All About Cork: Two weeks of fun at 48th summer scheme

The South Parish/Turner’s Cross Summer Scheme successfully ran its 48th scheme from June 30 to July 11.

The summer scheme runs in connection with Foróige and is aimed at 7-12 year olds. The scheme is held typically for two weeks, from Monday to Friday, and has run for the past 48 years.

The scheme facilitated a wide range of activities over the two weeks for children from the local area. Activities included trips to Glen Resource Centre, Fota Wildlife Park & Fota Bootcamp, Garrylucas beach, Smuggler’s Cove, West Cork Secret, Glenview Gardens, Planet Entertainment, Circus Factory Cork, Arc Cinema, Cork City Library and The Cork Waterworks.

In addition, the participants also engaged in a number of in-house activities at the South Parish Community Centre, such as table quizzes, dance workshops, a Lego animation workshop, a drum workshop, a kids party and arts & crafts at the South Parish church hall.

Organisers of the Summer Scheme said: “The scheme would not be possible without the tremendous support from members of the local community. The committee would like to thank the councillors who donated through the ward funds: Dan Boyle, Shane O’Callaghan, Seán Martin and Paudie Dineen.

“We would also like to thank the Turners Cross Community Association and the First South Credit Union Ballyphehane for their generous donations this year along with the council grant via Foróige.

“We would especially like to thank the volunteers who gave up their free time, particularly our teen leaders: Ali, Saorla, Niamh, Charlotte, Rory, Saoirse, Katie, Conor, Michael, Yilan, Sean and Sarah. See you all next year.”

Tidy Towns returns

After a well-deserved summer break, Ballyphehane Tidy Towns have returned.

Taking to social media, the group said: “After our two-week summer holiday break, we were back in action today — and you could tell we were missed.

“We tackled litter picking, emptied our dog poop bins, which are full every week, it is great to see them being used and reducing dog waste on our streets.

“We also gave our maze garden some TLC, where our willow is thriving, and the lads cashed in a stockpile of bottles and cans.”

Cork on a Fork celebration

To celebrate the Cork on a Fork Festival, Togher Community Gardens are to host ‘A Harvest of Nations; One Garden, Many Kitchens.’ The event, held in Togher Community Gardens, will take place on Saturday, August 16, from 12pm to 2pm.

“Join us to celebrate the rich diversity of our community with flavours from 14 different countries, all made with love and produce from the garden. Come enjoy a feast of cultures, taste unique dishes, and share in the joy of food, friendship, and sustainability.”

Music and Craft Lessons

Club Ceoil Ballyphehane are currently working on the upcoming schedule for music lessons and more for the summer for all interested in learning a new skill in a fun and social environment.

On Monday evenings, the group plan to host guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, tin whistle, bodhran, ukulele, Irish language classes, button accordion, concertina and Sean Nós singing classes.

On Tuesday evenings, they will be organising guitar, adult ballad-singing group, Sean Nós dancing, set dancing, knitting and crochet.

All classes will be in the Presentation Secondary school, Joe Murphy Road. T12 YH04

Suicide Awareness Event

Ryan’s SuperValu Togher are calling on 1,000 people to join them as they host a Circle of Support for Suicide Loss.

Everyone is asked to please come out and form a support circle around the Lough to create a powerful symbol of solidarity for people and communities impacted by suicide loss.

The event starts at 12.30pm on Thursday, August 14, with the circle being formed at 1pm.

There will be activities for all the family and some famous sports stars in attendance.

The event is in association with Musgrave Gives Back charity partners HUGG, which was founded in 2017 by Fiona Tuomey, following the devastating death by suicide of her 11-year-old daughter Milly.

HUGG is an essential lifeline for people who have been bereaved by suicide. Their services include suicide bereavement support groups led by trained volunteers with lived experience of suicide loss, resources on grief after suicide, public events and webinars and advocacy and research.

Ryan’s of Togher have said: “Next Thursday we will be standing together to raise awareness, show support and solidarity to all those who have been impacted by suicide loss.

“Your presence matters — if you can, come out and join us at the Lough to stand with our community and support a really important cause.

“If you can’t attend, you can still make a difference by donating, all funds raised will go to vital support services for individuals and communities.”

Donations can be made here.