William Trevor/Elizabeth Bowen International Short Story Competition

WILLIAM TREVOR / ELIZABETH BOWEN INTERNATIONAL SHORT STORY COMPETITION

Date: 20th. January 2012 

                                    FIRST PRIZE:  3,000 EURO     (SPONSORED BY WILLIAM TREVOR)

         2nd prize: 500 Euro                    5 runners up prizes of 200 Euro each.

AS I am a native of Mitchelstown with many relatives living there I am most happy to promote this festival and competition.  So all you budding writers out there dont be afraid of the rejection slip after all an Aunt of mine used to say ‘once down no battle, twice ups the game’   Continue reading »

Household Charge Bill

There seems to be some confusion in relation to the current proposed Household Charge Bill 2011 and Im not sure if it is going ahead as is or that there are some legal issues to be resolved.  Bearing in mind that some further clarity may be shed in relation to such a charge and some amendments may be mooted.    Most people want to pay their bills and there are comprehensive waivers in situ and  I dont like the fact that the fine for non payment is in the region of  between 1000 -2500, as this will frighten people when they are already put to the pin of their collar to pay their bills.  There is some provision to pay it in instalments but unfortunately but a fine of this nature seems very severe.  Please have a read of the detail set out below it is worth noting why this money is being collected… Continue reading »

Provision of Salt Bins in Estates

For the Winter of 2011/2012, Council is on a one off basis subsidise the provision and filling bins in a maximum of 100 estates (5 per Eng area).  Only one bin per estate will be considered – location to be agreed with Area Engineer.  If necessary, estates will be prioritised on the basis of (a) the number of houses involved and (b) the gradients in the estate.  Residents Associations/Community Councils must apply, in writing, to their local Area Engineer before 25 Novemeber 2011 in order to be considered for the winter 2011/2012. Continue reading »

Calling all organisations or community groups who may need volunteers from local business.

Cork Volunteer Centre contacted us and asked us if we could help them to make community organisations in our area aware of the services they are running in Cork City and County.

They are looking for groups who might have once-off projects or upcoming events where the help of a group of volunteers from a local business could really make a difference.

If you would like more information, please contact Alison Leo, Manager, Cork Volunteer Centre at 021-4396510 or alison@volunteercork.ie.

N25 Bandon/Sarsfield Interchange Progress Update

Im really delighted with the updates from Cork County Council site office.  People are commenting on how the skyline has opened up and the area is much brighter.   We are lucky to have received funding 98M from the Minister for this project.  I think they are even ahead of schedule.!!

Work on demolition of pedestrian bridges at Bandon Road Roundabout and Sarsfield Road Roundabout got underway just after 12 noon today. Continue reading »

Now thats what I call a Community Guard!!

Received this email from our local community guard.  Great interaction, practical advice and hopefully a good weekend was had by all.  ps Im not sure how to increase the text size but will seek advice a.s.a.p.  !!

Dear all,

With Halloween ahead of us this weekend I just wanted to send out a brief email to make sure everybody stays vigilant around the Douglas area as we expect it to be busy.

If you see anything out of the ordinary or have large groups hanging around in your area please contact us. Do not approach anyone suspicious yourself!!!!! Call us on (021)4857670 or 999 in an emergency. Remember the Douglas patrol car is working 24 hours a day so we are available at all times. However remember that as its going to be a busy weekend and we will have to answer calls in order of priority, but be assured all calls will be answered.

Also a quick reminder to keep your homes and cars secure. Make sure all windows and doors are locked in the house and the alarm is on if you have one. Also make sure you do not leave valuables in your car and try and park it in a well lit area.

Enjoy the jazz if you get there,

Kind regards

New Garda Siochana Knife/Weapon Crime Awareness Campaign

the Garda Siochana in Cork City launched a public awareness campaign on knife/weapon crime at City Hall.  The campaign is directed at crime prevention and education on the dangers of Knife/Weapon Crime in Cork City and (presumably elsewhere).  There have been a series of incidents that indicate that the carriage of knives is on the increase and Gardai are aware of the potential for a wider issue to emerge whereby certain people may carry knives/weapon and use them to harm others according to Chief Super. Michael Finn of Cork City Garda Division. Continue reading »

DATAS Douglas Civic Centre

D A T A S – Douglas Civic Centre is a new Non-Profit Civic Centre. It is based in Unit 6 of St Patrick’s
Woollen Mills. We aim to provide a place where the Community can come together to learn & enjoy different
activities & support each other. Call to see a list of current activities and proposed future facilities.
Drop in for a cuppa and talk to Kate/Mat/ Annette/Deirdre.
We are open Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 10:30 – 12:00 & Thursday 6pm -9pm or Phone:
Kate/Mat 0867322109; Annette 087763066; Deirdre 0879161952.
The costs for each class are for utilities. Call any of the numbers supplied to book your place.
Employment Service s : Job Search, C.V.’s , Interview Techniques, Job Notices, Papers, Computers.
Tea & Coffee. Every Monday morning 10:00 – 12:00 Cost €3
Life Coaching : This 4 week course looks at where you can get Guidance and External Support for Personal and
Professional growth and change. Mondays 7pm – 8.30pm (Tea & Coffee supplied ) Cost per class: €3
?Come and enjoy a Safe Space to Hang out, Surf the net, Play games and get Support from
people who care. Open Every Thursday 7pm – 9pm. You must be at least 13yrs old. Café open Cost €2
BULLYING – These classes will look at the types of Bullying. How to deal with it, Where to go and Whom to
get support from. Wed 10:00am – 12. Cost €3
Bring & Swap – Have you any unwanted items? Bring them along to the centre & swap for a wanted item.
Friday Mornings 10:30- 12:00. Cost €2

Community news/DATAS Douglas Civic Centre

Had great fun today in shopping centre, met all my friends from St. Columbus Hall.  I invited them to tea and buns in our new DATAS Douglas Civic Centre in Unit 6 St. Patricks Woollen Mills on Mon morn. (10.30 – 12.00  Lots of backroom work done by the wonderful Kate, Matt and friends and of course Annette.  All lending a hand to get the Civic Centre off the ground.  Will post photos shortly.  All wonderful sponsors will be acknowledged.  Interview on Community Radio Sat. to make people aware of facilities for all.  New Web site for DATAS to follow.

New Litter Plan for County Cork