Macreddin Market this Sunday May 1st

Don’t forget this Sunday is not only May Day, it’s also the day the gorgeous Macreddin Market will be on with loads of fab stalls full of yummy foods – ooh I’m getting carried away here, let’s leave it to them to explain:

Macreddin Market (now, one of Irelands longest running) is held on the first Sunday of every month. It celebrates our Irish ‘Growing Season’ and so begins in April, building gradually towards our own Harvest Festival, where we celebrate the finest autumn fare before we wind down in October. We’re still the only market in Ireland with ‘no charge’ to stallholders, and every single stall attending is wholly devoted to food and nothing else.

We like our Market Days! Because these are ‘Sunday’ Markets, so they’re more tasting, grazing and indulging, than mere shopping. We also like the ‘laid back’ afternoon jazz, the lazy beers in the apple orchard, and the goodly amount of sunshine that we seem to get, and that never goes unnoticed…no doubt provided by Lugh or his mum.

So if you find yourself liking this too, well then, we’ll see you on the first Sunday!

see you there! Read more from Evan on the Brooklodge Blog here >>

Holidays for the Active Nature Lover

Wicklow is an amazing county with a wonderful variety of activities in beautiful surroundings for the modern nature lover.  With Eco Tourism on the rise and more people looking for Active Holiday breaks Wicklow is the perfect holiday destination.

Check out some of these links below for Things to do this weekend in Wicklow:

Sailing: Dinghy, Powerboating and Boat Races.

So get out and about in Wicklow this bank holiday weekend and see what we have to offer!

1. For more Tourism Info visit our WicklowTourism.ie site
2. For Special Offers and Event Info visit our WhatsOnWicklw.com site
3. And if your looking for a Wicklow Businesses or Services whilst your here check out our Business Directory TheWicklowWay.com

Brown Bin Compostable Bin Liners

Looking for 100% compostable bin liners? Look for GreenSax.

GreenSax are the award-winning, all-natural, 100% compostable bin liners from Irish manufacturer PowerGreen.

GreenSax are made from completely natural materials so they break down completely and quickly in composting, helping return nutrients to the earth and support a new generation of growth.

Fully approved by brown bin collection companies, a GreenSax liner will keep all of your bins clean and odour-free. Choose the right size for your kitchen, garden or wheelie bins, fill it up with everything from food waste to fallen leaves and lawn cuttings and then drop the whole bag into your GreenSax lined brown wheelie bin for collection or into your home composter.

GreenSax compostable bin liners were launched on the Irish market in 2005 and is the leading brand in both the domestic and commercial markets.

• APPROVED – The fully-approved liner for brown bins
• CLEAN – Keeps your bin clean and odour-free
• GREEN – Breaks down in composting in days
• CERTIFIED – EU Compost Standard EN13432
• NATURAL – Made from all-natural materials

Another brilliant, natural, PowerGreen product

Email:  office@greensax.com Web: www.greensax.com

Bealtaine Festival Laragh

The theme for 2011’s festival is ‘push the boat out, whatever the sea’ taken from the poem ‘At Eighty’ by Edwin Morgan

Bealtaine Festival at the Brockagh Centre Highlights

• Sunday 8th May 11am-4pm
  Art Exhibition – Postcard Art (Tinahely Women’s Network) & local Arts & Crafts
• Sunday  22nd May  3-6pm
  Afternoon Tea Dance with William Belton
• Friday 27th May 9.30pm
  Friday Night Dance Night.  Social Dancing with music by Tony Davitt

More Events Below!
Beadwork/Braiding -Saturday ~ 7th May, 10am—1pm
Create fantastic pieces of jewellery, bookmarks, keyrings.  You won’t just  be stringing beads, you will learn how to weave with beads/threads as well. Materials included – Special €15.  Call Bernadette on (0404) 45600 to book.

Art Exhibition - Sunday ~ 8th  May, 11am – 4pm
Tinahely Women’s Network have kindly allowed us to exhibit their Postcard Art Exhibition which is a celebration of 100 years of International Women’s Day.  Women sent postcards from all over Ireland and the world.

As part of Bealtaine we are also celebrating older artists and crafts people  from the local and wider community.  Almha’s Wednesday morning art group will be exhibiting as well as others.

So come along and see art in a myriad of forms, watercolurs, photography, woodwork and lots more.   (this exhibition will take place during the Country and Craft  Market).  If you are interested in exhibiting please contact Bernadette or Deborah on (0404) 45600.  Admission Free

A taste of Zumba Dancing!!! - Tuesday    ~ 10th  May11am—12.30pm
Get those hips moving and sashay to the beat of latin and salsa music.  A specially adapted dance session – do as much or as little as you want or grab a seat and take it all in!!

Use your Computer for Art - Wed  ~ 11th & 18th May 10.30am-12 noon
In the 1st session learn how to make your own cards using your computer.  Next session create a collage of your photographs.  Places limited -booking essential. Special €5 per session.. Sessions can be booked separately.  Call Bernadette on (0404) 45600

Story Telling with Rosaleen Durkan (11.30am) Tuesday  ~ 17th  May
In this one hour storytelling workshop participants will enter the magical world of “The Enchanted Forest”.  The program uses folklore, music, nature, wishes and imagination to assist participants in the creative process of their own story.  Creative drawing/writing are also part of the workshop if participants choose. Followed by Group Lunch.

Festival Afternoon Tea Dance -Sunday  ~ 22nd May 3 – 6pm
Music by William Belton.
Let your hair down and celebrate the Bealtaine Festival in style with an afternoon of dancing and fun. Refreshments served.  Cost €5

Living  Stories - Tuesday ~ 24th  May,11am -12pm
A chance for younger and older to spend some time together and learn about each others lives  Students from Scoil Chaoimhin Naofa and the elders of the community will ‘interview’ each other about their lives and create stories.

Julie & Julia—Conary Film Club, Avoca - Thurs 26th  May 8pm (bus leaves Laragh at 7.15pm)
Julie & Julia is a 2009 American comedy -drama film starring Meryl Streep.  Admission Free. Limited places so book early.  Call Bernadette on (0404) 45600.

Friday Night Dance Night - Friday  ~ 27th  May, 9pm (til late)
Music by Tony Davitt.  Another chance to kick up your heels and have fun.  Admission €8.

Treasure Hunt - Tuesday  ~ 31st May, 11am – 2pm
Treasure Hunt for the Clueless in the Meditation Gardens
Meeting at the Brockagh Centre at 11am or St. Kevin’s Church car park at 11.15 am.  Test your observation skills .  This will be followed by a  Bring & Share Picnic Lunch (Bring lunch) outdoors (or indoors at the Brockagh Centre if wet).

Other events in the Brockagh Centre during Bealtaine Festival

• Fri & Sat 29th & 30th April – “Drinking Habits” – hilarious  comedy performed  by Kirikee Drama Group 8pm
• Sunday 1st May – Car Boot Sale 11am -4pm
• Sunday 8th May – County Market & Craft Fair 11am -4pm (with Bealtaine Art Exhibition)

Call us on (0404) 45600 or visit www.brockaghresourcecentre.ie for more

Laragh Notes for May

Beading/Braiding Workshop

A Beadwork/Braiding workshop takes place this Saturday 7 May in the Brockagh Centre from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.    Create fantastic pieces of jewellery, bookmarks, keyrings.  You won’t just  be stringing beads, you will learn how to weave with beads or threads as well. Materials included.  Bealtaine special of only 15 euro.  Places are limited – to book your place call Bernadette on (0404) 45600.

Art Exhibition

There will be a special exhibition in the Brockagh Centre on  this Sunday 8 May from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Tinahely Women’s Network have kindly allowed us to  exhibit their Postcard Art Exhibition which is a celebration of 100 years of International Women’s Day.  Women sent postcards from all over Ireland and the world.

As part of the Bealtaine Festival  we are also celebrating older artists and crafts people  from the local and wider community.  Students of Almha’s Wednesday morning art class will be exhibiting.

So come along and see art in a myriad of forms, watercolours, photography, woodwork and lots more.  If you are interested in exhibiting please contact Bernadette on (0404) 45600. (This exhibition will take place during the Country and Craft  Market).  Admission Free.

New Children and Teenagers Ballet Classes

R.A.D. Ballet Classes for children and teenagers (from 3 ½ years) at the Brockagh Centre – free trial classes Monday 9 May – Booking Required.

Mini Summer Term:  Monday 16 May – 13 June.  Enrolling now.  All ages welcome and no experience necessary, all you need is a love of dance.  Benefits of Ballet include, improved posture, flexibility, muscular strength and co-ordination.  Also development of musicality, creativity and artistry as well as increasing self-esteem and confidence in a creative and positive environment.  Participants get to perform in shows, parents open days and community events and can achieve internationally recognised examinations while having fun and making new friends.

For further information or booking please call Emma Hayward of Hayward School of Dance on 085 7567737.

Intro to Social Media

A new adult class introducing participants to the world of Facebook, Twitter and You Tube will take place in Laragh IT as soon as we have adequate numbers to start.  Basic computer skills required and some experience of the internet.  The course is 4 wk – 8 hr course.  Very special introductory offer.  For further information contact Laragh IT on (0404) 45600.

Dream Raffle Tickets

The Parents Association has organised a super fundraising raffle for May 5.

A huge number of fantastic prizes have been sponsored to make it a “Dream Raffle” There will be many winners who can dream of a day in a leisure centre followed by dinner and an overnight stay in a hotel break for a family or would you prefer a round of golf followed by lunch.

These prizes and many more await the lucky winners.  Tickets for the raffle are available through the school office. As always we hugely appreciate your support and thank you for your generosity.

Social Night

The Dream Raffle draw will take place at a fundraising night in aid of St. Kevin’s Primary School, on Thursday May 5  8 – 11 p.m.  in The Glendalough Hotel. There will be additional spot and raffle prizes on the night for Aviva Stadium Soccer Match, Car Service, Mobile Phone and much more…. Courtesy bus available. Disco with Jess Lynch. Finger food. MC: Denis Carter.

Everyone welcome. Hope to see you all there on Thursday May 5 for an entertaining evening.

Imagination Gym

Coming soon to the Brockagh Centre for children aged 6 to 12 years.  In the one hour workshops children will learn to stretch their imagination muscles in a creative and fun environment.  Imagination and creativity helps children in many areas including; creativity, concentration and focus, nature awareness, behaviour and emotional balance, over-use of media, decision-making skills and sleeping problems.  For further information check out imaginationgym.com, or text 087 6168460.

JEB Course

JEB (from EDI) Teachers Diploma in ICT begins on Monday 9 May in Laragh IT in the Brockagh Resource Centre from 6-10 p.m on Monday nights for approx 6 months.

JEB from EDI offers Qualifications in Education Principles and Practise, Education Practise; for those who want to teach in the IT industry.  Opportunities for employment as a teacher or trainer in a college, with a training organisation or within the training department of a company.  For further information contact Colette on (0404) 45600.

Adult & Children Art Classes

Brockagh Centre art classes.  Adult art classes take place  on Wednesday mornings from 11 a.m – 12.30 p.m..  Classes suitable for complete beginners or improvers.  Children’s arts and craft classes take place on Saturday mornings from 10.30 a.m. until 12 noon. Open to ages of 4-8yrs.  Booking Essential for both classes. Contact Almha on 086 3897732.

Brockagh Dance Dates

As well as our regular Tuesday night dance night with the Wicklow Man we are also holding an afternoon dance on Sunday 22 May and evening dances on Friday 27 May with Tony Davitt, Friday 24 June with Tommy Carroll and Friday 29 August with Richie Halpin.

Tuesday Night – Dance Night

Tuesday night is dance night at the Brockagh Centre from 9.30 pm till late with the Wicklow Man.

AA Meetings

Closed AA Meetings are held in the Brockagh Resource Centre in Laragh at 8.30 p.m. every Monday night.  If you think that you may have a problem with alcohol please come along.

For more info on any of the above visit www.brockaghresourcecentre.ie

HILLBILLY VINTAGE TRACTOR & CAR RUN

This is the 7th year of the very successful tractor run around the Blessington Lakes. The run has raised much needed funds for local charities over the past 6 years totaling approximately €260,000.00.

The main beneficiary was the Blessington Kare Centre which now boast a beautiful new multifunctual building thanks to the support of the tractor run. Blessington Day Care, Saplings School, Barrettstown and Valleymount Youth club also received funding.

This year our main beneficiary Crumlin Childrens Hospital.

The 26th of June will be a fun filled for everyone. Vehicles can register (€20) from early morning and all drivers are treated to a full irish breakfast while they wait to head off.

The field is full of attractions for the children with a family fun day run by the parents council of two local schools. There are also a selection of tradesman, eg granite stonecutter, blacksmith and miller. Tractor balancing, Trade stands and auction will also keep everyone busy.

While the vehicles are heading around the lakes and taking part in the Blessington parade, the cooking team are busy spit roasting a pig or even a lamb and on the open fire the potatoes and cabbage are boiling for the colcannon.

Everyone is entertained in the field by a selection of local musicians and later that night in Ballyknockan Village you can dance the night away to “After Dark” in the marquee.

The meetings for the Hillbilly run are held in Valleymount Hall most Tuesday nights at 9pm and anyone is welcome to attend.

Further information from Ben 087 9403049
Check us out on Facebook and our web page which is being updated at present www.hillbillyrun.net

26th of June

Hollywood Notes April 25th 2011

Lotto Draw

The winning numbers in last week’s Lotto Draw were:  3,5,8,12.  1 Winner, Eileen Allen, Knockroe.  The €20 winners were:  Peter Garry, Dunboykel.  Laura Greaves Bursary, Hollywood.  Carmel curran, Rathattan , Hollywood.  Mary Sexton, Dunlavin.  Robert Allen, Mullica Upper, Dunlavin.  Congratulations to all.  Next Draw May 5th.  Next Jackpot, €2,000.

Under-age Training

Hurling Training for U8, U10 and U12 every Tuesday evening in Hollywood GAA Grounds from 6.30 – 7.30pm.  All are welcome.

Tractor Run

Hollywood Hills Tractor and Classic Run in aid of The National Rehabilitation  Hospital Dunlaoighre takes place on Sunday May 15th at 1pm, in Slievecorragh, Hollywood.  Tractors, Classic Cars, Motor Cycles, Commercials etc.,.  Just €20 per vehicle, including refreshments, Wheel of Fortune, Tin Can Alley, Goldfish, Bouncing Castle, Pony Rides and fun for all the family.  Contact Phone Number 0876863602    or Email; wwcvvc@baltinglasstown.com.
www.westwicklowclassics.com. West Wicklow Classic and Vintage Vehicle Club.

Whist

The results of last Monday’s whist in the Hollywood Centre are, Top Score, Nora Kelly.  Other winners were: Ger Tyrell, Liam Heffernan, Mersey Dunne, Christina Browne, Peter Byrne, Trish Cullen, Carmel Tutty, Susan Tutty and Joe Tutty.  Next Whist is on Monday May 30th.

Bowls

The Hollywood Bowls has now finished for Summer Break and will resume meetings on the 3rd week in August at the usual days, Tuesday and Friday, and the usual times 8-10pm.

Hollywood GAA

Good wins last week for both the Junior and Senior sides, over Donard/Glen and Newtown respectively.  The Juniors have Blessington away this Thursday, the Seniors don’t play until May 8th V Stratford.  Hard luck to the St.Kevins U12s and U16s sides who were both beaten last week. Tickets for the County Development Draw are still on sale from the Club at €60 each or in 3 instalments of €20.  Any late comers with Photos for the Clubhouse or Membership are still welcome. A reminder to all in the Lakeside Area that the Community Games Athletics Finals take place in Hollywood GAA Grounds on Monday May 2nd at 1pm.

Dates to Remember

First Holy Communion, Saturday 14th May.  Pilgrimage to Mass Rock on Sunday 29th May.  Cemetery Sunday is on 12th June at 3.30pm.  Hollywood Sports and Field Day on Sunday 10th July.

Bingo

Bingo will take place in the Hollywood Centre on Thursday evening at the usual time of 8.30pm.

Parish Office

A reminder that the Parish Office is open from Monday to Friday, usually 9.30am to 1.30pm.  the Easter and First Communion Stock are now available, as well as many other items such as Rosary Beads, Candles, etc.

School Enrolment

The School is very anxious to organise the classes and programmes for 2011-2012.  Consequently it is important to finalise the enrolment figures after Easter as the Summer term this year is very short.  Parents who have not yet enrolled children of school age should do so as soon as possible.

Cake Sale

A Cake Sale in aid of Local Ladies Mini Marathon for St Luke’s Hospital , will take place in the Hollywood Centre on Saturday May 21st and Sunday May 22nd after all Masses.  Your support would be greatly appreciated.

St V De Paul

St V De Paul shop in Church St,  Ballymore Eustace, opening hours are 9.30-3.30 Monday to Friday.  12 – 2.00pm on Saturday.  Donations of good Quality Clothing, Shoes, Bric-a-Brac, Bed Linen and Small Furniture always welcome.  Phone 045 864977

Bookings/Notes

To book the Hollywood Centre or place a notice in the district section of the Wicklow People please contact the Centre on 045 864979 or Email: info@hollywoodcentre.ie

TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC NIGHTS

• Saturday April 23rd   - Live Music by Collie Lang
• Wednesday April 27th - Traditional Irish Music Night Live Music by Ger Doyle
• Saturday April 30th - Live Music by Coverstone
• Bank Holiday Sunday May 1st - Live Music by XLR8
• Wednesday May 4th - Traditional Irish Music Night Live Music by Ger Doyle
• Saturday May 7th - Live Music by Derek Quigley
• Wednesday May 11th   - Traditional Irish Music Night Live Music by Ger Doyle
• Saturday May 14th - Live Music by 50/50 Wednesday May 18th   - Traditional Irish Music Night Live Music by Ger Doyle
• Friday May 20th   - Terri Murphy Golf Classic Live Music by Mr Meaner
• Saturday May 21st - Live Music by Colm Lynch
• Wednesday May 25th   - Traditional Irish Music Night Live Music by Ger Doyle
• Saturday May 28th - Live Music by Grushenka
• Wednesday June 1st - Traditional Irish Music Night Live Music by Ger Doyle
• Saturday June 4th   - Live Music by XLR8
• Bank Holiday Sunday June 5th - Live Music by Derek Quigley
• Wednesday June 8th - Traditional Irish Music Night Live Music by Ger Doyle

Powerscourt Arms Country House Hotel Enniskerry Co Wicklow
Where a Warm & Friendly Welcome Awaits You…

GATHERING OF CELTIC SPIRITUALITY

Saturday 6th August 2011
Slí na Bandé, Newtown Mountkennedy, Co. Wicklow

Druids, Shamans, Pagans and all those with an interest in Celtic Spirituality are invited to a wonderful day of talks, sweat lodge, talking circle, fireside music, storytelling & MORE!

Invited speakers will share their hopes and wishes and intentions on this theme. There will be 5 talks with a break for lunch in the middle.

The talks will be followed by a fireside Talking Circle, where there will be a chance for everyone to discuss the ideas/ suggestions raised by the speakers and to contribute other relevant knowledge / understandings.

In the evening there will also be a bonfire with Music and Storytelling around the fire.

Tickets are 15 euro in advance (online or by cheque)or 20 euro on the day click here to book. This is a not-for-profit event, any profits will go towards next year’s event.

For more info visit www.irishdruidnetwork.org/eigse or find us on facebook at: www.facebook.com/pages/Eigse-Spiriod-Ceilteach/109808782379806

Drinking Habits Show

Kirikee Drama Group are back again this year in the Brockagh Centre at 8 p.m. on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 April.

Kirikee Drama Group are well known for their comedy performances which have the audiences rolling with laughter and this year it looks like it will be another exceptional performance.

The group will perform the comedy Drinking Habits by Tom Smith.  Subterfuge, accusations, mistaken identities, and romances run wild in this traditional, laugh-out-loud farce.

Two nuns at the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing have been secretly making wine to keep the convent’s doors open, but is their secret about to be uncovered?  Are Paul and Sally really spies from Rome sent to shut the convent down? Wine and secrets are inevitably spilled as everyone tries to preserve the convent and reconnect with lost loves.

Tickets €10 for more visit www.brockaghresourcecentre.ie