Laragh & Glendalough News Issue 139 - October 2008

Go For Life

Go For Life (over 55s) will be back on Tuesday 30th September. New members are always welcome to join us for tea, a chat, a laugh and some light exercise. As most of you are aware we no longer have the free rural bus on Tuesdays due to a shortage of funding; however arrangements are being made to run the bus privately and on the 30th we will look at ways that we can fundraise to support the service – so get your thinking caps on! We would also ask the local community to support any fundraising efforts as the bus is vital for older people who cannot get to the Brockagh Centre on a Tuesday for the get together.

Blackrock Hospice Benefit Night

Danella Byrne and her family and friends are organising a Benefit Night (in memory of Danella’s sister, Daphne Jackson) to raise much-needed funds to support the work of Blackrock Hospice. It will take place in the Woodenbridge Hotel on Saturday 1st November at 8 pm – admission is €5. Entertainment on the night will include music by Abhainn Dubh, leg-waxing and head-shaving fundraisers, a monster raffle (BBQ, mobile phone, DVD player) and much more. Raffle tickets are currently on sale – prizes include ride-on lawnmower, washing machine, latest Nintendo DS. Danella and her family would like to thank everyone for their support and look forward to seeing one and all on the night. For further information call Danella on 086-817898.

Photographic Exhibition

Jolanta Loritz-Dobrowolska, a resident of Laragh for the past year, will be holding a photographic exhibition in the Brockagh Centre on Sunday 12th October from 11 am. The exhibition, entitled My Ireland – Life, Landscapes and Local, includes shots of Bray, Glendalough, Derrybawn, Vartry Reservoir, Glenmacnass and Trooperstown. Sadly, Jolanta will be leaving Ireland for her home in Poland at the end of October and she wants to share her photographic memories with all her friends here. In Jolanta’s own words, “When I arrived in Ireland in August 2007, I immediately fell in love with this place and people. During the year I tried to become more familiar with both of them. I have explored a beautiful environment, walking through the hills of the Wicklow Mountains, taking photographs of nature. I have also found warm friendships and great support. This exhibition is my way to say Thank you”.

A Tree Has Fallen

i.m. Tommy Nolan 1940-2008

In a silent belfry
An old bell.
From the sea at Wicklow
A new rope.
In the graveyard
A new sound.
The Tolling Bell
Calls loud
To the quiet hush
Of the slow walk.
Ask not for whom,
It tolls for Tommy Nolan.

Back from the valley
Forest hills,
Derrybawn,
Lugduff, Camaderry,
Brockagh,
The toll returns,
The woodland wakes
A sturdy forester.
A tree has fallen,
Back to the earth.
Ring on Toll.
Echo Thanks.

Martin Swords August 2008

Housekeeper/Cleaner

Glendalough Hermitage has a vacancy for a part-time housekeeper/cleaner. Working hours will normally be late morning or early afternoon. There may be some variation, so a degree of flexibility is required. For further details, contact 087-9356696.

Baptism

We welcome Rhys Richard Kevin Byrne (son of Simon and Hanna) who was baptised in St. Kevin’s Church on September 6th.

Musical Theatre for Children

Musical Theatre/Singing Workshops for kids will be held at the Brockagh Centre each Saturday in December from 2 to 5 pm; classes will be divided by age. So if you want to have fun and enjoy singing, from chart songs to great musicals, look no further! The workshops will be facilitated by Leslie Dowdall and Honor Heffernan, both of whom are well known in the music industry. Leslie and Honor have been singing since the cradle, and it has always been a source of great joy for them both. It is with this in mind that they have put together this series of workshops for children. Their aim is to help the students get the best out of their voices, and have the enjoyment of singing well and learning new songs. Both Honor and Leslie have been working independently with children for the past number of years, Honor as the voice coach in The Irish Academy of Dramatic Art and Leslie through her own company, Musicraft. For more information call 086-3378473.

The Niall Mellon Township Trust

I am Pat Kelleher, fortunate to be living by the Lower Lake in Glendalough for the last sixteen years. 2008 will be the sixth year that I have raised funds from generous people to help me to go to South Africa where, under the organization of the Niall Mellon Township Trust, I have been able to help in the building of over 6,000 fully-equipped and modern homes for the impoverished residents of the squalid townships in that great country. In 2002, the first year of operation, we built 150 homes. By the end of 2009, the Trust will have completed 7,000. Please help! All of the money that you help me to raise will go directly to provide homes for people who have been living for many years in 10 foot x 10 foot shanty shacks, constructed with materials such as cardboard, plastic sheets and corrugated iron, nailed together and tied with wire and rope. My words simply can not convey the desperate picture of the shacks that these poor people are forced to bring their families up in. A fellow volunteer once told me that he wouldn’t keep his mongrel dog in such a living condition. If he did, I think he would probably be prosecuted by the ISPCA!

As we work in the dire and dirty conditions of the township, we are reminded that one in three of the residents who watch us with grateful curiosity is HIV positive and that one in three of the lovely children who get under our feet and pinch our tools will not live to see their 14th birthday. My fundraising activities this year have been impeded by personal domestic problems, but thankfully we are now getting over that and I am arranging a few quiz nights and raffles in order to raise a few bob for this year’s fund.€5,000, with volunteer labour and government subsidy, will build a fully equipped house in the townships. In Ireland the equivalent would cost around €90,000. It may be no big deal for us, but I can assure you that it is a huge deal for the people of the townships when their hopeless lives are turned around by your generosity. To own their own “proper” home, not only provides protection but also self respect and the opportunity of skills-training and paid employment. But even more importantly perhaps, it provides dignity and hope - surely, the right of us all?
Could you help by fund-raising from family and friends? Or by donating an item or service for raffle or sale? Or with a cash donation? Your efforts will go directly to those in need, without any administration charges. If you can help please call me on 0404-45493. Thank you. Pat

Wicklow Mountains National Park

Tomnafinnoge Walk
On Saturday 27th September you can explore the beautiful flora and fauna of the oakwoods of Tomnafinnoge Nature Reserve with a National Park guide (this walk is not suitable for children). Participants should wear suitable footwear for venturing off track. Booking is essential.

Deer Rut Walk
You can hike off track on Saturday 4th October to see the deer rutting as stags fight for hinds. Hiking boots, raingear and a certain level of fitness are essential. The walk is not suitable for children and booking is required.

Deer Watch
In October the deer are rutting and the hills are full of activity. On Saturday 18th October the National Park staff will have telescopes set up between 11am and 4 pm with guides on hand to discuss the deer and their ecology. Directions to the telescopes can be got at the Information Office - the path will be along one of the way-marked routes in the valley of Glendalough. Booking is not required. Hiking boots/rain gear are recommended.
All the above events are free of charge. For further information please phone 0404-45425.

Mobile Library

The mobile library will be in Laragh from 10 am to noon on Thursdays October 9th and 23rd.

The Brockagh Resource Centre

Car Boot Sale
The next Car Boot sale will take place on Sunday October 5th from 11 am (stall holders 10 am). The cost is €10 per car or small van. For further details contact 0404-45600.

Country Market & Craft Fair
The Craft Fair will be back on Sunday 12th October from 11 am to 4.30 pm. New stall-holders are always welcome (€30 per stall). Parking and admission are free. Refreshments will be available. To book a stall phone 0404-45600.

Dates for your Diary – Christmas Markets
Christmas Craft Markets will be held on Sundays 9th and 30th November and Sundays 7th and 14th December. For further information contact Colette on 0404-45600

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Kid’s Dance Classes
Toddler Music and Movement takes place on Monday mornings from 10 am. This class is proving popular with parents as well as children. Under 8s Ballet (from 3 yrs) takes place on a Monday from 5.15 pm which is followed by Cheerleading for teens and pre-teens at 6 pm. The cheerleading squad learns pom dances, jumps and tumbles, cheers and chants as well as stunts. For further information call Lyndsay on 085-8113102.
Jazz and Hip-Hop will be back on Wednesday 1st October at 5 pm for the under 10s and at 6 pm for over 10s. Age-appropriate classes cover a variety of dance styles as well as drama games. To book a place, please call Kate on 086-8256775.

Adults Disco/Jazz Dance
If you want to have great fun, keep fit and have a laugh then come along to the Adult Disco Jazz class on a Monday at 10.45 am. If you are not a morning person there is also a Monday evening class at 7pm. These classes are fun and funky - dancing to popular music. So get your week off to a great start and call Lyndsay on 085-8113102.

Tuesday Night - Dance Night
Tuesday night is always dance night - from 10 pm till late with the Wicklow Man.

Saturday Night Dances
Social dancing takes place from 9.30 pm until late on September 27th (with the Wicklow Man). The next Saturday Dance after that will take place on 25th October (with Rio).

Kicks Keep Fit
Kicks takes place on a Tuesday and Friday night from 8.30 pm to 9.15 pm. KICKS combines self-defence, dance and boxercise and is a fun way to keep fit, lose weight and become strong. For further details on Tae Kwon Do or Kicks contact Paul on 087-2484570 or choskicks@hotmail.com

Paint with Sheila
Why not brighten up the winter months by learning to paint? A new art class starts on Wednesday 24th September from 7.30 to 9.30 pm. The medium is acrylic and watercolour with a focus on teaching techniques. Contact Sheila on 0404-46952.

Adult Guidance Service

Co. Wicklow Adult Guidance Service will be in the Brockagh Centre on Monday October 6th from 11am until 1 pm. This facility is free, friendly and confidential and is available to all adults over 18 years of age. It provides a range of services including one to one career/education guidance, information on local and national courses, help with CV preparation and interview skills, study skills workshops, information and advice on education grants, rights and entitlements. To book an appointment contact Irene on 086-8061569.

National Tidy Towns Competition

Many congratulations to all those involved in the Tidy Towns competition; Laragh scored 243 points - a big improvement on the 2007 total of 233.

Laragh GFC

The club as it stands today was set up in 1948 -prior to this it was known as Clara Vale/Laragh. We will be organising an official function to celebrate our 60th birthday. Unfortunately our footballers did not make the semi- finals of the championship but have done enough to avoid any worries of relegation playoffs. Another win in Division 2 of the league would keep us safe and in the competition for next year.
We have reached the quarter final of the Carter Cup and now face Shillelagh. Details will be in the Wicklow People next week.

Death

We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Bernie Condell. May she rest in peace.

Ladies Indoor Soccer

If you are interested in getting fit, having a bit of fun and learning a new skill then call 086-1225786 to express your interest in joining a new ladies indoor soccer team.

Citizen’s Information

The Citizen’s Information Centre at the Brockagh Centre will be open on Tuesdays 7th and 21st October from 10 am until 12 noon for information relating to your rights and entitlements. No appointment is necessary. This is a free and confidential service.

300 to 1 Car Draw

This is your last chance to get tickets for the Glendalough & District Development Association’s draw in aid of the Brockagh Centre. Tickets are available from any member of the GDDA or the Brockagh Centre.
1st Prize - Car (Hyundai - model i10)
2nd Prize – €1,000
3rd Prize - Weekend away for two in Ireland
Four Prizes of €100 each
The draw will take place on Sunday September 28th in Lynhams. Music will be by the Laragh Lads and everyone is welcome.

Art Group

Come along to the Wednesday Art Group if you are interested in painting, ceramics or sculpture. Call Gretta on 0404-45447 or 086-3617051 for details.

Household Hazardous Waste

Householders who wish to dispose of hazardous waste (paint, fertilisers, chemicals, cleaning agents, etc) may bring items to Bray Recycling Centre on October 18th (9 am to 2 pm). There will be another collection on 25th October from the Old VEC car-park in Rathdrum (2 to 5 pm). For more information contact the Environmental Awareness Office at 1890-222276.

Yogatree

It is wonderful to have so many of our regular yogis back in Yogatree classes to share enthusiasm for the fun - and work - of yoga practise. No matter what your ability, there is always room for progress and the group activity of weekly classes encourages you to go to it! If you haven’t found the time to consider a new venture for your autumn/winter interests, why not think about joining a yoga class? There are 9 adult classes each week to choose from including the Brockagh Centre, Ashford, Wicklow and Greystones. If you normally attend classes and just didn’t get around to signing-up yet, it’s not too late to come along to your preferred venue. Both men and women are welcome at the Brockagh Centre on Thursdays at 10.30 am and 7.30 pm. Family discounts are available, and for those enthusiasts who attend more than one class per week, there is a special rate.

Children’s yoga classes resumed at the Brockagh Centre on 25th September for 5 weeks. Yoga for youngsters, from 3 years old to senior infants, is at 13.45 and older children, from 1st class to 6th class, attend at 14.45 on Thursdays.
Call Hilde or Emer 0404-40000 to book now or email info@yogatreeireland.com for more details.

Scoil Chaoimhín Naofa

Welcome to Students and Staff
Welcome back to all the children and their families, and a special céad míle fáilte to this year’s junior infant pupils: Conor Byrne, William Byrne, Lee Canavan, Nathan Delamere, Katie Doonan, Leah Farrell, Ciara Foster, Amelia Kelly, Garry Merrigan, Liam O’Reilly, Jamie Roche, Soilse Ryan, Graham Ward and Amy Windsor. Another new face in the infant room is that of their teacher, Siobhán Kenna. Next door, Roisín Crawley is the new third and fourth class teacher. India St. Clair Kenny is a new pupil in Senior Infants and Shane McWeeney joined third class.

Visitors
Bienvenido to Pedro Guzmán and Adrian Moreno, pupils from Spain who are spending a few weeks with us. We are all very pleased to have them. Teaching practice student Rebecca O’Neill joined us in September - her help is much appreciated.

Environmental Art Competition
Congratulations to the prize winners in the Wicklow Co. Co. Environmental Art Competition - Emma Birro, Katie Nolan, Tiffany Byrne, Sally Nolan, Ross Stakem, Amy Byrne, Áine McCabe, Natasha Byrne and Jessica McDonald.

Perfect Attendance
A great effort was made with attendance last year and several children received certificates for perfect attendance during a term. Special congratulations to those who earned themselves trophies for perfect attendance throughout the year: Dylan Hanlon, Brian Ward, Nessa Foster, Emily Gibbon, Amanda Ward, Ian Merrigan, Aoife Ward, Megan Foster and Kyle Merrigan.

Sponsor an issue - please contact Nuala at 45167.