County Kildare News

Adventure, excitement and delight await you when the mighty Gulliver travels to Newbridge and spectacularly tranforms Riverbank Arts Centre into Lilliput on Saturday 12th March. Wonderland Production bring an exciting new adaptation of Jonathan Swift's best-loved classic, Gulliver's Travels to Riverbank.

After Gulliver is shipwrecked, he travels to extraordinary countries and experiences fantastical adventures. Swift's work is full of sharp wit, comedy and wonderful fantasy, and his storytelling talent ensured his work became a classic of children's literature.

Song, spectacle, puppetry and mask enable young people to explore these colourful lands, whilst adults can revel in Swift’s stinging comic commentary and epic satire.

An ensemble cast of five will bring this classic to life, playing multiple roles and enlivening their characters with costume, physical theatre, inventive design, live music and puppetry. They will invite their audience to imagine the giants of Brobdingnag and the tiny Lilliputians, talking horses and scenes of shipwreck. Wonderland's Gulliver's Travels is triumph of the theatrical imagination, engaging and inspiring children and adults alike.

The show is adapted and directed by Wonderland's Artistic Director Alice Coghlan, in association with Mermaid Arts Centre and will play at Riverbank Arts Centre for one night only on Saturday 12th March, 7.30pm.  Music, fun and adventure await you and there's something for everyone in Wonderland's Gulliver's Travels- book now. Call Riverbank Box Office on 045 448327 or visit www.riverbank.ie

Wonderland Productions and Mermaid Arts Centre  present

Gulliver's Travels By Jonathan Swift

Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare

Saturday 12th March

Time: 7.30pm

Price: €15 Adults €10 Child

(Group ticket 4 for €40)

Suitable for ages 8-800!

Here are the results of General Election 2011 in County Kildare.

KILDARE NORTH

Candidates Elected

 KILDARE SOUTH

Positive parenting course

...Parenting from the inside out...A 3 week course tuesdays 8pm .April 5th - 12th,  pre booking necessary 0866005614 www.positiveparenting.ie
 

CREATIVE DRAMA for little ones

..a workshop for adults working with young children. May 10th 8pm( 20e) pre booking www.punchestownmontessori.org
 

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD TO READ AND WRITE

Tuesday 7th june 8pm (20e)prebooking www.punchestownmontessori.org
Gaye Mullen ami ed.
gma.mullen@hotmail.com

The Irish Peatland Conservation Council  will be hosting the first of their new wildlife and habitats field study workshops for 2011 on Thursday 10th of March. 

The workshop entitled 'Nature in your Neighbourhood' will provide for participants ideas to help promote the wealth of biodiversity within their communities and gardens.  

The workshop will include a tour of the gardens at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre, showcasing some ideas that could be put into action by workshop participants.

This half day workshop will be suitable both for individuals who are involved in community groups or for those who would like to increase the biodiversity within their own private garden. 

The workshop will be from 9.30am-1pm at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Lullymore Co. Kildare and will cost €30 per participant. 

Booking essential by contacting the Irish Peatland Conservation Council on 045-860133 or e-mailing bogs@ipcc.ie. 

For full details on all the wildlife and field study workshops that will be held at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre in 2011 visit www.ipcc.ie.

Practical Home Care Skills is a 4-day course beginning April 4th - Cost €220 per person.

Fetac Level 5 component certificate.  Can be used as one of the 8 modules required to attain a Fetac Level 5 Major Award in Healthcare Support.

Course Code:  N22940

Who is this course for? 

Any persons currently or intending to provide care to persons in their own home including family carers, home helps, respite workers, and people wishing to pursue a career in healthcare

Course Overview

• Communications and Listening Skills
• Safe Caring
• Practical Care Skills
• Carer Support

Duration: 4 Days (9:30am – 4:30pm)

Course Fees: €220pp

Next Course: Kilcullen, County Kildare (Just outside Naas)

Dates: Monday 4th, Tuesday 5th, Monday 11th, Tuesday 12th April 2011

Contact: Joanne Woodlock, FRS Training, 0505-31583  jwoodlock@frstraining.com

PRACTICAL HOME CARE SKILLS Level 5 N22940

Unit 1 Communication and Listening Skills

Learners should be able to:

10.1.1 Understand how people communicate e.g. verbal and non-verbal communication

10.1.2 Outline the key skills necessary for effective communication by practicing these in a learning environment for e.g. retrieving information, using gestures and relating information to different client groups

10.1.3 Demonstrate active listening skills by practicing simulated situations to ensure that learners have a full understanding of how to communicate verbally and non- verbally

10.1.4 Explain that there are different ways in which communication can be difficult for different client groups. These difficulties include physical and mental impairments and also include challenges from an environment and/or family situations where people are being cared for

10.1.5 Identify aids to communication in a care setting

10.1.6 Demonstrate effective and appropriate communication with the Person being cared for, their family and the multi-disciplinary team caring for the person and their family

10.1.7 Discuss possible ways of handling minor complaints, preventing and reporting accidents to the relevant person in their working environment whether verbally or in writing

Unit 2 Safe Caring

Learners should be able to:

10.2.1 Identify the different ways that a Carer's personal standard of Hygiene assists in the prevention of infection

10.2.2 Understand how infection can be transmitted in a care environment

10.2.3 Outline how to prevent cross- infection. This prevention includes the correct and appropriate use of cleaning procedures and the use Of protective equipment

10.2.4 Explain how food should be stored hygienically, safely and free From hazards

10.2.5 Recognise the importance of fire prevention, accident prevention And to learn the different ways that fire and accidents are prevented In the home and caring environment

Unit 3 Practical Care Skills

Learners should be able to:

10.3.1 Understand the importance of dignity, privacy and confidentiality in providing care to vulnerable people

10.3.2 Respect the right of the person being cared for to autonomy, Independence and choice

10.3.3 Discuss the normal ageing process and the limitations of age related Conditions

10.3.4 Explain how to provide support with nutrition and feeding of the Person being cared for

10.3.5 Recognise the importance of a well-balanced diet for people who Need care

10.3.6 Discuss how important it is to assist the person being cared for in Maintaining personal hygiene routines in the care of hair, teeth and Personal grooming, bathing and dressing

10.3.7 Outline how to manage the personal hygiene routines for Elimination and continence for a person in their care

10.3.8 Outline how to manage moving a person safely who has limited Mobility with proper moving and handling techniques

10.3.9 Identify how to make a bed which is occupied and unoccupied with The use of the particular aids for the process

10.3.10 Explain how pressure areas occur and know what measures to put in place to prevent them

Unit 4 Carer Support

Learners should be able to:

10.4.1 Outline practical and financial supports available to Carers

10.4.2 Recognise the demands of caring on Carers

10.4.3 Identify practical ways of coping with the stress involved in Providing care to vulnerable people

Ante-natal, Beginners, Step-up, Advanced and Aqua Pilates Classes run year round. Free parking available on-site.

Classes are held at Celbridge Physiotherapy & Hydrotherapy Centre, Celbridge Medical Centre, Main Street.

Classes start in September, November, February and May. Recruitment begins 1 month before the classes start and spaces are booked in advance (€50 deposit by credit card or laser required).

To receive free text updates about upcoming class dates, please send your name and mobile number to Adeline 087-2115150. Those on the text list have priority booking when I'm recruiting for Beginner classes.

BEGINNER CLASSES:
All Beginner classes incorporate Mat, Gymball, Aerobic and Aqua Exercises.
Classes run for 10 weeks and cost €130 per person (Beginners). €50 deposit required to book a class. Discount available for 2 or more joining the same Beginner class.

ANTE-NATAL / PREGNANCY CLASSES
Ante-natal classes run on Monday evening from 6.20 until 7pm.
The classes incorporate Pilates and Aquanatal exercises (we are in the pool onsite every 2nd week)

€50 for 6 classes, you can join any week. (pre-booking required)

Classes start in September, November, February and May. Recruitment begins 1 month before the classes start and spaces are booked in advance (€50 deposit by credit card or laser required).

POST-NATAL CLASS:

Held on Wednesdays@11am, you are welcome to bring your new born baby with you. Can start immediately after you have had your baby. Pre-booking required. Class lasts 45 mins and costs €10 per class.

To recieve free text updates about upcoming class dates, please send your name and mobile number to Adeline 087-2115150. Those on the text list have priority booking when I'm recruiting for Beginner classes.

For further information please phone Adeline on 01-6270186 or 087-2115150 or email celbridgepilates@gmail.com.

www.celbridgepilates.com

The Bog of Allen Nature Centre in Lullymore will be holding its first fun camp of 2011 on Friday 25th February.

If you are looking for your children to have some fun and actively learn during their midterm break, why not sign them up today.

The fun camp will be from 10am-1pm and will be supervised by experienced tutors. Activities will include pond dipping, nature crafts, insect eating plants and much more.

This fun camp is ideal for 7-13 year olds and costs just 15 Euro per student.

Booking essential by contacting Nuala on 045-860133.

Green Shoot Productions present CHRONICLES OF LONG KESH

Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare

Thursday 10th March, 8pm

Price: €18/€16

Booking 045 448327/www.riverbank.ie

“… ripping theatre”  “A Must--See!”   Sunday Times

Martin Lynch’s smash-hit play Chronicles of Long Kesh, produced by Green Shoot Productions, Belfast, has been taking audiences by storm since it first premiered at the Belfast Waterfront Studio Theatre in January 2009. Following this initial 3-week sold-out run, Chronicles of Long Kesh also toured Ireland (north and south) for two months before crossing the Irish Sea to perform at the prestigious Assembly Rooms during 2009 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  International audiences and critics alike went mad for Chronicles in Edinburgh and the show was a run-a-way hit winning the coveted Best Ensemble Award from London’s STAGE Magazine.  The nightly standing ovations and intense word-of-mouth helped the production land a London transfer later that season where Chronicles opened on 16th March 2010 at London’s Tricycle Theatre and the initial month-long engagement was extended by an additional week due to ticket sale demand.  The production then transferred directly to the Tron Theatre in Glasgow and the Everyman Playhouse in Liverpool each for a week-long run.  To date, more than 50,000 people have seen Chronicles of Long Kesh and that number is expected to catapult as Green Shoot Productions continues the show’s 2011 World Tour!

Chronicles of Long Kesh tells the story of the prison – also known as The Maze – from its opening in August 1971 to its closure in July 2000. The story concentrates not on the big politics of the day or those who became well known as a result of their time in prison, but on the experiences of ordinary prisoners, prison officers and their families. Audiences will be confronted with a rich assortment of republicans, loyalists, prison officers, chancers, escapers, wives, Smokey Robinson-imitators and hypochondriacs!

Whilst the play deals with major developments such as the 1974 burning of Long Kesh, the Hunger-strikes, the Big Escape, etc. it also contains its fair share of hilarity, black humour and plenty of Motown songs!

Chronicles of Long Kesh, co-directed by Martin Lynch and Lisa May, features a strong cast of Northern Ireland’s finest actors including Marty Maguire, Andy Moore, Packy Lee, and Jo Donnelly and London actors Chris Corrigan and Billy Clarke.  This powerful cast is garnering terrific reviews and standing ovations after every nearly every performance.

 “The response to the play has been overwhelming”, says playwright Lynch. “Dozens and dozens of audience members have sent emails saying how powerfully the play affected them.  Some folks have a personal experience with the prison, but others, with no personal connection to the Troubles, have explained how this play has caused them to look at the men involved in the decades-long conflict in a slightly different manner.  It’s humbling and extremely gratifying to see how Chronicles of Long Kesh is impacting audiences.”

Playwright Lynch interviewed dozens of ex-prisoners from both sides of the 35-year conflict in Northern Ireland (IRA & Loyalist UVF/UDA paramilitary groups).  The ex-prisoners revealed many personal stories about the experience in the conflict and in the prison.  Many of the stories were heart-breaking, shocking and also hilarious.  These stories have made their way into the play woven into the lives of the characters. 

WATCH THE TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okDCvhK9fkY&feature=player_embedded

The Characters

Unbelievably, Freddie The Prison Officer (screw) has served at Long Kesh for almost the entire time it was there. He is a good man who has tried to earn his living as a Prison Officer, do right by the prisoners and bring up his family to be good decent people. Things don’t work out however and one incident on the wings changes his life forever.  Freddie also doubles as our narrator, giving us insights into the inner-workings of the Camp & the personalities that inhabit it.

Eamon, the plumber, night-school teacher is the IRA handyman. His speciality is building underground escape tunnels but he is also a dab hand at making fake arsenals. His life is utterly changed when he has to decide whether to put his name down for hunger-strike. 

Hank is a long-term Loyalist prisoner, with a penchant for philosophy and the music of Bob Dylan. His life changes when he decides he no longer supports violence but still has 14 years of his sentence left to do.

Oscar is a Smokey Robinson-loving undertaker from Derry who also doubles as the greatest cross-border guns-smuggler the IRA ever had.

Thumper is the tasty-dressing, cleanliness-fanatic UDA Catholic-killer.

Toot McGinley the republican is innocent! Innocent when he was interned and innocent when he was sentenced to 10 years! If you believe that you’ll believe anything.

Dominic Donnelly hates the world - the sort of guy who does his bird on every body else’s shoulders.  There isn’t an illness he hasn’t suffered……..

…….. the characters just go on and on and we haven’t even told you about Steal-The-Sheets the Prison Officer ……..!

Venue: Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare

Date: Thursday 10th March, 8pm

For three decades, Northern Ireland’s infamous prison – Long Kesh – was home to both Republicans and Loyalists, in an era of riots, hunger strikes and “The Troubles”.  Martin Lynch’s dramatic portrayal of life on the inside tells a painful, shocking and poignant story of the day-to-day reality of history in the making.  Time is marked with Motown classics, prison breaks are conducted under the cover of Smokey Robinson, and the stories are angry, devastating and, at times, hilarious.

A huge crowd-pleaser, Chronicles of Long Kesh is told through the eyes of prison officers, Republicans and Loyalists, a rich assortment of patriots, chancers, leaders, wives, escapers and hypochondriacs!  Full of 1960’s Motown songs and wild, irreverent humour, this is the inside story of The Troubles.

Following its world premiere in January 2009 at the Belfast Waterfront Hall Studio Theatre, Chronicles of Long Kesh has since performed for international audiences totalling more than 50,000 people throughout Ireland, London, Liverpool, Glasgow, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, receiving standing ovations after nearly every single performance.

PLEASE NOTE: this production contains strong language and themes of an adult nature and as such is deemed unsuitable for those under the age of 16.

Tickets for Chronicles of Long Kesh are €18/€16 conc. and can be booked through Riverbank Arts Centre’s Box Office on 045 448327 or online at www.riverbank.ie

Car Track Day Training is a new service at Mondello Park which aims to make track driving more accessible by educating drivers about track day driving and helping them overcome their fears of the track. The first day was run in January and proved very successful as can be seen from the customer feedback shown below. The next date will be an afternoon session on Monday March 14th just before the St. Patrick's day Open Car Track Day.

Car Track Day Training provides new drivers with a low cost opportunity to sample a car track day, without having to take to the track with more experienced drivers. These courses are also useful for drivers who have already completed a track day but wish to brush up on their skills and knowledge before venturing on track again. Participants are given classroom instruction regarding preparation, what to expect, track behaviour, how to get the best from a track day and the differences between road and track driving. Classrooms sessions are mixed with practical on-track instruction driving your own car, and the day is completed by a twenty minute open track day session where you can put your new skills and knowledge to the test in a controlled and supervised environment.

The Track Day Training days are priced at just €50 as their primary purpose is to encourage more drivers to take part in track days at Mondello Park. The course takes three hours to complete and on the March 14th date only an afternoon session will be available. Prospective participants need to be at least eighteen years of age with a full driving license and must have their own car. For normal track days each driver is required to provide their own crash helmet but due to the introductory nature of the training days, Mondello Park will provide these free of charge for the day. Unlike a full Car Track Day passengers are not allowed and race cars of any type will not be permitted.  
 
What our Customers said about our Track Day Training Course
Our first training course was attended by a mixture of novice and experienced drivers and these are some of the comments we received afterwards.

 "Brilliant day out, excellent value, will recommend to anyone."  

"Great Experience, I would be a lot more comfortable at a full day after this."

 "I've done six or seven track days and would recommend this course to novice and experienced trackdayers. Learned as much in three hours as I did in previous six or seven days". 

 Drivers interested in learning more about car track days can find full details of what is involved on the Mondello Park web site or by calling the Mondello Park office prior to booking in for their introductory session. To book a place on the March 14th course drivers should call 045-860200 or email info@mondellopark.ie .

12-week Parenting Course in Leixlip Parish Centre. Fee €400. Discount available for couples attending.

Precious People Parenting Programme teaches new long-term and effective skills and strategies for all childhood behaviours aged 2-12 years. 

We offer 12-week classes, home-visits, support calls and an emergency helpline.  Success is guaranteed.  This programme is delivered by fully qualified and accredited facilitators. 

Contact  Catherine/Dolores on 085 2156052

or preciouspeoplepc@yahoo.com

More Information: www.preciousparenting.ie

On Thursday 24th February, Kill native and talented music star Heidi Talbot, will join Eddi Reader as a very special guest at her Riverbank Arts Centre show, Newbridge Co. Kildare. The combined talent of these outstanding female singers will ensure an electric night of music, not to be missed.

Eddi Reader was brought into the limelight with Fairground Attraction and their single ‘Perfect’ and parent album First of a Million Kisses which both topped the British charts.  However, it has been her subsequent solo albums which signalled her increasing ability to assimilate different musical styles and make them all very much her own. 

From the traditional to the contemporary, Eddi brings to joyous life all forms of song and what sets Reader apart is the depth and quality of the emotional performance;  her ability not only to move the listener but to connect her experience to that of her audience.  Her rare blend of meltingly true vocals and towering romanticism combine with an astute and pragmatic nature to make her a unique and powerful figure in contemporary British music.  She has effortlessly developed into one of popular music’s most thrilling and affecting performers.

Born in the village of Kill, Co. Kildare, Heidi Talbot will make a guest appearance with Eddi Reader at Riverbank Arts Centre. Having cut her teeth as lead singer with Irish American all-female outfit Cherish The Ladies, Heidi Talbot is right at home in the twin worlds of Irish traditional and roots music.

A proud Kildare native, Heidi began singing in the church choir run by her mother, Rosaleen, meanwhile absorbing the vibrant array of music that filled the family home. At sixteen, she enrolled at Dublin’s celebrated Bel Canto singing school, studying for the next year and a half under its founder and director Frank Merriman - “the best teacher in the universe,” according to Sinead O’Connor, another former student.

Her next move was to New York, where she spent two years working the Big Apple’s bars and clubs, honing her voice and style amidst the city’s vibrant musical melting-pot and the rest, as they say, is history.

When not on tour Heidi is in demand as a recording artist, singing on new records by Idlewild, Eddi Reader, and Kris Drever. Her album Love and Light won an Indie Acoustic Award for best album and Heidi was nominated for Best Female Vocalist at the 2009 Irish Music Awards.

Eddi Reader with special guest Heidi Talbot, Thursday 23rd February, 8pm Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare. Last Remaining Tickets €20. To book call Riverbank Box Office 045 448327 or visit www.riverbank.ie

 "Heidi Talbot sings in a voice that's both awestruck and tender" (New York Times)

 "Talbot is exquisite. . .Björk combined with Enya" (Village Voice)

• Archaeological and wildlife field survey to inform a graveyard management scheme


• Conservation report on a stained glass window


• Assessing the conservation needs of a particular object or collection.

Heritage Management
The objective of this scheme is to support projects that apply good heritage practice in managing sites, collections, objects etc:

• Conservation planning and habitat (or wildlife site) management


• Conservation of heritage collections and objects, including documents


• Works to ensure the survival of a heritage building or structure, under a management plan that applies good practice in building conservation


• Control of invasive species.


• Management works to restore important habitats


• Carrying out the work recommended in an earlier conservation report or wildlife management plan


• Removal of an invasive species such as rhododendron from woodland


• Archival boxing for vulnerable documents.

• Conference or exhibition on heritage of an area


• Heritage Week activities


• Seminar on traditional skills such as lime mortar, thatching


• Education project involving a museum or archive with local schools


• Field trips to heritage sites for schools


• Events using art, drama or new media

Russborough, Blessington County Wicklow to have a new native woodland.

The Native Woodland Trust is delighted to announce the purchase of a new nature reserve (16.5 acres) south of Blessington on the County Wicklow/County Kildare border. Within sight of Russborough House and bordering the N81, this site has fantastic views of the Blessington lakes and the Wicklow mountains and is in an area of outstanding beauty only a short distance from Blessington Town, Naas and the outskirts of Dublin.
  
We hope this new woodland will serve as a great local amenity to the people of the surrounding areas and we would hope to have as many people involved in the woodland as possible.  We will be opening up a local branch to look after the woodland and it will be open to the public, schools, youth groups etc. for walks and other activities.  Over the next two years the Trust will start planting native trees at the site including Oak, Ash, Birch, Alder, Blackthorn, Guelder Rose, Hawthorn, Hazel, Holly, Rowan, Spindle and Willow.
 
Linda Lawlor, General Manager with the Native Woodland Trust, explained: "The site at Russborough, Blessington is a very exciting purchase for the trust given its beautiful location and its proximity to thriving local towns and only a stones throw from Dublin.  It is in an area frequented by tourists, hill walkers, adventure sports enthusiasts etc. so we would hope to generate a lot of interest in the planting of the trees and the maintaining of our new woodland.  This is a valuable asset for the local people to have a native woodland on their doorstep and we would like as many as possible to get involved.  This woodland will be open to the public and when completed will have kissing gates, wooden benches and pathways which will lead visitors around the woodland."

Already an Area of Scientific Interest (ASI) and a proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA), the site abounds with rare insects, especially butterflies, with plants such as Bugle, Water Avens, Wild Strawberries and Forget-me-nots   This new reserve will also provide a valuable habitat for numerous species of  birds and other animals.
 
As well as being a haven for wildlife, native trees and woods offer numerous benefits to people, providing places for quiet recreation and promoting a sense of well-being.  Although their vital role has never been more evident, Ireland remains one of the least wooded countries in Europe, with under 1 per cent native woodland cover compared to the European average of 44 per cent.

For further information visit www.nativewoodlandtrust.ie or telephone Linda Lawlor at The Native Woodland Trust on 086-8169924.

Renowned publisher and co-founder of The Godot Company London, John Calder has published in the UK most of the works of Samuel Beckett. He founded his publishing house in 1949. By the late 1950s, Calder was publishing a group of new writers who were changing the face of twentieth century literature. One of these was Samuel Beckett; of whom Calder published all his novels, poetry, criticism, and some of his plays.  John was a personal friend of the literary legend Samuel Beckett for over 40 years and now he is bringing Beckett’s work to life onstage at Riverbank Arts Centre.

On Wednesday 23rd February, Three short plays by Samuel Beckett will be performed by The Godot Co. London at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare.

The performance takes the form of three short plays with cruelty, sex and self deception as common themes. Unusual stage images make these plays unique in their shock, vitality and originality and Beckett humour infects throughout.

Calder has published some of the best of contemporary British and international dramatists including Adamov, Arrabal, Howard Barker, Steven Berkoff, Edward Bond, Marguerite Duras, Ionesco, Georg Kaiser, David Mercer, Robert McLellan, Robert Pinget, Pirandello, Peter Weiss, Heathcote Williams and Snoo Wilson; as well as works by such writers as Henry Miller and William Burroughs. He is no stranger to controversy; having endured many lengthy legal actions for publishing works accused of libel or obscenity.

Making the journey to Newbridge on the night, this publishing giant, John Calder will oversee the Godot Company’s performance of Beckett’s plays in Riverbank Arts Centre.

The performance takes the form of three short plays...

1. Rough for Theatre 1 (20mins): Two men, a Wheelchair Bound Cripple and a Blind Street Musician meet and discuss joining up together. Human nature intervenes
2. Play ( 40mins): A man pressurised by his wife and mistress finds escape in memory, time and guilt,
3. Not I (20mins):A woman tells her life story to a despairing auditor but is unable to face her real truth.

Beckett x3 gives literary lovers and fans of theatre to see Beckett’s work presented by a company which has a deep understanding of both the man and his work.

For bookings and further information call Riverbank Box Office 045 448327 or visit www.riverbank.ie
 

As part of the Annual SIPTU May Day Labour History School Weekend in Athy, Co. Kildare we are inviting papers to celebrate the 220th anniversary of the Barrow navigation.

Papers will be particularly welcome from those addressing the issues and conditions of workers on the Barrow. Papers will be presented on Saturday 30 April.

Those interested should send a short abstract of 300 words by email to Dr Noel Kavanagh (email: nkavanagh@carlowcollege.ie) by 4 April 2011.

Kildare County Enterprise Board, in association with the Athy Investment Development & Employment Forum (AIDEF), are now seeking participants for their Spring seminars taking place at the Clanard Court Hotel, Athy in March :–

• Facebook for Beginners on Thursday, 24^th March (7pm to 9.30pm) fee €20;
  
• Manual handling on Friday, 25^th March (10am to 1pm) fee €20;
  
• Twitter for Beginners on Thursday, 31^st March (7pm to 9.30pm) fee €20
  

For further details and booking, please contact Kildare CEB at 045 861707 Email: info@kildareceb.ie (Please note that course participation is limited to owners/managers and employees of small businesses only).

On Friday 18th and Saturday 19th February, Leaving Certificate students and Shakespeare lovers alike will be treated to an outstanding performance of Hamlet at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge.

Presented by Icarus Theatre Collective, this is an exciting version of Hamlet sure to enhance and reinforce all aspects of this iconic play.

Does revenge justify murder?
The King of Denmark is dead. Consumed with grief, Prince Hamlet devotes himself to avenging his father’s death with devastating consequences for his family and the Kingdom.

The spirit of a murdered king, the wrath of a vengeful son, and the turmoil of Denmark in 1601.  Shakespeare’s most iconic and challenging play - arguably the world’s greatest dramatic work - tells the tale of young Prince Hamlet avenging his father’s death and confronting his uncle, the new King who stole his throne.

Cutting the original text down to around two and a half hours, Icarus Theatre Collective brings vividly to life some of literature’s most vibrant language and characters.  This brand new production portrays Shakespeare’s definitive tragedy of justice and revenge.

Running time: approx 2h 35m including 15 minute interval

Free programmes for school groups.

Hamlet: Prince of Denmark plays at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th February. Friday night is sold out but a limited number of tickets remain for Saturday night. Tickets are €15 with a €12 ticket available to students. For bookings call Riverbank Box Office 045 448327 or book online www.riverbank.ie

Icarus Theatre Collective and Harrogate Theatre presents:

Hamlet: Prince of Denmark by William Shakespeare,

€16/Students €12

Fri 18th Feb (sold out) / Sat 19th Feb, 8pm

A Must for Leaving Cert Students

On behalf of St Joseph's National school and the Kilcullen Scout Group

All businesses are invited to avail of one or more of the following opportunities to promote your business and help not one but two worthy causes at the same time:

1.       Become a race sponsor, the race will carry your company name, logo etc and will be positively promoted on the race night.   Cost:  €30

2.       Place an advertisement in the Race programme. Cost:  from €15-€25

3.       Donate a gift for a raffle and we’ll add your company details to our race programme

4.       Buy one or more horses and Jockeys for just €5 each

Plus why not come along on the night, enjoy the fun and see your company being promoted?

NORTH KILDARE CHAMBER IN ASSOC. WITH GREEN I.T. Presents:

Business & Economic Debate:

“Find out what your North Kildare Election Candidate will do for your business.”

Chaired by Brian Lucey, Professor of the School of Business T.C.D

Pre-Registration essential.

Please contact North Kildare Chamber to pre-register.

Tel: 045-894074;

Email: info@northkildarechamber.ie

The Bog of Allen Nature Centre in Co. Kildare is welcoming Spring with the launch of our 2011 calendar of events.  Thanks to the support of the Department of the Environment. Heritage and Local Government through the Irish Environmental Network there is something for everyone including family open days, fun camps for children and a selection of new wildlife field studies for adults.  A full list of dates and times of events can be found at www.ipcc.ie.
 
The first event of 2011 at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre is a Spring Fun Camp for 7-13 year olds on Friday 25th February from 10am-1pm.  Activities will be supervised by experienced tutors and include a pond dipping session, tour of insect eating plant display , nature crafts and much more.  Cost €15 per student and booking is essential by calling Nuala on 045-860133 or e-mailing bogs@ipcc.ie.  Don’t worry if you can’t attend this first camp as other fun camps throughout the year will include a froggy fun camp in April, half day summer camps, a week long wet and wild boggy summer camp and a creepy crawlie fun camp at Halloween.
 
For adults the Bog of Allen Nature Centre have included a selection of wildlife field studies for 2011.  These half day and full day field studies range from butterfly identification, freshwater invertebrates, woodland habitats, bogland habitats and Sphagnum moss identification to name a few.   The first field study will be held on the 10th of March between 10am-1pm with Nature in Your Neighourhood the topic.  This half day field study will show participants how to create wildlife habitats in their communities and gardens and introduce participants to composting.  Composting can divert up a third of organic waste generated in homes and communities away from landfill to create a fertile nutrient rich compost for growing flowers and vegetables.  The field study will cost €30 and booking is essentail by contacting Nuala on 045-860133 or e-mail bogs@ipcc.ie. 
 
For all the family the centre will host open days free of charge on the last weekends in May, July, August and September.  Each open day will include free admission into the peatland museum and wildlife gardens , a guided walk of a habitat, activities for children and much more. For further details on all of these events and more visit www.ipcc.ie or contact the Bog of Allen Nature Centre on 045-860133. 
 

Mud Run are delighted to announce our next event which is taking place on the 26th of March 2011 , in the  grounds of the Moyvalley Hotel in Co.Kildare.

MudRun Ireland organised Irelands first ever Mud Run in Mondello,Co.Kildare in February 2010 and following its success held another Munster event in June 2010. Both events raised almost 80,000 euro for charity. (See www.mudrun.ie )

This year mud run is teaming up with Ireland's largest children's charity Barnardos,  and we are hoping  to raise as much money as possible to help vulnerable kids across Ireland. 

Mud Run is organised to be a FUN experience for all those who participate or want to watch their friends, family or work colleagues compete. The 5km track will involve some hills, a number of obstacles and of course, numerous MUD PITS guaranteed to leave participants muddy and smiling.It is all organised in the name of fun but for the more competitive participants there are prizes for the first man and the first women to cross the finish line as well as the cleanest, dirtiest, best dressed and the first team to cross. In keeping with the novel spirit of the event, participants are encouraged to don their wackiest costumes to add to the muddy mayhem.

To sign up or for more info:

01 828 0362

kate@mudrun.ie

www.mudrun.ie

Mondello Park has announced the date for the circuit's second ever running of its Motorcycle Expo, which will take place on Sunday May 29th 2011. The first running of the show proved hugely popular and the 2011 Expo will retain the same exciting mix of track action and motorcycle displays.

Mondello Motorcycle Expo is a single day festival of Motorcycling covering all aspects of two wheeled motoring. Road bike enthusiasts, racing fans and off-road riders will all be catered for by the many exhibitors and attractions at the event. The show will feature motorcycle manufacturers and suppliers, show and custom bikes, motorcycle owners clubs, racing organisations and a full day of track and off-road action.

The Mondello Expo is unique in Ireland due to its mixing of live action and a traditional motorcycle show. The live portion of the show will be made up of demonstration races, stunts, Moto-X, trials riding displays and parade laps. The exhibition will centre around manufacturers and trade stands, custom, classic and motorcycle clubs and representatives of all branches of motorcycle sport from road racing to mini moto.

Exact details of the show line-up are currently being finalised and some exciting announcements are expected to made over the coming weeks. To keep up to date with all the latest news of the show check out the Mondello Park web site, follow the event on Facebook or subscribe to Mondello Park's free email and text alerts.

Due to popular demand, additional Social Media Seminars will take place on  Wed. 2nd Feb, Wed. 9th Feb and Wed. 16th Feb. A small number of places are still available on the Tuesday evening seminars. Please phone for details.

North Kildare Chamber Introduce "The Social Media Trio"

On behalf of North Kildare Chamber, Kevin O’ Connor from Bluezone Media Limited will present three seminars on Social Media for Chamber Members during the month of February 2011.

The following are details of the Courses, Course Objectives, Dates, Times and Cost.

Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin are powerful tools for promoting and building your business profile. Can you afford not to attend these courses?

The Courses are FREE to 2011 Chamber Members.  Non member’s Rate is €40 per course.  Please reserve your place by contacting the Chamber office on 045 894074 or by email to info@northkildarechamber.ie

Participants will need a laptop and must also have joined Linked, Twitter and Facebook before attending each course.

NB:  These courses WILL book out very quickly with limited places available. Please email your booking request today.

North Kildare Chamber
Osprey Business Campus
Devoy Quarter
Naas
Co. Kildare

Tel: 045 894074

Fax: 045 901904

Web:

http://www.northkildarechamber.ie

North Kildare Chamber group | LinkedIn

North Kildare Chamber | Facebook

The Kildare Wind Ensemble has begun a campaign to recruit musicians to join its ranks from all around the county and beyond. The start up group, is in the early stages of recruitment and all going well, plans to meet for the first time later this year.

The Kildare Wind Ensemble is seeking musicians on the following instruments: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Drums, Timpani and Tuned Percussion.

It is envisaged that the new group will be filled with musicians of grade five standard, however it is not a requirement to have passed exams at that level. The music to be played by the new group will be determined by the members over time, but it is hoped that original wind ensemble music will form a large part of the repertoire, augmented with film music and quality transcriptions, with the group meeting once a month to rehearse.

This exciting new ensemble is being driven by a man who is no stranger to wind ensembles, or indeed the arts in Kildare. Alan Kelly, who is currently Musical Director of both the Nas na Ri Singers and the Millicent Singers, has a wealth of experience of wind ensembles.

“The plan at this stage is to get as many brass, woodwind and percussion players registered on their website, and when sufficient numbers are reached, the group will meet for the first time.” Kelly enthused, and went on to say that “we don’t want to steal or poach players from existing bands in the county. Far from it. The Kildare Wind Ensemble is here to work with bands and their members, and we encourage players to remain in their own community based groups.”

Kelly started his musical career with the Ardee Concert Band, as a euphonium player, and from there was accepted into both the Irish Youth Wind Ensemble and Irish Youth Brass. He studied euphonium with Sean Fleming of the National Symphony Orchestra while at the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama and has won national championships as a player with Ardee Concert Band.

As a conductor, Alan was behind the baton in 2002 when Dublin Concert Band captured the top section of the National Band Championships, and was once again conductor when Ardee Youth Band won the Junior Section of the same competition in 2008.

While no Musical Director is in place, it is hoped to bring in conductors with experience in wind ensembles and if funding is available, to work with leading conductors from the UK, Europe and around the world.

See www.kildarewindensemble.com for more details.

The 19th Feile Bride will be celebrated in Kildare Town from Sunday 30th January – Sunday 6th February 2011.

The festival will begin on Sunday 30th January with a guided walking Tour of Kildare-Brigid’s Monastic City with Mario Corrigan. Assemble at the Market Square, at St. Brigid’s Flame at 1pm.

From 2:30 – 4pm there will be a workshop: Weaving of St. Brigid’s Crosses, as part of the sharing of customs & traditions of Brigid. The workshop will take place in the Aras Bhride Parish Centre, Kildare Town. Admission €5.

Other events organised to celebrate St. Brigid’s Festival:

Monday 31st January: 7:30-9pm Brigid’s Eve Ritual at St. Brigid’s Well

A pilgrimage of quiet reflection, song & prayer on the eve of springtime. Assemble at 7:20pm at the Japanese Gardens’ car park.

Tuesday 1st February La Fheile Bride – St. Brigid’s Day: 1pm ‘Sli Bride’ The official launch ofSli na Slainte Routes – Sli Bhride and The Hundred Acres followed by a guided walk of Sli Bhride (approx. 4km long). Assemble St. Brigid’s Square, opposite the CYMS Hall, Kildare Town at 12:45pm.

2 – 4pm Weaving St. Brigid’s Crosses Visitors will have the opportunity to weave a St. Brigid’s cross in the Kildare Town Heritage Centre, Market Square, Kildare Town.

9pm Night of Traditional Music & Song Share a song or story with local musicians in the cosy fireside ambience of Top Nolans on the Market Square, Kildare Town.

Thursday 3rd February: 8pm Annual Celtic Lecture ‘Brigid as portrayed in the Early Lives’Hosted by Kildare Education Centre, Lecture by Mr. Charles Doherty, UCD. Venue: Kildare Education Centre, Friary Road, Kildare Town.

Friday 4th February: 8-9pm ‘Gathering Around the Hearth’ A wonderful miscellany of music & poetry inspired by Brigid of Kildare and the Curragh landscape hosted by Mai Leonard & Friends. Venue: Aras Bhride (Kildare Parish Centre). Admission €5.

Saturday 5th February:1pm ‘Seeds of Change’ Afri Justice & Peace Conference Further details available by email afri@iol.ie or www.afri.ie

Sunday 6th February:10:30am Eucharist at St. Brigid’s Well Followed by welcome cup of tea/coffee in Aras Bhride (Kildare Parish Centre).

12 – 1pm ‘Awakening New Ways of Hope’ Facilitated by Solas Bhride Team. Venue: Aras Bhride (Kildare Parish Centre). Admission €5.

For more information on events please contact the Brigidine’s on Tel. + 353 45 522890 or see their website: www.solasbhride.ie