Galway Advertiser 2003/2003_11_13/GA_1311_E1_020.pdf 

Extracted text

20

GALWAY ADVERTISER

13 November 2003

HOLIDAY SPECIALS
Skiing in Andorra
Eblana Travel has availability on a ski holiday to Andorra departing January 11 for a seven night stay in at the Chalet Font in Andorra. The package costs 440 per person, based on four people sharing a two bed-roomed apartment. Cost includes tax, insurance is extra. Details from Eblana Travel at (091) 766802.

BREAK-AWAY
TRAVEL WITH JULIE TIERNEY

BYGONES
Nov 15 -- Feast day of Machutus, also known as Malo -- a Welsh saint who travelled to Brittany and founded near Alet a monastery that has given its name to the town of Saint-Malo; in turn the Falkland Islands, having been observed by sailors from Saint-Malo, are known in French as Iles Malouines hence the Spanish name Islas Malvinas. Among the Orthodox this day which is the 40th before Christmas, is the beginning of Little Lent, a fast that continues down to Christmas Eve, with Saturdays and Sundays excepted. Nov 17 -- The annual meteor shower of the Leonids normally peaks about now This is also the feastday of St Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln. Born of noble stock in Burgundy and intended for an order of Canons Regular, he found the greater austerity of the Carthusian Order more to his liking. He had a pet swan that guarded him so zealously that nobody could approach the bishop without being attacked. It was also reported that Hugh was so intent on transporting a relic of Mary Magdalene to Lincoln, that he bit a piece out of her arm. Nov 18 -- St Peter's Basilica, as we see it today, was consecrated by Urban VIII on Nov 18 1626; the new basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura, built after the primitive one was destroyed by fire, was consecrated by Pius IX on December 10 1854. But the annual commemoration was appointed for November 18. Nov 21 -- Our Lady Halfsower-- In Greece it is said that the good farmer has sown at least half his field by this day; hence the name Our Lady Halfsower. On her day, one eats a dish made of several kinds of grain, called manyseed or in some places "allseed", the name used in ancient Athens for a similar dish honouring the corn goddess Demeter offered on the third day of the Anthesteria festival.

Hotel launches Christmas party results that will even have the financial controller smiling
Michael Lennon, manager of the Westport Woods Hotel, was in a festive mood last week when he launched the start of the hotel's Christmas and New Year party season. The end of the year is nigh, he said, so why not celebrate it in style -- without breaking the bank. With prices starting at just 32 per head for a set menu, or 35 for a five course Christmas Choice menu, Lennon has guaranteed party results that even the financial controller could enjoy. The hotel is also offering unbeatable B&B rates at 35 per person sharing, so a night or two away with the work crew or with friends can be as reasonable as it is enjoyable. The Christmas party special includes a mulled wine reception, party novelties, late dancing, karaoke, and disco. Party dates are Fridays December 5, 12, and 19, and Saturdays 6, 13, and 20. Details of the formal New Year gala ball (December 31) which includes a five-course banquet dinner and champagne toast were also announced by Lennon last week. Dancing with the Attic Boys followed by a disco will guarantee a lively start to 2004, he said. The formal gala ball costs 49 per person with a special overnight B&B rate of 89 pps. Lennon is advising people to book early by phoning Margaret at (098) 29309 or by e-mailing margaret@westportwoodshotel.com To celebrate the launch of the Christmas party season the Westport Woods Hotel in association with the Galway Advertiser is giving away an excellent prize to get people in the festive mood.

Book for just 1
Book your summer 2004 holiday with Budget Travel between now and December 31 and pay a 1 deposit. The balance does not have to be paid until the end of January. Great offers include: Majorca from 294pp, and Gran Canaria 269pp. Further details from Budget Travel Eglinton St (091) 560400 and Headford Rd (091) 566155.

Chelsea Show
Visit the world's most popular flower show -- The Chelsea Flower Show --from only 265 per person. Price includes return flights from Dublin to London Heathrow with BMI British Midland; two nights accommodation with breakfast; admission to flower show on either Thursday May 27 from 3.30 to 8pm or Friday May 28 from 8am to 8pm. Book with Martina Forde Travel (091) 566866.

Michael Lennon, manager of the Westport Woods with Mark Deegan, head chef, getting into festive mood.

PRIZE The prize is a party night out for four friends on December 5 with overnight accommodation and breakfast in the Westport Woods Hotel. To be in with a chance to win answer the following question: What is the name of the live band which

will get 2004 off to a lively start in Wesport Woods Hotel on December 31? Send your name, daytime contact number, and address to Westport Woods competition, Talk o' the Town, Galway Advertiser, 41/42 Eyre Square, Galway. Deadline for entries is November 21.

The world's most popular and renowned flower show
For four days each May the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, London come alive with the sights and smells of the finest collections of flowers in the world for the world famous Chelsea Flower Show. Nothing compares to the show gardens, each one created with attention to detail by some of the world's leading garden designers. Their stunning ideas will provide you with lasting memories and endless inspiration whatever your budget. Two floral pavilions host thousands of fabulous flowers including new plants that have never been seen before. Visit the show and see the latest and greatest in gardening ideas and experience the wonder of the world's most famous flower show. Planning of the show is an 18 month cycle, with applications for next year's show already in the pipeline. Show and small garden applications were received by the end of July. So if you plan on attending next year's event (May 25 to 28) then you should start planning the trip now. All tickets for entry into the showground must be booked in advance, and most travel agents offer packages which inThe show gardens at Chelsea are renowned for clude entry to the showground. See Martina Forde's package to the Chelsea their superb design and plantsmanship. They are often the starting point for new trends in Flower show in this week's Holidays of the Week column. gardening.

Thailand Golf
Travel between May and October 2004 to Thailand for 1,039pp, based on two sharing. Price includes 10 nights at the Pattaya Nova Hotel and six rounds of golf. Flights via Amsterdam with China Airlines. Details from First Choice Travel (091) 563755.

WEATHER
THURSDAY
Becoming very windy and wet. It will cloud over from the southwest, with heavy rain arriving later. North-west or westerly winds, reaching gale force later. Max temp 9-12C (48-54F).

SATURDAY
Breezy with sunny spells and showers.

8

High Tide in Galway
9

SUNDAY
Clouding over, with rain later.

Clifden
10

25

Tuam

MONDAY
Cloudy with a risk of rain.

FRIDAY
It will stay extremely windy with heavy rain during the morning. This rain will become showery and it will brighten up slightly during the afternoon. Max temp 9-12C (48-54F).
Information supplied by PA Weather Centre

GALWAY
8

Thursday November 13 Friday November 14 Saturday November 15 Sunday November 16 Monday November 17 Tuesday November 18 Wednesday November 19

07.07 08.26 10.29 11.51 00.54

19.35 07.43 21.09 09.19 23.37 **** 13.04

20.17 22.17

Ballinasloe
9

Phases of the Moon
Last Quarter --Monday November 17

TUESDAY
It will be largely dry and bright.

25 25
Noon Thursday
11

Galway ship movements

WEDNESDAY
Sunny spells, but a risk of showers.

Three ships dock this week. The Stella Lyra arrives with bitumen from Petitcouronne on Friday; the Forth Fisher docks from Milford Haven on Saturday and the Activity docks from Pembroke also on Saturday. Thanks to Galway Harbour Office for this information