At the invitation from the Board of the Heritage Centre the May Monthly meeting was held in the Centre at 8pm on Tuesday 3rd May.
The Chairperson opened the meeting and called for a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for the late Mr. Donal Stevens who was a former editor of the Newsletter.
Margaret Dunne, the Manager of the Heritage Centre gave us a presentation on the restoration work that has been done to the old graveyard and the future plans that are envisaged for it.

Tidy Towns:
The area is experiencing an increase in illegal dumping and this should be reported to DLRCC immediately. Pooper-scoopers will be put into OLH and soon will be distributed with the Newsletters.
The Dalkey clean-ups will commence in June. The clean up for Castle Street begins at 10.30am every Tuesday meeting at Select Stores and at 11am every Thursday at Dillon’s Park. All helpers will be issued with bags, pickers and gloves.
DLRCC have nominated Dalkey as one of their representatives in the nationwide “Pride of Place” competition that focuses on all aspects of the local community and how that community can work together.

Planning:
Tramyard: permission has been granted with a huge amount of conditions. The Planning Group have many concerns and an appeal will be lodged to ABP.

Dun Laoghaire Baths:
The proposal by DLRCC to demolish the existing buildings and build an eight-storey development consisting of one hundred and eighty apartments, a ten storey glass tower, a water world and indoor leisure complex was a topic of much discussion. If the development was to proceed it was felt that a worrying precedent would be set for further high-rise developments along the shore.
There will be a public display of the proposed development for the Baths taking place from Tuesday 24th May to Friday 10th June in County Hall and it is important that as many as the general public view the plans and submit comments to DLRCC.

AOB:
DCC in partnership with DLRCC and TT will hold a ceremony next Tuesday 10th May at 11am to unveil the new Heritage sign at Killiney Towers.
As there was no further business the meeting ended.

Are you still awaiting a grey wheelie bin?
Are you still awaiting a green bin?

If the answer to either of these questions or both is "Yes" then you must contact
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Environment Department immediately.
The contact 'phone number is 2054810. As the lines are very busy you may be requested to leave a message, please state your name, address and contact 'phone number clearly and your call will be dealt with as soon as possible.

The dumping of rubbish is an offence and will lead to prosecution by the Litter Warden.

FUNCTIONS REPORT TO COMMUNITY COUNCIL AGM – MARCH 2005

I am pleased to report a happy and successful year for this committee.
The first function was the Annual Dinner for past and present members of the Council held in the Northover Hall at St. Patrick’s Church on 22nd May. Journalist Robert Fisk was a most interesting speaker for our 62 diners and caterers Thyme Out provided a most enjoyable meal and complimentary cheeses. We are grateful to St. Patrick’s for allowing use of the hall.

The Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland provided judges for our 25th Annual Garden Competition in June. 18 gardens were entered and both the weather and gardens were wonderful on the day. Norah Hart provided a most welcome lunch in the middle of a long day for the judges and drivers.
The Garden Outing was on the 14th July. 32 people enjoyed a hot summer day visiting The Bay Garden, the Potting Shed Nursery and the Greenan Farm maize and museums all in Co. Wexford.
The Reception for the presentation of the Community Cup to Dalkey Meals on Wheels, the McCabe Cup to Community Sports organisers Conor and Joan Patton, and the Garden Competition Prizes took place on the 10th September.

The Annual Art Exhibition was once more an outstanding success. It was opened by Clodagh Hannon from the Tramyard Gallery and held over the weekend of the 19th November. We had 122 exhibits (of which 19 were sold) and a fine selection of woodcarvings. The manner in which exhibits are entered may have a more user friendly format this year
.
Tea and refreshments was served at several monthly meetings during the year.

Christmas trees were donated the Church of the Assumption and St. Patrick’s Church and Helena Feely and Maura Murray decorated the Church of the Assumption tree.

My year as functions manager has had the benefit of a competent and experienced committee. Helena Feely, Maura Murray, Ursula Brooks, Laura Doyle, Colette Doody, Norah Hart, Susan McDonnell and Peggy Comerford. I wish my successor in this position every success.

Best of luck to all those sitting exams this month. You are wished the very best for your future happiness and we also spare a thought for Mum and Dad at this time!!

Continuing from last month’s article on Composting …………
When your compost is ready, it will be dark brown/black in colour. You may need to dry it out until it has a crumbly texture. You can do this by laying it on plastic sheets to air (weather permitting) and then packing it into plastic bags punctured with holes. Leave the bags of compost in a sheltered part of the garden or in the shed until dry. The best time for using compost is in the spring or summer, before planting. Compost can be used for:

• Flower and vegetable beds – use a layer of about 8cm of compost and dig in to mix with the soil.
• To improve soil – use an 8-10cm layer and mix in to help improve consistency and drainage.
• Houseplants – use mixture of compost, soil and sand in equal measure.
• Mulch – when wet, spread lightly on soil. This will help retain moisture and add nutrients.
• Compost Tea – fill a bucket to half compost and the rest water. Leave to settle before draining the liquid off and using as a liquid fertiliser.
  

Courtesy of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council

My name is Seamus Guidera and I am one of the 15 lucky CBC boys who went to Zambia last March. I would like to thank all those who so generously helped make the Zambian Immersion Project a huge success. Everything we brought out was needed and put to good use. The money raised from the Dalkey Parish went towards the local school, the Mother Teresa Aids hospice, which we visited, and the whole community. The community was a slum just outside the capital, Lusaka and really needed help. We worked in the school helping the teachers, we painted a mural in the community hall and we visited an Aids hospice. Many of the patients there were tiny-orphaned babies. Their crying stopped when we held them in our arms.
Three out of four people in the compound were HIV positive. Most of them were homeless and there were children dying on the streets because of disease and hunger. I will always remember the extreme poverty but also the smiles of joy on peoples faces. They were so appreciative of everything we gave them. I would love to go back and do more work and I would encourage anybody who is thinking of doing anything like this to do so. Everybody thought it was a wonderful experience and as well as giving, we also got a lot from Zambia and the Zambian People. Thanks again for all the support.

Dublin Writers Museum:
18 Parnell Square, Dublin 1 – celebration of literary Dublin situated in a magnificent 18th century house splendidly restored. Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm (during June, July and August, otherwise closes at 5pm), Sunday and Public Holidays 11am to 5pm.

James Joyce Museum:
Joyce Tower, Sandycove – Martello tower built during the Napoleonic scare. James Joyce (Blooms Day!) the author lodged here briefly as a young man. Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm (closes for lunch 1 to 2pm), Sunday and Public Holidays 2pm to 6pm.

Marlay Demesne:
Grange Road, Rathfarnham – 200 acres of parkland and gardens restored by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, also hosts an orangey, arbour and water features. Open daily during summer months. Walled Gardens open all year Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm.

Newman House:
85/86 St. Stephen’s Green – two 18th century city centre mansions combined to form the first Catholic University now University College. The plasterwork is among the finest in Ireland. Open June, July and August only. Public guided tours Tuesday to Friday at 12pm 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
Information taken from House, Castles and Gardens of Ireland

• Plant out half hardy annuals.
• In hot weather damp down the greenhouse floor to cool and humidify
• Pinch out the side shoots of tomatoes and tie in as required.
• You can still plant container plants to fill any unexpected gaps.
• Dead head plants if you don't require to save seed this will give more energy to produce more flowers.
• Give hedges their first cut.
• Sow biennials.
• Lift and either divide and replant or store spring bulbs.
• Prune and deadhead spring flowering shrubs.
• Keep on top of mowing and weeding.
• Don't let pests build up on plants, spray as necessary to control or cut out infected growth.
  
  Remember: June is one of the best months in the garden, everything has a fresh look about it, colours are clear and foliage is at its finest.

World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. World Environment Day, commemorated each year on 5 June, is one of the main ways through which the United Nations highlights worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. The World Environment Day theme for 2005 is Green Cities and the slogan is Plan for the Planet! The main international celebrations of the World Environment Day 2005 will be held in San Francisco. The focus of the day is to highlight environmental issues; encourage people to become active in sustainable and equitable development; promote an understanding that communities can change attitudes towards environmental issues; and advocate partnership, which will ensure all nations, and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future. World Environment Day is a people's event and includes recycling and clean-up campaigns. Previous World Environment Days were held in Barcelona in 2004, Beirut in 2003, Shenzhen (China) 2002, Torino (Italy) and Havana in 2001 and Adelaide, Australia in 2000.
Keep an eye out for activities in our area - Ed

The United Nations initiated World Oceans Day after the Rio De Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992. It was developed to celebrate the marine environment and resources. The world's oceans cover more than 70% of the planet’s surface and the all important resource of water is held there. The rich diversity of life found in our oceans is the result of hundreds of millions of years of evolution and they play a fundamental role in our everyday lives. World Oceans Day Ireland aims to provide a sense of pride in our marine heritage through educating and getting people to experience the wonders of our coasts and seas, as well as highlighting the threats that face the marine environment.
It is an opportunity to change - encouraging us to think about what the sea means and what it has to offer; become caretakers of our seas and conserve them for the future.
It is an opportunity to learn – most of us do not realise the vast amount of beautiful creatures and habitats, which are found in the sea and how our actions affect them.

Welcome to all our visitors for the summer holidays, whether you are returning to visit family, or you are just visiting our town, you are very welcome to Dalkey.

Leprechauns, castles, good luck and laughter
Lullabies, dreams, and love ever after.
Poems and songs with pipes and drums
A thousand welcomes when anyone comes.
That’s the Irish for you!

However while you are here visiting not just Dalkey but Ireland please take some sensible safety precautions. Ireland is one of the lowest crime areas in Europe. Crimes of violence are especially low but it is important, nevertheless, that you do not take risks with your person or your property. If an emergency arises and you need the Gardai’s help (police), dial 999.

• Do not carry your passport, travel documents, cheques or large amounts of cash with you, or leave them in your room. Use the security facilities that may be available at your accommodation.
  
• Use a handbag or shoulder bag that can be held securely. Mind your bag when in crowded streets, shops or when having a meal or drink.
• Do not leave luggage, valuables (cameras etc.) exposed inside a parked car or luggage attached to a roof rack.
• When visiting a city centre area, park your car in one of the controlled car parks and retain the parking ticket on your person.
• Always lock your car securely when leaving it unattended even for brief periods.
  When checking into your accommodation, ask the receptionist about secure car parking.
• Do not give money to children or people begging – it only encourages this activity.
• Do not pitch tents or camp in open spaces, unapproved sites and public areas – camp only on approved sites.
  
  Paying attention to these simple points will ensure that your holiday in Ireland is memorable for all the ‘right’ reasons. We want you to enjoy your time spent here.
  Information received courtesy of Dalkey Garda Station
  Remember too that these safety precautions apply anywhere in the world not just for our visitors but when we travel too – Ed.

Father’s Day Caramel-topped Cheesecake:

Ingredients:
2oz butter (softened), 2oz soft brown sugar, 2oz self-raising flour (sifted), ½ teaspoon baking powder, 1 egg. Filling: 8oz full fat soft cheese, 3 separated eggs, 4oz soft brown sugar, 4 tablespoons condensed milk, 1oz plain flour, 6 tablespoons double cream. Topping: 6oz granulated sugar, 4 tablespoons water, ¼ pint double cream (stiffly whipped).

Method:
Base:
Preheat oven to 160ºc, 325ºf, Gas Mark 3. Beat the butter, brown sugar, flour, baking powder and egg well for 2 to 3 minutes. Spread in an even layer in a greased loose-bottomed 7-8 inch round cake tin.
Filling:
Soften the cheese, beat in the egg yolks, soft brown sugar, condensed milk, flour and cream. Whisk the egg whites until stiff and fold lightly but thoroughly into the cheese mixture. Spoon into the tin. Bake in oven for 1½ to 1¾ hours or until firm but spongy to the touch. Turn off the oven, open the door and leave the cheesecake to cool for one hour. Brush the inside of the tin above the cooked cheesecake with oil.
Topping:
Dissolve sugar and water in a heavy-based pan over a gentle heat, stirring once or twice. Bring to the boil and boil steadily, without stirring, until the sugar syrup turns to a golden caramel. Pour enough caramel over the top of the cheesecake to give a thin even coating. Pour the remaining caramel on a greased baking sheet. Using a sharp knife dipped in boiling water, mark the caramel topping on the cheesecake into eight sections. Slide the set caramel from the baking sheet on to a chopping board and crush coarsely with a rolling pin. Ease the sides of the tin away from the cheesecake and lift it out. Pipe the cream on top and sprinkle with crushed caramel.

Book Club

The book to read for the meeting on Saturday 11th June @ 10.30am is:
“ Saturday” by Ian McEwan.
The book to read for the meeting on Saturday 2nd July @ 10.30am is:
“ The Grass is Singing” by Doris Lessing.

Dalkey Writers meet every second Thursday in Dalkey Library from 6pm – 7.45pm

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.

Webwise
Free Internet training will be available every Wednesday 11am to 1pm from 6th April to 29th June 2005

Blackrock Library’s Housebound Service
The housebound Library Service is available to residents of: Blackrock, Booterstown, Dalkey, Killiney, Dun Laoghaire, Monkstown or Sallynoggin and who are confined to their own homes or are unable to access any of our branch libraries. We also cater for people living in nursing homes.
You can borrow books, talking books (books on tape), large print, music cassettes and CDs. Staff according to your preferences will choose the books for you and you can request specific titles or authors. You can order as many items as you think you might read in a month.
The service operates on a four-week rote, which means we will visit one Friday every month. We call between 10am and 12 noon.
It would help if you could have your books ready when we call, (please don’t lend them to friends or other members of the family), and let us know if you’ll be away or may be in hospital before we call.
Information for current and potential users of the service please ring
Blackrock Library @ 2888117.

HERITAGE REPORT TO COMMUNITY COUNCIL AGM – MARCH 2005

The board of the Dalkey Irish Heritage Town Company, under the Chairmanship of Mr Howard Kilroy, is gearing up for the revamp of the Heritage Centre mentioned in previous dispatches. The board has been fortunate in securing half of the funding towards the cost of a feasibility study on the conservation issues in Goat Castle from the Heritage Council in Kilkenny. Resulting from the feasibility 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. These works will be dependent on finding the money to finance them. 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.
Visitor numbers
The numbers were adversely affected by the closure of the Dart service at the weekends all year until August. It was so bad that the Centre had to close at weekends until Bloomsday in June.
It is horrific that the Darts are being taken off again at weekends in the summer season. The works were not completed first time round.
Other visitor numbers were up and the Language School business continues to be very valuable
In other respects, the past year has been a very successful one, due largely to the input of financial resources from the EU for the link between Dalkey and Anglesey in Wales 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 on the flyers here tonight. We are also planning an additional historical tour which will be of particular interest to garden enthusiasts. Further details are available at the Heritage Centre.
FAS
Through the good offices of FAS, a Community Employment scheme operates in the Centre with 12 people on 20 hours per week. Without the support of FAS the Heritage Centre in Dalkey could not survive. We are extremely grateful for their support. We are glad that in return the placement record of participants in jobs after CE is very high.
Living History Interpretation
The Centre is currently in full swing with children from all the local schools attending the Living History programme pioneered by the Centre and now provided by the professional theatre company, Deilg Inis. It continues to be the most popular of the Centre’s initiatives. It brings local history to colourful life in the form of characters in full period costume, from St Begnet to medieval archers, maids, merchants and the Victorian Quarry workers.

Dalkey Tourism The Heritage Centre is currently part of a marketing initiative to promote Dalkey as a destination. To this end the group involved, Dalkey Tourism is compiling a brochure with a street map and a complete listing of the scenic amenities, walks, activities, events, facilities and businesses involved in tourism in Dalkey. The brochure/map will also have its own website http://www.dalkey.ie. And will be available in all shops in April.
Walks
The Centre is offering a new product to the Tourist office in Dun Laoghaire in the form of Guided Walks in Dalkey from April to September. The guide will pick up participants in Dun Laoghaire and accompany them by Dart to Dalkey, where they will take in a two hour Historical or Literary Walk. Local hostelries in Dalkey will give discounts for lunch as part of the package.
Story Gathering (as already announced) Further to our Dalkey Remembered sessions The Heritage Centre is anxious to save the stories around the life experiences in Dalkey of the older generation. If you know of people who would be willing to share their stories (even on a one-to–one basis) about life in Dalkey back through the years, please let us know by dropping a note into the Heritage Centre with your name and tel number and we will take it from there. We would hope to eventually build up an archive from them. We already have some but fell that there are a lot more One of the welsh artists on residency here last year, Tim Williams, has taped an extensive collection of stories from people in the Dalkey Community Care Unit in conjunction with photographs which evoked memories for people. Deilg Inis, the theatre company, will also be taking part in collecting and maybe telling the stories gathered.
Graveyard: The programme for the preservation of St Begnet’s Church & Graveyard is continuing. Thanks to the Parks Dept for all their help. We are currently working on a presentation for interested parties which we will use to secure some funding to turn the graveyard into a tranquil place that we will all be proud of.
The Archaeological Conference in Town Hall Wed 23rd Feb revealed that the long lost seventh castle of Dalkey was underneath the street at the ‘Squareabout’ and the old Systems Printing where the new apartments are. The Archaeological Report still has not been made public, but we have the news from the horse’s mouth!
Events
Art Exhibitions
The Gallery continues to be a popular place for Art Exhibitions and there are still a small number of slots available for this year.
Pilates continues on Monday evenings in the Heritage Centre
Karate sessions for all age groups take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Town Hall from 6.00-9.00pm
St Patrick’s will stage The ‘Loves of Cass McGuire’ in April in the Town Hall
Dalkey Players rehearse on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They are currently working on ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’ for the Pavilion Theatre in June
The Fresh Food Markets continue on Friday mornings in the Town Hall. The markets continue to increase in popularity and are bringing increased footfall into Dalkey on Fridays. They stock the best of Irish produce and have the added seasonal benefit of being indoors.

On behalf of the board I would like to thank all of those in the community who assist us in anyway during the year, whether you send us visitors, attend our events or are supportive in other ways, your goodwill is of paramount importance to us and is greatly appreciated. I would also like to thank Margaret Dunne, the Manager, whose energy, hard work, enthusiasm and commitment to the job would be very difficult to match.
Dominic Dowling

Bloomsday 2005 in Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre

Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre will present the Dalkey Schoolroom Scene from Chapter Two of Ulysses on Bloomsday, Thurs June 16th at 3.00pm. This will be followed by a Joycean Walk past places of interest in Dalkey to those interested in the work, life and times of James Joyce. At 8pm all are invited to attend the highly popular Joycean Evening where a team of actors will perform wonderful extracts from Joyce’s work linked by music and songs that James Joyce either sung or which feature in his work.
Tickets for afternoon event €10
Tickets for Joycean Evening €15
Early booking advisable at 285 8366

Dancing At Lughnasa in the Pavilion Theatre

Dalkey Players celebrate their thirtieth season by presenting Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel at the Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire from Tues 21st June to Sat 25th June at 8.00pm Hoping all the people involved in Dalkey based associations will take advantage of group discounts of 10% and go to support the home team at the Pavilion. Booking at Pavilion Tel 231 29 29