Laragh & Glendalough News Issue 148 - August 2009

Explore Your Options

Explore your Options, a course for people who are newly-unemployed, will take place in the Brockagh Resource Centre in September. It is designed to help you plan your next steps, to consider your options, know what skills you have, assess the employment market and decide what's best for you. If you are signing for unemployment benefit for less than 12 months and receiving Jobseekers Benefit or Assistance, you are eligible to attend. The course will take place on *Monday and Tuesday mornings (10 am until 1 pm) from Monday 6th September for 2½ weeks. The Centre is now taking bookings for this course. Places are limited. Contact the Brockagh Centre on 0404-45600 for further information. *Provisional dates

Etape Caledonia Fundraising Cycle

On 17th May our intrepid cycling team (John and Tom) along with Catherine Devitt and 3,700 others took part in the Etape Caledonia starting in Pitlochry, Perthshire, Scotland. In addition to the inclement weather, we had to contend with an enforced stop for an hour halfway through; this was due to tacks on a dangerous section of the course (one individual's protest against closed roads). After getting through the carnage with just one puncture (over 500 punctures were estimated) we completed the course having taken over six hours in total to be greeted by sunshine and our travelling support. The effort was worth it as we raised €4,360. When we add this to the €1,770 raised by John's Hallowe'en Ball we get a total of €6,130. We would like to thank everyone who supported us in any way over the last few months, whether it was supporting the Easter Egg raffle, the table quiz, the Ball or general sponsorship. We really appreciate the generosity of people in these belt-tightening times as indeed will Crumlin Hospital. John has advised it is now safe to return to your local as Anthony has been called off (thanks for your help, Anthony).

Citizens Information

The Citizens Information Centre at the Brockagh Centre normally opens for information relating to your rights and entitlements from 10 am until noon on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. However, due to a planning meeting, the Centre will not be open on 18th August (contact Wicklow CIC at 0404-25089 if necessary). The next clinics will therefore take place on 4th August and 1st September. No appointment is necessary for this free and confidential service.

Music & Bites

The Active Retirement Group invites you to the Glendalough Hotel at 9 pm on Friday 31st July for 'Music & Bites' with the Laragh Lads. Contact any member of active retirement for tickets or the Brockagh Centre on 0404-45600.

St. Kevin's Parish

Departure of Father Kevin
After four years in the parish, Father Kevin Doran is moving on to devote his energies more fully to the work of preparing for the Eucharistic Congress which will be held in Dublin in 2012. He will be replaced by Fr. Oliver Crotty, currently ministering in Rathdrum. These changes are expected to take place sometime in early September. We wish both of them the very best in their new positions.
Blessing of Graves
St. Kevin's cemetery in Laragh will be blessed on Saturday August 8th after the 7 pm Mass. The cemetery in Glendalough will be blessed on August 15th after 7 pm Mass in Laragh.

2009 Trip to Czech Republic

An open meeting for anyone interested in participating in this year's twinning visit to Otrocineves in the Czech Republic will be held in the Glendalough Hotel on Monday 10th August at 8 pm. The proposed dates are around either the 17th or 27th September. Previous visits have consisted of spending 3/4 days with our Czech friends visiting places of interest, enjoying the local atmosphere, etc. Most people have also included a few additional days for sight-seeing in other parts of the Czech Republic. Accommodation will be provided in Otrocineves. New participants are particularly welcome.

The Brockagh Resource Centre

Car Boot Sale
The Car Boot Sale will return on Sunday August 2nd from 11 am. The Car Boot Sale takes place on the first Sunday of every month. Vans must be booked in. Refreshments will be available. For further information contact 0404-45600.
Glendalough Market, Craft Fair and Dog Show
The next Glendalough Market and Craft Fair will take place on Sunday August 9th from 12 noon to 6 pm. This market sees the return of the annual "Doggie's Day Out" (starts at 2.30 pm). Categories will include 'Best Small Dog', 'Best Large Dog', 'Best Trick' (obedience), 'Cutest Puppy', etc. There will be many attractions on the day for pet-owners and their furry friends As usual there will be lots of food, gift and craft stalls - refreshments will be available and parking and admission are free.
Tuesday Night - Dance Night
Tuesday night is dance night from 10 pm till late with the Wicklow Man.
Brockagh Kids Summer Camp
The Brockagh Summer Camp takes place this year from Tuesday 4th August to Friday 7th August (9.30 am until 1.30 pm). Activities include games, yoga, jazz & modern dance, arts & crafts, athletics and nature walks. For further information contact the Centre on 0404-45600.
Saturday Social Dance Nights
Our next social dance nights will take place on July 25th (with Rio) and Saturday August 29th (with Billy Kirwan). Doors will open at 9.30 pm and refreshments will be available.
Wednesday Night Yoga
Wednesday night yoga with Viva will continue during August from 7 until 8.30 pm. For further information contact the Centre on 0404-45600.
Happy Days
Happy Days Carer & Toddler group continues during the summer months on Wednesday mornings from 10.30 am until noon.
Autumn Timetable
Our autumn timetable will be included with the next issue of this Newsletter. In the meantime you can phone the Centre on 0404-45600 if you need further details on any of the new courses and activities which will be available from September. These include 'Sing for Fun' workshops (Thursday nights), Adult Freestyle dance (Thursday evenings), Teens urban street dance, Bodhrán playing for beginners and Domestic/Carer first aid.

Yoga Walk in Glendalough

The Yoga Walk Day on Saturday 15th August will start with a yoga session in the Brockagh Centre at 11 am (no yoga experience is required). The yoga will warm you up, stretch your muscles and have you ready for the walk ahead.
The walk will be about 4 hours long, ideally up around the lakes in Glendalough and will be led by a walking guide. There will be a break on the walk for some lunch and many chances to take in the wonderful surroundings. The walk will be kept at a pace to suit everyone. Contact Terry on 087-7849599 or e-mail terry@hilltoptreks.ie

Clara Juveniles

Training
Training will take place for u-12s and u-14 girls every Tuesday and Thursday between 7 and 8 pm in Avondale. Parents must be at the complex to collect their kids when training has finished.
For u-10s information please contact Paul Carter (087-2852430). For u-12s information please contact Ola Steele (086-1984850), Padraig Farrell (087-7936817), David Kinsella (085-7785217) or Brian Doyle (086-8546480). For information on u-14s please contact Andrew Nolan (086-8435783), Chris Birro (087-2790401), Liam Kearney (087-2903371) or Helen Heffernan (087-9552252).
Fund-raising Cabaret
Clara Juveniles will be holding a cabaret in Jacobs Well, Rathdrum on August 22nd. Music is by Stagefright and admission is €5. Tickets are available on the night or can be purchased from any of the contacts above. Each ticket sold will go into a draw for some fantastic prizes.

Introduction to PC Maintenance

A course entitled Introduction to PC Maintenance and Trouble Shooting (with career planning module) will start in Laragh IT from September (depending on demand). This course is an ideal introduction to computers for anyone who wishes to learn to upgrade and repair PCs. It is also suitable for those who wish to consider computer maintenance as a career by progressing to a technical course. Please note that persons in receipt of a Social Welfare allowance may be eligible for a grant from FAS to cover the cost of this course. For further information contact Michael O'Brien, Wicklow Information Workshop, on 087-2289534 or the Brockagh Centre on 0404-45600.

Wicklow Mountains National Park

Early Autumn Events
Ireland's Wild Orchids Need You! - Dr. Tom Curtis will give a lecture on this fascinating topic at 8 pm on Thursday 30th July in the Education Centre, Upper Lake, Glendalough.
Bug Walk - Take a safari through the amazing world of bugs on Sunday 9th August. Family-friendly, although not suitable for buggies, this walk is loved by children and adults alike. Bring a jar with a lid to help examine the mini-beasts. Bookings (essential) will be taken from 25th July.
Family Bat Lecture & Walk - This evening starts at 7.45 pm on Thursday 13th August with a short interactive talk in the Education Centre - entertaining for both children and adults. At 8.30pm we will head over to the Information Office for a bat walk (bring insect repellent and a torch). Participants are welcome to attend either or both events. Booking is not required.
Heritage Walk - Join a National Park Guide on Sunday 30th August in a gentle walk around the valley of Glendalough to look at its natural heritage. Participants should wear suitable footwear for venturing off track. The event is aimed at adults but also suitable for secondary-school aged children with an interest in natural history. Booking is essential and will be taken from Saturday 15th August only.
Family Fun Days - These continue each Thursday until 27th August (2 to 4 pm). Bring your children (aged 4 to 12 years) along to a mixed afternoon of nature-based activities. Please note that an adult must stay to help with the children! Booking is essential - taken from the Thursday beforehand only.
All the above events are free of charge. To book a place or for further information please phone 0404-45656.
Heritage Week Family Treasure Hunt
This Treasure Hunt will take place around the lawns of Glendalough on Sunday 23rd August. Each team should consist of no more than two adults and four children. There is a €5 (or higher) donation per team to Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue. On signing-in at the Information Office between 10 am and 3 pm, each team will receive leaflets and a set of clues. The hunt should take about an hour; answers must be back by 4 pm. The winners will receive a €50 book token. Booking would be appreciated but is not essential. For more details, phone 0404-45425.

Art Exhibition with Robert Steenson

County Down artist Robert Steenson will hold an art exhibition on Sunday August 9th from 12 noon until 6 pm at the Brockagh Resource Centre (during the Country Market & Craft Fair. He paints with oils and acrylic on canvas and reclaimed slate and his subjects range from historical buildings and Irish landscapes (including dolmens) to horses and ships. A range of his work can be purchased at the exhibition.

Heritage Week 2009

Heritage week takes place this year from 22nd to 30th August. Entrance to many attractions around Ireland will be either free or at a reduced rate. Avoca, Avondale, Greenan, Greystones and Kilruddery are among the places you can visit - see www. heritageweek.ie for details.

Marriage

Congratulations to Colette Gallagher and Keith Breen who were married on July 18th. We wish them much happiness in their lives together.

Local Artists Art Exhibition

Four local artists from Laragh will hold their first public art exhibition in the Brockagh Centre on Sunday, September 13th. The artists, Hazel McCoy, Jessica Fahy, Margaret Holden and Deborah McCoy, will showcase a number of works which feature an eclectic mix of styles, specialities and media including oils, pastels, pen and watercolours. Their works have been inspired by their past experiences, values and surrounding countryside including, of course, Glendalough. This art exhibition will be a unique opportunity to both celebrate and support local artistic talent. The artists will be on hand during the exhibition to discuss their work.

Healing Workshop

A one-day healing workshop will be held in the Brockagh Centre on Saturday 1st August (11 am to 5.30 pm). Learn about geopathic stress, detection and correction; learn how to bring an angelic and spiritual renovation and healing to your home, family, the land surrounding you and Mother Earth. The cost of €65 includes lunch and refreshments. As this workshop is limited to small groups early booking is advisable. To reserve your place contact Janette on 085-1407598 or the Brockagh Centre on 0404-45600.

Get Yoga

Sun, wind or rain, we hope you have been enjoying the summer! Get what you need this autumn - get Moving, get Toned, get Fit, get Strong, get Flexible, get Calm, get Sorted, get It Straight, get Yoga!
Yogatree autumn classes will commence in the week of 7th September at several Wicklow venues, including the Brockagh Centre. Different classes cater for everyone, all levels of interest and ability and all ages. Choose from: Easy Yoga on Wednesday evenings at 6.45 pm - suitable if you are a beginner or if you are 'not so young' or have health challenges - including recovery from illness or injury; Advanced Yoga on Thursday mornings at 10.30 am if you prefer more challenging postures and brisk pace; and Mixed Ability for a moderate practice. Gentlemen are especially invited to join in.
Yogatree also offers yoga classes for children on Thursday afternoons: YogaBugs for those between 3 and 7 years and Yoga'd Up for those between 8 and 12 years old.
For further information call 0404-40000 or email info@yogatreeireland.com Advanced booking is essential - discounts until 20th August!

Coillte Brockagh Project

Coillte showed the final plans, maps etc. for the Brockagh project at a public information event in the Glendalough Hotel on 14th July. This was followed by a public meeting. Coillte intends to go for planning permission for 22 sites.

Zoo Trip

A great, and mostly dry, day was had by all at the Go for Life trip to the zoo on Tuesday 7th July. Many people hadn't been at the zoo in years so it was an 'eye-opener' to see all the new animals and the much-extended zoo. Dinah, May and Nora even had a go at feeding some of the monkeys, some of whom sat on their shoulders and ate out of their hands. Everyone headed back to Brady's in Shankhill for a slap-up meal before full, tired but happy they headed for home. Cameras were passed around the bus on the way back and stories were swapped about who saw what and who didn't! Olive and Dick appear to have 'captured' pictures of animals that no one else seems to have seen. "The best day out ever" was how it was described. Many thanks go to Wicklow Rural Transport for its support.

Tidy Towns

Judging of Tidy Towns takes place around this time so all efforts are appreciated. Thanks to all involved in donating and erecting the new fence.
The next clean-up takes place on Saturday 1st August at 11 am. Meet on the Green opposite Lynhams. We can all make a difference by volunteering for approximately one hour next Saturday, adopting a stretch of road or even by cleaning up your own patch in your own time

New Childcare Services

At BamBam Play and Learn in the Brockagh Centre we are providing two new services:
" Full Day Care for babies from one year of age
" Montessori afternoon session
If you are interested in booking a place call Michelle on 086-8543649.

Mobile Library

The mobile library will visit Laragh on Thursdays 30th July and 13th and 27th August from 10 am until 12 noon.

Synge Summer School

Joseph O'Connor proved to be a very popular choice for the reading in the Brockagh Centre on 15th July during the Synge Summer School. An articulate and witty speaker, he read from his new novel, 'Sweet Liberty: Travels in Irish America' and signed copies of his books afterwards

AA Meetings

Closed AA Meetings (for those with a problem with alcohol) are held in the Brockagh Resource Centre in Laragh at 8.30 pm every Monday night.

Musical Evening

The Caliente Community Chorus will perform in the Brockagh Centre on Wednesday 29th July at 8pm. The choir is an adult group from New Mexico, USA and will perform opera works and popular classics; they will also sing popular music and show tunes. They will be joined by special guests Roundwood and Bray Comhaltas. The proceeds are in aid of Comhaltas.