Friday, February 29, 2008

Ireland West Airport - New Glasgow Route

Dear All

Click on the link below to read the press release:

http://www.knockairport.com/news.asp?ID=238&dbtype=News

www.myirishlodge.com.

Hello

My name is Peadar Mitchell and I am a film maker from Co. Leitrim.
During this tourist season, I will be making short promotional videos for people with accommodation for tourists. The way it works is that I will come to your establishment and film the services that you offer; accommodation, food, hospitality etc. but also I will film the type of services that the tourist can expect in your area; be it fishing, golfing, water sports, scenery, hill walking, shopping etc.
This film will then be posted on the internet via http://www.myirishlodge.com/.

To watch a two minute promotional video, just click www.myirishlodge.com/peadar.html For more information, you can contact me at peadarmitchell@hotmail.comor by phone at 087 6140955
Thank You, Peadar Mitchell

Monday, February 25, 2008

Fermanagh Environmental Festival

In April 2006 the first Fermanagh Environmental Festival was held in the grounds of the Enniskillen Lakeland Forum and the event was an outstanding success in attracting over 2,500 people to the 2-day festival.

Over 40 individuals and organisations provided presentations / demonstrations on environmental subjects such as earth education, waste management, renewable energy, organic living, river ecology, habitats & species, fair trade, food miles, alternative technology, biodiversity and countryside management etc.

It is proposed to hold a similar Festival in May 2008 and the purpose of this letter is to invite your participation.

The Project Committee is keen that exhibitors will provide vibrant, practical examples / demonstrations of their involvement with the environment and where possible offer the public the opportunity to participate in their own particular field / activity.


Contact kcda@btconnect.com
or John Houston
Project Manager
Killesher Community Development Association
Larganess Centre
Tully
Florencecourt
Co Fermanagh
BT92 1FN


Fermanagh Community Environmental Awareness Programme
Funded through the European Union Programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity, Fermanagh District Council, Fermanagh Trust and DoE (NI) Environment & Heritage Service.

Training Courses for Creative Industries in North West Ireland

Last minute training opportunities for creative industries in the north west.There are two courses: one on Media & PR (starting 6 March) in Sligo, one on Marketing & Management (starting 20 February) in Leitrim – These courses are being offered as part of the SOURCE: developing rural creativity programme.

The contact for further details, information & booking is:

Email: info@greenhat.org.uk

Phone: 028 / 048 677 23766 or +44(0) 7710 672502

Potato Day at The Organic Centre with Minister Trevor Sargent

16th March 2008, 11am -5pm

The 10th annual potato day held at The Organic Centre, Rossinver, Co. Leitrim on Sunday 16th of March, which kicks off the season at the centre, will have an international dimension this year with 2008 being the International Year of the Potato.

Potato collector Dave Langford, a member of the UN ad-hoc steering committee for the international year of the potato, will display more then 100 varieties of potatoes, from the common ones to the obscure. Gardeners from the centre will give growing tips and advice on blight control and conduct a planting session using the lazy bed method (coping). The Grass Roof Café will offer potato dishes and the Eco-Shop will sell a selection of organic seed potatoes.
Trevor Sargent from the Green Party and Minister for Food and Horticulture will address visitors on the day. He has just launched the ‘Meet the Spuds!’ Potato Growing Challenge for Primary Schools.Pupils are being challenged to sow the seed potatoes in February and harvest their crop in June. Speaking at the launch Mr. Sargent said, “It is vital for food security in Ireland and worldwide that more people become involved in growing their own food. The skills to grow potatoes and other nutritional food are an important part of a rounded education. I also hope more young people will think about agriculture as a career as more schools grow more food.”
The Potato Day will raise awareness of the importance of the potato and also presents the perfect opportunity to unearth the good things about the humble spud that we might have forgotten.Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates and also contain some protein, little or no fat, are a good source of potassium and contribute a significant amount of vitamin C.

In a world increasingly concerned with carbon footprints and the effects of global warming it is important to re-discover the potato, which can produce nutritious food, on less land, than any other major crop. So let’s get back to our roots and grow them or buy locally.

For more information on Potato Day and a full programme call 071-9854338, e-mail: info@theorganiccentre.ie, website: www.theorganiccentre.ie

Friday, February 15, 2008

greenbox photography competition: another medal winner



This picture, taken by Dickon Whitehead, received the bronze medal. It's very clear, striking and strong: it does exactly what it says on the tin.
No, it's not a projection of Ayres Rock 2025 in global warming, its Aroo mountain.
Perfectly seasonal, taken at the right time of the day to really bring out the brightness of the sky, there isn't a lot more that can be said about this picture - it speaks for itself.
Dickon can be contacted at 087 2359879 or dickon@eircom.net

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Two events of interest to the Network

Just a short update on what’s happening

There are two events coming up which may be of interest to you. The first is an invitation to the Business Women’s Network Green business evening at the Hilton Hotel Templepatrick 4-7pm in the evening, Thursday February 28th (Event1),

(Unfortunately gentlemen this is only for the ladies in the network)

Whilst it seems a long way to go for an event, it will be worth while if you have a business and want to get the word out about it in Northern Ireland .Many women are the decision makers when it comes to holidays and if you have little or no trade from Northern Ireland well this is your chance to come and meet women from all over the North.
This year our annual expert speakers day (Event2) will be held at the Blacklion Golf Club on Tuesday March the 4th from 9.00am to 4.00pm . This is a great event, free for network members and full of useful information , don’t miss it . It is, as usual an excellent chance to network or bring along your stall with products which you can sell to others on the day.

So mark these dates in your diaries now

More Information about Event 1

The Business Women’s Network in Northern Ireland in partnership with the NIE and the Greenbox are running a joint event on the 28th of February 2008
The venue is the Hilton Hotel Templepatrick.
The time will be from 4-7 with registration from 4.00-4.25

The theme for the evening will be Green Business and demystifying the idea of being green in business

The Keynote speaker is Jenny Bristowe

The Format for the evening will be something like this

4.00-4.15 Registration with tea and coffee

4.15-4.20 There will be welcome and introductions

4.20-4.50 Jenny Bristowe –So what does green business have to do with me?

4.50-5.10 measuring your carbon footprint

5.10-5.25 NIE Top tips

5.25-5.40 The Greenbox – What is ecotourism

5.40-6.00 Q&A

There is a small charge of £25.00 for network members this is a subsidised rate, please let me know if you are thinking about going

More Information about Event 2

Our Annual Expert Speakers Day

At the moment our list of speakers is unconfirmed the day will be something like what I have set out below

Tuesday March 4th 9.00 to 4.00 ish at the Blacklion Golf Club

9.00-9.30 Sign in

9.30 - 10.15 Tourism Ireland or NITB(unconfirmed)

What we are doing for your business in the North West

10.15-11.00 Failte Ireland(unconfirmed)

The Importance of networks for funding

11.00-11.30 Tea and Coffee

11.30-12.15 Stephen Hall

Story telling and ecotourism a useful addition

12.15-1.00 Lorraine Grainger

The importance of FAM trips for the small provider

1-2.00 Lunch

2.00-2.30 Source 2 Source

Using ethically sourced resources, know what you are buying.

2.30-3.00 Bryony Flanagan from Greenhat.org.uk

Innovation Creativity and Change for your ecotourism business

3.15-4.00 Grainne O Malley

You your finances and your small tourism business

4.00-4.30 Questions and Answers

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Which Goddess Are You?

A workshop to celebrate International Women’s Day will be held in the North Leitrim Women’s Centre, Manorhamilton on Saturday,

March 8th from 11 am – 4 pm.

The workshop will be facilitated by Monica Corish, a Kinlough based artist, writer and creative workshop facilitator.

The cost of the workshop is just €15.

Contact the centre at 071 9856220 for further information.

Come and celebrate International Women’s Day in the company of the Goddess!

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Irish Whale and Dolphin Group Meeting in Sligo

Irish whale and dolphin group; meeting in education room, NPWS ballinafad, sligo

19th Feb 7.30PM:

Topic: "From Whaling to Conservation: changing attitudes towards whales and dolphins in Ireland." Dr Simon Berrow, Irish Whale and Dolphin Group.

Admission: Free!

Monday, February 4, 2008

WINE LOVERS THEME NIGHT

AT CLANCY’S OF GLENFARNE
WEDNESDAY 13TH FEBRUARY 7.30 TO 9.30


LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WONDERFUL WINES OF ITALY.

WE WILL TAKE A DETAILED LOOK AT THE DIFFERENT REGIONS AND WINES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY.

WE WILL TASTE A NUMBER OF WINES FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF ITALY, SOME OF WHICH YOU WILL KNOW AND SOME YOU MAY NOT.

WE WILL HAVE SOME TASTES OF ITALY TO MATCH WITH THE WINES AND LEARN WHY THEY GO WELL TOGETHER.

FOR €25.00 YOU WILL ENJOY THE TASTES AND AROMAS OF ITALY AND HOPEFULLY HAVE SOME FUN
.
CONTACT PETER CUMISKY FOR DETAILS AT 9853400 OR 087 2306427 OR BY EMAIL CORSKYPH@IOL.IE

AN INTRODUCTION TO WINE COURSE.

STARTING SOON

At Clancys of Glenfarne

THIS 4 WEEK COURSE WILL GIVE PEOPLE WHO LIKE WINE AN IDEA OF HOW AND WHERE WINE IS MADE AND WHY THEY ARE SO DIFFERENT.

YOU WILL ALSO LEARN HOW TO PROPERLY TASTE WINE AND HOW TO MATCH WINE AND FOOD IN AN INTERESTING AND ENJOYABLE WAY.

THE COURSE WILL START ON TUESDAY 12th FEBRUARY FROM 7 TO 9 PM.
COURSE NOTES, WINES FOR TASTING, AND “NIBBLES” WILL BE PROVIDED.

PETER CUMISKY, WHO CURRENTLY LECTURES FOR THE WINE BOARD OF IRELAND, WILL PRESENT THIS COURSE.

Advanced gardening courses at The Organic Centre with Ingrid Foley

Advanced gardening courses at The Organic Centre with Ingrid Foley

“The obvious experience of Ingrid Foley, her interest in our questions and her love in organic gardening made the day” said one course participant on last years courses.

For the first time The Organic Centre offers now advanced gardening courses with Ingrid.

There are three separate day courses offered for those who already have gardening experience but who may wish to expand their horticultural expertise.

Three topics have been chosen

Soil Fertility Management February 17th – Pest and Diseases April 12th – Weed Management October 19th

The courses will run from 10am -5pm, cost €90 and are hands-on complimented by class room sessions, making full use of the gardens and facilities at The Organic Centre.

Bookings and more information from The Organic Centre, 071-9854338, e-mail: info@theorganiccentre.ie, website: www.theorganiccentre.ie

Please find below additional information about the 3 days.

Sat February 17th: Soil Fertility management… participants who undertook the garden Complete Course will have had a basic introduction to soils, this course focuses on how, as gardeners, we manage soil fertility organically. The emphasis will be on a holistic approach viz., understanding the physical, biological and chemical properties of the soil and how to work in harmony with these three properties to attain a healthy fertile soil.

Rotation and crop planning will also be covered in terms of the overall fertility plan

There will be a practical session on composting in the Organic Centre’s dedicated demonstration area, a seed sowing session to assess skills, drawing up of individual fertility plans based on soil type to link in with your rotation plan for the year ahead

Sat April 12th: Pests and Diseases

There are a myriad of pests and diseases that can affect vegetable crops, fortunately we only encounter a number of very common ones eg blight, botrytis, slugs, aphids. We will look at the most common signs and symptoms for a range of pests and diseases and how through good practise eg hygiene, biodiversity, companion planting etc in the garden the impact of pests and diseases can be minimised. Remember while control is necessary in some cases particularly in the case of disease, the organic approach in terms of attaining a good ecological balance of prey and predator will be emphasised

There will be a practical session where (hopefully we won’t find any PN D’s at the centre!) we will have a tour of the gardens with the emphasis on aspects of pest and disease management. We will also skill up in pricking out, potting up and planting on.
If you have any plant material that you have a question mark over please bring it on the day

Sun October 19th: Weed management.

Weeds in the vegetable garden are fairly obvious, but do you know how to identify whether it’s a pernicious perennial, a biennial or an annual, is it safe to put on the compost heap? It’s very important as a gardener to be able, not only to know ‘x’ plant is a weed, you should be able to name it and ultimately what plant family it belongs to. This knowledge is key to weed management

Therefore you will be sent out to gather as many wild plants that you can muster in October and you will learn how to use the wildflower guide to ID plants that can be potential weeds in your garden.

We will discuss all the methods that can be used to make our lives easier as, for organic gardeners weeding is the biggest labour input during the gardening year.

I’d appreciate participants bringing plants from their gardens that are problematic. As this course runs in October perhaps you could gather a collection late August September and bring in dry samples

What some Greenbox network members are up to

Great article in The Daily Telegraph www.telegraph.co.uk about a walk Martin McGuigan took Christopher Somerville in the Sperrins .Worth a look. Look under Travel and then Activity & Adventure

Bear Essentials Bawnboy

Creativity Day Course for Easter at Bear Essentials Bawnboy,Co.Cavan
Experience making an Easter Bunny, bread baking & Easter decorations
for children boys & girls age 6-18 years
on Wednesday 19th of March 10am-4pm
Please enrol now Tel: 049 9523461 email: info@bearessentials.ie or book on line at www.bearessentials.ie

The Organic Centre

Rossinvers' Organic Centre bids farewell to successful students from 2007

The twelve full-time students came together last Friday to celebrate their very successful completion of the FETAC-Level 5 accredited course in organic horticulture supported by FAS. While St.Brigid was ringing in the the new season with snowflakes and bitterly cold temperatures the students where looking back on their achievements and experiences of the last year and ahead into their future career in organic horticulture.

Most part of the training took place at The Organic Centre, using the horticultural facilities, such as the polytunnels and a large outdoor vegetable production area as well as the orchard and softfruit area to demonstrate hands-on horticultural methods to successfully grow fruit and vegetable organically. During the summer students trained and worked closely together with the experienced gardenteam from The Organic Centre.

The students also received classroom teachings and lectures delivered by Organic Centre staff and guest speakers to back up the practical training.

The combination of the two ways of learning proofed very successful for the students and their trainers showing in high grades achieved in botany, organic crop protection, organic food crops and organic soil management exams and projects.

During the winter month a "Start your own Business" course plus four weeks of work experience outside The Organic Centre rounded off the diverse course in Organic Horticulture.

On the 18th of February 2008 The Organic Centre will welcome a new group of students to train in organic horticulture in an exciting eight module FETAC-course.

For more information on this course ring The Organic Centre at 071-9854338 or FAS in Sligo