Laragh & Glendalough News Issue 151 - November 2009

St. John's Church

Refurbishment of Communion Table
The communion table has just been refurbished and will be the focus as Archbishop Neill celebrates the Eucharist for the clergy of the diocese of Glendalough in St. John's on Friday 27th November. The renovation was undertaken by Ronan Smith of Roundwood and the parish is most grateful to all those who made donations towards the work.

Goodbye and Welcome
Parishioners were delighted to join with the community of St. Kevin's in paying tribute to Fr. Kevin Doran for his ministry and to wish him well in his new role. St. John's gave a gift of books as a token of appreciation for his ecumenical work. We look forward to welcoming Fr. Oliver Crotty to St. John's on a future occasion.

ANNUAL SUPPER DANCE
In aid of St John's Church, Laragh
Friday 13th November (8 pm to 1 am)
Lynham's Hotel, Laragh
Dancing to Music by John Flood
Tickets (including draw for a monster hamper)
€22.50 each

Diabetes Information Night

The Wicklow branch of the Diabetes Federation of Ireland is holding an information night in The Woodpecker, Ashford on Thursday 12th November at 8 pm. The speakers will be Dr. Ronan Canavan, Endocrinologist and Lorcan O'Brien, Chiropodist, St. Columcille's Hospital. Admission is free and open to everyone.

Niall Mellon African Township Fund

Thanks
Our collection in Glendalough on the weekend of August 15th and 16th was a great success, with many visitors to the valley and some extremely generous locals donating €2,000 to this very deserving charity.
Special thanks must go to Mike Quinn, Valerie McCoy, Eamon Curley and Patrick Kelleher Jnr who manned the collecting buckets. We had a bit of craic to see us through the long weekend too!
The total collection this year exceeded €5,000 - enough to build a two-bedroomed house in the townships and give a deserving family a real chance. Many thanks go to all who helped out.

Football Jerseys wanted
When I go over in early November I would like to bring the children our "grown-out-of" football jerseys; either new or second-hand would be welcome, if in good condition. As you might guess, the English Premier soccer league has the most sought-after strips, with Man United and Liverpool causing the most frenzy, but over the years we have brought over a few GAA shirts and it is not that unusual now to see a few Kerry, Cork or Dub shirts being donned with pride. It's true to say that the green and gold of Laragh or the blue, white and gold of Wicklow are still a rare sight - perhaps you could put that right? If you would like to donate your favourite club kit to the children of the townships, give Pat a call on 0404-45493 before November 5th.

St. Kevin's Parish

Farewell
It was with great regret that the members of St. Kevin's parish said a formal goodbye to Father Kevin Doran recently. Since his appointment as parish priest in 2005 he has been a source of support and inspiration to all.
Father Kevin is very appreciative of the kindness and encouragement he received from all parishioners since news of his departure was announced. Particular thanks must go to those who organised and contributed to the farewell evening and presentations on 26th September.

Welcome
We offer a warm and sincere welcome to Father Oliver Crotty and hope that he will be very happy during his ministry in Glendalough.

Retirement of Fr. Sean O'Toole
Avoca Parish Pastoral Council extend an invitation to a celebration in the Arklow Bay Hotel at 8 pm on Friday 30th October to mark the retirement of Fr. Sean O'Toole. All are welcome.

Homeopathy Clinic

This two-weekly service is available by appointment at the Brockagh Centre on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from 2 to 7 pm. The next clinics will be on 5th and 19th November. For further details or to make an appointment, please contact Paul Dixon on 086-3091237 or e-mail Paul@wicklowhomeopathy.com

Scoil Chaoimhín Naofa

Jungle Dave
Can you imagine the excitement when a crocodile from the Cayman Islands, an iguana from Chile, a cockatoo from Australia and a Burmese Python all came to school on Friday 23rd October? The children in every class got to hold a crocodile, rub a snake, watch a black-throated lizard being fed mice and even watch 'Spike', the alligator snapping turtle from the Mississippi River, grab food. Would you have allowed a tarantula on your head or perhaps a cockatoo on your shoulder? It was the 'bestest' fun ever when Dave Griffin aka Jungle Dave came to show us these exotic creatures.
Reading Matters
Thanks to all who have offered to support reading in school by coming into the junior classes. It is very worthwhile and adult involvement in the school is much appreciated and of great benefit to the children.
Star Reader Challenge
Many children from First to Sixth Class took on the challenge to read a specific number of books over the 4 weeks in October. Those who reached the target number were presented with a Star Reader Certificate and now have their photograph on display in the Halla. Comhghairdeas.
Athletics
On Tuesday 20th October it was a very wet Avondale that welcomed Gavin Keane, Keane Murphy, Cian Windsor and Katie Miley to the Cross Country Races for primary school children. Congratulations to all four who represented the school so well and especially to Katie who won her race. What a fantastic achievement to be the best for Sixth Class Girls.
Operation Christmas Child
On Thursday 22nd October Susan Coleman visited each class telling of the very basic needs of many children in countries all over the world and how we can help. We were asked to fill a shoe box with goodies that will bring a ray of happiness into the lives of children less fortunate thanourselves. Over the next few weeks we will be busy filling our boxes and we hope to reach this year's target of over 100, one box per pupil. Thanks to Marie Cranley who sourced shoe boxes - our job now is to fill them!

Citizens Information

The Citizens Information Centre at the Brockagh Centre is open for information relating to your rights and entitlements from 10 am until noon on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. The next clinics will take place on 3rd and 17th November. No appointment is necessary for this free and confidential service.

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.

Adult Guidance

The VEC Adult Guidance Service in the Brockagh Centre will take place on Monday, November 2nd (and the first Monday of every month where there isn't a bank holiday). This careers/education service is free, friendly, confidential, supportive and available to all adults over 18 years of age. For more information contact Irene Hayden on 086-8061569.

eXtra eXercise

Get fit for Christmas with the new exercise program at the Brockagh Centre which starts on the morning of Monday 2nd November - great if you want to ease back into shape or are looking to tone up for the holiday season. There is an introductory offer of €30 for six 1-hour sessions. eXtra eXercise delivers a thorough body workout in a self-regulated, low to mid-intensity level. For further details contact Valerie McCoy on 0404-45125 or 087-6319667 or phone Bernadette in the Centre on 0404-45600.

Dancing at the Brockagh Centre

Dancing provides a great social evening for many people in the local and wider surrounding areas but more support is needed if these evenings in the Brockagh Centre are to continue. So come along on a Tuesday night (every Tuesday) and Saturday night (last Saturday of the month) and listen to the music of the Wicklow Man and visiting bands, dance and meet up with friends.

Talk on Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis means porous bones. It is a silent, but preventable disease that is usually not diagnosed until a fracture or broken bone occurs. As we get older, more bone is naturally lost than is replaced but people with osteoporosis lose more bone than those without the disease. This causes bones to become fragile and break easily, e.g. through a minor bump or fall. A broken bone as a result of a trip or fall from a standing position is not normal at any age. One in 5 men and 1 in 2 women over 50 will develop a fracture due to osteoporosis in their lifetime. Michelle O'Brien from the Irish Osteoporosis Society will talk about osteoporosis at 11.30 am on Tuesday 10th November in the Brockagh Centre. Everyone is invited - a small donation to the Irish Osteoporosis Society (e.g. €2) would be welcome.

Local Artists Art Exhibitions

First-time Exhibitors
Well done to Fiona Ní Ghlíasáin, Pat Conroy and Claire Buckley who exhibited their work for the first time in October at the Brockagh Centre. The exhibition was very well attended and these local artists are extremely grateful for all the encouragement they received and wish to thank everyone who supported them. The amount of talent in the area would appear to be substantial and the Brockagh Centre is delighted to be able to showcase the works of local artists.
Stone, Paint & People
A new and very exciting exhibition will officially open in the Brockagh Centre at 8 pm on Friday 6th November and will run until Sunday 15th November. 'Stone, Paint and People' will feature the work of Clara Vale-based sculptor, Seighean O'Draoi and Donegal-based artist, Ian Gordon. Some of the works to be showcased by Ian feature Trooperstown Hill, Knockrath and Clara Vale. All are welcome to the opening.

The Brockagh Resource Centre

Car Boot Sale
The Car Boot Sale will return on Sunday, November 1st from 11 am. This will be the last car boot sale before Christmas. Vans must be booked in. Refreshments will be available. For further information please contact the Brockagh Centre on 0404-45600.
Country Market and Christmas Fairs
The Glendalough Christmas Fairs will take place at the Brockagh Centre from 11 am to 4 pm on Sundays November 8th and 29th as well as December 6th and 13th. Along with your favourite home baking, there will be plants, vegetables, jams and lots more. Order your Christmas puddings and cakes or start picking up gifts for family and friends. Amongst the activities on offer each day will be 'Angel Card Reading' and 'Blind Healing' while on Sunday 8th November there will be an art exhibition featuring Seighean O'Draoi and Ian Gordon. Refreshments will be available; parking and admission are free. New traders are always welcome. If you would like to book a stall or require further information contact Colette on 0404-45600.
Ballroom Dancing Classes
Ballroom Dancing classes on a Wednesday night with Deborah have stopped until further notice.
Thursday Night Dancercise
A new term of Dancercise will start on Thursday 5th November from 7 to 8 pm (a great workout and a great way to get fit for Christmas). Contact Lyndsay on 085-8113102.
Tuesday Night - Dance Night
Tuesday night is dance night from 10 pm till late with the Wicklow Man.
Saturday Social Dance Nights
Our next social dance night will take place on Saturday 31st October (with Richie Halpin). Doors will open at 9.30 pm and refreshments will be available.

ECDL and other IT Classes

The ECDL establishes a standard for everyone who uses a computer in either a professional or personal capacity. It verifies competence in computer use, making the holder readily mobile within Ireland and internationally. The next ECDL course in the Brockagh Centre starts on Thursday 29th October (10 am to 12 noon). Funding may be available. Laragh IT runs day and night courses in ECDL (and also other courses such as Beginners, Improvers, Photo-Editing etc.). If you wish to put your name down for upcoming classes please phone 0404-45600

November Lunch Date

The Laragh Glendalough Active Retirement Group's next lunch date will take place in Lynham's on Tuesday 3rd November. For queries contact the Brockagh Centre on 0404-45600 or any committee member.

Childcare First Aid Course

A course in Occupational First Aid is a requirement for any owner or manager of a childcare facility who is responsible for staff and children. This two and half-day course covers all aspects of the First Aid skills needed and includes automated external defibrillation (AED). The certification received under the new Health and Safety Act is valid for 2 years. It will take place in the Brockagh Centre on Saturdays 14th and 21st November (9 am until 6 pm) and on Wednesday 25th November (6 to 10 pm). For details of this and other childcare courses contact Wicklow County Childcare Committee on 0404-64455.

Explore Your Options

Following a very positive outcome from the above DSFA-funded course, there are still a few free places for anyone wishing to create their CV, get information on searching the internet or have a one-to-one session with a career-guidance tutor concerning employment or further education. To book a place please phone Deborah in the Brockagh Centre on 0404-45600.

Drawing Classes

Exploring Subject Matter - a six-week course for people who have some experience in drawing and who wish to develop their ideas further - will be held in the Brockagh Centre. Participants will explore organic forms through the use of drawing materials, which may include paint. Courses may be held mornings and evenings depending on demand. For further information contact the Brockagh Centre on 0404-45600.

Death

We offer our deepest sympathy to Jimmy and Margaret Stakem, and their family and friends, on the recent death of Eddie. May he rest in peace.

Laragh Badminton Club

Well, we're back into full swing now and hoping for a "smashing" season. On November 9th, 16th and 23rd we have a top Leinster coach engaged to provide coaching for all members - be sure not to miss out on this opportunity.
The club is holding a fundraising night in the Wicklow Heather Restaurant on Friday 13th November; fancy dress is optional and the theme for the night is "Rappers & Slappers", so come along for a great night of fun. There will be prizes for "Best Dressed" on the night. Tickets are only €10 and are available from McCoy's shop or any club member.

Tuesday Morning Group

If you are over 55 come along to the Brockagh Centre any Tuesday morning for some fun and light exercise. You can also learn new skills, plan days out and have a cuppa and a chat.

Build your Business Workshop

Drive your business - learn the skills and techniques to accelerate your business performance. Learn from one of Ireland's dynamic leading business advisors, Conor Kenny, when you book your place on this 6-day workshop, running on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 am until 4 pm in the Brockagh Centre. Apply the knowledge acquired and let your business reap the benefits. Contact 086-3078176 for more details or to book your place

Keys Found

A set of keys found in the Brockagh Centre Car Park a number of weeks ago has not yet been claimed - contact 0404-45600 if you own them.

Mobile Library

The mobile library will be in Laragh on Thursdays 5th and 19th November from 10 am until 12 noon.

St. Luke's Fundraiser

On Friday 30th October a fundraising cabaret for St. Luke's Hospital will take place in the Glendalough Hotel. The Laragh Lads will play and finger food will be served. Admission €5.

Tourist Map

The Glendalough Mining Heritage Project is developing a map of Glendalough and Laragh for distribution to visitors. It is proposed that, as far as possible, all businesses operating in the area would be listed on the map. If you would like to be included please submit your name and contact details in writing to The Glendalough Mining Heritage Project c/o The Glendalough Hotel before Friday 30th October.