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Tuesday 24 February 2015

PRIDE IN OUR COMMUNITY 2015



The Pride in our Community 

launch will be held in April 2015


We are looking for community groups to enter


Categories will include: 

  • Best new entry
  • Best small village
  • Best maintained project
  • Most creative project
  • Best Tourism award
  • Social Inclusion award
  • Healthy village award
  • Overall winner, Pride of County Cork Award.

Now is the time to start thinking about getting your entry ready. We look forward to seeing all your new and existing  projects that are of  long -term benefit to your local community.



SCHOOL GARDEN REMINDER 27th March




  The closing date for entering  the Competition is the

 27 March 2015


 



  • To enter online go to muintircork.com and follow links.
  • Enter by post, fill out entry form and return to us at 8 Sidney Place, Wellington Road, Cork City.
  • Email a scanned entry form to admin@muintircork.com.

Image result for small smiley face

Happy Gardening



For more details contact admin@muintircork.com or  phone 021-4500688


MITCHELSTOWN ALLOTMENT NOW AVAILABLE





The green-fingered world of gardening fruit growing and sowing of crops is now a possibility for people in Mitchelstown following the official opening of the Mitchelstown community Allotments.

Mayor of County Cork, Cllr Alan Coleman was on hand to turn (and fling) the sod at last Monday afternoons ceremony.

In his address, Mayor Coleman said it was another important day for Mitchelstown and further evidence of the industry and initiative of Mitchestown Community Council.

"Sean Finn and his committee have done a great job. Together with local public representatives and the statutory agencies, they've opened up all kinds of possibilities for those who have, heretofore, not been in a position to grow and tend plants, flowers and crops,"he said.

For his part, chairman of Mitchelstown Community Council Sean Finn, said the Community Council
were delighted to be part of a scheme that would bring individuals together, foster a community spirit and give people an appreciation of nature. Sean acknowledged the role of Cork County Council in making the one and half acres of land (situated between the cemetery and town playground) available on a lease agreement.

A key driving force behind the project was Glanworth based councillor, Frank O Flynn. Frank said the allotments project required a team effort.

"The allotment project has been on the go since 2011. Everyone persevered with it and it's great to see it come to fruition, all those who helped made it possible deserves great praise" he said.  Frank went on to acknowledge  the miles of Cork County Council, Brendan Scahill (HSE), Mitchelstown Forum, Mitchestown A Healthy Town
committee, Mitchelstown Community Forum, Dave Gill (TUS),  Barry Wilson (TUS), Michael Cremin (environmental section Cork County Council), John O Dell and engineer Brendan O Gorman,

Brendan Scahill fully endorsed the scheme as did both Councillors Kevin O Keeffe and Kay Dawson.

Plots are available at the introductory offer of €50, enquiries to  025-85213.





































Monday 23 February 2015

News from Walter Ryan Purcell in West Cork



Ballydehob: An Sanctoir's AGM : Friday 20th March at 7 pm.




Ballincollig & District Vintage and Classic Car Club


Celebrating 10 Years. Wednesday 4th of March

Club Meeting, Mary O'Connor's Bar, Ballincollig at 9:00pm

Sunday 8th of March

Cars and Coffee Morning, in the Covered Car Park @ Tesco, Ballincollig from 10:30am.

Bring your Vintage/Classic Car or just call in to meet up!

Ballincollig & District Vintage and Classic Car Club List of Events for 2015:
Sunday 12th of April - Run to Gouganebarra
Sunday 17th of May - Charity Run
Sunday 21st of June - Atlantic Way Run
Friday 24th - Sunday 26th of July - Annual Show @ Ballincollig Shopping Centre
Sunday 13th of September - Run
Sunday 18th of October - West Cork Run


Scoil Mhuire NS, Schull, will hold an open day for the parents of all prospective Junior Infants on Thursday 26th February. It will begin at 1:30 with a tour of the school followed by teas and coffee and a brief address from the Principal. Enrolment forms will be available for collection on the day and in the meantime be sure to check out our website www.schullns.com.



Kinsale, Kinsale Youth Support Services (KYSS)


On Wednesday 25th February 2015, at 8pm, in the Carlton Hotel in Kinsale, Kinsale Youth Support Services (KYSS) are hosting one of their monthly awareness talks, and they are delighted to confirm that Liam Doocey will be the keynote speaker on the night. He will be giving a presentation on ‘You Don’t Have to Know it All – Parenting in the Modern Era’.

Liam Doocey is a qualified Life Coach and is accredited with the International Institute of Coaching AWC. He is also registered on the International Coaching Register ICR. Liam has worked as a professional youth worker since 1991, and he holds a BA Hons Degree in Sociology as well as qualifications in Drugs Counselling, Intervention Skills and Youth and Community Work.

Liam has facilitated drugs awareness programmes in various secondary schools in Cork over the last 10 years, which are designed to stimulate debate and inform both young people and their parents. His philosophy when working with young people and their parents is to keep it simple and direct. Liam has a relaxed, common sense, and down to earth approach, which will both challenge and encourage all those attending.

Admission to the event is free.

The host KYSS was formed in 2010 and consists of a group of people, drawn from local Doctors, Gardai, Counsellors, Teachers, HSE, Youth Club Leaders and Workers, and Community Volunteers, who have come together to support young people, and to promote positive mental health in the wider Kinsale area. KYSS serves a catchment area of 10,000 people, covering Ballygarvan, Ballinhassig, Ballinspittle (Courceys Parish), Belgooly, Innishannon, Kilmacsimon, Kinsale, Riverstick and Tracton.





CLONAKILTY FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT AGAIN


The annual Fairtrade Fortnight takes place from February 23rd to 8th March and as always, Clonakilty - Ireland's first FT Town, has organised a number of events to celebrate. This years FT Fortnight theme is - "The Power is in your Pocket".

On Thursday 5th March at 8pm there will be a Chocolate Tasting and Tapas Evening again hosted by Clonakilty Chocolate at Molly's Café as an introduction to Fairtrade chocolate. There will be tastings, live music and plenty of sweet and savoury recipes to sample made by local chefs. Tickets for sale at O' Donovan's Hotel Desk or by phoning Allison on 085 757 4338.

Check out the Clonakilty Fairtrade Facebook and Twitter pages regularly for updates.

Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin,086-2202029
Trevor Kingston on 086-3384863. Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ClonakiltyFairtrade

West Cork Wine Society: An Evening of Wine and Food Pairing

Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery
7pm, Thursday 5 March
The Celtic Ross Hotel in association with Christys Wines & Spirits is proud to present an evening of fine dining with select wines from Rutherford Ranch, California. Our presenter on the night, Dick Wallingford, will showcase delectable wines from California paired with an inspired 4 course menu from our Executive Head Chef Graeme Campbell. This will be a most enjoyable and educational evening where you will experience the art of wine and food pairing; wines from the Rutherford Ranch Winery set in the Napa Valley's scenic Silverado Trail on the west coast of America paired with a menu suffused with the famous artisan food produce of West Cork.
€35 per person (This will be an intimate evening with limited numbers. Please book to avoid disappointment.)
To book call Celtic Ross Events on (023) 8848722

The West Cork Fit Up Theatre Festival in association with Cork County Council, will hold a Spring Fit Up Theatre Festival on Bere Island in 2015.


The following plays will be performed at the Bere Island Heritage Centre in March:

Saturday 7th March: Underneath written and performed by Pat Kinevane.

Saturday 14th March: Postscript by Noelle Brown and Michelle Forbes.

Both performances will be at 7.30pm, admission is €12, concessions €10. A family ticket is €36 (2 adults and 2 teens). Please note the performances are not suitable for audiences under 14. A ferry will leave Castletownbere at 6.30pm and will return after the performances.



Dates of the Summer West Cork Fit-Up Theatre Festival on Bere Island will be announced within in the next few weeks.

If you require further details, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards

Helen

HELEN RIDDELL

Development Worker

Bere Island Conservation Plan, Community Centre, Ballinakilla, Bere Island, Co Cork. Tel: 027 75099


Swing Dance Workshop with Tom and Rachel

Saturday, March 21 at 12:00pm

Westlodge Hotel Bantry. in Bantry

West Cork French Conversation

Wednesday, March 11 at 4:00pm

The Black Sheep


A Free Guide to Vegetable Growing – just email Stephen.Alexander@teagasc.ie for one. Lovely booklet!


Stephen Alexander
Vegetable Crops Adviser
Teagasc
Kinsealy Research Centre
Malahide Rd
Dublin 17

Baltimore Lifeboat Dinner and Disco on Saturday 28th February at 8.00 p.m. in Casey’s hotel.


This is a very popular event and tickets will sell out fast. You can reserve tickets by emailing me on declan.tiernan1622@gmail.com) or by purchasing them directly from Bushes Baltimore.

Spring Fit-up Theatre Festival from the 4th - 15th of March, this is in addition to the main summer event.


The festival opens with hugely popular Pat Kinevane in his new show ‘Underneath’. West Corkaudiences will remember Pat, who seems to have an almost cult-like following in the area, for his stunning performances in ‘Silent’ ( Edinburgh Fringe First) and ‘Forgotten’.

Following the runaway international success of Forgotten and Silent, Fishamble presents Pat Kinevane’s third solo play, Underneath, directed by Jim Culleton. This stunning new play is a blackly comic, rich and vivid tale of a life lived in secret, a testament to the people who live on the fringes, under the nose of everyday life. It explores the surface, and what lies underneath and promises to provide audiences with another captivating, moving and unforgettable theatrical journey in the hands of a master.

The second week of the festival opens on March 11th in Glengariff Community Hall with ‘Postscript’ by Noelle Brown and Michelle Forbes. The play is performed by Noelle Brown and Brid Ni Neachtain, two superb actors who have both worked with Blood in the Alley in the past. Noelle Brown was adopted at birth and her play is based on her real search for her identity which provides a gentle, sad, funny and delightful evening of theatre.

The plays will be performed in Ballydehob, Heir Island, Bere Island, Kilcrohane, Glengariff and Lisavard during the Festival so check the website for details of when they are coming to a venue near you on www.westcorkfit-up.com. Blood in the Alley are the company who bring top class professional productions to places that other companies can’t reach and no doubt the Festival will continue to do so for some time. Tickets are 10/12 euro are only available at the door. Please check ferry times for island shows.

Geoff Gould Jessica Finken
Artistic Director Company Manager
0860454458 0861549981

Blood in the Alley Theatre Co.
Gurrane,
Caheragh,
Drimoleague,
Co. Cork

http://www.bloodinthealley.ie/
/Blood-in-the-Alley-Theatre-Company facebook link

Up and coming event

Fit-up Theatre Festival West Cork

Wed March 4th - Sun March 15th


Welsh TV to Feature Cape Clear Island

Welsh Language TV Program to be broadcast shortly to feature sailing in in West Cork including Cape Clear Island.

During last Summer ( 2014) a number of programs of Codi Hwyl ( Raise the Sail) were recorded in the West Cork area and these will be broadcast shortly as follows.
Codi Hwyl (Raise the Sail)
S4C Sianel Pedwar Cymru
8:25pm
Programme 1 (13/2)
Intrepid sailors John Pierce Jones and Dilwyn Morgan sail from Wales to Ireland for new adventures in the Emerald Isles – but stormy weather threatens their journey before they even leave Welsh waters.
Programme 2 (20/2)
Actor John Pierce Jones and comedian Dilwyn Morgan head for the stunning island of Cape Clear on the 27 foot boat the Mistress Wilful – will engine trouble maroon them on the island?
Programme 3 (27/2)
Their boat crippled by engine troubles, John Pierce Jones and Dilwyn Morgan head for Baltimore, a town in West Cork renowned for its beautiful harbour, where the boys try their hand at sailing a traditional wooden lobster boat and a luxury yacht. But will the Mistress wilful be ready to carry on the journey?
Programme 4 (6/3)
Actor John Pierce Jones and Dilwyn Morgan set sail for Courtmacsherry, a town known for offering sailors a warm Irish welcome but the harbour is tricky to sail, demanding all of Dilwyn’s sailing expertise. But is John ready for the challenge?
Programme 5 (13/3)
John Pierce Jones and Dilwyn Morgan steer the Mistress Wilfull towards Kinsale – where they take some time off their boat to play at one of the world’s most exclusive golf clubs and explore life under the waves on a scuba expedition. They head for Cobh, where John has family connections.
Programme 6 (20/3)
On the final leg of their Irish journey, John Piece Jones and Dilwyn Morgan travel to Dungarvan and the Irish Gaeltacht An Rinn, where they meet up with actor and singer Ryland Teifi for a night of music.




Muddy Paws dog groomer Schull, washing, clipping de-matting de-shedding and more.ALL dog types and ALL dog temperaments welcome

FULL GROOM: Small and toy €25, Medium €35, Large €50

WASH, BRUSH AND DRY: Small €15, Medium €20, Large €30

Contact: Marion Lannin, Gubbeen, Schull

odonovanmarion@gmail.com 028 28013 / 086-7719345

Chimney Sweep
Have your chimney swept this winter .
Providing a stove and chimney cleaning service in West Cork.

For cleaner, safer, and more efficient chimneys!
Contact Tomas Lannin
0868226007 / 028 28013
tlainin@gmail.com

Warm up for the winter! have all your seasoned hardwood delivered to your house from Connadh Fuels in Schull. Ash and Beech (under 20% moisture). Eco-briquettes, coal and turf. Excellent value. See their new website for details www.connadhfuels.ie Tel Aidan or Goretti on 086 386 3506. Delivery throughout West Cork and Cork City.

(apologies for the different print sizes, I haven't a clue why it happens or how to rectify it)

Cheerio,

Walter

www.westcork.co

Coiscéim – a confidential low-cost counselling programme operated by SHEP.


What is counselling?

Counselling helps an individual to explore concerns and feelings in a safe and confidential setting with the help of a Counsellor who is trained to listen attentively and without judging. This, in turn, may help individuals to understand themselves and what they are experiencing better and may help them to develop more fulfilling relationships and a more satisfying life.

Counselling can help if you …

  • are feeling troubled or stressed in your live and want to find a way forward
  • are feeling down or depressed with the following symptoms: low in energy, have difficulty eating, sleeping, concentrating, cry easily or generally finding it difficult to cope with what is happening in your life.
  • are bereaved or suffering other losses
  • are having relationship difficulties
  • have been or are being  abused verbally, physically or sexually
  • have been or are being bullied
  • you feel low in self-esteem and confidence
  • would like to understand yourself better, find your strengths and build on them.

Who is Coisceim For?

Individuals

Any individual who contacts Coiscéim seeking counselling is offered an initial assessment. We do not, however, provide addiction treatment of any kind. There are times where a referral to other specialised services may best suit your situation e.g. addiction treatment centre or community based treatment programmes, psychiatric support, advocacy etc.  This type of referral would only take place with full consultation with you.

Couples

Couples experiencing difficulties in their relationships are also welcome to contact the service. After an initial meeting it may be decided in consultation with you as to which options may suit best e.g. to engage in counselling together or be referred separately for a number of sessions and then to come back for a further number of sessions together.

Adolescents and Children

Coiscéim offers a limited counselling service to adolescents and children. Parents /guardians have a consultation with the service coordinator before a child is considered for referral to a counsellor.

Family Support

Families can also avail of a number of counselling sessions. The aim of these sessions is to provide an opportunity for parents and children who may be experiencing distress in their relationships due to any of a number of issues i.e. parenting, teenage difficulties, school related issues etc.

Frequently asked Questions about Counselling

SHEP CONTACT DETAILS

Social Health Education Project
Village Chambers,
The Village Centre,
Station Road,
Ballincollig, Co.Cork.
Cork - (021) 466 6180
Limerick - 085 862 6844
Kerry - 087 772 8089

Monday 16 February 2015

Muintir Na Tire – Community Alert Introduce an Offer of I years free affiliation.

It is not pleasant to think about accidents, and liability so perhaps that is why so many Community Alert groups have no insurance.

We find excuses to avoid facing the fact that an annual premium should be paid to manage risk, because most risks can be passed on to an insurance company.

History is recorded in order to avoid repeating errors, and the question right now is whether,  officers and members of Community Alert groups across the length and breadth of Ireland have forgotten the tragedies that struck Muintir na Tire groups over the years.

I recollect the Dec 1967, Ballyboy, Co Offaly fire.
During a fundraiser in the Muintir Na Tire hall, an explosion and fire occurred.
About 60 people were injured, some badly burned, several were in hospital for long periods.
 Legal proceedings began almost immediately.
The defendants deemed by the court were the local Muintir na Tire committee, who had organized the fund raiser.
In February 1972, because there was no insurance cover, when judgment was given in the High Court it was registered as a mortgage against the farms of two of the committee.
That sparked off a nationwide campaign of church gate collections and it brought home to people the value of having insurance.

Insurance is normally required for less spectacular reasons.
Muintir na Tire as a national organization is very aware and concerned, and recommends all Community Alert groups and Community Council arrange adequate insurance cover.

So in an effort to encourage uptake of group insurance, any new policy placed during the month of February will qualify for a draw for a year’s free affiliation to Muintir.

Likewise, any policy placed during the month of March, will also qualify for a draw for a year’s free affiliation to Muintir.
Contact Muintir na Tire, Canon Hayes House, Tipperary, with your policy details for entry.

Diarmuid Cronin
Community Alert Development Officer Southern Region
086 - 6000752

Sunday 15 February 2015

Craft Export & Preparing for Creative Island workshop

Emer Ferran, Enterprise Development Programme Manager with Design & Crafts Council of Ireland will facilitate a Craft Export & Preparing for Creative Island workshop with Méabh Ring on Wed Feb 18th 9:30am to 4:30 pm in Cork International Airport Hotel, Cork.  In collaboration with The Design & Crafts Council of Ireland and Local Enterprise Office Cork, this workshop will focus on how to prepare for Creative Island Showcase 2016 and the craft export market , trade shows such as Harrogate UK and Secaucus USA,  among others trade shows.  Topics will also include:
·  Applying for Creative Island in Showcase Ireland 2016 with DCCoI.
·  Applying for the DCCoI International Fair Fund with DCCoI.
·  Applying for the Small Exporter grant – LEO West Cork & North Cork.
·  Showcase and international gift shows in UK & USA.
·  Preparation and pricing.
Date:                                                        Wednesday, 18th February 2015
Location:                                                 Cork International Airport Hotel  /    Time: 9.30a.m. – 4.30p.m.    /    Price: €40
Trainer:                                                   Emer Ferran, Enterprise Development Programme Manager with Design & Crafts Council of Ireland
If you have any queries at all please do not hesitate to contact me on 021 4975 281.

Kind Regards
Ciara

Ciara McGee
Business Adviser
Local Enterprise Office South Cork
Unit 6a, South Ring Business Park
Kinsale Road
Cork

T    (021) 4 975 281
F    (021) 4 975 287

Friday 13 February 2015

Family Communication A 6-week course for parents & carers of Teenagers in Fermoy Area





Organised by
Fermoy Community Network with assistance from Avondhu Blackwater Partnership

Facilitated by
SHEP (The Social & Health Education Project)

Start Date:   Thursday 26th February 2015
Time:           7.00pm – 9.30pm
Venue:         Cahill Room, Fermoy Community Resource Centre
42 McCurtain Street Fermoy

Topics include:

¨      Communication and listening
¨      Needs of Children
¨      Self-esteem for All the Family
¨      The Good Enough Parent
¨      Love and Limits
¨      Health, Stress & Drugs
¨      Resolving Conflict

Course fee: €15.00 for an individual or €25.00 for a couple

You can register for this course on or before Monday 23rd February 2015

Contact: Fionnuala or Marilyne on 025 32962


Local Shops and groups please display poster below. 


Monday 9 February 2015

Ag Eisteacht Empowering Through Training

Ag Eisteacht aspires to an Ireland where all frontline workers are empowered to respond in a 

sensitive and focused manner when someone 'turns to' them for support. We are a registered 

charity and our mission is to enhance frontline workers' capacity to engage with and support 

clients, particularly those in distress. We provide evidence-based training that develops and 

strengthens this process.

In your work you may find that you are often ‘turned to’ for support when individuals and 

families experience problems and are in distress.



The 3 Day Brief Encounters® training 

programme will help you engage with clients/parents under stress, assess their needs, respond 

in a sensitive and proactive way. In our training we provide an environment where participants 

can learn, reflect on themselves as practitioners and their practice, and develop both personally 

and professionally.

3 Day Brief Encounters – Upcoming Dates:

February 23rd, March 12th & 13th 

May 5th, 18th & 19th 

September 15th, 28th & 29th

Venue: Maryborough Hotel, Douglas, Cork

Cost: RRP is €300 but we are offering a subsidised price of €200 for 2015. This includes a 

resource page, 3 Days of interactive workshops, lunch and refreshments.

Visit our Brief Encounters website page to book or find out more by clicking here 

How to Argue Better – 1 Day Blended Learning Workshop

There is compelling evidence that how parents get on - or don’t get on - influences children’s 

lives. Would you like to improve your skills in helping people to deal with conflict and to manage 

conflict in a positive way? This blended learning programme will equip you with the resources to 

help parents to develop skills to handle conflict more constructively, thus improving outcomes 

for children. 

Upcoming Dates:

May 12th

September 15th

Venue: Maryborough Hotel, Douglas, Cork

Cost: RRP is €185 but we are offering a subsidised price of €125 for 2015. This includes access to 

an online e-Learning Module, an interactive workshop, a resource pack, lunch and refreshments.

Visit our How to Argue Better website page to book or find out more by clicking here

Sunday 8 February 2015

News from Governance Code


Charities Regulatory Authority
2014 began with extensive public spotlight on a number of charities and their governance issues. While we would not have wished these controversies to have arisen, they have nevertheless had the positive effect of stimulating the Government into finding some resources to bring the Charities Regulatory Authority (CRA), legislated for in 2009, into being. The Code Working Group has long supported the establishment of the CRA for the purpose of overseeing the charity sector, and we look forward to developing a close and mutually supportive working relationship with the authority in the future.
Whatever progress on enhancing governance the CRA makes with the approximately 9,000 registered charities, there will still be a need to have a governance standard which the tens of thousands of non-charity not-for-profit organisations aspire to.
Information Sessions
During 2014 Working Group representatives spoke at 22 information workshops. We would like to sincerely thank those local individuals and organisations who took on the task of promoting and hosting those information sessions, enabling us to engage with groups in Connemara, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Leitrim, Limerick, Louth, Mayo, Monaghan, Tipperary, Wexford and Wickow.
We are always interested in delivering Governance Code presentations to local or national networks - please contact Margaret Agnew: margaret@governancode.ie to learn more.
Volunteer Centres
To add further to our capacity to make presentations and support groups on the journey, we recently entered into an agreement with one of the Working Groups members, Volunteer Ireland, to train staff in local Volunteer Centres. This will enable the Centres to represent the Working Group at local information sessions and to create support networks for local organisations on the journey. This process will be rolled-out on a phased basis during 2015.
Reviewing the Code
When the Code was being drafted prior to its launch in 2012 it was agreed that there would be a review of its content and processes in 2015, to learn from the first implementation phase and make whatever changes might improve the Code and organisations use of it. The Terms of Reference for the Review have now been agreed by the Working Group together with the three additional original members of the Drafting Group. The findings from this review process will will be posted on our website when completed
We would very much appreciate it if those who have engaged with the Code over the past 30 months would share with us their feedback of their experience of the Code, especially with suggestions for where the process and content could be improved so that version ’15 can be the most fit-for-purpose possible. Find out more here.
Finally, the Governance Code Working Group wishes all volunteers and staff in community, voluntary and charity organisations throughout Ireland a successful 2015. 
Kind regards,
Diarmaid

Diarmaid Ó CorrbuíChairperson, Governance Code Working Group

Saturday 7 February 2015

Municipal District Community and Amenity Grant Schemes Deadline 27th Feb 2015

Cork County Council Municipal District Community Grant Schemes 2015

Cork County Council, through its Municipal Districts, is committed to supporting local communities.
 Grants from the above Schemes will be available as financial support to community groups and local organisations wishing to undertake development projects in their area, to support festivals, and for local communities to work with Cork County Council on projects that enhance the area in which the group is active.
There are three distinct funding Schemes:
1. Capital Grant Scheme
2. Community Contracts
3. Amenity Grant Scheme

Guidelines are available here or from your local Municipal District Office.

Application Forms are available here or from your local Municipal District Office.

Closing date for receipt of Completed Applications is 4pm Friday 27th February 2015.

Castlemartyr & Mogeely information meeting

Castlemartyr & Mogeely Community public info meeting . Covering topics such as farm safety , security in the home ,personal alarms ,help with using your phone efficiently . Castlemartyr National school Hall , Tuesday 10th February @ 7.45pm . 
Tea/ Coffee Refreshments

Thursday 5 February 2015

Failte Ireland and The Wild Atlantic Way

Fáilte Ireland will present an overview of the Wild Atlantic Way 2015 plans. The event will feature a plenary presentation followed by breakout sessions on key topics covering Research and Insights, Experience Development and The World of Digital.
• Roscarberry: Tuesday 10th February, Celtic Ross Hotel.
Registration starts at 9am.
Workshop will begin at 9:30am sharp.
Event will conclude with a networking lunch from 1 – 2pm.
Please click the button below to register for the event you wish to attend
http://dcb.btmm-dev.com/waw/

Fresh from West Cork

Fresh from West Cork resumes from this Friday with a lovely new stall at the wonderful Bradley's Artisan Food Shop & Off Licence, North Main Street, Cork. 

We will be selling over 80 delicious food products from more than 40 West Cork food producers.
Last year we spent over 10 months with a stall at the English Market, Cork, and sold €100,000 of West Cork food. It was hard going! Hopefully Fresh from West Cork food pods in shops will greatly increase sales and returns to West Cork.

There is a music/theatre/art festival this weekend on South Main Street and North Main Street, so if you are in Cork please call byhttp://makeshiftensemble.com/index.php/quarter-block-party/ 

Please keep an eye on events in West Cork on www.westcork.co and the West Cork facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/pages/West-Cork/296910133819991

Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund

Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund

Background


The Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund, which has operated since 1997, promotes sustainable development by assisting small-scale environmental projects at local level. These projects involve partnership arrangements between local authorities and various local groups including community groups, schools and environmental NGOs.
The Fund encourages involvement of local communities in local action and decision-making and assists them in working towards the goal of sustainable development. The value of the scheme is enhanced by the voluntary effort that it facilitates.
The Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund assists sustainable development from the ground-up and facilitates, at local level, the achievement of the objectives of the Agenda 21 action plan on sustainable development which was agreed at the UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, in 1992 (the “Earth Summit”).  Renewed political commitment for sustainable development was secured at the Rio +20 Conference in Brazil in June 2012, on the 20th anniversary of the “Earth Summit’. 
The Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund is administered by local authorities, while the Department maintains a co-ordinating role. Eligible projects are those which support and complement, at a local level, national environmental policies such as those on Waste, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Air, Water and Sustainable Development. Local authorities are required to provide an equivalent amount of funding to successful projects as the funding provided by the Department. Funding can also be supplemented by other sources, e.g. the private sector, in order to maximise the potential for partnership arrangements.

2014

 
A total of 397,760 euro has been provided by the Department in 2014 to 697 projects around the country.  This funding is matched by equivalent funding from the local authorities. A wide variety of projects and schemes has been supported under the Fund in previous years including community gardens, allotments and compost schemes, rainwater harvesting systems, educational initiatives and environmental exhibitions. A list of projects funded in 2014 can be viewed at the following link: 

2014 Successful Local Agenda 21 Projects (pdf, 902kb)

 

How to Apply


The application process is advertised each year in national and local press. The next application process will take place in mid-2015. Further information is available from the Environment Awareness/Education Officer of your local authority:



General Information


For general information on the Fund please contact:
Environment Policy & Awareness Section 
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government 
Newtown Road, Wexford
Tel: +353 (0)53 911 7321 
e-mail: awareness@environ.ie

Traveller Culture Awareness Training

Traveller Culture Awareness Training  taking place in North Cork in March. 
The training is open to staff/volunteers of agencies and community groups working in North Cork who would like to know more about Traveller Culture and how to ensure that your services are reaching Travellers.
Places are limited so please book early to ensure a place. 

There is a cost of €30 to participate and CPD points are available to nurses/ health professionals taking part.

Bec Fahy
Primary Health Care Co-ordinator
Travellers of North Cork (TNC)
Riverside,
Doneraile,
County Cork
Tel. 022 71035 / 022 71032
mobile: 087 2931364

Training Information


Want to get an insight into Traveller Culture?
TCAT is a two hour Traveller led workshop. The workshop is generic and is open to anyone with an
interest in learning more about the uniqueness of Travellers and their culture. It aims to promote a
better understanding of Traveller culture among the wider community in Cork.
DATE: Tuesday 10th March
TIME: 10.30am
VENUE: Mercy Centre, Mallow
Learn about:
􀁸 The importance of Traveller culture to the Traveller community.
􀁸 Traveller customs and traditions.
􀁸 The laws and policies that affect Travellers.
􀁸 How to support Traveller service users.
What other participants have said:
􀂾 I now know the importance of communication and openness. I won’t be afraid to discuss Traveller
culture in front of young Travellers and challenge attitudes of some settled people to Travellers.
􀂾 I understand the shift needed for services to be accessible.
􀂾 I intend to encourage young Travellers be proud and celebrate their culture.
Interested?
To book a place of find out more please contact:
Bec Fahy, (Travellers of North Cork) on 022 71035 email: travellersnorthcork@live.com
or
Bridget Horgan, on 087 1114 6585 email corktcat@gmail.com
Closing date for applications is Thursday 5th March 2015.

School Garden Competition Launched

Frozen’s Olaf hosts Ugly Veg Picnic for School Gardening Kids

Frozen’s Olaf hosted a special ugly vegetable Picnic to launch the Muintir na Tire School Garden Competition yesterday. Children from Canovee, Rusheen and Rylane National Schools were invited to the picnic by Olaf in Griffins Garden Centre Dripsey where they enjoyed all sorts of goodies. Even Deputy Mayor Councillor Aindreas Moynihan dropped in to wish all the schools taking part in this year’s copmpetion well. There were plenty of ugly veg were on display and Olaf reminded us  that this is perfectly good food and should not be wasted. The competition is now in its third year and continues to grow with many schools recognising the benefits of having a school garden. Schools have all sorts of options when it comes to choosing which type of Garden they can enter.
Garden Categories include Edible Garden, Biodiversity/Wildlife Garden, Up-Cycling Art and colour Garden, Mixed Garden,   Small Garden, Best New Garden , Innovation and Creativity and the overall best  Pride of County Cork Garden  All  schools all automatically judged for this Award.
 Mary Stack Environmental Awareness Officer of Cork County council encouraged schools to rethink, repair, refurbish along with reusing & recycling items in their garden as this is very important for the environment. Conor Nelligan Heritage urged schools to think Biodiversity when gardening. He particularly suggested the inclusion of natural hedges, log piles, bird boxes, bird tables, wildflower meadows, nature-trails and the use of native flora.
Sean Holland of Muintir na Tire who co-ordinate the competition thanked Cork County Council and Griffins Garden Centre for all their support in organising the Competition.
Olaf urged all schools to try and enter online at muintircork.com as this is kinder to the environment and Deputy Mayor Moynihan said that information packs can also be ordered online at the Muintir na Tire Website.  

For Full details of the competition
Telephone 0214500688





Sendmode Irish Company Community Text Alert Information

Our company Sendmode www.sendmode.com provide full Text for business worldwide.  We are an Irish company based in Ireland.  We have recently become Muintir Na Tíre accredited for Community Text Alert http://muintir.ie/about-us/community-text-alert/.

We have designed the system to accept incoming alerts from either the Garda or an Account Manager.  

The Account Manager also has the ability to send out non crime related text, perhaps for the AGM, monthly clean up etc.  
 We provide credits at 6c (ex vat) for bundles up to 5000 credits and reducing in cost for larger bundles.  

If you would like further information or would like to have a trial account set up please feel free to contact me in the office on 076 603 0197 or email myles@sendmode.com.

Monday 2 February 2015

Clann Credo Loans to Voluntary Groups.

Many groups need affordable loan finance for community projects and enterprises. Where do they go?

Clann Credo provides affordable loan finance to community, voluntary and charitable organisations, community businesses and social enterprises throughout Ireland. We have also supported projects in Kosovo, Romania, Slovakia and South Africa. 
We consider loans up to €500,000.
Loans are generally granted for a period of up to seven years, but longer repayment periods (up to 15 years) may be considered. 
Our finance packages include:
•    bridging loans against grant income or other funding
•    finance for property purchase, construction or refurbishment 
•    working capital loans
•    matching funding loans
•    loans to purchase equipment and vehicles

Our beneficiaries include:

•   community owned enterprises
•   social housing initiatives
•   accessible transport
•   community childcare
•   arts, culture & heritage projects
•   environmental projects
•   social enterprises.


Clann Credo - the Social Investment Fund 
Irish Social Finance Centre, 10 Grattan Crescent, Inchicore, Dublin 8, Ireland 
Tel 353-1-400 2100, Fax 353-1-453 1862 

News from Conna Community Council and Tidy Towns

Lorna Dunlop has been on to tell me about the newly elected Community Council in Conna.
Lorna says that they have inherited a very clear plan of action from their predecessors who have put in place strong foundations on which to build.
Lorna goes on to say .....'
2014 saw Conna placed 9th in its category in the Tidy Towns Competition despite major disruption to the appearance of the village due to the extensive work carried out to improve the area’s water supply with a new reservoir and connecting pipes.
Our lovely village suffered road and pavement resurfacing causing many of the trees on the main street to be lost.  It is our intention to replace these with posts and hanging baskets in bloom and to pay urgent attention to derelict buildings.
 Also in 2014 Conna hosted its first Highland Games.  This took place in the Community Sports Field and was very successful follow up to The Gathering the year before. Previous committees have worked tirelessly to endow the sports field with lighting and we are proud to see stage one completed with six lights in place.
We newly-elected members, along with the many volunteers, will continue the excellent work and also plan a footpath from village to the field, promoting the safety, health and well-being of the local people and our visitors.
There is a wonderful community spirit in Conna and its people have achieved great things by coming together and working together. The community Hall and Sports Complex, the Senior Social Centre and housing along with the Community Sports Field are all testament to this fact. We currently have funds to tackle some of the work but our resources are limited and without further assistance not all the work can be carried out. Yet we are convinced that these measures are essential in ensuring the prosperity of our community.Lorna Dunlop is a member of Conna Community Council and Secretary of Conna Tidy Towns Committee.
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