BETTER HOMES GUIDE- EDITORIAL

How your home looks, reflects your own personal style and taste and a beautiful, practical home is a joy to come in to.

For those of us who love cooking, new units and fittings can help to make the kitchen a comfortable and effective working environment.

Professional landscapers and ground workers will make your outdoor space an all year round enjoyable experience, from a full garden makeover to clearing the leaves out of the guttering

BETTER HOMES GUIDE
With Christmas just round the corner now is a good time to get your home all ship-shape for the celebrations. How your home looks, reflects your own personal style and taste and a beautiful, practical home is a joy to come in to. With visitors and family coming home and neighbours popping in, there is still time to do all those little jobs and improvements to make your house as homely as possible.

Warm and Cosy

Start by making your home warm and cosy. Make sure your heating system is in good working order by getting it checked out. Radiators might need to be bled or the system flushed out. Boilers should be serviced and the system checked for leaks. Nothing spoils the look and integrity of your wooden floor than damp patches around the radiator pipes. Make sure the system has anti-corrosive additives as the fins of the radiators can block up with rust and make the system inefficient.

It can also be worth getting your chimneys swept out to avoid the risk of fires and increase the upward draw of the smoke. This will in turn make your back boiler more efficient. Consider putting in a wood-burning stove to cut down on the cost of oil and coal.

Heat rises, so a lot of heat can be lost through your roof. You can cut this down by insulating your loft. There are recommendations about the thickness of the insulating material and this will cut down on your heating bills. Another way to cut heat loss is to put in double-glazing. This can be an expensive out-going but the comfort will be felt straight away and it should pay for itself over the years.

Insulate your hot water tank. A special jacket that fits around the tank will slow down the amount of heat loss and keep your hot water at the right temperature for longer. Your cold water tank should also be insulated to stop it from freezing over in the winter months. Make sure that your taps aren’t dripping or leaking. Don’t forget to insulate outdoor taps in case of heavy frosts.

Revamping a Room

Giving a room a facelift needn’t be too expensive. A new coat of paint can make a big difference. Getting carpets, curtains and furniture professionally cleaned can also make a room feel fresher. Old pieces of furniture can be given a new lease of life by having them restored or re-covered. Built in cupboards and shelves can be a practical way of creating storage solutions for all your bits and pieces and can look good as well.

Kitchens

Kitchens are used a lot in the run up to Christmas to prepare the turkey and all the other trimmings for a family celebration. The kitchen is traditionally known as the heart of the home, as it is where women prepared nourishment for their loved ones. For those of us who love cooking, new units and fittings can help to make the kitchen a comfortable and effective working environment. Good storage, ergonomic worktops and sinks and enough storage can make the kitchen a pleasure to be in. Washable floors and surfaces ensure good hygiene. Think about your needs for your kitchen when making changes.
Bathrooms

Bathrooms can be a fun place to redecorate and stamp your own personality as well as being functional. Some people have themes such as the sea or garden, which is reflected in tiles, shower curtains or pictures. Power showers are a popular start to the day and leave you feeling wide awake and ready to tackle the day. A lovely warm bathroom is a great joy and still feels like a luxury. General maintenance of the bathroom is important such as seals around the bath need to be intact and water tight to avoid damp. Check that there is no leakage from the toilet overflow and that all the parts are working freely. Details like new tiles, a new floor or a funky toilet seat can add a bit of character to the room.

Gardens and Drives

Gardens and drives are worth a bit of attention too. No-body wants to slip on moss or wet decking so make sure these are kept clean through power hosing or washing down with appropriate cleaning products that will kill the moss and stop it from returning over the winter.

It can be a battle to keep the outdoor space outdoors. It is all too easy to tramp muck in when you go out to collect the coal or coming in from the car. Unfinished driveways covered in muddy hardcore can be laid with stone to make them safe to walk on and this is really important with the days being short and the long periods of darkness. The last thing you want is to fall and twist your ankle on a pothole. Professional landscapers and ground workers will make your outdoor space an all year round enjoyable experience, from a full garden makeover to clearing the leaves out of the guttering. There are jobs you could do yourself as well though. Start by cleaning all of the old summer bedding plants out of the window boxes and hanging baskets and replace them with colourful winter displays. There are plenty of plants to choose from and the impact is powerful. Your home looks loved and cared for and the sight of winter pansies and heathers is a warm welcome for visitors.


Brighten up the Bedroom

Make sure that you have the winter bedding in the bedrooms. Nothing warms a sleeping body for that “long winter’s nap” like a nice feather duvet and flannel bed linens. Rest your head on fluffy, soft down pillows. Since we tend to sleep longer in winter its important to be sure beddings are warm and comfy. Warm colours on bedroom walls can add to the cosiness, just one wall with a bold colour can make you feel as though the heating is on in the room. Don’t forget your hot water bottles too.


Planning and Preparation

With a little planning and preparation, you can make your home warm and comfortable for the long winter months so that family and guests enjoy the time together indoors. Nothing feels better and keeps people cheerful through the cold months of winter than a home that is well maintained and full of cosy winter décor.

KEEP WARM THIS WINTER

With the weather getting very cold over the last few weeks and the nights getting longer, we need to ensure our house is warm and comfortable for the winter. There are lots of practical cost efficient ways to keep your home cosy making sure you keep the draughts out and the heat in. Putting up a well-fitting curtain over the front door and using draught-proofing strips between the part of the window that moves and the frame and along the bottom of the back and front doors can help and of course insulating the loft is another effective way of making your home more energy efficient.

For older people, make sure that you eat regularly and have good food such as warming soups and stews and don’t forget, plenty of hot drinks. Keep yourself warm by wearing layers and keep as active as possible. Warm dressing gowns, slippers and blankets are useful for all the family.

Having a fire with a back boiler or a range in the kitchen not only adds warmth to the house, but can also give your home a heart.

Andy McLaughlin (Mac’s Coals)
Andy McLaughlin started working in the family coal business along with his father when he was 16. The business has been serving the heating needs of the peninsula for over 40 years. Andy has a drive in cash and carry in Buncrana and has opened a small depot in Carndonagh. Mostly though Andy serves his customers through his coal delivery service, six days a week. Mac’s offers keen rates for delivery of tons and half tons of coal as well as delivering slack and peat, cosyglow, doubles, anthracite and ecologs. You can contact their head office on 074 9361542.

Fuelog
With the price of oil becoming more unpredictable these days and with talk of global warming, a lot of people are looking at the wood burning stoves for an efficient and cleaner way of keeping their homes warm. John McCloskey has been in the business of supplying high performance clean burning logs for the last five years. He has two logging machines that can cut the logs to the size customers need whether it is a big stove to keep your outside shed warm or smaller logs for ranges and open fires. John has seen the demand for logs rise since he has started and delivers all over the area, from Derry, to Muff, Burt, Burnfoot and up to Malin and Moville and Glengad. Some people buy it loose and get a better price, otherwise John bags the logs in red netting to keep the wood dry and stop condensation. John can be contacted on 0862899369.

5 MINUTES WITH - GERRY MURRAY

Gerry has been working as a Money Advisor for MABS in Buncrana for four years. MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting services) is funded by the Government and is a free, confidential, independent and non-profit making service for people in debt or at risk of getting into debt. The service can also help low-income families develop the knowledge and skills they need to avoid getting into debt and deal with situations as they arise. MABS also identifies sources of credit that best meets people’s needs and helps them access these sources. There are four important steps that MABS uses to help people get to grips with their finances:

1.Assessing the situation,

2.Working on your budget,

3.Dealing with debts and

4. Managing payments.

MABS also provides information and advice through their website http://www.mabs.ie/ or you can call the MABS help line on: 1890 283438

What music do you like?
I enjoy Blues and Gospel music. Eric Bibb is a favourite of mine at the moment; he’s a singer from New York and has just released his latest album Get Onboard. The album was recorded in Nashville and has Bonnie Raitt and Ruthie Foster featuring as guest performers. Eric is in his 60’s but looks far younger with his smooth skin.

What book are you reading?
Strip Jack by Ian Rankin, it’s an entertaining read. He is the author of the Inspector Rebus series of books which was made into a TV series and winner of the ITV3 Thriller Awards.

What was your favourite childhood game?
When I was really young I was obsessed with teddies. I would talk to them all day and dress them up. I still have four of my favourites. When I was a bit older my friend and I played with toy farms (we lived in London and didn’t see much of the countryside). We named them after my uncle’s farms in Ireland. Most of the games were about pony trekking and we would fight to get our favourite horses.

Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
I very rarely go to the cinema, although I occasionally go to the Film Club in Letterkenny. The last film I saw at the main cinema was Sex in the City. I took my daughters to see it and they loved the glamour.

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
The crossword page. I am not much of a paper reader… I just don’t have the time. I get the paper on Saturday and it sits there unread until the following week.

What is your idea of a good night out?
I love going to the theatre or a live gig. The Grianan in Letterkenny and the Balor in Ballybofey are both brilliant and handy to get to.

Most embarrassing moment of your life?
Before I went to Art College I got myself a job road sweeping on the North Circular road in London. We were in an open top truck, being shown what stretch of road we were to look after and as I was the only girl, I tried to be cool and jump out of the back of the lorry. Even though I did gymnastics I still managed to fall off the back in a very clumsy way. I was mortified as all eyes were on me. It was a very good job though and worth the embarrassment.

Have you a favourite TV programme?
TV dramas such as Prime Suspect are enjoyable. I also enjoyed The Street recently.

How do you relax?
Walking the dog. I have a lovely 18-month-old wired haired fox terrier called Ellie. She takes up a lot of my time as she is into everything.

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
Gymnastics were my life. I wanted to be the next Olga Corbett.

Where would you like to go for your holidays?
Italy as it is such an un-commercialised country. Sardinia is particularly lovely.

What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
There would be a few. Tony Benn, Helen Mirren, Jonathan Ross (even though he was in trouble last week), John Hannah the actor, Ian Rankin and my colleague here at MABS, Liz Wilson. I think that would be a lively enough party.

Favourite animals?
Dogs, cats, horses, and loads of others….

What couldn’t you live without?
My two lovely daughters.

Biggest fear?
I am not keen on heights and I don’t like the tube trains in London either, they can be so oppressive and claustrophobic.

Biggest thrill?
When I was 14, my sister and I went to see Rory Gallagher sing live at the Albert Hall in London.

The world’s most irritating invention?
Cars with more than two headlights. Especially jeeps that have an array of spotlights for show.

What is your idea of a good night in ?
Tea, toast and a great Alfred Hitchcock film.

Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
The 1940’s and 50’s. The men wore suits and the women were so elegant. It’s probably linked into the glamour of the old Hitchcock films.

World’s most useful invention?
The telephone is very useful.

What do you have for breakfast?
Tea, toast, butter and marmalade.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
I was unknowingly brought up with a good sense of budgeting. My parents had very little and had to make it go a long way. I was told to live within my means and if I wanted something, to save up for it.

Personal philosophy?
Treat everyone equally.

PREPARE THE CAR FOR WINTER

Be aware of cyclists at all times -Pedal Right Cycling in Buncrana

GET THE CAR READY FOR WINTER

Winter is certainly upon us and road conditions at this time of year need to be closely monitored. Modern cars, with their traction control systems, efficient heating and window demisting systems and ABS brakes are much better able to cope with hazardous driving conditions than the cars of 10 or 20 years ago. As a result, there is the danger of being lulled into a false sense of security when driving in poor weather, particularly when it’s freezing and wet. For instance, it is worth noting that ABS brakes, while almost always an advantage in poor weather, do not increase the available grip. So here are a few tips and pointers that will reduce the likelihood of either accidents or breakdowns over the cold winter months.

PREPARATIONS BEFORE YOU SET OFF

Clear all snow from the car, including the lights.
De-mist and de-ice your car fully before starting your journey.
Take a blanket, Wellington boots, a spade and warm clothing.
On longer journey take some food and a flask with a hot drink.
Tell someone at your destination that you're coming and which route you will be taking so they can alert the emergency services if you don't turn up.
Be prepared to take more time over your journey.

11 THINGS TO KEEP IN THE CAR

A fully charged mobile phone
A Scraper and de-icer.
A warm coat and a blanket (in case you’re stranded).
A first aid kit.
A warning triangle
A can of spare fuel.
A fire extinguisher..
A torch.
A high-visibility jacket or vest.
A tow rope
Jump leads

DRIVING TIPS

When it’s icy, or there’s snow on the ground, multiply stopping distances by 10. Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin and do manoeuvres gently, avoiding harsh braking and acceleration.If you start to skid, gently ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you’re skidding. Don’t panic.If you get stuck in snow, rock the car gently to free it. If you get stuck, call for help and stay with your car.
In fog, slowdown and use your dipped headlamps. Don’t follow the taillights of the car in front or you’ll probably end up travelling too close to it.The roads might not be frozen close to home, but conditions can change quickly on the journey so take care. Keep an eye on the exterior temperature gauge if your car has one.
When making long journeys in poor weather conditions, take a break more often than you normally would. The extra concentration needed will make you tired more quickly.
Other drivers may not know as much as you think you know about winter driving techniques. Give them lots of space.


ALL IMPORTANT MAINTENANCE

Cars have a harder time during the winter so it makes sense to do some basic checks. These checks are advisable all year round, but more so in the winter. If you are in any doubt about how to check certain elements of the car, then a professional garage is the answer. These are things that a good garage mechanic will check for you that you might not be aware of:

Anti-freeze strength. Generally, there should be more anti-freeze in the cooling system in the winter than during the rest of the year.

Windscreens: Windscreen washer reservoir should be well topped up with appropriate screen wash containing anti-freeze additives. The wiper blades will need to be in good condition, they should be replaced if they’re worn.

Batteries: Dead batteries account for a large percentage of breakdown services’ call-out lists. This is because cold starts place an extra strain on the car’s battery, as does the increased use of the headlights and demisters. If your car is sluggish to start in the morning, consider replacing the battery.

Tyres: Low tread or unevenly worn tyres are dangerous, particularly during the winter months. A tread depth of around 3mm is recommended to be safe. Don’t forget to check the spare, too.

Air Con: Even in winter air-conditioning needs to be used for at least an hour a week. This allows the coolant in the system to lubricate all of the moving parts and prevents the build-up of elements, which can corrode pipe work.

Fluids: It’s especially important that you continue to regularly check all of the fluid levels, lights and tyre pressures through the winter. If you find something awry, fix it before you set off.

OTHER DANGERS

Cyclists and pedestrians are put at extra risk through winter, particularly children on their way home from school. Drink-driving is another hazard of winter as the festive season gets underway.Slow down, especially around schools, to give yourself more time to adjust to the reduced visibility in the dark and poor weather. Be on the lookout for pedestrians and cyclists that are far harder to spot in murky winter weather.Get your children some reflective clothing that helps them to stand out when they’re walking or cycling. It doesn’t have to be unfashionable. Be patient with cyclists and give them a wide berth in case they suddenly swerve to avoid standing water or potholes.Don’t drink and drive. It’s far safer not to drive, even after just one drink. Indeed, there’s no failsafe guide for working out when you might be over the limit - it depends on your height, weight, age, metabolic rate and what you’ve had to eat and your stress levels.It’s very easy to still be over the limit the morning after a party, so don’t be tempted to drive when you wake up. If you really pushed the boat out the night before, you might well need to leave the car keys on the hook until lunchtime or beyond.

5 MINUTES WITH - EILEEN KELLY

Eileen Kelly started running the day care centre in Moville back in 1981. Originally it was only going to be for a short period of time. She based the idea on a working man’s café, where people could come and meet informally. On the first day 11 people turned up and since then it has grown to be a vital part of the daily lives for a lot of senior citizens in the area. The North Western Health Board part fund the centre and the rest of the money comes from fundraising. Just recently the centre has put in new carpets and other fittings such as comfortable chairs. One of their famous visitors is Neily Havelin, who played GAA for Donegal. Their eldest member will be 99 in January. Three staff keep the centre running and everyone is talking about and looking forward to the Christmas party.

What music do you like?
I enjoy a bit of classical with Pavarotti and lighter music such as Celine Dion. Her voice is full of emotion, especially when she sings The Power of Love…am I being soppy?

What would you never throw away?
I am a definite hoarder. I especially hoard at work, as you never know when you might need something. We used a lot of things for a float we did one year in the Muff festival.

What are you reading at the moment?
I always have a look through the People’s Friend and Ireland’s Own magazines, they are a good light-hearted read. I am also reading about the famine ships… history has a lot to answer for.

What was your favourite childhood game?
I enjoyed netball. I was in a team with evacuees in the war, but later went to a boarding school in Africa. We didn’t play there because of the heat….

Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
I’m waiting for the Shine of Rainbows to come out… My husband’s 30’ half deck boat is in the film when shooting was around Glengad. I enjoy any film with the sea in it

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I don’t normally get a chance to read the paper but I will read the odd article if one catches my eye.

What is your idea of a good night out?
A quiet meal out. The Cove at Shroove opposite the beach and the Waterfront both do great meals. You can relax and have a drink as well because they are so local.

Most embarrassing moment of your life?
It involves a spade, a hole and people being able to see me from the road.

Have you a favourite TV programme?
I watch the soaps. Coronation Street, Eastenders and Emmerdale. I particularly enjoy Emmerdale, I am a Yorkshire woman at heart and like to listen to my language.

How do you relax?
With my dogs and horses. I go to shows often with them to Malin and Lenamore.

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
Being an air hostess always seemed so romantic. I tried when I was in Nairobi but I think I was too short as there were height restrictions at the time.

Where would you like to go for your holidays?
Being on safari in Africa would be fantastic. I love animals and to see them in the wild would be a real bonus.

Your idea of heaven?
Sitting in a nice warm room with the glow from a fire casting shadows on the walls.

What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
It wouldn’t give me much pleasure to invite famous people around as they would all be strangers to me. Dinner with the people in the centre is far more enjoyable.

What would you spend a lottery win on?
I would take all of the forty- four people in the centre out for a holiday of a lifetime.

Favourite animal?
My German shepherd dog, Rio. I have had German shepherds since I was 15. My mother got a bonus and told me to go out and buy a coat. I came back with a dog. Mother went mad!

What couldn’t you live without?
I couldn’t live without my husband, family and pets.

Biggest fear?
I don’t like snakes. I didn’t get used to them in Africa either. My mother had some near misses. she also stood on what she thought was a rock but turned out to be a crocodile. She was a good runner.

Biggest thrill?
The party for the 25-year anniversary of starting the centre. It was a wonderful surprise.

The world’s most irritating invention?
The TV. It has stopped people going out and visiting for the chat and stops conversations in the house.

What is your idea of a good night in?
Chocolate éclairs, good company and a cup of tea.

Do you have a hobby?
My grandchildren and the horses. We have recently spent time at the pony club at Lenamore.

Biggest disappointment?
When I found out that my son had died in 1993. He was 28 and would be 44 now. He was living in Brighton and got involved in drugs.

Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
I am happy with now, even the times I was running away from bombs in the war and being taken to Wales as an evacuee.

World’s most useful invention?
It would have to be the car.

What do you have for breakfast?
1 ½ Shredded wheat. Unlike the advert, I can’t eat three.

What is the best/worst piece of advice you have been given?
Most advice is given with good intentions. You have to make up your own mind if it is good or bad.

Personal philosophy?
Treat people as you would like to be treated.

5 MINUTES WITH - ANN GILL

Anne Gill works for the HSE and runs Good Morning Inishowen, based in Buncrana. The service is a telephone link line for older people in the peninsula. The service is expanding and will soon be providing their service all over the county with offices in Gortahork and Donegal Town.

The Good Morning Service provides a daily or weekly telephone call to older people living in the community, and it is staffed by fully trained and vetted volunteers. The main aim of the call is to ensure that the older person is safe and well in their own home, answer any queries and provide up to date information
Anyone over the age of 65 who has a telephone can receive a call; just contact Anne or Joan at the Good Morning Office in Buncrana (074 93 21598). Calls are made each morning between 9:15am and 1pm. The service continues to welcome all new volunteers and anyone interested can also contact the office and speak with Anne or Joan, who will be delighted to hear from you.


What music do you like?
As Dana said, all kinds of everything. The music depends on the mood. I am listening to Meatloaf at the minute and reminiscing. What does that say about me?

What would you never throw away?
Photographs and items that remind me of something important. Meatloaf CD’s for example!

What book are you reading?
I’ve just finished Celia Ahern’s, Thanks for the Memories and I’ve just started reading Claire Allen’s new book, Feels Like Maybe. I read Eamonn Holmes’ autobiography recently too and really enjoyed that

What was your favourite childhood game?
Chinese ropes, French tig, playing in the river at the back of the ESB in the Picture Hall Field. The memories are just fantastic, always outdoors. We moved further away from the house as bedtime came and pretended we couldn’t hear our parents calling.

Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
The last film I saw was Sex and The City… typical woman! It was good for a laugh.

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
For some crazy reason, property and jobs. I tend to avoid the sports pages.

What is your idea of a good night out?
Good friends, good food, good laugh, prompt taxi, next day off. As simple as that!

Most embarrassing moment of your life?
Arriving late for an interview to get on a course at Magee. When I was asked for my name, I couldn’t remember it. Just blank. The panel found it more amusing than I did.

Have you a favourite TV programme?
At the minute I am enjoying the Irish Apprentice. I prefer Sir Alan to Bill Cullen though, he’s more suave. I admit to being a Big Brother fan, it’s stress free viewing we can all watch in the house. Total chill out.

How do you relax?
That’s easy, shopping. Time with my nieces and nephews, walking Basil the dog and chatting with friend is also high on the list. I also go to meditation classes and have started an Irish language class this year too.

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I wanted to work with older people. I attribute this to spending so much time with my granny. She was great craic and had lots of friends.

Where would you like to go for your holidays?
I spent a week in Glencolmcille Gaeltacht and really enjoyed that. I would like to go to Paris or Hawaii but generally spend most of my holidays in Galway or Mayo.

Your idea of heaven?
I worked weekends for years, so Saturday and Sunday off is heaven. A long lie in, a good book, a leisurely breakfast and meeting family and friends later.

Your idea of hell?
Not enjoying my job, not living in a town and not laughing…

What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
Anthony Hopkins-to look at, but if he chatted, that would be a bonus. Bette Midler, she is a wonderful actress and singer. George Best would be easy to look at too.

Favourite animal?
My dog, Basil. He came from the Rainbow Re-homing Centre.

What couldn’t you live without?
My phone, family, car, friends, work….

Biggest thrill?
Achieving something I have been working on for a long time. I love to set flowers in spring and watch then develop.

Do you have a hobby?
I play cards regularly with friends, that’s always good fun.

Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
The 1920’s Great Gatsby era. Women were becoming more independent and the fashions were great. All those long beads, long cigarette holders and short skirts.

World’s most useful inventions?
The phone and the car. Both are invaluable to me.

What do you have for breakfast?
Wheaten bread or toast and a banana. Maybe cereal at the weekends.

What is the best/worst piece of advice you have been given?
All advice is good. It might not be the right advice at the time and you don’t have to take it on board, but it might be useful when it’s recalled later.

Personal philosophy?
Treat others as you would like to be treated and smile, it costs nothing….