wicklowvoice OVERALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AT THE BRAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ENDEAVOUR AWARDS
December 3, 2018 t: 01 901 5565 e: info@wicklowvoice.ie
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wicklowvoice.ie December 3, 2018
wicklowvoice OVERALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AT THE BRAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ENDEAVOUR AWARDS
INSIDE: FREE
May 28, 2015, t: 01wicklowvoice.ie 901 5556/7, December 3, 2018 e: info@wicklowvoice.ie t: 01 901 5565 e: info@wicklowvoice.ie
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Bridge to the future New €3.45m overpass to span Dargle at Station BRAY is to get a new €3.45m public transport bridge which will span the River Dargle from the old golf club lands to the train station. The bridge will be for public transport, cycling and pedestrian access to Bray Railway Station and will eventually be used for the LUAS, which is due to be extened to the town by 2035. Originally part of the Pizzaro application for development of the former Bray Golf Club land which provided for a bridge from the site to Seapoint Road. Speaking about the announcement, Green Party Cllr Steven Matthews told the Wicklow Voice: “It’s been an objective for many years and now funding has been achieved which will make it a reality. “It’s a major piece of infrastructure that is badly needed and huge credit has to go to the council executive for the application in a highly competitive funding process.” Applications have also been submitted for three other projects in Bray: the widening of the Dublin Road, Harbour redevelopment to include
World Champion kick boxer Amy Wall recieves her Sports Achievement Award from Bray and Disrict Chamber of Commerce President Pat Ó Súilleabháin at the Bray Endeavour Awards. Picture courtesy of Photocraft. »Lots more pictures from around the county inside
improved public amenity and protection, and improving the capacity at Bray Bridge. “We won’t know if these applications have been successful until early next year,” Mr Matthews added. The bridge funds are part of a €6.7m investment boost from the Urban Regeneration Development Fund for County Wicklow, which will also see €1.64m given to Arklow Historic Town Core and €1 .62 m for Wicklow Town. “This investment is a huge boost, not only for these three towns, but for the whole of County Wicklow,” Cllr Pat Vance, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council said. ³7KH H൵HFWV ZLOO EHQH¿W PDQ\ surrounding areas and improve access for anyone who may live in, visit or do business in Arklow, Bray or Wicklow”. Mr Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Wicklow County Council, acknowledged the hard work done by everyone involved in compiling the comprehensive application forms for funding. Continued on next page
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04| NEWS
wicklowvoice.ie December 3, 2018
news in brief Pierce Turner to play HotSpot AWARDING winning musician Pierce Turner is set for a triumphant return from New York to perform another series of his famous Parlour performances this December, including the HotSpot in the Beach House in Greystones on December 7. Regarded as “easily one of the most important Irish artists of the last 20 years,� according to Tony Clayton Lea wrote in The Irish Times. After his performance for Tibet House in Carnegie Hall with Patty Smith and Iggy Pop, The New York Times music critic raved “Soaring! A cross between David Bowie and Joni Mitchell�. Expect the Hot Spot to be packed and hopping - doors open at 8pm.
Shankill Classical Music Club The December 5 meeting will be an audio-visual special on the life and music of the legendary soprano Maria Callas. Lots of fascinating documentary and performance footage. The guest presenter will be the renowned opera expert George Fleeton. Usual venue: Shankill Old Folks’ Centre, Lower Rd, Shankill. Prompt start at 7.45, PLQ LQWHUYDO ¿QLVKLQJ DW 10.00. www.shankillclassical. org, or ring or text 087-2109175.
Swan (Emma O’Brien), The Queen (Tara Nixon) and Robin (Ciarån Coogan) the Queen Who Cancelled Christmas which will run in The Whale Theatre from the December 28-30 at the Greystones Christmas Lights Switch on
Remembering our loved ones CHRISTMAS can be a GLŕľśFXOW WLPH RI \HDU IRU WKRVH ZKR KDYH ORVW D ORYHG RQH EXW D QHZ LQLWLDWLYH E\ D ORFDO XQGHUWDNHU PD\ JR VRPHZD\ WR HDVLQJ WKH SDLQ $ VWHHO 0HPRULDO 7UHH LQ WKH JDUGHQV RI &ROOLHUV )XQHUDO +RPH RŕľľHUV D QHZ ZD\ WR UHPHPEHU ORYHG RQHV %\ GHGLFDWLQJ D OHDI LQ WKHLU KRQRXU DQG SODFLQJ LW
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â‚Ź3.45m bridge to the future Continued from previous page “Bringing â‚Ź6.7m of strategic investment into the county is D VLJQLÂżFDQW DFKLHYHPHQW ´ KH said. “These projects will SURYLGH HFRQRPLF EHQHÂżWV to the towns, while also improving infrastructure for the communities living there, ensuring that County Wicklow moves into the future with FRQÂżGHQFH ´ The long-predicted extension of the LUAS to Bray will see a new spur of the Luas Green Line from Bride’s Glen. :KLOH D GHFLVLRQ RQ WKH ÂżQDO alignment has yet to be made, it is likely to run to Bray Dart station via Shankill and across the former golf club lands and new bridge The announcement of the funding was made by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in Charleville Mall Library in Dublin, where representatives from each local authority were also addressed by Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy, Minister for Culture Josepha Madigan and Minister of State John Halligan TD.
Luggala’s â‚Ź28m tag sees State back off purchase CONCERN is growing that the iconic Luggala Estate in the Wicklow Mountains will be shut to the public if the State does not step in to purchase it. Minister Andrew Doyle is to meet with Culture Minister Josepha Madigan along with Wicklow Partnership, Wicklow Uplands Council and Mountaineering Ireland to push for the State to become more involved with the sale of the house and estate of 5,000 acres. Âł7KH HVWDWH KDV EHHQ RŕľľHUHG with a price tag of â‚Ź28milOLRQ ,W LV D VLJQLÂżFDQW SURSHUW\ in the context of the Wicklow Mountains National Park as well as strategically important from a heritage perspective,â€? Minister Doyle said. “Adjacent land was purchased in 2006 which enabled the joining up of two sections of the National Park and so it’s hugely important to get these relevant bodies together at this juncture to discuss the sale of this property. “The lands and roads around Luggala Estate are always and understandably popular with both hillwalkers and tourists as the views are spectacular and have been used around the world to represent the Wicklow landscape. “Likewise its appeal as a EDVH IRU ÂżOP ORFDWLRQV SODFHV Luggala as one of the top destinations in the country.
“The estate contains a diverse range of habitats as well as bird and wildlife species.â€? The trust which owns the large Luggala Estate in Co Wicklow has insisted there is no change regarding public access to certain areas within its grounds. The trust has also defended erection of signs on the property in recent months. Luggala is owned by the trustees of a Guinness family trust and was the former home of Guinness heir and co-founder of Claddagh Records, Garech Browne, who died this year. “There are no public rights of way or rights of access to any of the estate. However, successive owners over recent years permitted public access to certain parts of the estate via the present pedestrian access gate,â€? said the trust. The number of visitors to the area since Browne’s death has “increased considerablyâ€?, according to the trust. It said the owners had a duty of care and a decision was taken WR HUHFW VLJQDJH FRQÂżUPLQJ WKDW Luggala is private property and that the pedestrian access gate beside the public road would be closed from 5.30pm each day. “Luggala has been viewed by a number of interested parties,â€? said a spokesman for the trust. “The estate is on the open market for purchase by any interested parties, including the State.â€?
Christmas markets THE Abbey Grounds in Wicklow Town are set to be turned into a magical winter wonderland as the Christmas Market returns. The market will take place from 12-6pm on the weekends of December 8 and 9, 15 and 16, and 22nd of December. Between the selection of local artisan foods, decorations, gifts, workshops and visiting Santa
himself at Santa’s Grotto, there will be an abundance of fun and sparkly activities to get you and your family in the Christmas mood. This is a non-ticketed event, so anyone and everyone is welcome to attend and browse through our stalls and treat¿OOHG YHQXH This is a wheelchair and buggy friendly event not to be missed.
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wicklowvoice.ie December 3, 2018
149 North Wicklow (beside Avoca) Kilmacanogue
06 | news in brief Get your letters to Santa in fast SANTA’S helpers are ready to receive your child’s letter at Flanagan Kerins, Bray Retail Park. They have placed a letter box, crayons and paper in the store so that children can write and send their letter to Santa. “I want to hear what all the boys and girls want for Christmas,” said Santa, taking a break from Christmas preparations at the North Pole. The boys and girls must also let me know whether they have been naughty or nice and whether they will be in bed early on Christmas Eve.” Letters must be posted by Monday, December 17.
wicklowvoice.ie December 3, 2018 Last week we reported how almost 200 graduates from Wicklow County Campus were conferred with Institute of Technology Carlow higher certificates, degrees, higher diplomas, honours degrees and master’s degrees. Here, we publish a second batch of photographs from the day
Joe Quinn with Jack (one) from Wicklow
More graduations at Rathnew campus
Mermaid Concerts Music Network, with Wicklow County Council and Mermaid Arts Centre, are pleased to announce a series of six concerts curated by musician in residence Eamon Sweeney taking place from December 13 to May 25. The series highlights some RI ,UHODQG¶V ¿QHVW PXVLFLDQV while introducing international musicians of renown. Musician Eamon has put together a rich and varied programme of outreach and concerts UHÀHFWLQJ KLV SDVVLRQV ± (DUO\ Music, Irish Music, Classical Music, Poetry, Song, Music for Children and Babies. More at mermaidartscentre.ie.
Emer Louise Ryan, Wicklow, Rachel Flynn, Greystones and Linda Grace Devine, Greystones at the IT Carlkow, Wicklow Campus conferrals. Pix: Pat Moore
Catherine Mahon and Chloe Byrne
Edward Crean, Arklow with Lorraine and Serena
Jennifer, Dylan and Harper Nolan (3) from Greystones
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wicklowvoice.ie December 3, 2018
Dodgy roofers scam â‚Ź2k from local woman
A WOMAN in Bray has revealed how dodgy roofers operating in the area scammed her out of â‚Ź2000 after she saw their advertisement in this newspaper. All advertising in relation to the company has now been removed from all of our newspapers: Wicklow Voice, Dublin Voice, Carlow People, Kilkenny Today, Waterford Today and Wexford Chronicle. The victim, who only recently moved to the town, has since warned others to be wary of the URRIHUV ZKR GLG QRW ÂżQLVK WKH job on her house. Speaking to the Wicklow Voice, the woman, who asked not to be named, told how they gave a local address and and telephone number which began with 0404, the area code for County Wicklow. “I rang them several times since they left two weeks as
my utility roof is still leaking but they haven’t shown up. I’ve also reported the matter to the Gardai but they say it is a civil rather than a criminal matter.� If anyone is concerned about getting work done, here are some tips:
‡ :RUG RI PRXWK UHFRPPHQGDtion is the safest way to select workmen. ‡ *HW DW OHDVW WKUHH TXRWHV DQG ask for a breakdown of labour and materials. ‡ &KHFN UHIHUHQFHV DQG YLHZ work they’ve done elsewhere. ‡ 0RVW FRQPHQ DSSHDU WUXVWZRUthy when pitching for business. ‡ 0DQ\ JHW DJJUHVVLYH ZKHQ called out for shoddy work, inVLVWLQJ WKH\ ¿QLVK WKH MRE DQG you pay up. ‡ $VN WR VHH LQVXUDQFH DQG WD[ FOHDUDQFH FHUWL¿FDWHV ‡ 1HYHU DJUHH WR FDVK SD\PHQWV ‡ 1HYHU OHDYH VWUDQJHUV XQVX-
pervised in your home. ‡ 5RJXH WUDGHUV RSHUDWH RQ D national basis under a variety of company names. ‡ %HZDUH RI JLPPLFNV RYHUNLOO GLVFRXQWV DQG ÂľVSHFLDO RŕľľHUV LQ your area this week’. ‡ 3URIHVVLRQDO FRQPHQ GRQÂśW just call door-to-door. Many KDYH YLUWXDO RŕľśFHV DQG UXQ professional-looking newspaper adverts and websites. ‡ 7KH DGGUHVVHV WKH\ JLYH IRU WKHLU RŕľśFHV WHQG WR EH IDNH RU incomplete. ‡ -XVW EHFDXVH WKH\ DSSHDU WR have a landline or Freephone number doesn’t necessarily mean they’re legitimate. ‡ 1HYHU EH DIUDLG RU HPEDUrassed to report them to gardaĂ. ‡ ,I \RX VHH PHQ RQ WKH URRI or premises of a vulnerable neighbour, note their vehicle’s UHJLVWUDWLRQ FDOO LQ WR RŕľľHU VXSport, and call gardaĂ if you’re concerned.
MAKE IT SPECIAL WITH KILKENNY THIS CHRISTMAS GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE IN-STORE & ONLINE
Stores Nationwide www.kilkennyshop.com
08 | news in brief Schoool grants SOME 84 schools in Wicklow will receive a Minor Works Grant payment over the coming days for small scale works and improvements, Minister Andrew Doyle has said. The Fine Gael TD said the Department of Education is advising all school authorities WR XVH WKH JUDQW WR SULRULWLVH ÂżUH safety prevention works. “I am delighted this grant will be paid to schools across Wicklow over the coming days,â€? he said. “This follows a commitment under Project Ireland 2040 that the Minor Works Grant will be paid on an annual basis to all primary schools. All primary schools ZLOO UHFHLYH D Ă€DW UDWH RI Âź SOXV Âź SHU PDLQVWUHDP SXSLO DQG Âź SHU VSHFLDO QHHGV pupil attending.â€?
wicklowvoice.ie December 3, 2018
SeaLife celebrates Aquarium marks 20 years since first opening its doors
Community dinner
Tickets are now on sale and selling fast for the annual Wicklow Christmas Together Community Dinner taking place on the Christmas Day from 1pm SP GLQQHU DW SP LQ WKH Parochial Hall Wicklow Town. 7LFNHWV DUH Âź HDFK RU Âź for a family and include a full Christmas dinner, along with music, dancing, a sing-song and a bit of craic! Tickets available from Earls newsagent, Track One or the Wings Angel shop Wicklow Town. Contact Lauren .HRJK # RU lmbkeogh@gmail.com
Sealife General Manager Pat Ó Súilleabhåin and Minister Simon Harris with staff members at the aquarium’s 20th celebrations and, inset, the birthday cake. Below, a stingray resident. Pix: Michael Kelly By Jake Maxwell
WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL COMHAIRLE CHONTAE CHILL MHANTĂ IN
Applications are invited from suitably qualiďŹ ed candidates to form panels from which permanent/temporary vacancies may be ďŹ lled:
GENERAL OPERATIVE
REF: 28/2018
Bray, Greystones, Arklow, Wicklow and Baltinglass Municipal Districts Salary scale is: ₏524.62 – ₏604.66 per week gross. Application Forms and further details can be obtained from Enterprise & Corporate Services at 0404 20159 or by emailing recruitment@wicklowcoco.ie and on the Wicklow County Council website www.wicklow.ie Closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 12 NOON ON THURSDAY 20TH DECEMBER 2018. Wicklow County Council reserves the right to shortlist candidates in the manner it deems most appropriate. Wicklow County Council Is an Equal Opportunities Employer THOMAS MURPHY DIRECTOR OF SERVICES ENTERPRISE & CORPORATE SERVICES WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL COUNTY BUILDINGS, WICKLOW
TEL. 0404 20159 FAX: 0404 20112 e-mail: recruitment@wicklowcoco.ie
Applications are invited from suitably qualiďŹ ed persons for the following post:
TEMPORARY CLERK OF WORKS
REF: 31/2018
Salary scale is: ₏46,770 – ₏57,157 gross per annum includes 2nd LSI. Application Forms and further details can be obtained from Enterprise & Corporate Services at 0404 20159 or by emailing recruitment@wicklowcoco.ie and on the Wicklow County Council website www.wicklow.ie Closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 12 NOON ON THURSDAY 20TH DECEMBER 2018. Wicklow County Council reserves the right to shortlist candidates in the manner it deems most appropriate. Wicklow County Council Is an Equal Opportunities Employer THOMAS MURPHY DIRECTOR OF SERVICES ENTERPRISE & CORPORATE SERVICES WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL COUNTY BUILDINGS, WICKLOW
TEL. 0404 20159 FAX: 0404 20112 e-mail: recruitment@wicklowcoco.ie
ONE of the county’s favourite tourist attractions celebrated its 20tht birthday this week. SEA LIFE Bray, the only aquarium on the East Coast, ÂżUVW RSHQHG LWV doors in 1998 on the seafront in on the site of the former National Aquarium and has since welcomed more than 1.8m visitors. A special 20th anniversary party was held on November IRU ORFDO EXVLQHVVHV PDULQH sector partners and current and IRUPHU VWDŕľľ WR FHOHEUDWH WKH RFcasion and to thank the local community in the town for its support. “These 1.8m visitors, both domestic and international, have made such a fantastic
contribution both to the development of the aquarium, and to the local economy,â€? Pat Ă“ SĂşilleabhĂĄin, General 0DQDJHU IRU WKH ODVW years, said. “Their admission fees have allowed us to deliver worldclass animal welfare, engage in research, develop educational programs, and carry out marine conservation work. “We are so grateful to each and every one of them for their support over the past two decadesâ€? The past 20 years have seen some huge changes in the aquarium, both in terms of appearance and the make-up of the animal collection. Initially, the aquarium displayed only native animals. But as the appetite for
knowledge about global species grew, so the collection changed. “Through this change,â€? Pat added, “we had the opportunity and privilege to care for some amazing creatures down through the years: Giant -DSDQHVH 6SLGHU &UDEV %ODFN 7LS 5HHI 6KDUNV *LDQW 3DFLÂżF 2FWRSXV /HDI\ 6HD 'UDJRQV DQG *ROGHQ 3XŕľľHU )LVK ´ Today, SEA LIFE Bray has 'LVSOD\V ZKLFK DUH KRPH WR RYHU GLŕľľHUHQW VSHFLHV RI freshwater and marine animals from all over the world. “We are so grateful to the community of Bray for its support over the past 20 years, and we look forward to caring for our animals, seas and oceans over the next 20 years!â€?
Voices of Bray choir returns By Jake Maxwell VOICES of Bray Community Choir will hold their fourth Annual Christmas Concert in St Fergal’s Church, Killarney Road, Bray on December 9 at 7.30pm. This year the proceeds of the concert will go to help Lakers recover from WKH GHYDVWDWLQJ ¿UH WKDW
destroyed their premised and property including a number of buses. The programme will feature Christmas and seasonal favourites old and new and the choir will also sing the repertoire it performed at the North Wales Choral Festival in early November. In Wales the performance was very well received by the
audience and other choirs, and Voices of Bray looks forward to performing it in our home town. The choir has played to full houses in the past three years and tickets are selling fast for this year’s concert. Tickets ₏10 are available from any choir member or St. )HUJDOœV 3DULVK 2ྜFH 3KRQH 01-2860980.
wicklowvoice.ie December 3, 2018
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BUYING? SELLING? CONTACT US TODAY
BUYING? SELLING? CONTACT US TODAY
t: 01 901 5565
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wicklowvoice.ie December 3, 2018
Super Geraldine named as person of year at awards By Jake Maxwell HUNDREDS turned out for this year’s Bray Chamber and District Endeavour Awards which saw the people who contribute so much to the community being honoured. Bray Person of the Year 2018 went to Geraldine Fitzharris for her work for Merchant’s Quay. Michael Kelleher received the Lifetime Achievement Award celebrating and honouring his hard work throughout the years in Bray Library. There were many other big winners at the ceremony at the Royal Hotel on November 23. World Kick Boxing Champion
Amy Wall was presented with the Sports Achievement while Bray Tidy Towns won the Civic Award as BARSS collected the Community Award. Presentation College’s Jack Hogan, Kevin Moreley and Ben Murphy took home the Young Achievers awards Meanwile, the Local Business of the year award went to Colliers while Druid Software enjoyed success as the Large Business of the year. Health Matters on the Main Street were crowned Retailer of the year as the Maison Moli
was named Hospitality Venue of the year. The Entrepreneur of the Year was named as Aoife Mullane while the Tourism Award went to The Bray Air Display. Other nominees on the night included: Local Business: Adlantic, Central Press, Zahra Media Group Large Business of the year: $VLVWHF DQG 2ULÀDPH Retailer of the year: Amora, Bannons, Finders Keepers. Hospitality Venue: Box Burger, Butler Barry, Cow Fish, Daata, and Pink Salt
Bray and District Chamber Of Commerce President Pat Ó Súilleabháin presents the Person of the Year award to Geraldine Fitzharris pictured with her husband Arthur. All pictures courtesy of Photocraft on the Quinsboro Road
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wicklowvoice.ie December 3, 2018
Michael Kelleher accepts his award
Ruth Dempsey of Finders Keepers
Keira Robinson and Chris carroll of Maison Moli
Wendy Walsh collects the Tourism Award for Bray Air Display, background Eugene Finnegan
Well done to Young Achievers Jack Hogan, Kevin Morley and Ben Murphy
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wicklowvoice.ie December 3, 2018
Pat Ó Súilleabháin presents the Civic Award to Bray Tidy Towns members Justin Ivory, Mary Hargarden, Mimi Megannety, Ma ry-Anne Parsons, Una Roe, Cllr Stephen Matthews and Blaise Alexander
The team from Colliers collect their award
Aoife Mullane collects her award
Ben Murphy with his Young Achiever Award The team from Pink Salt who were nominated on the night
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wicklowvoice.ie December 3, 2018
christmasinbray IT CERTAINLY wasn’t a silent night in Bray last Saturday as the community gathered to ring in the festive season as the Christmas lights were lit. Hundreds of people gathered at the Civic Plaza to witness Santa Claus make a smashing entrance. 6DQWD DUULYHG E\ ¿UHWUXFN to the council building as the children waved and cheered. The crowd were treated to an afternoon of festive fun hosted by MC John Hughes from East Coast FM. St Cronan’s Boys Choir ¿OOHG WKH DLU ZLWK VRQJ treating people to some Christmas carols. The Christmas DJ took over musical duties later in the evening as he brought out everyone’s favourite Christmas tunes.
Switching on the Christmas Lights at Bray Civic Plaza: Millie Vance who switched on the lights is interviewed by East Coast FM’s John Hughes (L-R) Pat Ó Suillebhåin President of Bray Chamber, Scott Vance, Millie Vance, Cllr Pat Vance Cathaoirleach Wicklow County Council, Santa and John Huges
Bray Lakers Coffee Morning at the Martello: Francis Mooney, Daniel and Carmel Ryan, Marian O’Rourke
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wicklowvoice.ie December 3, 2018
christmasinbray
Switching on the Christmas Lights at Bray Civic Plaza: Ariya, Jorja, Stella and Harry Farrell
16 | WILDLIFE with Justin Ivory
Feed the Birds, Tuppence a Bag
Blue Tit on Peanut Feeder (Photo Justin Ivory) WELL allowing for inflation since the time of Mary Poppins it’s a bit more than tuppence a bag now but is still money well spent. And with the annual BirdWatch Ireland Garden Bird Survey (GBS) starting in December and running though to the end of February it is time to stock up on the bird food, fill those feeders, grab you binoculars, bird id book and the kids (if you have any, if not please don’t grab anybody else’s kids...you can do this without kids), and starting counting the birds coming into your garden remembering to record it all your survey form. The survey has been running for 30 years and provides invaluable data on the trends of our garden birds and how their populations are faring. With loss of natural habitats, changes in farming practice, effects of climate change and increasing pressure from numerous human activities, gardens and the food we provide for birds (and other wildlife) in them are becoming increasingly important. The results of the survey are also an indicator of how our wider environment is faring as well. So how does the survey work? Well from the 3rd of December until the end of February you need to keep note of the highest number of each bird species visiting your garden each week. Just to clarify that means the highest number of that species seen simultaneously in your garden at the one time. It is not an accumulation over the course of a day or a week. The survey also looks for basic information about your garden type and the sorts of food you leave out for the birds. Survey forms can either be completed online or downloaded from the BirdWatch Ireland website at www.birdwatchireland.ie So go on be a citizen scientist this winter and I guarantee you will have loads of fun and entertainment at the same time!
wicklowvoice.ie December 3, 2018
ninenottomiss BOOK of the week
TV SHOW of the week
FILM of the week
HOROSCOPES
THE ICE MONSTER by David Walliams
DEATH & NIGHTINGALES BBC 2, Wednesday November 28 , 9pm
ROBIN HOOD ROI rating: 12 A
David Walliams fans, are you ready for an absolute MAMMOTH of an adventure? In just a few weeks David is releasing his biggest and most epic adventure yet! When Elsie, an orphan on the streets of Victorian London, hears about the mysterious Ice Monster – a woolly mammoth found at the North Pole – she’s determined to discover more… A chance encounter brings Elsie face to face with the creature, and sparks the adventure of a lifetime – from London to the heart of the Arctic! Heroes come in all shapes and sizes in David Walliams’ biggest and most epic adventure yet!
Based on Eugene McCabe’s modern Irish classic, Death and Nightingales is a riveting story of love, betrayal, deception and revenge, set in the beautiful haunting countryside of Fermanagh in 1885 when all of the country is an undivided province of the British Empire. A haunting tale of love and deception, it is a place where neighbours observe each other and inform; a world of spies, confessions and double dealing; where a pervading sense of beauty is shot through with menace and impending doom.
Action-adventure film based on the tale of Robin Hood, it follows his training by John to steal from the Sheriff of Nottingham. Robin of Loxley / Robin Hood, a war-hardened Crusader and his Moorish commander mount an audacious revolt against the corrupt English crown in a thrilling action-adventure packed with gritty battlefield exploits, mind-blowing fight choreography, and a timeless romance. Taron Egerton stars as Robin Hood alongside Jamie Foxx as Little John, Eve Hewson as Maid Marian, Jamie Dornan as Will Scarlet, and Ben Mendelsohn as the Sheriff of Nottingham.
SALON of the week
WORKSHOP of the week
CONCERT of the week
ARIES - This week is a 7 Don’t push yourself too hard. Demand for your attention may be high. Make time to strengthen foundational structures. TAURUS - This week is a 7 Romance competes with miscommunication or mistakes for your attention. Postpone and delegate. GEMINI- This week is a 6 Take care of practical and pragmatic details at home. Make repairs to support structures. Stay patient with miscommunications. Listen more than you speak. CANCER- This week is an 8 Help others see the big picture. Distractions and disruptions abound. Silly disagreements waste time if you indulge them. LEO- This week is an 8 7KH SUR¿W SRWHQWLDO LV KLJK despite obstacles, delays or misunderstandings. New developments could change the assignment.
SIN E Unit 2 Charlesland Shopping Centre, Greystones, Tel: 01 2010673
OLANNMOR BLANKET WORKSHOP Killruddery House and Gardens, Southern Cross, Bray, Co. Wicklow, info@olannmor.
TOMMY FLEMING IN CONCERT The Grand Hotel, Abbey Street, Wicklow, Saturday, 1st December @ 8.00pm
Sinead Connolly owner of Sin E Hair & Beauty has been open successfully for 13 years with a fantastic team of senior stylists and trainees. Sin E is the only salon in Greystones that specialises in Natulique Organic Hair products. Natulique is the only certified organic hair colour in the World! Sin E offers a great range of treatments from the ‘Unlimited Wash Blowdry’, Skinny Spray Tan, Loreal Colour Promotions and Beauty Works Hair Extensions. For the full range of treatments go to www.sinehairandbeauty.com For December Sin E is open late Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays and also Sunday December 23.
During the 2.5 hour workshop at the Killruddery Stable Studio, the Olannmor team will teach and help you to make beautiful blankets yourself, in any of their 9 colours. The cost of this workshop is €80 and includes enough wool for a 75x100 cm blanket, live instructions and of course some coffee, tea and nibbles to keep you going. Interested? Send us an email to secure your place. Please do so before 1 Decemer 2018 so the wool colour of your choice will be available.
Tommy Fleming has many times been described as the “Voice of Ireland” and is one of Ireland’s top entertainers with over 5 million YouTube hits and over 3 million album sales worldwide. Tommy is regarded as one of the finest singers worldwide and is currently enjoying a hugely successful career. The mere mention of a Tommy Fleming Concert has ‘Sold Out’ signs being displayed within the space of minutes. Tommy is celebrated 25 years a solo performer with his highly popular album ‘Stories’ . Come along on Saturday to hear all the stories from this unique artiste.
COMEDY of the week
EXHIBIT of the week
GIG of the week
VIRGO- This week is a 9 As you gain strength, you gain options. Let go of a preconception, and keep your attitude positive. Stick to practical solutions. LIBRA- This week is a 6 Complete projects, and clean up. Avoid travel or IXVV .HHS D ORZ SUR¿OH 1RVWDOJLF UHÀHFWLRQ UHPLQGV you how far you’ve come. Plan what’s next. SCORPIO- This week is a 7 *URXS H൵RUWV JHW IDUWKHU than solo. Get feedback from your community. Don’t believe everything you hear, though. Take it with a grain of salt. SAGITTARIUS- This week is an 8 :RUN GH¿QLWHO\ WDNHV
priority. Someone important is paying attention. Resolve breakdowns without losing your cool.
PADDY DENNEHY & BAND The Harbour Bar, Bray. Saturday December 8th.
THE NUALAS CHRISTMAS GLAM SLAM! Friday 7th December 8pm Mermaid Arts Centre,
‘SCRATCHING THE SURFACE’ Signal Arts Centre, Bray 1 Albert Avenue, Bray, T : 01 276 20 39 November 30 until December 9.
Newcomers to Paddy’s music are just blown away. His first gig in Dublin was on ‘The Late Late Show’ after their booking team stumbled across him on YouTube. His first time playing his own material in Cork was a personal invitation from Glen Hansard. Since then he has performed with the greatest acts in Ireland and abroad. His debut album “Strange Wings” will be released in early 2019. References to Nick Cave, Randy Newman and Leonard Cohen can be heard throughout the album. Catch him on the rise. .
In a world where Christmas is getting less Christmassy, The Nualas hit the Mermaid Arts Centre with a dangerously Christmassy show. Expect to be battered about the head with hilarious seasonal chat, expect to be boxed around the ears with scintillating vocal harmonies and ultimately expect to be beaten to a pulp of Christmas cheer by Ireland’s sequined queens of musical comedy. Make The Nualas Christmas Glam Slam your big Christmas night out and you, too, could have most dangerous Christmas ever!
Well worth a visit is Kate Murtagh Sheridan’s exhibition ‘Scratching the Surface’ on at Signal Arts Centre until December 9. Kate is a freelance visual artist and art educator originally who specialises in ceramics and plasterwork. She takes the viewer on a journey behind the scenes and their attention to the hidden gems around territory that she is very familiar with, Bray and Dublin. She paints hidden compositions that catch her eye because of their beauty, historical past and interesting aspects.
CAPRICORN- This week is an 8 Make travel or educational plans. Keep your objective in mind. Check reservations, and schedule carefully. Tempers may be short. AQUARIUS-This week is an 8 Join forces with another for funding. Changes necessitate budget revisions. Anticipate a disagreement, DQG DYRLG ¿QDQFLDO discussions. PISCES- This week is a 7 An obstacle challenges your partnership. Proceed with caution. It’s not a good time to gamble. Avoid arguments. Listen without interrupting.
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christmasincountywicklow Holly Cassidy, Lisa Toner, Jessica Barry and Sophie Barry from the Whale Theatre at the Switching on of the Christmas Lights in Greystones. Inset, Alannah Conroy and Kate Burns
Swan (Emma O’Brien), The Queen (Tara Nixon) and Robin (Ciarån Coogan) the Queen Who Cancelled Christmas which will run in The Whale Theatre from the December 28-30 at the Greystones Christmas Lights Switch on
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insideback
Brian Quigley
Say it ain’t so Joe: Schmidt to go
J
oe Schmidt (inset) hasn’t done much wrong in recent times and the handling of his stepping down from his role with Ireland – after next year’s Rugby World Cup – is something else he has got right. By making the announcement now there is an immediate end to speculation that could have rumbled on through next year and destabilised the team’s preparations for the World Cup – a tournament we have never PDGH WKH VHPL ¿QDOV RI EXW DFtually have a realistic possibility of winning outright. Announcing that Andy Farrell will take over is another masterstroke – he’s already in place and doing a marvellous job and is a popular choice. Schmidt has announced he will be taking a break initially. Who could blame him? The next year will be incredLEO\ VWUHVVIXO EXW DOVR R྾HUV D chance to achieve immortality. OK, he has already achieved that; let’s just say the next year R྾HUV WKH FKDQFH WR DFKLHYH something we never dreamt
Leinster’s James Lowe and Brian Byrne with Greystones, Clontarf and Seapoint players in Greystones Rugby Club for Sunday morning Practice possible. Schmidt is the recently-crowned World Coach of the Year, with Ireland picking up the team award and Johnny Sexton the individual one.
Joe is the man who has made all this possible, make no mistake. Just look at 2018. A Grand Slam win in the Six Nations.
A Test Series win in Australia. $ ÂżUVW HYHU YLFWRU\ RQ KRPH soil over the mighty All Blacks; before that game even started we made their Haka look tame.
Eleven wins out of 12. We are Number Two in the world. Most recently we routed the
USA with a second-string side, such is the strength and depth and quality of our squad. We have never had it so good, and there is every expectation that the party will roll on through 2019. We have become the team that others fear. We have become the team that other managers want to knock R྾ RXU SHUFK WR TXRWH D SKUDVH Sir Alex Ferguson used about Manchester United beating /LYHUSRROœV WRS ÀLJKW WLWOH KDXO something he achieved. I wish Joe all the best for the future regardless of what happens in 2019. He has brought Irish rugby to the summit and made us the envy of the world. He has fashioned a side that has entertained, excited and thrilled. He has built a team the whole nation has got behind and are proud of. Thanks Joe!
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