Misty morning on the SwillyTuesday, 11 December 2007
ME AND MY MOTOR-NIALL AND TANYA MCDAID
Niall and Tanya McDaid live in Drumfies near Clonmany. They have a real Christmas Cracker of a car for us to look at this week- a 2001 Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDi with 130bhp. Tanya generally drives the car and loves the ample legroom and sturdy build quality. Niall delves more into the technical specifications pointing out that the car is the Sports model and boasts a whole load of extras that are only available on mainland UK cars.
How long have you had the car?
Four years now. Before the Passat we had a Volkswagen Golf. We were very happy with the Golf; they have a very safe and solid feel to them. So much so we decided to stick with the same manufacturer.
Any plans to change?
Yes. We have decided to part company with the car and it is up for sale. We are still going to be driving a Passat but a newer model. If anyone is interested in a well looked after, low mileage car then check out the Car Buyers Guides website (http://www.cbg.ie/.) It has all of the technical specifications listed. (Or you can ring Niall on 087 6645203)
Is it reliable?
It has been very reliable. We have had it serviced at regular intervals. In fact with this car you can’t go over the servicing time because the onboard computer keeps beeping to remind you to book it into the garage!
Best thing about the car?
Tanya: The big boot is fantastic. Amongst other things, I am an Avon representative and I find the space in the car ideal to fit in all of the products I deliver to customers. The six gears are very good for fuel economy and I like the sensor windscreen wipers that come on automatically when it rains. I also think that the air conditioning is great in summer. Did I mention the sensor in the rear view mirror that dims instantly when headlights shine into them!?
Niall: For me the best thing is the on board computer. It puts your mind at rest knowing that if there are any problems with the car you will find out about it instantly.
How often do you wash it?
It gets a wash every week (or so). I think a pressure washer is better for the paint as it cuts down on abrasive scratches.
What would you do to help motorists given the chance?
Does anyone mention VRT!? Reducing the tax on buying cars from the UK and re-registering them would be a start. It will get worse when the new CO2 levy comes in as well. The tax is too steep for cars with large engines and could be reduced.
What would you really like to be driving around in?
Tanya: I would love to be driven around in a black Limo!
Niall: I would like to be driving around in something that would be exempt from paying the new car parking charges that have been introduced in Buncrana. Maybe not really because that would probably mean a pedal bike!!
How long have you had the car?
Four years now. Before the Passat we had a Volkswagen Golf. We were very happy with the Golf; they have a very safe and solid feel to them. So much so we decided to stick with the same manufacturer.
Any plans to change?
Yes. We have decided to part company with the car and it is up for sale. We are still going to be driving a Passat but a newer model. If anyone is interested in a well looked after, low mileage car then check out the Car Buyers Guides website (http://www.cbg.ie/.) It has all of the technical specifications listed. (Or you can ring Niall on 087 6645203)
Is it reliable?
It has been very reliable. We have had it serviced at regular intervals. In fact with this car you can’t go over the servicing time because the onboard computer keeps beeping to remind you to book it into the garage!
Best thing about the car?
Tanya: The big boot is fantastic. Amongst other things, I am an Avon representative and I find the space in the car ideal to fit in all of the products I deliver to customers. The six gears are very good for fuel economy and I like the sensor windscreen wipers that come on automatically when it rains. I also think that the air conditioning is great in summer. Did I mention the sensor in the rear view mirror that dims instantly when headlights shine into them!?
Niall: For me the best thing is the on board computer. It puts your mind at rest knowing that if there are any problems with the car you will find out about it instantly.
How often do you wash it?
It gets a wash every week (or so). I think a pressure washer is better for the paint as it cuts down on abrasive scratches.
What would you do to help motorists given the chance?
Does anyone mention VRT!? Reducing the tax on buying cars from the UK and re-registering them would be a start. It will get worse when the new CO2 levy comes in as well. The tax is too steep for cars with large engines and could be reduced.
What would you really like to be driving around in?
Tanya: I would love to be driven around in a black Limo!
Niall: I would like to be driving around in something that would be exempt from paying the new car parking charges that have been introduced in Buncrana. Maybe not really because that would probably mean a pedal bike!!
Monday, 10 December 2007
BUTTERFLIES IN SWAN PARK
SWAN PARK
If you go down to Swan Park today, you are sure of a big surprise. There are some colourful additions to the fabulous butterfly garden in the shape of a giant painted butterfly and bumble bee for you to stick your head in and have a photograph taken. George and Cyril, Buncrana’s two hard working town gardeners have also added plenty of information about the types of butterflies that inhabit the park, so it is well worth a visit.
Swan Park is steeped in history and is a major attraction with tourists who walk to see the river and riverside walk and coastal walk as well as the the Keep, which is thought to have originally been a 14th century Norman castle. The river is home to some large salmon too and the local fisherman have had a bumper catch recently with all of the rain we have had.
BUTTERFLY GARDEN
August is one of the busiest months for butterflies and not surprisingly the plants are at their most colourful to ensure that the buttefrlies and bees are there to pollinate them. In the butterfly garden you can see plenty of ideal plants for them to thrive. There are nettles, buddiea, hyssop, verbena, sedum spectabile, nasturtium and scabious. In addition to those plants, lavender, marjoram, mint, heliotrope, pot marigold, virginian stock, candytuft and hebe all all out in flower and would attract august butterflies. Perhaps you will spot a Red Admiral, Painted Lady or Comma butterfly when you are visiting.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that bumble bees do not sting you? So there is no need to run around the garden trying to get away from them!
BUMPER CROP
If you were lucky enough to have planted beans and courgettes in the garden this year you will find that the weather was perfect for bumper crops. We have had so many flowers on the courgette plants that we are coating them in batter and deep frying them for a tasy treat…
Delicious!
NOELINE IN GHANA
Play school
Noeline Haylett has hepled to build a new school in Ho Ghana
Noeline's poster
Deliveries in Ho are done by quad bike
SEE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT NOELINE'S WORK IN GHANA
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