The December Monthly Meeting of DCC took place on Monday 29th November.

MATTERS ARISING:

It was felt that DLRCC should show a more relaxed attitude to the parking control at Hyde Road especially on Saturdays as it is used as a recreational venue on this day.
The old recurring problems are still with us regarding traffic and parking; cars still parking on double yellow lines etc. Enforcement remains a major issue. It was pointed out that there seemed to be a concerted campaign of vandalism when the new parking meters were introduced to Dalkey.

The increased speed of cars in Castle Street necessitates a pedestrian crossing for the town and the poor traffic flow at Dalkey Avenue/Castle Street/Barnhill Road needs immediate attention.
It was agreed to reconvene the Dalkey Combined Traffic Group in the New Year to gather the recommendations from the different areas, assess these and collate them to present to DLRCC. A review notice could be published in the Newsletter asking for people's comments (see inside for further details).

HERITAGE:

The history tours between Dalkey and Anglesey will continue in 2005. The personnel employed through the FAS Employment Community Scheme will be staying for a full year, with the possibility of them remaining for three years. There are exhibitions and fairs during the month of December and the shop has a wide range of gifts and cards for the Christmas.

FUNCTIONS:

The annual Art Exhibition was again very popular. Clodagh Hannon of the Tramyard Gallery opened the event. A vote of thanks was passed to all the members of the Functions Committee and those who manned the hall, for all their hard work over the weekend. As there was no further business the meeting ended.

The January Monthly Meeting of DCC took place on Tuesday 4th January 2005

TIDY TOWNS:

The Lighting of the Christmas tree organised by the Dalkey Community Project on 12th December was a very successful event with over a thousand people in attendance (more details inside)

TRAFFIC:

Dalkey is not exempt from the parking scheme because of its status as a Heritage Town. It was agreed that the parking situation has deteriorated since the initial implementation of the scheme, as too many drivers are parking long-term and not paying the tariff. The system is not being enforced and needs to be monitored on a full time basis. It was also pointed out that a trailer has been parked for several days on St. Patrick's Avenue and has even been painted in-situ and green paint has been spilt on the new surface.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS:

The new recycling facility at Ballyogan is now open and the County Council is considering permission for a facility at Eden Park. When Eden Park opens it will replace the facility that closed at George's Place.
As the charge for 2005 is now €4 per bin-lift plus additional charges, it is necessary to become recycling conscious.
Many dogs are out with their owners without a lead and this is an offence and offenders can be fined €30 for not having the dog leashed.

There being no further business the meeting concluded.

What can be recycled: batteries, glass, vehicles, household white goods, , aluminium, oil, paper, plastic, green goods, hazardous waste, textiles and then there is composting. We hope to be able to give you some tips and ideas about recycling and composting in order to save on the 'pay-by-weight' charges being levied by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

Why Recycle? Recycling saves energy and therefore reduces acid rain, global warming . and air pollution. A glass jar saves enough energy to light a bulb for four hours. Recycling also reduces the need for landfill, conserves natural resources and creates more jobs than landfills or incinerators.

Glass: Glass can be recycled either in the form of returnable bottles or by bringing glass bottles, jars, sauce bottles etc. to a bottle bank. It is important that glass brought to a bottle bank is sorted according to colour to avoid contamination. The glass is crushed and turned into 'cullet' .In the making of new glass up to 40% of the raw material can be in the form of cullet. This amounts to significant savings in raw materials and energy needed to melt the glass.

Bottle banks in Dalkey are located at: the DART station and the Burmah Road.

Please remember though to bring home the containers in which you carried the glass, do not leave any rubbish behind.

• It's now you need to start planning your garden for the months ahead- .
• To get the most from the sun plant rows east to west.
• Plant taller shrubs etc. on the north side of your garden to avoid shading smaller plants.
• Wherever you planted your vegetables last year rotate them this year to get the most from the soil.
• The soil is usually too wet and cold for much digging.
• Keep cold sensitive potted plants in protected areas or indoors.
• Make sure cuttings in protected areas do not dry out.
• Apple and pear trees should be pruned-
• Some houseplants are poisonous so be careful no child or dog tries to eat them e.g. poinsetta (this is one of the most popular plants to be purchased at Christmas so be aware).

Are you aged between 7 to 18 years of age and want to take part in the Community Games? If so we'd like to hear from you. Let us know if you are interested in, for example, swimming athletics, art, model making, choir, variety, hockey, to name but a few. Please leave your name, address, telephone number and what you're interested in to the Dalkey Community Council post box in Our Lady's Hall in Castle Street. Also we'd love to hear from those over 18 who would like to help with the Games in Dalkey, please also leave your name, address and telephone number in the Community Council's post box.

The Feast Day of Valentine, patron saint of lovers, is probably based on a pagan holiday to honour Pan and Juno that fell on this day. In 1477 Margery Brews sent a letter to John Paston in Norfolk, addressed: 'To my right welbelovyd Voluntyne '. It is probably the world's first known Valentine.

There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.

George Sand

To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with.

Mark Twain

Though it rains,
I won't get wet:
I'll use your love
For an umbrella

Japanese Folk Song

Dalkey Community Partnership organised another very successful event on l2th . December when the lights of the Christmas Tree were switched on by Santa.
Dalkey Community Partnership is an umbrella organisation comprising of Dalkey Community Council, Dalkey Business Association and Dalkey Tidy Towns working with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, as well as other groups, who come together to arrange this annual event. The event was begun by the Community Council, but has grown over the years necessitating help from other groups.

This years celebrations began with the Christmas streetlights being in place from the beginning of December. We are indebted to those businesses that contributed to the cost of them as we feel that they add greatly to the atmosphere in Dalkey during the festive season.

The afternoon's celebration began with a free show for families in Dalkey Castle called "A Dalkey Christmas Tale". A capacity audience enjoyed the hour-long show put on by "Deilginish", our local theatre company.

Following that, everyone then joined the festivities that were taking place at the carpark of the Church of the Assumption where a large crowd had already gathered. Many thanks are due to Fr. John McDonagh for allowing us to use the car park for the event, as it is the perfect venue for such an occasion.

The M.C., Mr. Ryan Tubridy then began the proceedings by introducing the King of Dalkey who greeted his loyal subjects. The choir, comprising of members from the choirs of St. Patrick's Church and the Church of the Assumption, led the carol singing.
.The King of Dalkey and Ryan then called upon Santa who had been heard in the vicinity to appear to us; a spectacular flash lit up the sky above Dalkey Castle and Santa appeared on the battlements! He was persuaded to come down to us by Ryan and another flash of fireworks heralded his entrance into the car park as he stumbled from his grotto! He was escorted to the stage by the two elves, Twinkle and Sparkle where a rapturous audience of children and their families greeted him. He then began the count down, aided by the crowd and the lights of the Christmas tree were miraculously switched on!

Ryan then noticed that we had some very special visitors joining us, and the choir led us in carols as Mary and Joseph made their way down through the car park. The crowds parted as they walked on to the Living Crib at the atmospheric Archbold's Castle where we were able to see them later with Baby Jesus, looked after by the shepherd and his sheep, goat and the donkey.
Meanwhile, Santa had gone to his grotto where he met the children and their families aided by the two elves.

Many of the crowd had now retired to the local hostelries, where mulled wine was served at the Queen's, McDonaghs and also Select Stores; we should like to thank all businesses that entered into the spirit of the occasion on the day.

This event involved many groups and individuals who contributed to bring about a memorable afternoon for the residents of Dalkey and their visitors.

We should like to thank: Fr. John McDonagh - The King of Dalkey - Mr. Ryan Tubridy
St Patrick's Church - Cuala G.A.A Club - The Church of the Assumption - McDonaghs Select Stores - Neil and Brenda Jordan - The Order of Malta - Ms B. O'Brien - The Queens Sgt. A Comfrey The Deilginis Theatre Group
The Kings Inn - Sgt J. Keane, Dalkey Garda - Mr. T. Byrne Ulster Bank - Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre - Killiney and Dun Laoghaire Lions Clubs - Parks Dept & Community Dept, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

The most significant change to speed limits in the history of the State took place on Thursday, 20 January last. On that date we went metric in our speed limits. This was done to bring consistency on public roads as we display distance in kilometres on most of our national roads so it follows that our speed would also be measured in kilometres. The remaining distance 'mile post' signs on local and regional roads will be converted to kilometres by the end of 2005. Over 58,000 speed limit signs were put in place, which involved the replacement of 35,000 signs and the provision of 23,000 new signs, at an estimated cost of €ll.5 million - €9m for signs and €2.5m for the public information campaign. As a result of these changes, the speed limit on 91% of Ireland' s 96,000 kilometres of roads has decreased. On 9% of our safer public roads, the speed limit has increased.

The current "general speed limit" of 60 mph , which applies to roads outside built-up areas other than motorways, is being replaced by the introduction of separate speed limits on rural national roads and rural regional and local roads.

• The speed limit on rural national roads, which includes most Dual Carriageways, will see a slight increase from 60 mph to 100 km/h (62 mph).
• The speed limit on rural regional and local roads (sometimes referred to as non- national roads) is changing from 60 mph to 80 km/h (50 mph), a reduction of 20%.
• Built-up areas -towns and cities change very slightly from 30 mph to 50 km/h
  (31 mph).
• Motorways, which represent just 1% of our network, will change from 70 mph to 120 km/h (74 mph).
  
  Speed limits in respect of certain vehicle types will also change. The Minister for Transport will make Regulations under the Road Traffic Act 2004, to prescribe the maximum speed limits for heavy goods vehicles, large passenger vehicles and vehicles towing a trailer, etc. [This will be publicised as soon as the Regulations are made]
  The information leaflet containing a conversion table has been sent to every household and you should consult this conversion table before setting out on a journey.
  
  There are also a couple of quick mental calculations that can be used to convert from km/h to mph: the first method is to divide the km/h speed limit by 8 and multiply by 5 and this gives a relatively accurate calculation of the speed limit in mph -e.g. 80 km/h (80 divide by 8 multiply by 5 = 50mph) so the approximate equivalent is 50mph.
  
  An alternative (and slightly less accurate) method of calculation is to drop the zero from the km/h speed limit and multiply by 6 -e.g. 80km/h (8 multiply by 6 = 48mph).
  
  To recognise the different types/classifications of roads in our road system please check out the following:
• Motorways- symbolised by 'M', e.g. M50, MI etc. -Blue signs
• National Roads-symbolised by 'N', e.g. N3, NIl etc -Green signs .
• Regional/Local Roads symbolised by 'R', e.g. R152 -White signs
  
  In all cases the speed limit that applies on any particular road will be clearly sign-posted.
  F or further information telephone 189050 60 80. Courtesy of Go Metric
  Don't forget the speed limits applied immediately and are being duly enforced.

• Close the curtains as soon as dusk falls and keep all doors shut in the house to keep heat in.
• If there are gaps around doors and windows use something like newspaper to seal
• Heat the part of the house in use, there is no need to heat rooms not in regular use.
• Eat at least one hot meal during the day and take plenty of hot drinks.
• Wear thermal clothing and always wear a hat, most body heat escapes through the top of your head!
• If your bedroom is upstairs and it is warmer downstairs consider switching to sleeping downstairs.
• If someone is suffering from hypothermia he/she may not even know, it is difficult to spot and is often referred to as a silent killer. Sufferers may be drowsy, slur their speech and have pale puffy skin. If you believe someone is suffering from hypothermia (the elderly are particularly at risk) contact the GP, wrap the person up well but not too heavily and give some hot drinks (non-alcoholic ).

The past year has been a very successful one in the Heritage Centre, due largely to the input of financial resources from the ERDF programme of the EU Community Initiative lllA for the link between Dalkey and Anglesey for Historical Tours. The tours will continue in 2005 and those who haven't gone on a tour already, are encouraged to do so in 2005. The idea behind the project and the funding is to foster the development of cross border friendships, artistic connections and the linking of community organisations. The tours have been very successful, very enjoyable, very good value at a breakeven price and are also indirectly supporting the Heritage Centre. Dates and details are available from the Centre.

The Centre has also been fortunate in securing a grant from the Heritage Council in Kilkenny towards the cost of a feasibility study on the conservation issues in Goat Castle. Resulting from this study the company hopes to carry out certain specified conservation measures to the medieval towerhouse and the medieval toilet (Garderobe) and upgrade the upstairs former committee room. The plan, among other necessary upgrades, is to make sections of the Centre comply with security and other conditions to house artefacts on temporary loan. These works were not included in the budget for the 1998 works when the Heritage Centre was opened.

The Heritage Centre was involved alongside all the other community organisations in the Christmas Lights festival. There was a full house for the free Christmas Show' A Dalkey Christmas Tale' performed by Deilg Inis. It told the story of a Scrooge-like grumpy man who had forgotten the meaning of Christmas. A band of mummers arrived and took him on a journey through three stories to re-discover the magic of Christmas. By the end, he had truly transformed much to the delight of the young audience. He then joined the others in beginning the Christmas celebrations in Dalkey. The show was supported by the Heritage Centre and part sponsored by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Co Co.

st Begnet's Graveyard has been made much safer by a clean-up and supervised pruning by the ever-helpful Parks Dept. It is currently being surveyed and mapped by a local helpful professional with extensive expertise in this field.

Art Exhibitions The Art Gallery had an extremely successful 2004, with many Exhibitions seJling out. There are still some vacancies for 2005.
Info packs are available.

There was a highly successful Good Health Fair recently, which showcased the large number of holistic practitioners in the area. It enjoyed capacity audiences.

Events
A Cookery Demonstration by Thyme Out in aid of the tsunami disaster will be held on Friday 11 th Feb. Contact ThymeOut at 2851999.

An Art Auction in aid of the Goal relief work in the wake of the tsunami will be held on Wed 23rd Feb in the Art Gallery from 7.00pm-9.00pm. All are invited. All the proceeds will go to Goal. Over 20 paintings have been donated by the artists and the venue and organisation will be provided at no charge.
The event is being co-ordinated by Lydia Brow.

Body Sculpting Cathy Soraghan's continues her popular sessions on Mondays in the Heritage Centre at 7.3Opm. Contact Cathy at 0868758744

The Fresh Food Markets are back again after their January break, on Friday mornings in the Town Hall. The markets are bringing increased footfall into Dalkey on Fridays. They stock the best of Irish produce and have the added seasonal benefit of being indoors.

Karate sessions for all age groups take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Town Hall from 6.00- 9.00pm under the guidance of the enthusiastic and dedicated Wayne Deegan and his assistants.
For info contact Wayne at 2353951

Funk Hip Hop Dance classes began on Monday Jan 31st and will continue each Monday with two sessions at 7.00pm and 8.00pm. Contact Tracy at 087 6826423

Dalkey Players drama group will hold auditions on Feb 1 st & 3rd for their next production 'The Cripple of Inishmaan ' by Martin McDonagh. They rehearse on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7.30-1 0.30pm at the Heritage Centre.
New members welcome. Contact John at 2824769.

For more details on any of the above Contact the Heritage Centre at 2858366

Groundhog Day is 2nd February. While all the hibernating animals are still asleep, the groundhog is said to act as a weather forecaster. It is told if he sees his shadow on the 2nd there will be six more weeks of winter weather!

Away in a meadow all covered with snow
The little old groundhog looks for his shadow
The clouds in the sky deterine our fate
If winter will leave us all early or late

Don Halley

On the 1st December last, at an ecumenical service in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, a Palestinian Scout lit an oil lamp from the flame at the Grotto. The flame was passed to an Israeli Scout at the border and was then flown from Tel
Aviv to Vienna. From there it was distributed by Scouts allover Europe and to other parts of the world. Having crossed France, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland it reached Dublin.

Scouts from the 17th Dublin and 41 st Dublin Groups in Dalkey lit the Christmas Candles in both the Church of the Assumption and St. Patrick's Church from the flame of the Peace Light from Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. This was a truly international expression of Peace and Goodwill that linked the parishioners of Dalkey with the birthplace of Christ in a very symbolic way.

41st DUBLIN (St. Patrick's. Dalkev) SCOUT GROUP The Group has now re-opened sections for all age groups -Beavers, Cubs, Sea Scouts and Ventures. We have some places available now in our Cub Pack (ages 8-10) and Venture Unit (ages 15-17). The Beavers and Sea Scouts have waiting lists. For more information contact the Group Leader, Brian Meyer 0866696812.

With the dark evenings now upon us and Christmas fast approaching try to keep safe by remembering even some of the following tips:

• 
  If walking stay in busy, well-lit areas. Have your house keys in your pocket. Wear bright clothes while out walking and ensure you and your bicycle can be seen.
• Park the car in busy, well-lit areas and remember to close the windows and lock doors. Do not leave anything on view in the car-
• Be aware of your surroundings and try to be conscious of anyone who may be following you.
• Do not leave valuables unattended in your car or elsewhere when visiting for example the bottle bank.
• Lock your car before you go to pay for petrol.
• Keep your money and laser/credit cards etc. in a safe place. If possible try not to carry all your cards at the same time or in your handbag-
• When withdrawing cash from ATM's cover the pin pad when keying in your personal identification number.
• Pickpockets especially target people who are distracted by children or their surroundings and some of their best opportunities occur while standing in queues.
  

APPLE CRUMBLE:

Ingredients: 6oz plain or self -raising flour, 3oz margarine or butter, 6oz castor sugar, 11/2 Ib cooking apples, 2 tablespoons water. Pre-heat oven to 350°f, 180°c, gas mark 4.
Method: grease pie dish. Sieve flour and rub in butter/margarine until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs. Stir in 3oz castor sugar. Peel, core and thinly slice the apples. Place the apples in the pie dish in layers and sprinkle each layer with the remaining sugar and the water. Pile the crumble mixture over the apples to cover completely.
Bake in the oven for 40-50 minutes until the fruit is cooked and crumble is gold brown. You can vary the crumble by using gooseberries, plums or tinned fruit instead of apples.

BREAD AND BUTTER PUDDING:

Ingredients:
41arge slices stale white bread, 2oz butter, 2 tablespoons castor sugar, 3 tablespoons currants and sultanas, 2 eggs, pint milk, heaped tablespoon of granulated or Demerara sugar, pinch of nutmeg.

Method: Pre-heat the over to 160°c, 325°f, gas mark 3. Grease a pie dish. Cut the crusts from the bread and spread slices with butter. Set two slices aside for the top. Cut the remainder in halves and arrange in the dish in layers sprinkling each layer with castor sugar and fruit. Cut the two remaining slices into neat triangles and arrange in an overlapping pattern on top with the butter side up. Beat the eggs lightly and stir in the milk. Pour into dish at the side and leave for half an hour. Sprinkle the top with the sugar and a pinch of nutmeg.
Bake for 11/4 to 11/2 hours or until set

Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle. ..
a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the light, a bud straining to unfurl.
And the anticipation nurtures our dream.

Dalkey Community Council invites your comments on the new pay and display system that is now in operation in Dalkey. Please put your observations, suggestions, in the DCC post box in Our Lady's Hall by Friday 25th February.

BOOK CLUB -The book to read for the meeting on Saturday 5th February @ 10.30am is: "The Moons of Jupiter" by Alice Munro. March book to be confmned. We supply the coffee -you do the talking!
Dalkey Writers meet every second Thursday in Dalkey Library from 6pm -7.45pm

Club Leabhar Nua i Leabharlann Dheilginse

Beidh Club Leabhar nua ar siul anseo i leabharlann Dheilginse ar an gcead oiche Mhairt de gach mhi, 6.30- 7.30 i.n.
Beidh failte roimh gach duine a bhfuil Gaeilge aici/aige, a bheag no a mhor!
Bigi linn. Fon: 0868482159.
Beidh an chead chruinniu ag tosu ar 1 Feabhra 2005. Beidh an club ag leamh "An Reo" le Liam O'Flaithearta.

Storytelling every Thursday from 3.30pm-4.00pm in Dalkey Library for children aged 3-6. Any parents who would like to volunteer in the regular story time sessions please contact the library.
Phone Dalkey Library for further information 2855277.

BOOK REVIEW
Now available is the 2005 issue of the" Journal of Dun Laoghaire Borough" which contains an excellent array of articles dealing with the history of Dun Laoghaire and surrounding area. Copies available at the February 16th meeting of the Historical Society in the Kingston Hotel Adelaide Street, Dun Laoghaire, or by post from Colin Scudds, 7, Northumberland Park, Dun Laoghaire, price inc. postage €7.50 (Ire.), £8.50 (UK),€8.60 (Europe) and $10.50 (Rest of the World)

.
ASSISTANCE SOUGHT
At the September "Dalkey Remembered Club" meeting hosted by the Dalkey Heritage Centre, two occasions when trams went out of control and crashed into premises in Castle Street were mentioned. If anyone can provide the dates of these incidents it would be very much appreciated.

Also does anyone know where the name of Scotsman Bay came from or why it is so called? Please drop any information for the above into the DCC post box in Our Lady's Hall and mark it for the secretary's attention.