Mark Fielding is the Chief Executive of the Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association – ISME. He spoke to Gavin Grace on today’s Afternoon Show to discuss how the group is warning retailers and their customers to be extra vigilant during the Christmas and New Year period as they can be targeted by shoplifters and pickpockets. The direct shoplifting cost to retailers this year will be in excess of €220m, of which €44m will occur at Christmas alone, representing almost €155,000 worth of goods being stolen every hour. This cost does not take into account the amount spent on security, which adds hundreds of millions on to the cost for retail businesses. It is estimated that shoplifting alone can add up to 3% to the price of products.
Glenn Adams is a Bunratty native but now lives in Yonkers, New York. Gavin spoke to him two months on from Hurricane Sandy. He discussed how life is now in the area that was very badly hit and the impact it had on his community. He says the community spirit is still alive and well as people try to rebuild their homes following the devastation. They also discussed how he and his family are celebrating Christmas, and to hear their wishes to their family at home in Bunratty.
Arwen Foley from AA Roadwatch also joined the show to warn motorists of the impending Christmas exodus. As Christmas Eve falls on a Monday, it is expected that Friday 21st December will see the beginning of the Christmas exodus. The main congestion is likely to be experienced on access routes to the motorways. With huge volumes of traffic, delays cannot be avoided leaving towns and cities to access the main arteries. AA Roadwatch is appealing to motorists to be patient.
Gavin was also joined in studio by up and coming band – Affiniti. Affinti is comprised of Soprano, Emer Barry, Violinist, Mary McCague and Harpist, Aisling Ennis. The girls aim to transform Rock and Pop anthems into something that’s not Rock, or Pop, or Classical, or Celtic. A trio of a classically trained soprano, violinist and harpist, they launched their debut EP “Rebirth” on 4th December at the Crypt, Christchurch Cathedral. Emer (Longford), Mary (Louth) and Aisling (Dublin) are masters of their instruments, they have performed as solo and chamber musicians in operas and orchestras throughout Ireland, UK, Europe, USA and Asia with artists including Kanye West, Josh Ritter, Bill Bailey, West Life, Michael Buble, Rod Stewart and Sinead O’Connor. You can find more details about them on www.affinitimusic.com
Also today a very special guest joined the programme – Actor, Comedian, Musician, Entertainer and all round funny man Pat Shortt spoke to Gavin ahead of Christmas and talked about his new show. I Am The Band, has been taking the country by storm and charts the story of the life and career of Dixie Walsh, the solo lounge musician known to countless thousands as the man who sang the perennially popular The Jumbo Breakfast Roll and Where Did My Money Go. With dates for 2013 just announced, I Am The Band is a tribute night to Dixie where all his peers and friends (the audience) come to celebrate his career. Over the course of the night Dixie reminisces about the path his career has taken and the struggles he has had to endure to get to the top of his game. The show comes to Glor, Ennis on Saturday February 2nd 2013.
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