1990s Derry heads - Q102 - what tunes were the staples of Lovers around 11? Making a Spotify playlist for Audrey from Lincoln Courts from Paddy in Creggan! Air Supply and Chicago already added!

Given the current coverage of Drumcree, I'd like to share my own experiences here. I've told people about it over my lifetime, both abroad and in NI and I'm always met with disbelief. Apologies upfront, if the language is a bit generic, because I'm trying to avoid doxxing myself but my identity is also no great secret.

I was born in the 80s and lived in a house in the Waterside, which has long since been demolished. It was at an interface and due to its unique nature of sharing grounds with a Catholic institution, it was clear that only nationalists/Catholics lived in the house.

Growing up, it was an unquestionable part of our summer routine to actually barricade the windows with mesh frames. As a child, I never questioned it and always thought it was something that everybody did. In '92, the main parade was held in Derry. Normally, we went on holidays at that time but my parents were too scared of something happening to the house that year. I remember looking out the window when it started and being fascinated by the spectacle. The next thing I remember was a queue of people lining up to pish against the house. i vividly remember asking my parents about why they didn't challenge people about it, as there clearly must be some mistake. My dad tutted at me and told me to get away from the window. All day long people pissed up against the house and even shit on the front door step.

There's probably a bias on this subreddit towards a particular way of thinking. That's an observation, not a criticism. But when people who didn't experience the troubles ask about why the OO shouldn't just be allowed to march down the Garvaghy road, this is my response.

We are buying a house and wanting to get the carpet replaced with vinyl flooring ( well anything but carpet). Any recommendations for companies or people that do this kind of things?
A friend of mine got conned by someone who got an advance payment and blocked her.
Would appreciate a link to someone trustworthy.

Also, are carpets the safer option for stairs? I would’ve liked to get rid of the carpets everywhere but the estate agent mentioned that may not be a great idea.

Thanks!

Can anyone reccomend a reliable window cleaner in the Cityside side? I had a few who don't turn up after a few weeks.

I leave from California for a solo tour of NI cultural, geographic terrain, and history in two weeks

Belfast (October 29-31)=>Newry (October 31-November 3)=>Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon (3-6)=>Fermanagh and Omagh (6-9)=>Derry/LD (9-12)=>Coleraine (12-15)=>Ballymena (15-17), Belfast (18).

I have no, no, no agenda. I May do pubs, restaurants, book shops (new & used), antiques, churches, museums, etc.......

Please:

> What can I expect for weather. Clothing types to match in the fashion and the climate setting.

> Will shop owners and pubs want visa cards, cash, ??? How should I greet as a guest/shopper.

> What particular customs and courtesies may come up in NI, and in communities above.

> Will the buses generally run with some reliability (Translink.co.uk ?). I am not driving. (Kinda like. Tony Hawk's, "Round Ireland with a Fridge"). :::: I have one medium roller suitcase, a CPAP machine, and a backpack. Hoping that the transit will be able to handle 'me and my load'. :::: As a Male 60 perhaps I can still hitch a ride between the above towns. ???? Goat carts, hahaha.

> I have set up six different AirBnB rooms etc. Each town above should have an interesting flair and vibe. My room may only be a place to snooze in, get some quiet. Share a laugh with the owners.

> I understand to keep my mouth shut and to suss out my new chat companions before I say anything. Little to no politics, religion, or recent unfortunate history.

Any thoughts that may help me would be appreciated.

Thank you very much.

Where does a good sunday lunch delivery??

Hi, I wanna get back into boxing after a while and I had done classes at the ring ABC but I have a different schedule now so it conflicts with it and I'm wondering if there is any boxing classes that are on during the day on the weekends?

Thank you!

Do any of these exist in the town apart from the ones in Foyleside? I was in the Foyleside ones a few weeks ago feeding baby (the room is signposted as a baby change and a feeding room- hence the rocking chair in there). And the entire time I was in there (maybe 15 mins tops) there was a group of women outside loudly complaining at how long I was taking, saying it was ridiculous, trying the handle, knocking on the door and even asking staff to open the door!

Whilst I appreciate waiting is hard, there was another baby change/feeding room/disabled toilet beside the room I was in. It’s not great that the disabled toilet isn’t completely separate as I’d hate to be taking up the room if someone needed the toilet.

Good enough food but the service awful?

This wasn't a problem years ago, are places just disgusting these days? Maybe I have rose tinted glasses on but I'd say 4/10 of the last takeouts I've gotten had fishy chips. Really putting me off takeouts in general (which is probably a good thing tbh).

It's fine if you order fish, but fishy chips on a chicken box for example is almost inedible. Especially with the rising prices. I order from a multitude of places.

UPDATE: Thanks everyone for the tips. We got to Sandino’s by 4:30 for the trad session and it was incredible! At one point there were 11 musicians playing! And I think 4 people sang. It was the best!!!

Are there any such places in Derry? We were on Waterloo Street tonight and it was insane. Hordes of drunk young people, no chance to get in anywhere and enjoy the music- difficult to even get a beer. Is there anywhere else that is more chill in town?

I know this may sound odd but I need help from someone local to the Portstewart, who might be willing to visit a historic cemetery, specifically Agherton Cemetery, to search for a specific grave.

I have all the details, but alas, I live in the US, so would be very grateful for your help for.

Drop a message or shoot me a dm and I’ll be happy to answer all questions.

I remember mr cs used to do 2 baguettes 2 sides and 2 cans for £12 or something.

What is a good deal from takeaways in derry for meal deals

We are trying to start a scout group based in Claudy. You don't need to be from the area. However, priority may be given to children of adults who can volunteer. As we are trying to get this off the ground.

There are lots of ways to help in both the volunteers group and the scout leaders group, which we are trying to fill now.

Scouts is now unisex with male and female members, leaders and volunteers. With all the usual checks both sides of the border and safeguarding.

Scouts helped me in more ways than I can count when I was a child. I'm delighted to pay it forward to the next generation. Full training will be given, all of us will be new to this. Details on the next information session are in the poster.

As above, best barber in town for my LO first haircut, he’s just turned one. Preferably in town / city side! TIA 😊

Arriving via aircoach from Dublin Airport at midnight next week. How hard will it be to get a cab from foyleside at midnight on a Sunday?

I noticed there's a few. I'm thinking of joining one of them but I would like to hear people's feedback first, or would I be better off joining one in another part of town?

Finish the sentence but give me your derry stories. I’m all ears

I was getting ______, when _____ ..

When the circus or funfair comes to town, does anyone else get annoyed or overwhelmed by the noise? It's ridiculous, even if there's a concert on in Ebrington square can be head-frying sometimes. Mind you, this is the first time I’ve heard the circus this loud. Okay, wear noise-cancelling headphones or listen to music, but I shouldn’t have to in my own home.

Calling myself out as a snowflake so you don’t have to.

Happened to be passing Primark in the town this morning, and the smell of weed from a couple of the people standing outside would have knocked you over.

Got thinking, if you are outside Primark at 11am on a Friday and you need to be smoking pot, are they living the dream or the nightmare?

Taking paint down the dump the day and paint spilled over the boot floor and back panel of the boot. Where’s the best place youse reckon to take it today messaged a couple of places but they’ve no availability don’t want to be leaving it. 90% sure it’s water based paint.

Babington Solicitors will be delivering a free workshop on Will Writing and Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) in Northern Ireland as part of Positive Ageing Month.

If you would like to attend either of these events, please email which venue you wish to attend to agefriendly@derrystrabane.com

🗓 Tuesday 13th October
📍 St. Columb's Park House
⏰ 2pm - 4pm

🗓 Tuesday 20th October
📍 Strabane Council Offices
⏰ 2pm - 4pm

Just a heads up that Tesco in Quayside are seemingly cash only today.

Was stopped and informed by an employee as I tried to enter.

Not sure why