Newsletter 13 September 2024
A Sunday Morning
On Sunday morning we had 26 volunteers out for our Weekly Litter Pick. We Welcomed back 9 year old Dominik who was ably assisted by his mother who rejoined us after a two year absence.
While the Litter Pick was going on Denis was busy emptying the Butt and Gum Bins.
Pat collected 8 bags of general litter collected from the volunteers on Sunday morning and 4 bags of litter and 1 bag of glass.
We then adjourned to The Plaza for a well deserved cuppa and the all important chat.
Volunteers Mystery Tour
Each year we arrange a “Mystery Tour “ for our volunteers and we have been to fantastic places over the years. This year we were picked up by bus in Ballincollig and headed off. The bus stopped at Custom House Quay and there were some strange looks as there was a Mexican Party going on close by.
We then boarded Cork Harbour Cruises boat Cailin Óir for the evening cruise to Cobh.
The trip was truly amazing and it was fascinating to see our city from a totally different angle. The crew could not have been more attentive and friendly. Arriving back to dry land the bus was waiting to take us on the final stretch to The White Horse in Ballincollig where we enjoyed a beautiful meal with excellent service. This was a great experience for everyone and very enjoyable.
Sunday Part 2
On Sunday Morning Denis Cleaned weeds and leaves around seats at Eastgate and removed the stones of the footpath with the blower. The difference was very noticeable.
Monday Morning Works
Monday morning Ger and his Team removed 3 tonne bags of bind weed from the palm trees on Carrignarra Road.
The bind weed that they couldn’t remove they cut it at the roots and hopefully we can remove it when it dies back in a few months.
We would have broken the branches of the palm trees if we forced it this morning so this course of action is better.
Tuesday Morning Works
On Tuesday Morning Jimmy, Sunday and Tom commenced a project we identified that needed attention. The photos show before and after the lads hard work.
The project was to cut back hedging beside the footpath at Eastgate which runs to the lane at the back of Fr Sexton Park. The footpath was badly impeded by the hedge.
The lads removed 6 tonne bags of cuttings.
A fantastic job.
The lads then collected 18 plastic bags of leaves/ Road sweepings plus 2 x ton bags of Laurel tree branches from Rosewood Residents and 2 bags of litter from a volunteer.
Tuesday Worknight
On Tuesday Night 14 Voulenteers descended on Poulavone Roundabout to cut the grass and to weed the beds. We were given some expert advice on the night by Alan from Clockhouse Nurseries.
In just under an hour we had a lot done but still more to be done.
An amazing night’s work. As this was the final Worknight of 2024 we adjourned to Healy’s Bar for refreshment including chips and sausages from The Fry courtesy of Joanne and the Team. This was a lovely finish to a very busy year.
And that’s a wrap for “Now”
On Tuesday night we held our Final Work Night for 2024.
Every Tuesday and Thursday night since the beginning of May we have been out. That is 37 Work Nights and a huge amount of work completed over those nights.
This work is extremely rewarding and the one thing that we ALL get from this is Pride in Our / Your Community.
While the work is important the camaraderie is much more important. It is hard to put into words what it feels like to be involved with BTT. It is an a very fulfilling and positive experience.
Our Volunteers are amazing people who give freely of their time to make Our / Your community a better place.
We are so grateful to each and every one of them for their support and dedication.
Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart. Our volunteers must have huge Hearts 
Thank you all.
Wednesday Works
Jimmy, Sunday and Tom were back at Eastgate on Wednesday morning to continue on from their work on Tuesday.
They filled 6 tonne bags of cuttings plus 3 plastic bags of weeds, ivy and earth which they recycled. The lads work gained approximately 3 feet of extra footpath width gained for the hedge length. There is more work to be done here to complete the project.
Earlier in the morning they brought a full trailer load of cuttings for recycling.
Thursday Tasks
On Thursday Morning Ger, Sunday and Keith returned to removing bindweed. They removed 4 tonne bags of bindweed from the palm trees on Carrignarra Road and cut the stems of the ones they couldn’t remove so they will eventually die off and we will remove them then.
Happy Tuesday!!
The Cork Celebrates Lifelong Learning Awards are back, and nominations are NOW OPEN! 
Do YOU Have What It Takes to Be a 2024 Cork Lifelong Learning Awardee?
These Awards recognise and celebrate shining examples of lifelong learning across ALL ages,
interests, and abilities that demonstrate innovation, endeavour, and resilience in the context of the years 2023 / 2024.
Nominate a friend, colleague, or even yourself! 
Let’s recognise Cork’s most inspiring lifelong learners by submitting your nomination before the deadline:
October 21st, 5PM
Link to nomination form: Cork City Council (submit.com)
Spirit of the Awards:
These awards are a celebration of how lifelong learning enables people to change their lives and how learning has become the vehicle for improvement in life, work and community.
All applications are welcome, but special consideration will be given to individual candidates who have overcome significant social, economic, or educational barriers to realising their full learning potential.
Eligibility
This form can be used to nominate a group, organisation or individual.
Cork City Council (submit.com)
Groups or organisations may also nominate themselves – please feel free to share far & wide 
Closing date for nominations 5pm on Monday, October 21st.
For further assistance and queries, please contact Denis or Catherine at info@corklearningcity.ie
Judging Criteria:
Judges will be looking for evidence of sustained commitment to advancing and positively supporting the experience of lifelong learning.
Entries will be judged by the Adjudication Panel based on the following criteria:
• Demonstration of sustained effort and commitment to Lifelong Learning.
• Evidence of Innovation in their Lifelong Learning approaches over the period 2023 – 2024.
• Contribution to Community/Society through Inter-generational & inter-agency approaches – Supporting Travellers, Minority Groups and New Communities.
• Showing evidence of learners overcoming significant barriers to learning, contributing to Lifelong Learning in their specific category and the wider community.
• Quality of Evidence and Additional support materials supplied.
Visit our website or social media for news & links Instagram Facebook & Feel free to use our logo attached.
For more information click HERE
Very best regards,
Cork Learning City Team
Cork Celebrates Lifelong Learning Awards – Cork Learning City
Community, Culture and Placemaking, 1st Floor, Cork City Council, Anglesea Street, Cork. T12 T997
+353 21 492 4596 – mailto: catherine_sheahan@corkcity.ie