MEADOW
Some people have commented on the ‘rewilded areas’ around the community that they look shabby and somehow take from the area. These areas were all planned and this week the All- Ireland Pollinator Plan has issued a document “Meadow in Progress” explaining the process and the many positive results.
LITTER PICK
On Sunday morning there were 18 Volunteers out for the weekly litter pick. Although the numbers were down due to summer holidays all the usual areas were covered.
Denis collected 18 bags of Litter plus 1 bag of Plastic and 1 bag of Cans. He also collected 1 bag of Green Waste from Carrigdene. Some great work was done from Carrigrohane to Classes.
When the litter pick was done, we enjoyed coffee and treats at The Plaza sitting in the sunshine.
WATERING
One of our watering teams filled the reservoirs of the Planters at Eastgate on Bank Holiday Monday. They took 850 litres. The tiered towers were then filled.
On Tuesday night 1,050 litres of water was used over a 2-hour period. All Poles, Window Boxes and Parklet were watered.
TUESDAY WORK NIGHT
Tuesday’s Work Night saw the majority of our Volunteers on the Poulavone Roundabout. The grass was cut, flowerbeds weeded, flowers deadheaded and edges strimmed with great results. While we worked bees were busy buzzing about the many pollinators. The remainder of our Volunteers were cleaning kerbs and litter picking on Main Street.
ALLOTMENT
Some of the beauty in our Allotment.
WEDNESDAY
An area on the Link Road between the Fire Station and the Commercial Park was tackled by Sunday and Jimmy. They filled 2 one-ton bags with briars and cuttings. These were later taken to the Allotment for recycling.
BATTERED AND BRUISED
Some of our Window Box Planters have been bruised and battered from the extreme winds and rain of late. As a result, some have been left a little scraggly and do not look great.
This week we began tidying and trimming them back in the hope of strengthening them. We decided to start at the West Village as these were particularly damaged.
LINK ROAD
Wednesday evening Denis finished cleaning and repainting the box on the Link Road. It has certainly freshened up the area.
THURSDAY
Sunday was busy clearing the weeds and debris from the bicycle lane and footpath in front of Fr Sexton Park and Colaiste Choilm on Thursday.
HERITAGE WEEK PROGRAMME
Cork City Libraries have an event filled week set for Heritage Week. From writing workshops to heritage walks there is something for everyone planned from the 12th to 20th August.
Why not check out the programme at: https://publications.corkcitylibraries.ie/ view/699659070/
BLACKPOOL LIBRARY EVENTS
A talk will take place in Blackpool Library at 2.00 pm on the 17th August as part of Heritage Week. The talk will be by local historian Anne Twomey on 300 years of Shandon, exploring Shandon’s rich history.
Looking for something different? New members are always welcome to join Blackpool Library Bookclub!
The next meeting will be on Saturday 26 August at 2.00 pm.
At the next meeting the two books being discussed are The Outside Boy by Jeanine Cummins and Chernobyl: History of a Tragedy by Serhii Plokh. People can choose to read either or both of these books. They are both available to collect and borrow at the adult library desk in Blackpool Library.
A LIFE IN MUSIC
A free event as part of Heritage Week, all are welcome!
Saturday August 12th at 3pm at Cobh Library.
Charlie Piggott is a renowned traditional musician and founding member of the group De Danann.
Join Charlie in Cobh Library as he takes us on a musical journey through his encyclopaedic knowledge of traditional music along with stories from his De Danann days.
FraudSMART
Be on high alert for text message scams!!
FraudSMART is warning Age Friendly Ireland members to be on high alert for text message scams. A recent report shows fraudsters stole nearly €85 million (€84.6m) through frauds and scams in 2022, an increase of 8.8% on 2021.
Card fraud accounted for over 95% of fraudulent payment transactions and most of the increase was driven by online card fraud or ‘card not present’ fraud where a criminal used the victim’s compromised card information to make an online purchase.
The report comes as FraudSMART warns consumers to be on high alert as text message fraud, known as smishing, continues to become more prevalent. A recent survey by FraudSMART revealed that this type of fraud is now the dominant channel for fraud attempts, with 1 in 2 adults having received a fraudulent text message in the previous 12 months. These text messages often include a link and sense of urgency requiring immediate action.
Sometimes people who have given their bank details to a fraudster keep that fact to themselves out of embarrassment. If you have shared your bank details and realise that it is a scam, report it to your bank and the Gardaí as soon as possible. FraudSMART provides a wealth of information and tips so visit the website at fraudsmart.ie to keep up to date on the latest advice.
Commenting on how consumers can stay alert to text message fraud, Ms Davenport added:
“The truth is any of us can fall victim to fraudsters. Frauds and scams are becoming increasingly more complex and credible and are often undertaken by criminal gangs who run large scale operations. Banks are using a range of measures such as encryption and continuous fraud monitoring to protect their customers and ensure every day payments can be made securely, but fraudsters are increasingly targeting businesses and consumers directly through online channels including emails and social media or by phone, so it is important for us all to know how to protect ourselves.”
“If you receive a text asking you for personal or financial information, whether its purporting to be from your bank, eFlow, the HSE, parcel delivery services or any other company, do not to click on the link, especially if there is a sense of urgency to it. Pause for thought and if in any doubt contact the company independently.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help if something goes wrong. Sometimes people who have given their bank details to a fraudster keep that fact to themselves out of embarrassment. If you have shared your bank details and realise that it is a scam, report it to your bank and the Gardaí as soon as possible. FraudSMART also provides a wealth of information and tips so visit the website at fraudsmart.ie to keep up to date on the latest advice.”
CORK ON A FORK
Cork on a Fork Festival – five days of feasting and fun in Cork City (16th-23rd August, 2023). Something for everyone to see, taste and savor. Featuring unique experiences and venues, street events, tasting masterclasses and food trails With family fun, bite-size food talks, night time food experiences and cooking demos, its sure to bring the crowds.
For up-to-date announcements follow the social media channels @corkonaforkfest.
For festival promotional purposes photography and videography will take place at some events. If you do not wish to feature please notify an events team member.
NORTH CORK SOCIAL PRESCRIBING TALKS
Social Prescribing links people into sources of support within the community to help them to improve their lives and take greater control of their health and wellbeing. It is suitable for people who want to improve their quality of life, in particular, those who are socially isolated, living with mild or long-term mental health challenges, or chronic illness.
Eithne Foley – North Cork Social Prescriber based in the Le Chéile Family Resource Centre in Mallow – will be visiting libraries to deliver talks on the benefits on Social Prescribing.
These talks are free, and everyone is welcome to attend.
Newmarket Library on Wednesday August 16th at 11am
Newmarket Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
Millstreet Library on Thursday August 17th at 11am