off.
Where was your best holiday and what made it special?
The island of Morea in Tahiti. It was glorious. I just rested and enjoyed the time out without the trappings of the shopping trips.
What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
Sharon Osborne – because I think she would be interesting to listen to.
What do you do for a special treat?
Go shopping. I always love buying kitchen things, or hardware and tools for projects. Clothing is only a thing I like to shop for when I have to.
Favourite animal?
My pet Shih Tzu, Miescha.
Biggest thrill?
Rollercoaster at age 16. Never went on another one again…..
Biggest Challenge?
Raising my children.
What was the best present you ever got?
I got a foot spa, which was a thank you from my children for all the running around I did for them.
What was the last thing you bought just for yourself?
I bought myself some New Ugg Boots. Anything to keep my feet warm in this cold weather.
Do you feel the inishOH! water is beneficial to your health?
Yes. After 9 years I still drink only alkaline ionised water and my own health is excellent (for a 51 year old woman). In fact I was recently very ill with carbon monoxide poisoning through my gas fire and blocked chimney, probably the reason for surviving was the water! long story....
What charity do you support?
Cancer Research
The world’s most irritating/most useful invention?
Most Useful must be the Internet. Most irritating, the phone
Favourite past-time?
I love reading and try to sit down with a book as often as I can.
Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
The 1700’s when they knew how to dress well.
What do you have for breakfast?
Something simple like Weetabix or oatmeal porridge.
What was your first paid job?
Packing strawberries in punnets. I did this during school break, for a farmer friend of my fathers - I was paid $1 per hour, which was .50c more per hour than my first real paid job!
Best/worst household chore?
Worst - Cleaning the fireplace…., Best – Cooking and baking. I love experimenting with food. If I get a notion to try a different culture, such as Indian or Italian - I will cook in that style for weeks or months until I can do it without the books, or become an expert. I love to bake cakes and slices.... my present favourite is banana cake and cheesecake.
What is the best/worst piece of advice you have been given?
Best – to believe in myself – Worst – I never listened to the worst advice!
Personal philosophy?
Never burn bridges; you never know when you will need them again.
HOME SECURITY
You will be amazed at the replacement costs of your household goods, that’s why a good contents home insurance policy is a good idea.
Simple measures including alarm systems, better locks and adequate lighting can deter potential thieves.
Alarms systems act as a good deterrent, and can be a psychological obstacle for potential thieves.
If you are on holiday, make sure that someone picks up your post and newspapers and cancel all milk deliveries.
Make your valuables easily identifiable by marking them in some unique way.
Securing Your Home
With the spate of local break-ins around the peninsula, it has made us more aware of how we secure our own homes and property. We are used to feeling safe in this corner of Ireland, and maybe we can be a bit lax about locking doors. It is wise to take security measures and protect your home as burglary can happen at anytime and during any season of the year. Securing your home from intruders can begin with some obvious yet often overlooked security measures. Doors and windows provide immediate access to your property but are not the only ways that your home might be unsafe. Simple measures including alarm systems, better locks and adequate lighting can deter potential thieves.
Simple measures including alarm systems, better locks and adequate lighting can deter potential thieves.
Alarms systems act as a good deterrent, and can be a psychological obstacle for potential thieves.
If you are on holiday, make sure that someone picks up your post and newspapers and cancel all milk deliveries.
Make your valuables easily identifiable by marking them in some unique way.
Securing Your Home
With the spate of local break-ins around the peninsula, it has made us more aware of how we secure our own homes and property. We are used to feeling safe in this corner of Ireland, and maybe we can be a bit lax about locking doors. It is wise to take security measures and protect your home as burglary can happen at anytime and during any season of the year. Securing your home from intruders can begin with some obvious yet often overlooked security measures. Doors and windows provide immediate access to your property but are not the only ways that your home might be unsafe. Simple measures including alarm systems, better locks and adequate lighting can deter potential thieves.
Windows and doors
Thieves are opportunistic and will be able to identify easily accessible properties. The first thing you should do is check your windows and door locks. If your windows are old, they may not be able to lock properly. You may want to consider investing in new replacement windows that lock securely. It is also a good idea to install windows with catches that prevent people from opening them more than a few inches. With new windows, you will also be able to enjoy the benefits of greater energy efficiency, which can save you a great deal of money.
Get connected
Alarms systems act as a good deterrent, and can be a psychological obstacle for potential thieves. It's a good idea to have an alarm that is actually connected to a security response unit so that the security firm or guards will respond to the signal and check that your property is secure.
Cancel the milk
There are other more obvious ways to make sure that your home is secure. Opportunistic thieves are always on the look out for properties that appear to be vacant. Your home should look occupied at all times even if it is not. If you are on holiday, make sure that someone picks up your post and newspapers and cancel all milk deliveries. These are obvious signs that the house is empty and an open invitation to thieves. You should also get a friend or neighbour to turn lights on and off while your away or alternatively install a lighting timer. It is also a good idea to leave a car in the driveway at all times.
In the garden
It’s not just the house that needs protecting. The garden is also a place for theives. Garden tools and features are expensive so they need securing. Try not to leave equipment out in the garden when you are not there to keep an eye on it. A badly maintained garden could also be an idicator of an empty house.
Here are some suggestions on ways to make your more secure:
Get a professional to install a burglar alarm.
Outdoor lighting with sensors can act as a good deterrent in that the light switches on when someone approaches your home. You should also have an outside light at the front and back door that enables you to identify callers in the dark.
Leave lights on in interior rooms. It is not enough to simply leave the landing lighting on as thieves will spot this. You can install a timer to switch lights on and off at specified time intervals to make it appear that there are people in the property. It’s also a good idea to leave the radio on.
Keep a car in the driveway when you are on holidays.
It is a good idea to fix a door chain to your front door.
Install strong locks on windows and doors. Multiple locking mechanisms are also a good idea from a security perspective. You may need to get some advice here in terms of breaches of fire regulations. While you want to keep intruders out, you still need to be able to get out of the building in the case of a fire.
Double glazing. Laminated glass is better than toughened because it stays in place when it’s smashed. The safest double glazing has bolts that shoot in to the frame for extra security.
Secure your patio doors. Patio doors are common point of access for intruders so make sure these are secure. .
Use of gravel on your driveway or pathways to your property can act as a deterrent to burglars. Always keep hedges and shrubbery well clipped as they can act as a hiding place.
Dogs act as a great deterrent. While security is not a good enough reason to get a dog, if you actually like dogs it is always an option.
Don’t leave any valuables such as cash or jewellery lying around or hidden in obvious places. Make sure they are securely stored
When you buy new appliances such as a flat screen TV, dispose of the packaging carefully. Don’t leave the box outside your house.
You should also give a spare key to a trusted neighbour rather than “hiding” it under the doormat or a potted plant in the garden. Never leave a spare key concealed anywhere near the front door - burglars know all the hiding places
Protecting your belongingsIf you were unfortunate enough to have had your property burgled in the past, you will be aware of the difficulties in identifying what has been stolen and then proving this. There are a few key ways to protect your belongings.
Make your valuables easily identifiable by marking them in some unique way.
Take photographs and make a record of all valuables and their corresponding unique markings. These should then be secured away with a friend or family member in a different property as you don't want the burglars stealing your records too. This is particularly important for valuables such as jewellery or collectables such as art pieces.
House Insurance
Don’t forget having your home insured does mean that if you are robbed then at least you will not be out of pocket. For peace of mind, make sure your insurance is up to date or if you don’t have insurance it is a good time to look into opening a policy. It’s amazing when you look around the house, just how expensive it would be to replace everything if it suddenly went missing…...
Saturday, 7 February 2009
WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 43
Gandhi’s shoe
Mohandas [Mahatma] Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948), the great Indian statesman and spiritual leader is noted for his unusual humanity and selflessness, which this story epitomises. One time, during his travels throughout India, Gandhi was waiting at a train station with a number of his companions and followers. When the train arrived, Gandhi moved forward to board, and as he raised his foot to get on, his shoe slipped from his foot and disappeared in the gap between the train and platform. He looked down and realised he would be unable to retrieve it, so he took off his other shoe and threw it down by the first. His companions were very puzzled.
“What are you doing Mahatma?” they asked. “Well, if a poor person finds a single shoe than they are no better off” Gandhi explained. “What's really helpful is if they find a pair.”
Mohandas [Mahatma] Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948), the great Indian statesman and spiritual leader is noted for his unusual humanity and selflessness, which this story epitomises. One time, during his travels throughout India, Gandhi was waiting at a train station with a number of his companions and followers. When the train arrived, Gandhi moved forward to board, and as he raised his foot to get on, his shoe slipped from his foot and disappeared in the gap between the train and platform. He looked down and realised he would be unable to retrieve it, so he took off his other shoe and threw it down by the first. His companions were very puzzled.
“What are you doing Mahatma?” they asked. “Well, if a poor person finds a single shoe than they are no better off” Gandhi explained. “What's really helpful is if they find a pair.”
CARNDONAGH LIVESTOCK MART - 50 YEARS
On Monday the 2nd of February 2009 the Carndonagh Livestock Mart celebrated their 50th Anniversary. The late P. J. McCarroll, (Jim to those who knew him,) was the local vet who came up with the idea to set up the Mart in 1958. The basis for the mart was that it would be based on co-operative ideals, run by farmers, for farmers, with everyone owning a share of the business. Seven men were elected on to the committee at the initial meeting in Canny’s Hotel on the 15th of July 1958. These They were P.J McCarroll, Chairman, Carndonagh, George Doherty, N.T., Culdaff, Stephen Butler Jr, Carndonagh, James McLaughlin, Muff, Charles Scott, Tulnaree, Michael Deery, Malin, Angus Mills, Culdaff and P.J. O’Doherty, Secretary, Carndonagh.
THE COW PARK
In order to raise the funds for a building the committee decided to sell shares valued at £2 each to local farmers and businessmen. The contract for the erection of the Mart went to the McLaughlin Brothers (The Masons) from Carndonagh, and cost £3,370. Construction was underway in late summer 1958 on the site off of the Main Street in an area known as “The Cow Park”. The new building had room for 250 head of cattle with room for expansion.
OFFICIAL OPENING
The official opening of the Mart took place on the 29th of January 1959 and was performed by Mrs A. Mills from Culdaff, who was the president of the Inishowen Agricultural Society at the time. The Rev. H.A. Weedon, the Rector in Carndonagh spoke at the event, saying, “Let us all, regardless of class or creed, take an interest in it (the Mart). Do not let us say, I am not a farmer and it does not interest me. It does, because farming is vital to this country. It is one of its vital industries.”
The Reverend Weedon also acknowledged the initiative and spirit of the enterprise, in a world where it was fashionable to leave such matters to the state. He praise the committee for taking matters into their own hands and setting up the Mart, commending the local community, saying that Donegal was the “vanguard of progress.”
THE FIRST SALE
The first sale of cattle was held at the Mart on February 2nd 1959 and attracted a lot of interest. Buyers flocked from Derry, Tyrone, Donegal and Sligo. The cattle entries reached a capacity of 216 and included good Aberdeen Agnus crosses, crossbreds, quality springers and finished cattle. Jim McCarroll Sr’s big worry was that no one would turn up for the day with their cattle. But he needn’t have worried as it was a case of “If you build it they will come.”
THE LATEST SALE
The sale on Monday last (February 2nd), began under Campbell Rankin, Muff’s auctioneer, who sold the very first cow at the mart, fifty years ago to the day. Also in attendance were Pat Temple, (who bought the first animal) and Gerard McMonagle, Mart manager for over thirty years. Jim Carroll Jr. (P.J.’s son) opened the day’s celebration speaking of his father’s original dream. Robert Creary, a former mart worker also spoke of how the farmer’s reacted to this new modern method of showing and selling animals.
Comparisons between the first Livestock sale and the 50th sale
2nd of February 1959
Number of animals sold on the day = 216
Cows
The first Cow of Sale sold for £21 and 6 shillings, weighing in at 9.5 cwt. The buyer was Pat Temple.
The top price for a springing cow was £76 sold by Charlie Scott.
Bullocks
Four prime bullocks were sold for prices ranging from £7 and 1 shilling to £7 and 5shillings per cwt and sold by John McColgan, from Corvish, Carndonagh.
Heifer
Robert McEldowney form Glack, Culdaff was a well-known breeder and sold 5 Heifers for the impressive price of £48 and 10 shillings each.
2nd February 2009
Number of animals sold on the day = 263
One difference to note first is that the weights have changed from cwt and pounds to kg and euro…
Cows
The top price paid for a cow and calf was €1710 sold by Martin Doherty to Patrick Houghton.
The top price paid for a fat cow weighing 928kg was sold for €1490 by Irwin McCandless to William Scott.
Bullocks
A prime bullock weighing 706 kg was sold by Seamus Breslin to Thomas Wachope for €1240.
Heifer
The first heifer was sold to Jim McLaughlin for €1330 by Michael McGonagle.
OLD AND NEW
The Mart brought real benefits to farmers and the town of Carndonagh from its very first days of trading. The old system of trading cattle revolved around dealers calling to a farm, or haggling over the price of an animal on Fair Day. Farmers were not aware of the true value of their animals, as they were selling in an isolated and fragmented market. Some traditional dealers were initially very opposed to the idea of a Mart and thought it was destined to fail. The dealers were still offering tempting prices to the farmers as they walked their animals to the Mart, but farmers declined and decided to take their chances in the ring.
The big plus of the auction market system was that cattle were weighed for the first time and the price paid was according to their weight and quality of the animal. Farmers were also able to compare each other’s animals to assess their quality. The Mart day is still held on a Monday, as it was back in 1959 and still acts as a social occasion, but not quite in the way that it did in the early days.
Initially when the mart began it was the norm to have a farm worker who spent the day in the auction. His wife would often accompany him. Here they would meet friends, chat and hear local gossip, and usually end up in one of the local pubs. Nowadays the pace of life is faster and because a lot of farmers have no staff, they tend to go to the market, sell or buy, and go back to their farms quickly. The buzz of excitement is still there on the day of sale though even if it isn’t quite as long as it was.
MILESTONES IN THE CO-OP
Due to the level of demand and a growing population, the Carndonagh Livestock Mart has expanded over the years. Additional pens were added in 1967 (at a cost of £5,575). By this time the Mart was also selling sheep. In 1968 the Inishowen Farmers Co-Op and the Clonleigh Co-Op established a feed mill in a joint venture. Share prices rose to £5 each and a piggery unit was opened in 1972. In 1974 a special meeting was held to amalgamate the three local Co-Op’s; the Mart, Stores and Piggery. In 1975 these three Co-Op’s were put under the management of Donal Noone with the title of The Inishowen Co-operative Society Ltd. The agricultural co-operatives established in both Moville and Buncrana in 1919 were amalgamated with the Inishowen Co-Op in Carndonagh, retaining stores on both towns, where they are still flourishing and offering a unique service to the local agricultural industry.
Many memorable sales have taken place over the year. One that stands out was in 1961 when a record 360 cattle were sold well into the night. Several sales lasted until 5 am the following morning, including one in November 1983 when 1200 cattle were auctioned. In the early years the workers would head into Canny’s Hotel for dinner at two or three in the morning and were met as though it was the middle of the day.
CHANGING NEEDS
The Mart has been catering for the needs of farmers around Inishowen through a lot of changes in the industry, not to mention an attempted raid on the takings in the 1960’s. Neil Faulkner and Benny Doherty saved the day when they were attacked by two raiders on their way to lodge the takings. They heroically fought the raiders off, saving the loss of thousands of pounds.
The Mart has moved with the times and the present day cattle auction system is a lot faster and more efficient than it was. The system in place at the moment frees farmers up so they don’t even have to go to the Mart to sell their cattle, as they can be sold directly to abattoirs from the Co-op. The industry is also far more heavily regulated by the Department of Agriculture who’s job it is to ensure Ireland's high status in relation to animal health and welfare. This is of critical importance given the economic and social importance of agriculture to the country. Health and safety for farming practices has been greatly improved, as has the prevention of diseases. All cattle are now totally traceable back to the farmer, which ensures the trust of customers who buy the meat in Ireland and Europe.
PROUD
From small beginnings back in 1959, to a turnover of millions, the Carndonagh Co-operative founder members would surely be proud of its success over the years and the current committee and staff are looking forward to many more years of successful trading and being the backbone of a whole community that is feeding the nation. Last weeks turn out at the Mart tells us that it is as popular and vital as ever to the community.
5 MINUTES WITH - CLARE BARR
Clare Barr from Buncrana is an enthusiastic Pilates Instructor. Fourteen years ago, Clare did a Health and Fitness course in Dublin and began to teach aerobics. Seven years later, she discovered Pilates, and found it a brilliant and beneficial exercise.
Pilates works on many levels, improving breathing and posture, strengthening core muscles and keeping the body balanced. When you are born the body is straight and aligned but as the years go by the body’s posture changes because of injuries and general use. Pilates is a simple way of exercising and you don’t realise that you are getting so many benefits from the classes. Clare feels very lucky that Buncrana has two leisure centres and a health centre with a wide selection of classes available. She also feels with all the wonderful walks and beautiful hills to climb all over Inishowen, as well as the other facilities available, we have no excuse for not getting out there and doing some form of exercise. Clare is running courses in both Buncrana and Carndonagh regularly and if you want to find out more you can call her on 074 9362723
What music are you listening to at the moment?
I listen to anything from Abba to ZZ Top. As long as it’s good….
What book are you reading?
I devour books and make great use of the local library in Buncrana. I read between 4 and 5 books a month. I have just finished ‘The Brass Verdict’ by Michael Connelly and have stared ‘The Bodies Left Behind’ by Jeffery Deaver.
What was your favourite childhood game?
My childhood memories were of us always being outside playing form morning until night. The weather was never an issue. I enjoyed it all but the best had to be when we went to the beach in the summer catching shrimps at the springboard on the shorefront and building sandcastles in the Ladies Bay.
Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
Going to the cinema is a favourite midweek treat for me. The last film I saw was Australia. I thought it was fantastic. It’s a very uplifting film with Nicole Kidman as strong as ever.
What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I always read the front page first – start at the beginning, as they say.
What would you never throw away?
Photographs of my family.
Most embarrassing moment of your life?
I had never tried Karaoke before, but one evening while on holiday in Tenerife (after a little Dutch courage) I started singing a Tina Turner song, helped by my 8 year old daughter. It was a disaster and the more we sang, the worse we got…
Favourite TV programme?
I am a huge fan of Inspector Morse, 24, A Touch of Frost and most thrillers. I love listening to the music channels whilst doing the housework.
What job did you want to do when you were a child?
A ballet dancer for a while and then a member of Pans People (the dancers on Top of the Pops)!
Where was your best holiday and what made it special?
Our family holiday in Disney World, a few years ago now. Seeing the expressions on the faces of my children, Sean, Michael and Kate, when they encountered the world of getting their picture taken with Mickey and Minnie mouse. Or was it driving through California in a big white Cadillac?
What do you do for a special treat?
Get dressed up (love that) go to the Beach House on the pier in Buncrana or The Tavern for a meal and finish the night in the Drift Inn listening to the Mystery Shoppers or enjoying (listening to) the Karaoke… I definitely won’t be singing….
Favourite animal?
We have always had dogs in our family since I was a child. I love them. I think it’s healthy for children to get used to dogs – caring for them and feeding them.
Biggest thrill?
It has to be the birth of my children. Sean, Michael and Kate. My grandchildren Brionan, James and wee baby Belle. Also having my wonderful husband Brian and my lovely daughter-in-law Hilary. As you get older you realise how important your family is.
Biggest Challenge?
About 5 years ago I had severe arthritis in my hip and I needed a replacement operation. My hip had originally been dislocated when I was born. At the time I thought I would never be able to exercise again – never mind teach. I really thought I would have to change career again and give up something that I loved. But the operation was a complete success and less than five months after the operation I was teaching again.
What was the best present you ever got?
On the morning of my 50th birthday I was whisked off to Nice for a surprise holiday. It was kept secret right until the last minute.
What was the last thing you bought just for yourself?
A dress for €15 euro in the sale in Jay Bee’s of Carndonagh – I love a bargain!
What charities do you support?
The St Vincent de Paul and Concern.
Favourite past-time?
Exercising, walking, reading and dancing.
What do you have for breakfast?
Fresh fruit, tea and brown bread with marmalade.
What was your first paid job?
Working for my father in the Plaza Ballroom in Buncrana. My sisters and I always had to work from an early age and it didn’t do us any harm at all even though we might not have liked it much at the time.
Best/worst household chore?
The best would be cooking and the worst would be cleaning windows.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Live each day to the full.
Personal philosophy?
Treat others as you would like to be treated.
Pilates works on many levels, improving breathing and posture, strengthening core muscles and keeping the body balanced. When you are born the body is straight and aligned but as the years go by the body’s posture changes because of injuries and general use. Pilates is a simple way of exercising and you don’t realise that you are getting so many benefits from the classes. Clare feels very lucky that Buncrana has two leisure centres and a health centre with a wide selection of classes available. She also feels with all the wonderful walks and beautiful hills to climb all over Inishowen, as well as the other facilities available, we have no excuse for not getting out there and doing some form of exercise. Clare is running courses in both Buncrana and Carndonagh regularly and if you want to find out more you can call her on 074 9362723
What music are you listening to at the moment?
I listen to anything from Abba to ZZ Top. As long as it’s good….
What book are you reading?
I devour books and make great use of the local library in Buncrana. I read between 4 and 5 books a month. I have just finished ‘The Brass Verdict’ by Michael Connelly and have stared ‘The Bodies Left Behind’ by Jeffery Deaver.
What was your favourite childhood game?
My childhood memories were of us always being outside playing form morning until night. The weather was never an issue. I enjoyed it all but the best had to be when we went to the beach in the summer catching shrimps at the springboard on the shorefront and building sandcastles in the Ladies Bay.
Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
Going to the cinema is a favourite midweek treat for me. The last film I saw was Australia. I thought it was fantastic. It’s a very uplifting film with Nicole Kidman as strong as ever.
What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I always read the front page first – start at the beginning, as they say.
What would you never throw away?
Photographs of my family.
Most embarrassing moment of your life?
I had never tried Karaoke before, but one evening while on holiday in Tenerife (after a little Dutch courage) I started singing a Tina Turner song, helped by my 8 year old daughter. It was a disaster and the more we sang, the worse we got…
Favourite TV programme?
I am a huge fan of Inspector Morse, 24, A Touch of Frost and most thrillers. I love listening to the music channels whilst doing the housework.
What job did you want to do when you were a child?
A ballet dancer for a while and then a member of Pans People (the dancers on Top of the Pops)!
Where was your best holiday and what made it special?
Our family holiday in Disney World, a few years ago now. Seeing the expressions on the faces of my children, Sean, Michael and Kate, when they encountered the world of getting their picture taken with Mickey and Minnie mouse. Or was it driving through California in a big white Cadillac?
What do you do for a special treat?
Get dressed up (love that) go to the Beach House on the pier in Buncrana or The Tavern for a meal and finish the night in the Drift Inn listening to the Mystery Shoppers or enjoying (listening to) the Karaoke… I definitely won’t be singing….
Favourite animal?
We have always had dogs in our family since I was a child. I love them. I think it’s healthy for children to get used to dogs – caring for them and feeding them.
Biggest thrill?
It has to be the birth of my children. Sean, Michael and Kate. My grandchildren Brionan, James and wee baby Belle. Also having my wonderful husband Brian and my lovely daughter-in-law Hilary. As you get older you realise how important your family is.
Biggest Challenge?
About 5 years ago I had severe arthritis in my hip and I needed a replacement operation. My hip had originally been dislocated when I was born. At the time I thought I would never be able to exercise again – never mind teach. I really thought I would have to change career again and give up something that I loved. But the operation was a complete success and less than five months after the operation I was teaching again.
What was the best present you ever got?
On the morning of my 50th birthday I was whisked off to Nice for a surprise holiday. It was kept secret right until the last minute.
What was the last thing you bought just for yourself?
A dress for €15 euro in the sale in Jay Bee’s of Carndonagh – I love a bargain!
What charities do you support?
The St Vincent de Paul and Concern.
Favourite past-time?
Exercising, walking, reading and dancing.
What do you have for breakfast?
Fresh fruit, tea and brown bread with marmalade.
What was your first paid job?
Working for my father in the Plaza Ballroom in Buncrana. My sisters and I always had to work from an early age and it didn’t do us any harm at all even though we might not have liked it much at the time.
Best/worst household chore?
The best would be cooking and the worst would be cleaning windows.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Live each day to the full.
Personal philosophy?
Treat others as you would like to be treated.
DANCING THE JIVE
Dance away those winter blues with Danny Mulhern’s jive classes. Dancing is a fabulous way of keeping fit and having fun and these sessions are a great way to socialise and have a bit of craic too. Dancing is becoming more and more popular with both men and women and all ages can enjoy it. Danny Mulhern’s passion for dance is well known throughout the peninsula and he is looking forward to sharing this with Inishowen. “You don’t have to be an experienced dancer to come to these classes, or even have a partner” Danny explains, “Any-body can do it. Complete beginners are usually jiving away within two weeks.”
Danny has been dancing since he was thirteen and absolutely loves it. “It is one of the most underrated activities and it has so many benefits.” He declares. “You can express yourself through dance which builds confidence and regular classes also improve energy levels. What’s more, dancing is great for releasing stress, it can help you lose weight, it improves all round fitness and creates the feel good factor,” he continues.
Danny keeps up with all the current trends in dance by regularly attending national seminars and workshops and is well qualified to share his expertise.
Classes are taking place in the Plaza in Buncrana on Mondays (8pm) at the Market House in Clonmany on Tuesdays (8pm) and in Foody’s Lodge in Quigleys Point (to be confimed) (7.30pm). With Classes only €6 and discounts for group bookings, this is great news in this day and age when we are all looking for an inexpensive way to combine socialising, fitness, fun and feeling good!
For more detail you can contact Danny on: 086 8837806
Danny has been dancing since he was thirteen and absolutely loves it. “It is one of the most underrated activities and it has so many benefits.” He declares. “You can express yourself through dance which builds confidence and regular classes also improve energy levels. What’s more, dancing is great for releasing stress, it can help you lose weight, it improves all round fitness and creates the feel good factor,” he continues.
Danny keeps up with all the current trends in dance by regularly attending national seminars and workshops and is well qualified to share his expertise.
Classes are taking place in the Plaza in Buncrana on Mondays (8pm) at the Market House in Clonmany on Tuesdays (8pm) and in Foody’s Lodge in Quigleys Point (to be confimed) (7.30pm). With Classes only €6 and discounts for group bookings, this is great news in this day and age when we are all looking for an inexpensive way to combine socialising, fitness, fun and feeling good!
For more detail you can contact Danny on: 086 8837806
DON'T DESPAIR - REPAIR
Use it up, wear it out and make it do. It is how our grandparents survived and with the economy going downhill and the recession taking its toll, we all have to tighten our belts and start practising to live more carefully. It is time to add a new R to the ‘Reduce, Re-use and Recycle’ motto - nowadays intelligent consumers also need to Repair.
In the boom times our culture moved into ‘buy cheap and throw away’, maybe because our parents had known difficult times in the past. As cheaply priced (and cheaply made) goods flooded the shops, it made more sense to buy a new toaster rather than fix the old one, to get a new coat rather than sew up the torn one.
Now, as we need to practise new ways to budget, it is time to shift our mentality again and start thinking about mending and repairing items instead of throwing them away. Learning some DIY in sewing, car repairs and gardening is a start and using local businesses for more tricky jobs supports your friends and neighbours and keeps money moving in the local economy. Spending a bit of time and effort on re-vamping an old piece of furniture can be satisfying as well as cost-effective. Getting your favourite boots resoled and re-heeled is cheap in comparison to buying new shoes and spending a bit of time with some cleaning products and a needle can tidy up a much-loved dress.
If you haven’t got the necessary skills there are numerous electricians, plumbers, cleaners, carpenters, cobblers and other experts in Inishowen who are just waiting to help you by getting your belongings into a good state of repair. Not only will you save money, you will also save yourself the misery of trying to find a suitable replacement for your favorite piece of clothing or home decor!
Plumbing Repairs
Plumbing is one of those jobs where if you don’t know what you are doing it really is best to call in an expert. One local Inishowen man recently tried to fix the seal between his toilet and the floor himself and ended up with his toilet bowl in two pieces. Local plumber, Kevin Callaghan is the man to call on 086 4060594 if you need any plumbing jobs doing around the house. Preventative maintenance and small jobs are important to keep a house in good order. A single constant drip of water coming from a corroded pipe in through the roof will eventually do so much damage that the whole ceiling might need replacing. Pipe work needs to be checked often, especially in this cold weather. Leaking toilets can waste a lot of water. Kevin can repair your cylinders and boilers quickly and efficiently as well as installing taps, toilets, wash hand basins and even the kitchen sink.
The Shower Man
Having showers instead of a bath saves heating costs as well as time. A short shower in the morning can wake you up and get you ready to face the day. If your shower starts to play up, it is cost-effective to get it fixed asap. The Shower Man will respond quickly to your call, usually fixing your shower in one visit. Under the leadership of Brian Gillespie, The Shower Man has a well-earned reputation for reliability and professional excellence. So if your mains pressure is poor, you need to replace a unit or your storage tank needs cleaning then call in The Shower Man. As approved service agent for the most popular bathroom makes, they will soon sort you out.
CLAIMS4U
If your property or belongings have been damaged by fire, oil leaks,chimney fire,burst pipes, or for any other reason, you might have to put in an insurance claim. Claims4U are a professional loss assessor, who will make your home insurance claims easy. Totally independent from the insurance companies, Claims4U can assess the cost of repairing the damage and replacing your property. They also negotiate with the insurance company for you, taking all the stress out of the process and helping you get the best settlement deals available.
In the boom times our culture moved into ‘buy cheap and throw away’, maybe because our parents had known difficult times in the past. As cheaply priced (and cheaply made) goods flooded the shops, it made more sense to buy a new toaster rather than fix the old one, to get a new coat rather than sew up the torn one.
Now, as we need to practise new ways to budget, it is time to shift our mentality again and start thinking about mending and repairing items instead of throwing them away. Learning some DIY in sewing, car repairs and gardening is a start and using local businesses for more tricky jobs supports your friends and neighbours and keeps money moving in the local economy. Spending a bit of time and effort on re-vamping an old piece of furniture can be satisfying as well as cost-effective. Getting your favourite boots resoled and re-heeled is cheap in comparison to buying new shoes and spending a bit of time with some cleaning products and a needle can tidy up a much-loved dress.
If you haven’t got the necessary skills there are numerous electricians, plumbers, cleaners, carpenters, cobblers and other experts in Inishowen who are just waiting to help you by getting your belongings into a good state of repair. Not only will you save money, you will also save yourself the misery of trying to find a suitable replacement for your favorite piece of clothing or home decor!
Plumbing Repairs
Plumbing is one of those jobs where if you don’t know what you are doing it really is best to call in an expert. One local Inishowen man recently tried to fix the seal between his toilet and the floor himself and ended up with his toilet bowl in two pieces. Local plumber, Kevin Callaghan is the man to call on 086 4060594 if you need any plumbing jobs doing around the house. Preventative maintenance and small jobs are important to keep a house in good order. A single constant drip of water coming from a corroded pipe in through the roof will eventually do so much damage that the whole ceiling might need replacing. Pipe work needs to be checked often, especially in this cold weather. Leaking toilets can waste a lot of water. Kevin can repair your cylinders and boilers quickly and efficiently as well as installing taps, toilets, wash hand basins and even the kitchen sink.
The Shower Man
Having showers instead of a bath saves heating costs as well as time. A short shower in the morning can wake you up and get you ready to face the day. If your shower starts to play up, it is cost-effective to get it fixed asap. The Shower Man will respond quickly to your call, usually fixing your shower in one visit. Under the leadership of Brian Gillespie, The Shower Man has a well-earned reputation for reliability and professional excellence. So if your mains pressure is poor, you need to replace a unit or your storage tank needs cleaning then call in The Shower Man. As approved service agent for the most popular bathroom makes, they will soon sort you out.
CLAIMS4U
If your property or belongings have been damaged by fire, oil leaks,chimney fire,burst pipes, or for any other reason, you might have to put in an insurance claim. Claims4U are a professional loss assessor, who will make your home insurance claims easy. Totally independent from the insurance companies, Claims4U can assess the cost of repairing the damage and replacing your property. They also negotiate with the insurance company for you, taking all the stress out of the process and helping you get the best settlement deals available.
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