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.

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.

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

"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.

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.

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.

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…...