Laragh Glendalough Notes Week beg 23rd Jan

Closure of Laragh Glendalough Post Office

The local community of Laragh and Glendalough are fighting the closure of their Post Office. The community, along with the GDDA, local councillors and TDs, is trying to come up with a solution to ensure it remains open as the loss of the facility would have many negative impacts.   Each pupil in Scoil Chaoimhín Naofa has sent an individually designed postcard to Minister Denis Naughton requesting him to influence the decision of An Post. On Sat the 21st of January the community demonstrated in the village against the closure with another meeting scheduled in the Brockagh Resource Centre at 8pm, Tues 23rd  of January. The post office is due to close at the end of January 2017.

Recent Excavations at Glendalough                                                                                                           

 A public lecture by the UCD School of Archaeology entitled “Recent Archaeological Excavations at Glendalough” will take place in the Brockagh Resource Centre from 7 to 8.30 pm on 10th February. Everyone is very welcome to attend this free talk. There will be a €2 charge for tea, coffee and biscuits.

Glendalough – An Age Old Attraction                                                                                              

 Laragh Glendalough Active Retirement will present a lecture by Joan Kavanagh in the Brockagh Resource Centre, on Tuesday 14th of February at 11am, followed by tea/coffee. This is a free talk and all are welcome. Using images from the photographic exhibition currently on display in the Centre. The exhibition and talk is based on a selection from the Lawrence and Valentine Collections held by the National Library of Ireland Photographic Archives.

Basket-Making and Willow-Weaving Traditional Basket-making Workshop                                              

 This full day traditional basket-making workshop will teach you basic basketry techniques. It will be a relaxed learning environment and you will bring home your own completed handmade small round willow basket (a skib). The workshops will take place in the Brockagh Resource Centre (9 am to 5 pm). Available dates are 25th February, 25th March and 22nd April. Places are limited to five participants per workshop, so be sure to book as soon as possible. For more information please visit www.wicklowwillow.ie or contact Aoife directly by phoning 087-9773622 or emailing info@wicklowwillow.ie

Willow-weaving Garden Project Course                                                                                                

This 6-week evening course on willow-weaving will introduce you to basic basketry techniques and teach you to weave some fun small projects for your garden. The course will take place in the Brockagh Resource Centre every Tuesday evening from 21st February to 28th March (7 to 9 pm). Places are limited to five participants per workshop, so be sure to book as soon as possible. For more information please visit www.wicklowwillow.ie or contact Aoife directly by phoning 087-9773622 or emailing info@wicklowwillow.ie

Snow White & the Babes in the Wood                                                                                                                                               

Get your tickets this week for The Roundwood Variety Group in January for another fantastic show on Fri 27th to Sun 29th of January 2017. This year it will be Snow White and The Babes in the Wood, another hilarious panto written by the talented Thomas O Leary. Visit www.roundwoodvarietygroup.com for show times, tickets and contact information! Book early to avoid disappointment!

Walking group in the Brockagh                                                                                                                         

On Monday mornings weekly at 10am join the walking group with Get Ireland Walking at the Brockagh Resource Centre for a walk around Glendalough area for approximately one hour. In association with Get Ireland Walking, Wicklow Local Sports Partnership & Brockagh Resource Centre. All ages and abilities are welcome. If you would like to set up a walking group in Wicklow contact us on wicklowlsp@wicklowcoco.ie for more information.

Pilates at the Brockagh Centre                                                                                                                       

Pilates will be starting on Monday the 30th January. Duration of the class is seven weeks and will start at 9.15am to 10.30am. Marie Noonan is a qualified Pilate’s teacher and has been teaching for the last 17 years and works full time as a movement therapist for rehabilitation, health and longevity. Please text Marie on 087 1953072 or email marie@noonanpilates.ie. Visit www.noonanpilates.ie for more information.

Car Boot Sale    

Come along to the Brockagh Centre for a browse on Sunday February 5th for 1st monthly Car Boot in 2017.  Many people find this a great way to clear out their home and make some money in the process while having a social day out. Bargains are always available from home baking, plants, clothes, movies, cd’s, books & antiques etc. Whatever you are looking for, you are sure to find it at the Glendalough car boot sale. Vans must be booked in.  Book indoor spaces early but if you would rather be outside just show up in the morning at 8am. Contact the Brockagh Centre on 0404-45600 or email laraghit@eircom.net to book a space.

Citizens Information

The Citizens Information Centre is open for information relating to your rights and entitlements from 10am until noon on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. No appointment is necessary for this free and confidential service.

Evening Yoga with Viva                                                                                                                   Viva’s yoga classes for beginners to advanced on Wednesday evenings in the Brockagh Resource Centre at 7pm. Wear comfortable clothes on the night and bring a blanket. Mats are available on the night.

Taekwon-Do Special Offer                                                                                                            

 Taekwon-Do classes are held in the Brockagh Centre every Tuesday evening from 6 to 8.45 pm. A range of classes cater for children (aged 4 upwards), teenagers and adults. In addition to a free first Taekwon-Do session, when registering for classes each beginner will be given a free uniform worth up to €50! Please phone Master Kenneth Wheatley on 087-2547347 or email kjw@indigo.ie for further information

H.I.F.D (High Intensity Fitness Dance)                                                                                                   

 Get into shape after Christmas and loose some holiday pounds with Adam in cardio exercise dancing. You don’t need to be a good dancer or very fit just dance along at your own pace and enjoy the music. Wednesday nights at 7.00pm. Contact Adam on 083 3057949 if you are interested or just drop in for a class.

Free Digital Skills Computer Course                                                                                                         

 A free 5-week digital skills computer course is commencing shortly. This course aims to help citizens use the internet with confidence and provide the motivation and skills to reap the benefits of participating in today’s digital world. Topics covered include digital photography, online banking, online government services, email, shopping online and much more. Call the Brockagh Resource Centre on 0404 45600 or email laraghit@eircom.net, www.brockaghresourcecentre@gmail.com. Certified training courses at the Brockagh include The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) for more competent computer users and Equal Skills Certified Training for beginners. If you have specific learning needs and want individual training from our tutors call today on 0404 45600.

Adult Guidance Service                                                                                                                          

 The Adult Career Guidance Service available at the Brockagh Centre is free, friendly, confidential, supportive and available to all adults over 18 years of age. For more information or to book an appointment, please contact Irene on 086-8061569.

Brockagh Christmas Market                                                                                                                     

We would like to thank Santa and his elves for coming along to the Brockagh Christmas market. A special thanks to Timmy Delamere, who so kindly transported Santa from Lynhams to the Brockagh Centre with his horse and carriage. Thanks to the public who supported the event and to the stall holders who had wonderful stands on the day. Particular thanks to Roundwood Timber for the beautiful Christmas tree.

Tidy Towns AGM      

 The Tidy Towns AGM took place on 17th January. The officers for the coming year are Finian McEvoy (chairperson) and Valerie Merrigan (secretary). Look out for details of clean-ups in future newsletters. Pat Casey TD and local councillors Gail Dunne, Shay Cullen and John Snell came along after the meeting to answer questions and listen to suggestions from the floor. Their attendance on the night was much appreciated.