Laragh & Glendalough News Issue 154 - March 2010
Foul Play in Beechwood
Children on the Beechwood estate have taken to playing ball on the
roads more than usual. This is causing problems for the residents
as it is noisy and balls are bouncing off their cars and windows
(causing damage in one case). The green would be the best place
for them to play, except for the fact that it has become a massive
litter tray for all the dogs to foul; it does not stop there - several
of the footpaths, roads, driveways and gardens are covered in it.
The children are constantly coming in with dog excrement on their
clothes and shoes. Apart from being totally disgusting to deal with,
the bacteria can be very dangerous to young children. Please, please,
please, clean up after your dog.
Beechwood Residents Association is meeting on Thursday 18th March
from 8 to 9 pm in the Brockagh Centre to address this and any other
business you may have with regards to the community. Please support
us by attending and helping us come up with solutions to this and
other problems. We are currently trying to get some help from Wicklow
County Council with the supply of bins and pooper scoopers, etc.
Thanks for your support.
Table Quiz
There will be a Table Quiz in Lynhams at 8.45 pm on Friday 5th March
in aid of St Kevin's Ladies Soccer team and Scoil Chaoimhín
Naofa. There will be great prizes and great craic, so come along
and support us that night. Lynhams' complimentary bus service will
be available to bring quiz participants home from 11.30 pm.
Friends of Glendalough Hermitage
Suaimhneas Chaoimhín (The Tranquility of St. Kevin) is a
unique project that was undertaken to mark the beginning of the
third Millennium. Persons of all faiths seeking spiritual renewal
through retreat and pilgrimage are welcome to spend some time in
the cillíns of the Hermitage adjacent to Glendalough Parish
church.
A group of people has now come together to help out the two sisters
who run the Hermitage in whatever way they can. It is currently
envisaged that this will take the form of a workgroup (a couple
of hours a month) but the sisters are open to suggestions and would
love to hear from anyone who might have the time to volunteer their
services. They can be contacted to discuss possibilities at 0404-45571.
The next workgroup is scheduled for 11 am on Saturday 20th March
(it is expected that the time will change to a weekday evening once
the days get longer). Come along and be part of this initiative
- everybody is more than welcome.
Czech Twinning Trip
Subsequent to the meeting in early February it was agreed to arrange
a visit to Otrocineves and the Czech Republic in late May or early
June. The exact dates have still to be confirmed with our twinning
partners. The trip is open to everyone in the area - contact Brendan
on 0404-45167 for further details.
Thanks
Breda and Sheena Cunnington wish to thank the congregations of St.
John's and St. Kevin's churches for their donations to St. Luke's
Hospital - a cheque for €500 has been gratefully received by
Professor John Armstrong. We would also like to say a sincere thank-you
to everyone who sent Mass or sympathy cards and who supported us
in our recent sad bereavement. Instead of individual formal acknowledgements
a further donation has been sent by us to St. Luke's Cancer Research
Fund in memory of Terry, R.I.P. We feel lucky to be part of such
a caring community. Thank you all.
World Day of Prayer
The World Day of Prayer service will take place this year in St.
Kevin's Church at 8 pm on Friday 5th March. This is an international,
global, inter-denominational, movement of prayer - the 2010 service
is prepared by the Christian Women of Cameroon. All are welcome.
St. John's Church
As part of our Lenten worship series there will be a service of
intercession for healing, with the laying on of hands, on Wednesday
24th March at 7.30 pm. There will also be evening services on Holy
Thursday and Good Friday with a celebration of Holy Communion at
9.15 am on Easter Day.
Adult Guidance Service
The next Adult Career Guidance service will take place in the Brockagh
Centre on Monday 1st March from 11 am until 1 pm. 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.
Introduction to Healing & Meditation
Nóirín Callanan, a new resident of Laragh, is going
to run a six-week course on meditation and healing and is offering
a free introductory session to anyone who would like to find out
more about the course. The session will take place on Wednesday
10th March from 10.30 am until 12.30 pm.
Stitching & Sewing Workshop
This great recession-busting class is new to the Brockagh Centre.
Learn how to sew by hand or machine. Sew fun projects, make soft
toys, soft furnishings, clothes, accessories and much more. Customise
your clothes - ReDuce! ReSize! ReCycle! ReFashion! The classes take
place on a Wednesday morning from 10 am until 1 pm. For more information
call Aisling on 087-7691032.
Mobile Library
The mobile library will be in Laragh from 11 am until 12 noon on
Thursday 25th February and Thursdays 11th and 25th March. Please
note the change in time.
Tidy Towns
We can all make a difference in keeping Ireland clean. So if you
can spare even one hour please come along to the monthly litter
clean-up which takes place on Saturday 6th March. Meet opposite
Lynhams at 11 am. Just bring a pair of rubber gloves. Bags are provided.
Drama - Cupid Wore Skirts
Kirikee Drama Group will present another hilarious comedy in the
Brockagh Centre at 8 pm on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th April when
they will perform Cupid Wore Skirts by Sam Cree. When a widower
advertises for a wife, he finds the respondents are not quite what
he imagined……!
Bereavement Grant
The Bereavement Grant (based on PRSI contributions) is a once-off
payment on the death of an insured person, their spouse, partner,
widow/widower or child. People should apply within 12 months of
the date of death.
For more information LoCall 1890-500000 or contact the Citizens
Information Centre at the Brockagh Centre which 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 Tuesdays 2nd and 16th March. No appointment is necessary
for this free and confidential service.
Dancing the Rainbow
Dancing the Rainbow classes aim to be a creative and movement experience
that focus on the energy flow in the body and use the ancient system
of the chakras to promote awareness of where the energy may be over
or under-active. They are also a fun way to exercise and relax.
The classes are 1½ hrs long and will take place in the Brockagh
Centre over an 8-week period (dates and times to be confirmed depending
on interest). For further information please call Joanne Boyle on
086-8452640.
Healthy Food Made Easy
Healthy Food Made Easy is a free, 4 week, 2-hour programme especially
for the over 55s. This fun course teaches you about nutrition and
cooking with practical cookery demonstrations and you get a chance
to try out the recipe. It commences on March 5th (from 11 am until
1 pm). If you are interested please contact the Brockagh Centre
on 0404-45600.
Go for Life
FitLine
FitLine is an exciting new project that encourages people aged 55
and over to get active. FitLine mentors (who are over 55 themselves)
can call you to support you in your attempt to become more active.
Places are limited to 20. This is a great chance to increase physical
activity levels so ring Go for Life on 01-8057733 before all places
are taken!
Physical Activity Leaders
A Physical Activity Leader (PAL) workshop designed to empower older
people to lead their local groups in activities, such as short exercise
routines and sports, commences in Bray on March 9th (one day a week
for 8 weeks). Call Martina (086-6066805) or Bernadette (0404-45600)
for further information.
Active Retirement Lunch
The next Active Retirement Lunch will take place on 2nd March in
the Glenmalure Lodge.
The Brockagh Resource Centre
The Brockagh Resource Centre depends on the support of the community
now more than ever. Funding for the Centre has been cut since January
2010; we ask for your continued support of all the events, classes
and activities we run so that we can continue to provide services
to the local community.
Fund-raising Auction
We will be running an auction in the coming months to help fund-raise
for the Centre. We are looking for good quality and nearly new items
so if you have anything that may be suitable please hold on to it
for us. We are also looking for volunteers to collect and store
items. Call Pauline on 0404-45600.
Car Boot Sale
The next Car Boot Sale will take place on Sunday 7th March from
11 am until 4 pm. Vans must be booked in. Contact the Brockagh Centre
on 0404-45600.
Country & Craft Market with Monster Book Sale
The next Country & Craft Market will take place on Sunday 14th
March from 11 am until 4 pm. The market will feature a Monster Book
Sale with books for all ages at bargain prices - not to be missed.
There will also be a free customer raffle. Contact Colette on 0404-45600.
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 27th March
(with Tommy Carroll). Doors open at 9.30 pm and refreshments will
be available.
Birthday Parties
If you are having a birthday party why not rent the Brockagh Centre
and take away the hassle of catering at home? There is lots of space,
a sound system and room for everyone. For further information contact
the centre on 0404-45600.
New or Nearly New Sale
Do you have anything to sell that is in new or nearly new condition
(too good for a car boot sale)? We are currently looking for traders
for a recession-beating indoor sale which will be held in the Centre
on a Saturday between 2 and 5 pm. The cost of a table will be €10.
All sellers must contact Colette on 0404-45600 in advance.
My Rhythms Dance Sessions
The next 'My Rhythms' Dance session at the Brockagh Centre will
take place on Saturday 20th March from 7.30 to 10 pm (and put April
17th in your diary for the following month). There is no need to
book and the cover charge is only €5. all your friends. The
first half hour is for stretching and warm-up. Loose clothing is
advisable - bring your own refreshments but no alcohol please. For
more information call/text Sherron on 086-8788311. Come and be moved.
Scoil Chaoimhín Naofa
Children helping Children in Haiti
A huge thank-you to everyone who supported the recent fund-raising
efforts for the people in Haiti by bringing in rushes, helping make
or sell St. Brigid's Crosses and bringing in all those coins. We
spent days counting them!! A total of just over €1,500 was
raised. The children handed over a cheque for €1,000 to Concern
and €500 to the Andrew Grene Memorial Fund at a presentation
in the school.
Second Hand Book, DVD & Video Sale
This year the parents' association organised and held a Second Hand
Book, DVD and Video Sale to raise funds for the school. Almost €600
was raised. Thank you to all who supported this.
Walking Bus
As part of the Green School programme the walking bus leaves Mountain
View each morning at 8.30 am. We encourage pupils and parents to
participate. Thank you to those who currently help. Other adult
volunteers are needed - contact Muinteoir Rosemary.
Oliver
Congratulations to all who were involved in the recent production
of Oliver in the Brockagh Centre. Special mention goes to Kevin
Duffy, Rang 5, who played the role of "The Dodger" in
three of the performances. He was just brilliant.
GAA Blitz
Congratulations to the football team from Rang 3 and 4 who participated
in a blitz on January 27th in Roundwood. The team members were Aidan,
Shane M, Jack, Cade, Wayne, Ian, David, Kelvin, Conor and Gavin.
They won 6 out of their 7 matches! Well done to all Rang 5 and 6
and some of Rang 3 and 4 who participated in a friendly blitz with
Moneystown on 11th February in Laragh.
Pioneer Society
Postponement of Social Dance
We have postponed the dance planned for 12th March as we were clashing
with a dance in Moneystown. Watch out for a new date.
Pioneer Pins
Those eligible for a silver or gold pin should give their name to
either Lucy (at 45130) or Clare (at 45417). A silver pin costs €25,
a golden (gilted silver) pin is €27 and a gold pin (9ct) costs
€125.
Mountain Skills Training
Evening classes on map-reading and the basic art of navigation in
the hills are designed to help you enjoy the full pleasures of the
mountains. They will build your confidence in your ability to navigate
and look after yourself safely while exploring the countryside.
Classes commence soon and will run over 10 weeks. For further information
contact Christopher Stacey at 087-2698659 or email cstacey@iol.ie
AA Meetings
Closed AA Meetings (for those with an alcohol problem) are held
in the Brockagh Resource Centre at 8.30 pm every Monday night.
Wicklow Mountains National Park
An Evening with the Stars
The evening will start in the Education Centre at 7pm on Saturday
6th March with a talk on the Cassini-Huygens Mission to Saturn.
The talk will be followed by star-gazing in the Upper Lake car park.
Come along anytime between 8 and 10 pm and observe Saturn, the moon
and the night sky. Members of the Irish Astronomical Society will
have powerful telescopes set up. The event depends on clear skies
so please phone 0404-45425 on the day to check that it will take
place. It is free, suitable for all the family and booking is not
necessary.
Grouse Hike
The Red Grouse is a declining species in Ireland. During a slow
hike of 4 to 5 hours on the Wicklow Way near Djouce (starting at
11 am on Saturday 27th March) we will discuss the protection and
habitat management programme in detail - and hopefully see some
grouse too. Participants must bring a packed lunch and be equipped
for bad weather (hiking boots and suitable rain gear are essential).
The hike will be partly off-track. It is aimed at adults but suitable
for secondary school children (+16yrs) with an interest in the subject.
Booking is essential and will be taken from Saturday 13th March
only.
Call 0404-45656 (weekdays) or 0404-45425 (weekends) for more information
on either event.
Glendalough Website
After less than two years of operation 'Glendalough.ie' is the website
that comes up top of the list when you 'google' Glendalough. Traffic
to the website is growing on a monthly basis and we have received
very positive feedback. The website is averaging over 3,000 unique
visitors per month - (a unique visitor is a single, individual person
that views a website within a month - each person is only counted
once no matter how many times they visit the website). We are averaging
over 4,000 visits per month - this means that 1,000 of the unique
visitors are returning to the website again within the same month
- a very good sign. We hope to develop the site further in the next
year and one of the plans is to include a business directory for
the area - so watch this space. If you have any queries about the
website contact the Brockagh Centre on 0404-45600.
Highrock Home-based Childcare
A home-based, childminding service for all age groups is now available
in Trooperstown. Highrock Childcare is registered and insured and
run by a qualified childminder. It caters for school runs and both
full and part-time places are available. There are large indoor
and outdoor play areas. Call Karen on 087-2344687 or 0404-45857
for more details.
St. Kevin's Church Collection for Haiti
Thanks to all parishioners who generously supported the collection
for Haiti which raised €1,431.55.
Bodhrán Course for Beginners
Alan O'Baille (now of East Coast FM fame) will be restarting his
basic bodhrán course for complete beginners shortly. Learn
how to play along to any Irish tune in just 5 easy lessons. Students
must have their own bodhrán and stick. Lessons will take
place in the Brockagh Centre at 8 pm on Mondays. Places are limited
so contact Alan on 086-3543206 now.
Community Alert
Glendalough & District Community Alert is now taking applications
for the Personal Alarms available through a government grant scheme
to all those aged 65 years and over. Application forms may be picked
up in McCoy's shop, filled in and returned to the shop in an envelope
marked for the attention of Community Alert. The grant process takes
about 2 to 3 months to complete.
Death
We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Delia
Byrne who departed this life recently. May she rest in peace.
Please leave articles for the next issue into W. McCoy's by 20th
of April or alternatively email them to laragh_glendalough_news@hotmail.com
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