County Kildare News

Due to the recent success of and hugely popular CRM Information Morning at the Guinness Storehouse, CDSoft are holding the same meeting again, but in their offices in Celbridge.

The agenda and timetable will be the same, details are to be confirmed.

This will take place on Thursday 6 December, registration at 9.45am to start at 10.00am, ending at 12.30pm.

Refreshments and light lunch to be included.

Please email Lorraine for more details lbresnan@cdsoft.ie

The monthly meeting of Athy Town Council was informed that sampling of the water from the River Barrow will be ongoing.

The County Council's Director of Services, Joe Boland, informed the meeting that the quality of the barrow's water is "very good", and compares favourably with that of any of the country's waterways.

Mr Boland assured the meeting that monitoring would continue in order to maintain the quality of Athy's water.

Mr. Boland encouraged people to report any sightings of illegal discharges into the river.

Santa's South Pole Village in Athy opens on December 7th.

The 4th  annual Santa South Pole Village will be officialy opened by Fr. O’Brien of the Dominican Church which celebrated its 750 year anniversary this year, bringing  with him the real meaning of Christmas.

Santa Arrives on Friday the 7th December accompanied by Mrs. Clause and the Elves to the sound of carol singing by Ballyadams School Choir to a hive of activity in the Santa South Pole Village, where the elves are working hard making toys and guiding children through the village to visit Santa. There is Story telling, visits to the Wishing tree, the Nativity Scene, Santa's workshop, and the Post Office and receive your own special present from Santa himself. Sweets and treats for all.

Athy Heritage Centre-Museum express sincere thanks to all our volunteers without whom the village would not be possible and to all those who willing support the Village either financial or otherwise. Their support only serves to show the community spirit that exists within  Athy town, it also shows the high esteem that the public place on the Heritage Centre-Museum which is an integral part of the community. Your support also helps us to  give a contribution to St. Vincent’s Hospital.

Santa arrives on Friday 7th December at 3 p.m. and leaves for the North Pole on Friday 21st December. Opening every day 12 to 6 p.m.
Adm: €8.00 per child.
2 Children €14.00
3 Children €20.00
Adults Free

Athy Heritage Centre-Museum, Emily Square, Athy, Co. Kildare.

Tel: 0598633075
Email: athyheritage@eircom.net Website: www.athyheritagecentre-museim.ie

Newbridge Silverware have won the 2007 Golden Spider Award for "Best e-Business Website".

The Eircom Golden Spider awards 2007 took place on Thursday 22nd November at the Burlington Hotel, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.

The Golden Spider Awards are an annual event honouring Irish individuals and organisations for their outstanding achievements online and celebrate the successes of the Irish Internet and digital media. The awards reward Irish businesses and community organisations and individuals for their creativity and innovation and provide an important opportunity to recognise and showcase online excellence. The Golden Spiders are considered an important benchmark for distinction and excellence in web based business strategies.

In the e-Business section judging was based on how well the site provides services to an on-line audience. Key factors that were considered included design, content, navigation, technology, functionality, interactivity and ease of use.

Phil Donnelly, Marketing Manager, Newbridge Silverware comments: "The development of the Newbridge Silverware Business to Business Site was motivated by our service commitment to our Trade Partners. The Golden Spider award acts a tribute to the Newbridge Silverware team who pioneered the creation of the site and also to our Retail Partners who have embraced the site thus far. We look forward to the extending this facility across our trade channel over the next year "

b2b.newbridgesilverware.ie offers the business customer a full suite of online and account management services. Their high glossy online catalogue enhances the customer experience with useful tools and templates to order online.

With Terri Fitzgerald, a registered practitioner of the Shiatsu Society of Ireland.

See how your birthing partner can help you during labour. 

• relax and support aching backs.
• encourage contractions.
• pain relief during contractions.

Children's Christmas Party

This party begins at 3.00pm and will be followed by the turning on of the lights at 4-30pm.  Santa Claus will be there for all the little ones in our Community. 

This Christmas Party was first organised by Senator Kate Walsh and has been supported through sponsorship from local businesses.  All of the children in our community are welcome to attend this event.  Music and party food will be available for all the children who attend.  As this is not a school day a large turnout is expected.  Motorists are asked to be especially careful driving through the town on that day as there will be a large number of children about.

Christmas Lights

For the 11th year, the Christmas Lights will light up the Main Street in Celbridge.  The lights, which were the brain-child of the late Senator Kate Walsh, provide a centre-piece to Celbridge town over the Christmas period.  Every year a small team of volunteers work through the night over a number of weekends to get the lights up and ready to switch on.  Doing it that way, ensures that it does not cause any disruption to the people of Celbridge as they go about their business during the day.

Each year, the feature lights need to be checked and repaired, and all the light bulbs need to be replaced.  Even though most of the fittings can be reused, some do get broken and need to be replaced.  With the many building changes which have happened on the Main Street in the past year, many of the support wires which were used in previous years will need to be replaced.   Senator Kate Walsh organised golf-classics in previous years to provide funding for the lights.  Whilst there is funding available to cover most of the expected costs for this year, a new source of funding will need to be rearranged for 2008.  Donations to go towards this year’s lights will be welcome by the organising committee, contact Marie Byrne (087) 7966080 or Anthony Gavin (087) 2351445.

The continuous voluntary support of the small but committed group who put up the lights is crucial.  Most of the other towns around pay large sums of money to have lights erected by commercial organisations.   The lights will be switched on, at 4-30pm on Saturday the 8th of December.

The annual Senior Citizens Christmas Party for the parishes of Celbridge and Straffan takes place on Sunday the 9th of December at Setanta House Hotel, Clane Road, in Celbridge.  Around 300 people are expected to enjoy a traditional Christmas Dinner.  The evening will begin at 7-30pm and guests will dance the night away until midnight, to the music of Double Up. 

This is an annual event and invitations are being delivered to homes, to the various day care centres in the area and to the senior citizens clubs.  The organising committee are conscious that there may be people out there who have moved into Celbridge over the past year and the committee may not have made contact with them.  There is no charge for this party which is open to all senior citizens.  Anyone who is interested and has not got an invitation can either contact Marie Byrne (087) 7966080 or Anthony Gavin (087) 2351445 or turn up on the night.  Where necessary drivers are available to collect guests from their homes and bring them to the Setanta House.  If lifts are required they should be arranged in advance through the organisers.  Drivers are requested to report to the Setanta House Hotel at 6-00pm.

This event has been running for over 40 years and it received very strong support from local businesses and the local schools who sponsor the food, hampers and the raffle.  Any shortfall is covered from the proceeds of the Lord Mayor of Celbridge Black and White Ball. 

The 25th Black and White Ball went off successfully.  The organisers of the Ball,  Marie Byrne and Anthony Gavin, are delighted with the positive feedback which they received on the night and they have been inundated with telephone calls of thanks since the successful Ball on Friday night in the Setanta House Hotel.

The 25th Ball was organised in honour of the late Senator Kate Walsh, and it was a full house.  As always, there was very strong local support from Celbridge and surrounding areas.  They were joined by a large contingent of  Kate’s family from Laois; members of the Seanad who served with Senator Walsh in the 22nd Oireachtas; Minister Mary Harney was represented by her husband Brian who received a very warm Celbridge welcome when he addressed the Ball on behalf of Minister Harney.  Kate’s close friend Reverend Ann Wooderson, who served as rector in Celbridge and Straffan parish and her husband Michael returned to Celbridge from their new home in France to be at the event.

Mr Gavin, speaking on behalf of the organisers expressed his appreciation of the support provided by local businesses, “we wish to extend a very sincere thanks to each and every one of the local businesses who supported the Ball through providing items for the raffle and for the auction which as held on the night”.  He also thanked the guests who attended the event, “without the support of our ticket sellers and our guests who turn out on the night, this event could never happen”.  In the region of 10,000 guests have attended the Black and White Ball in the 25 years since the Ball was first run.   “We would particularly like to express our appreciation to John Eves, Dermot Carroll and Damien Donegan for the support we received from them in preparing for the night and during the event.” 

Addressing the Ball on behalf of Celbridge Community Council, Ms. Mairead Byrne thanked Anthony and Marie for taking the initiative to organise the 25th Ball, which was Kate Walsh’s dream.  Ms Byrne received strong applause when she informed the function that Celbridge Community Council have requested Kildare County Council to name a road in Celbridge in honour of Senator Kate Walsh”.

As guests were leaving the Ball, pressure was already mounting on Marie and Anthony to confirm that the 26th Ball will indeed happen next year.  “Between now and Christmas, there is the switching on of the Christmas lights in Celbridge, the children’s party which will be held on the 8th of December and the Senior Citizen’s Christmas Party which will be held on the 9th of December in the Setanta House Hotel.  That is more than enough to keep us very busy; November 2008 is a long time away.”  The Black and White Ball is an event that was run in association with the Lord Mayor of Celbridge fundraising.  We will consider our position after a well earned rest over the Christmas.” 

For a wonderful nights entertainment why not bring the family along to see LARK’s production of the KING & I in the CYMS hall, Kildare Town on Wed/Thurs/Fri/Sat 28th, 29th, 30th Nov. and 1st Dec, show time 8.00pm.

With just one week to go the children and adults are rehearsing nightly, putting the final touches to what promises to be a great show.

The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical tells the story of English woman Anna Leonowen’s time at the court of the King of Siam, where she is engaged as Governess and tutor to the Royal Children.  The show is directed by Móna Conroy, with Yvonne Cummins as Anna and Liam Quinlivan as the King.   Móna, Yvonne and Liam have been involved in all aspects of music and drama over the years and bring a wealth of talent and experience to the show.   Most of the seventy strong cast, comprising forty children and thirty adults, are from the Kildare town area.

The show includes many well-known songs such as “I whistle a happy tune”, “Hello young lovers”, “Getting to know you”, “We kiss in the shadows” and “Shall we dance”.

LARK (Local Art Community Culture, Kildare Town) was set up to showcase the talents of the people of Kildare town.   To date LARK has been involved in two hugely success Christmas concerts, street pageants and photographic exhibition.

Good luck to everybody involved in LARK’s first ever musical.

Tickets available Aras Bhríde, Triona’s Treasures, Kildare Town or phone 087 2519890

Call for participants for an exciting project at Castletown House.

Artist Sally Timmons wishes to visit homes in County Kildare in order to gather together artworks for an exhibition in Castletown House in December 2007. All works will be considered for exhibition - whether amateur, experimental or undiscovered gems! Borrowed works will be treated with utmost care at all times. If you have an artwork in your home which you think may be of interest please conact:

Sally Timmons Tel: 086 3963845
 or email: commonplaceamateur@gmail.com.

Alternatively, contact Kildare County Council Arts Service, Riverbank, Newbridge Tel: 045 448318 http://www.kildare.ie/artsservice

Sally Timmons is an artist and curator based in Dublin city. Timmons has involved herself in collaborative endeavour through various associations with artist - led groups such as, Via, The Moore Street Lending Library and Pallas Heights, all based in Dublin. Along with Human Resources in Galway, Platform in Finland and N55 in Denmark. Timmons is founder of CommonPlace Artist’s Studios in Dublin’s city centre and is currently developing a number of independent curatorial ventures including CommonPlace Amateur Projects (from September 2007) Rigor Mort book and touring exhibition (Basement Gallery Dundalk, Castle Ellen in Athenry) and The Temporary Collection (Castletown House, December 2007).

The Abbey Art Group Celbridge are happy to announce their Christmas Annual Group Art Exhibition in Celbridge Community Library from Tue 20th until Fri 23rd Nov 2007
during Library Opening Hours.

The group’s annual exhibition will take place in Celbridge Community Library, a venue that has hosted this event for over twenty years. The range of work on offer is as diverse as the membership, with topics ranging from still life, to landscape, from local scenes, to interpretations of the old masters, with prices to suit every pocket.  A member of the club will always be at hand to discuss the work. Each painting is unique and therefore would make someone a very special Christmas gift.

The Abbey Art Group is a society of local artists who come together one evening a week in Scoil na Mainistreacht to paint. The group was established in the early 1980s and its current membership includes over thirty artists. Painting can be a solitary activity and the mutual support and advice of members is both beneficial and stimulating. The club organises a number of workshops over the course of the year introducing members to new mediums and methods ensuring the continued high standard and diversity of their Works.

The final round of the 2007 Motorsport Ireland National Rallycross championship takes place at Mondello Park this weekend (Sun 25th Nov 2007) with an excellent Supercar entry including Austin McHale who makes his first Rallycross appearance for many years. The County Kildare Motor Club will be in charge for Sunday's event which is the final round of the '07 championship and the third round of the new Winter series which will climax in March '08.

McHale's appearance comes just one week after his appearance on Rally Ireland and marks his first Rallycross event since the early days of the sport in Ireland. The Rathcoole driver will pilot George Tracey's Ford RS200 on his one-off appearance and will join the cars owner in a ten car Supercar entry. Tracey will pilot his Metro 6R4 and will be also up against old rival Dermot Carnegie's Fiesta, Derek Jobb with his Ford Escort Cosworth and English visitor Kevin Proctor's Puma alongside the remaining Supercars.

The Modified classes have attracted a strong twenty five car entry boosted by the appearance of UK visitor Ben Power with his indecently fast Ford Ka. Of the Irish runners the trio of Coyne brothers are usually the ones to watch with Michael in his extremely quick Nova the most likely to come out on top in the class as well as challenging the Supercars in the Superfinal.

Of the remaining classes the standard 'Stockhatch' class is as always the strongest with close to thirty competitors and this is followed by the Rallycar classes and the Junior Rallycross class for 14 to 17 year olds. The event gets underway at 10.00 on Sunday with the first round of qualifying heats. Two more runs of heats will be followed by the championship deciding finals which are set to get underway at 15:30.

TIMETABLE
 
09:00
 Practice Commences
 
09:45
 Practice Finishes
 
10:00
 Heats Run 1
 
11:30
 Heats Run 2
 
13:00
 Lunch Break
 
13:45
 Heats Run 3 
15:30
 Finals

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered for the following position.

A: Community Development Project Worker- North East Expansion (Initial short-term contract to March 31st 2008)

The ideal candidate will support the Programme Manager and the Cohesion Team in implementing the role-out of the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme into North East Kildare.

Experience in a similar working environment, a track record in Community Development and an ability to work with a cross section of Community Groups essential.  Ability to carry out pre-development work, building relationships and supporting communities engage in the development of a local area plan also essential. 

The ideal candidate will have knowledge and understanding of Community Development principles and a commitment to working within an equality and anti-racism framework.

Salary and Conditions: Attractive package negotiable, dependent on skills and experience.

The Administrator,
Kildare Community Partnership,
Jigginstown Commercial Centre
Naas,
Co Kildare.
Website: www.thekcp.ie
Email; info@thekcp.ie 

Tel: 045-895450               Fax: 045-895449

Letter of application and Curriculum Vitae to be received at the above address by 5pm on November 30th November 2007. Canvassing will disqualify.

Candidates may be shortlisted based on information supplied.

KCP seeks to be an equal opportunities employer.

Please Note that this service is no longer running.

Kildare Village Launches Weekend Coach Service for tourists from Dublin.

Kildare Village outlet shopping launches an express shopping coach this weekend for Dublin tourists, to enjoy Kildare Village, an outlet shopping Village situated near Kildare Town.

The service departs every Saturday and Sunday morning at 10.30am from The Gresham Hotel, O’Connell Street and will pick up at 10.45am at the Dublin Tourism Centre, Suffolk Street, Dublin 2 before departing on the one hour journey to Kildare Village. The service runs every weekend until Sunday 30 December 2007.

The coach returns from Kildare Village outlet shopping at 4pm the same day to arrive at O’Connell Bridge at approximately 5pm.
 
 “Kildare Village offers a wonderful day out of Dublin for visitors, with luxury outlet shopping combined with a myriad of local tourist attractions”, says Eilish Rafferty, Tourism Manager at Kildare Village. “The open-air promenade of Kildare Village crosses into the sacred ground of the ruins of the 13th century Grey Abbey. Kildare town has an ancient cathedral and the round tower is just a few minute’s walk away. And of course we are a stone’s throw away from the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens which is staying open until Christmas this year”.

“With the average visitor staying almost 5 nights in the capital, we’re happy to offer a relaxed day in the country in Kildare as an option during their stay”, continued Eilish.

Return Tickets are priced at €15 (€10 children, under 4s free) and are available from Dublin Tourism Centres at Suffolk Street (Sat: 9 am – 5.30 pm, Sun: 10.30 am – 3 pm) and O’Connell Street (Sat: 9 am – 3 pm, Sun: closed).

Kildare Village features fabulous, 60% off, year-round reductions on 42 sought-after designer brands specialising in wardrobe and home luxuries, beauty products and premium accessories. The renowned Orshof Christmas Market is now open, selling a variety of Christmas decorations, from rustic baubles and antique ornaments, to seasonal red and green wreaths for the fireplace, and festive yuletide homewares. Santa Claus will visit the Orshof Christmas Market on weekends in December.

For further information, visit www.KildareVillage.com

 Santa will be at the park on these dates:

Saturday 24th Nov 2pm
Sunday 25th Nov 11am-5pm
From then on:
Week days: 2-5pm
Weekends: 11am-5pm

Donadea Forest Park is located 8km south of Kilcock on the R407 to Naas and is also accessible via the R407 about 13km north of Naas on the Kilcock road. Facilities include a car park, café shop, picnic site, toilet and a variety of forest walks.
Admission charges are as follows:
Admission: Daily pass - €4 (correct change required, €2, €1 & 50c coins accepted only)
Season pass €30 (available in park café or phone 057-8621617)

Castlefarm Shop is now taking orders for corporate Christmas hamper and gift bags. 
As well as being extremely good value Castlefarm hampers contain a choice of the best local and artisan products in the country.  From Hot Irishman mulled wine, to Wicklow Farmhouse Cheeses, and Castlefarm relishes they offer a fantastic selection of Irish foods.  Castlefarm Shop also have a range of high quality local crafts such as candles and pottery, which can be included. 

Castlefarm Shop cancreate hampers to your specific requirements and can include your company diary or other special requirements in your hampers.  Castlefarm Shop also carries a range of organic wines and bubbly and can also include spirits if required.  Jenny Young is available to help select the most suitable products for your hamper to ensure it will be the best hamper your clients will receive this Christmas.

So if you would like to talk about Castlefarm Shop supplying your corporate hampers this Christmas contact Jenny at jenny@castlefarmshop.ie.   All budgets are catered for and delivery can be arranged. To find out more about Castlefarmshop, visit their website at www.castlefarmshop.ie

Stuck for a Christmas present, don’t know what to get the person who has everything. Why not come to The Kildare Town Heritage Centre Christmas Craft Fair

Friday 30th November 5pm - 9pm
Saturday 1st Deember 10am - 6pm
Sunday 2nd December 10am - 4pm

Kildare Town Heritage Centre, Market Square, Kildare Town

Admission is free.
 
At the fair, there will be a large selection of handmade crafts including jewellery, wood gifts, childrens and ladies knitwear,  jams, chutneys, Christmas cakes, handmade scented candles and more.

KFM Roadcaster will be there on the Saturday giving out loads of prizes.
 
For more information contact Mary Stones on 045 530672

Castletown Residents Association in conjunction with The Abbey Project are holding a Drug Awareness Night open to all Parents in Celbridge.
 
The event will take place on the 27th November, 8pm in the Aishling Suite of the Setanta House Hotel.

A very special exhibition of ANDY WARHOL print work opens this November, at Kildare Village, marking the 20th anniversary of the artist’s death.  ‘Warhol At Kildare Village’ (12 November 2007 to February 2008), offers a rare opportunity to view a collection of 35 screen prints produced by the late Andy Warhol. The exhibition features many iconic pop art prints as well as the rare portfolio of screen prints called ‘Flash’ - November 22, 1963 1968.

The fifth art exhibition staged at Kildare Village since its summer 2006 opening, this unique survey showcases screen prints produced of Warhol's most sought after works including portraits of Hollywood superstars Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor, his take on the comic book hero Superman as well as his controversial political imagery including Red Lenin, a haunting study of the Russian revolutionary and communist politician Vladimir Lenin and “Flash – November 22, 1963.” This portfolio of 14 screen prints displays images Warhol recaptured from newspapers and the TV screen following the tragic Dallas, Texas assassination of former US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

PM Contemporary in association with The Tramyard Gallery, Dalkey, chose to host this exhibition at Kildare village to facilitate Warhol enthusiasts and art collectors from all corners of Ireland.  The exhibition is a visual feast for people who would normally have to travel to the US to see original Warhol work up close – Each piece in the exhibition is also for sale – prices available on request.

The exhibition opens on Monday November 12 2007 and will run to February 2008. Admission is free.

For more information about The Andy Warhol Exhibition visit www.tramyardgallery.ie or call LP number / CH number.  And further information on Kildare Village visit www.KildareVillage.com.

NUI Maynooth Science Week Events

Monday Nov 12 to Friday Nov 16
09.00 - 20.00
Exhibition: The 25 Greatest Science Books of All Time
The editors of Discover magazine recently compiled a list of the 25 greatest science books of all time. A large selection of these books (from the John Paul II University Library in Maynooth) are on display, accompanied by a hand-out explaining the relevance of each of the books.
Admission Free
Location: Hume Building, NUI Maynooth

Tuesday Nov 13
19.00 - 20.00
Lecture: Superstrings
A celebration of Einstein and physics, with music by J. S. Bach, W. A. Mozart, and F. Kreisler, presented by physicist Brian Foster and violinist Jack Liebeck. Suitable for secondary level (senior cycle) students, third level students, and interested members of the public. Website: http://www.jackliebeck.com/superstrings.htm. Organised by Astro2, the Astronomy and Physics Society at NUI Maynooth.
Admission Free
Location: Hume Building, NUI Maynooth

20.30 - 22.00
Astronomical Observations
Look through telescopes at the moon, planets, stars, and galaxies. Only for limited numbers of people and only if the sky is clear
Admission Free
Location: Science Building, NUI Maynooth

Wednesday Nov 14
19.00
Computer Vision and the Geometry of Nature
Public lecture on computer vision, particularly in relation to movies and video, by Dr. Andrew Fitzgibbon (Microsoft Research, Cambridge, UK)
Admission Free
Location: Hume Building, NUI Maynooth


Thursday Nov 15
19.00
Lecture: Poteen, Potions and Poisons
An animated, exciting lecture depicting the fascinating chemistry behind poteen making, therapeutic potions and deadly poisons. Public lecture by Dr. Malachy McCann (Department of Chemistry, NUI Maynooth).
Admission Free
Location: Hume Building, NUI Maynooth

Friday Nov 16
10.00 & 11.30
Move It !
A fast-moving interactive show that explores the forces and energy that are so important to our everyday lives. Shows for primary schools performed by Paul McCrory (Think Differently, Antrim).
Website: http://www.think-differently.co.uk/page72g.html
Audience:Primary Level
Admission Invitation Only
Location: Hume Building, NUI Maynooth

19.00 - 21.00
Science Fair: Surrounded by Science
Try out simple hands-on experiments, watch demonstrations, and participate in competitions, in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. Suitable for all ages.
Admission Free
Location: Science and Callan Buildings, NUI Maynooth

20.00 - 22.00
Astronomical Observations
Look through telescopes at the moon, planets, stars, and galaxies. Only for limited numbers of people and only if the sky is clear
Admission Free
Location: Science Building, NUI Maynooth


Saturday Nov 17
14.00 - 17.00
National Science Museum
Come and view the finest collection of historic scientific instruments in Ireland and much more. In collaboration with St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth.
Admission Free
Location: National Science Museum, NUI Maynooth

==============================================
Contact: Dr. Peter van der Burgt
Tel: 01 7083782
http://science4all.nuim.ie/

We are surrounded by Science, Technology and Engineering.

This year Science Week Ireland explores this theme and illustrates just how much science surrounds us every day.

Science all around us did not come out of the air. Behind every great invention is a great inventor, an innovator, a scientist or engineer. All of the gadgets and technologies that make our lives easier and more enjoyable began as an idea.

Thinking about the science that surrounds us, it is clear that science is not only about labs and white coats. It is also about creativity and ingenuity, solving problems and dreaming of making the impossible a reality.

Science Week is Ireland's biggest annual promotion of science to the general public. The week-long programme of events across Ireland each November aims to make science more interesting and accessible to children and adults alike.

In Kildare, a number of events are taking place at NUI Maynooth.
View a list of events here or visit the NUI Maynooth science 4 All website.

Science Week is coordinated by the Discover Science & Engineering (DSE) programme. DSE aims to increase interest in science, technology, innovation and engineering among students, teachers and members of the public.

DSE's mission is to contribute to Ireland's continued growth and development as a society that has an active and informed interest and involvement in science, engineering and technology.

Its overall objectives are to increase the numbers of students studying the physical sciences, promote a positive attitude to careers in science, engineering and technology and to foster a greater understanding of science and its value to Irish society.

DSE is managed by Forfás on behalf of the Office of Science and Technology at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Contact Details
Science Week Ireland, Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin 2
Tel: + 353 1 6073042
Email: info@scienceweek.ie
Web: www.scienceweek.ie

If I had an Artist for a Day …..’, 
An arts in education initiative.

Kildare County Council Arts Service invites submissions from interested Artists across all disciplines for inclusion in the 2008 rollout of the ‘If I had an Artist for a Day …..’, Arts in Education scheme. The programme aims to provide quality arts experiences for artists, teachers and children in Primary Schools throughout Kildare.

Interested artists should submit proposals outlining workshop ideas for delivery in a classroom setting over one day. Typically schools prefer artist’s to work with more than one class group in a day therefore a facility to adapt and tailor to specific needs or offer a choice of formats or workshop plans is desirable.

• Workshops will be offered to all primary schools in County Kildare
• The Arts Service will be the initial point of contact and liase with schools
• School profiles vary from small rural locations to urban commuter towns
• Teachers are required to remain with their classes for the duration of the sessions
• We would also view these workshops as an opportunity for teachers to upskill and enable professional development
• Ideally artists will have previous experience working with groups or, in an education / school context
• Familiarity with the Primary School Curriculum is desirable
• Possess good communication skills
• Artists will need their own transport

The Artist for a Day …..’, brochure will outline a choice of workshop options across disciplines and age ranges. And, indicate if any advance preparation is required by the school i.e. in the case of Dance, will need a large clear space, Visual Art practitioners will need paper, paint, pencils etc.

Schools will be required to complete and return a registration form to the Arts Service indicating their choices in order of preference. We will then try to match an artist’s availability to a school’s request.

On confirmation of bookings from the Arts Service artists will be required to make contact with the relevant school / teacher to finalise plans for workshop delivery

FEES

• Artists are paid €300.00 per day, directly by the school on day of workshop
• This fee is inclusive of all expenses, travel, materials etc.

Proposals should include

• Detailed description of workshop content with projected outcomes
• C.V./ Biography
• Outline of current areas of work and interests
• Documentation of work (images, DVDs, CDs, etc)
• Any other relevant supporting material

Please contact
Brenda Brady, Acting Assistant Arts Officer,
Kildare County Council Arts Service, Riverbank, Main St.,
Newbridge, Co Kildare
Tel: 045 448328 Email: bbrady@kildarecoco.ie
Web: www.kildare.ie/artsservice

Closing date for proposals is Friday the 7th of December 2007 at 5pm.

Rowanville Residents Association in Kildare Town have launched their website, www.rowanville.ie. The webmaster recently wrote on the site:

"After many weeks of doing little bits and peices we've finally got to work on bringing the Rowanville community's very own website to life. Over the next few days and weeks we'll be adding lots of news of events, past and present as well as some of the events and happenings in the wider community of Kildare Town."

A  Gallery feature on the site will represent the entire 50 year history of the Rowanville Residents Association as well as the history of Kildare Town.

The site also features:
Gallery Of Events Past and Present - Ongoing
Classifieds Section by November 2007
Forum for discussions.
Comments Section - by November 2007

Visitors to the site can register for their own account now

KYS is pleased to announce their 2007 Christmas E-Card design competition.
Entries are invited from young people in the age groups 10-12 years, 13-15 years and 16-18 years.  Designs can be in pencil, paint, photography or computer designed.  All entries should be accompanied by the artist’s name, age and telephone number.  Prizes for the older ages categories will be Student Travelcards (where entrants are not in full time education an alternative prize will be given) and for the younger age group a prize pack with be awarded. The winning design will be used as the official Kildare Youth Services Christmas e-card which will be distributed throughout the country. Details are also on our website  www.kys.ie

Entries should be sent to Youth Information Centre, Kildare Youth Services, Canal Stores, Basin St, Naas, Co Kildare or by email to yic@kys.ie by Friday 23rd November 2007.