Is your child between the ages of three and six years? A Summer Camp will be held in the Foxford Community Playgroup from Monday the 27th of June to Friday the 29th of July. The Summer Camp will be operated by qualified, and skilled childcare staff from Monday to Friday between the hours of 9.30am to 1.00pm daily.

The activities will include art and craft, music, dance, games, outdoor play, outings, and a sports day. The fee is E7 per day (day trips extra). For further information regarding the Summer Camp please contact Roisin, at 094-9256008, from 9.30am to 1pm.

ENVIRONMENT DAY

Concern for the environment in a local, national, and global context will be the focus as we approach World Environment Day, which takes place on Sunday, June 5. The aim of this designated day is to create awareness, and channel our collective energies into practical ways in which we can enhance the environment in which we live.

A possible example in which we can help the environment at local level is to join the Race Against Waste, and participate in any local clean-up effort that may be organised to mark this event, and during the year, and to avail of the recycling facilities that are available to us within the county. We can also ensure that we keep our town clean at all times thus reducing the problem of litter, and dumping. For further information regarding Recycling, Composting, Litter Awareness, Greenschools, etc, please contact the Environment Section of Mayo County Council on 094 – 90 24444

FLEADH CHEOIL SUCCESS

Congratulations to Ciara Walsh, of Swinford Road, who was awarded the Tip Top Service Station Trophy on the occasion of winning the Fiddle competition in the 12 to 15 age group at Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo which was held in Newport. Ciara was presented with the trophy by Seamus O’Dubhthaigh, Secretary, Mayo County Board, Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann.

PRIZEGIVING NIGHT

The annual prizegiving/awards night takes place in St Joseph’s Secondary School on Thursday next, May 26, at 7.30pm. Mr James Laffey, Editor of the ‘Western People’, and past pupil of the school will present the prizes. Some projects completed by the students this year will be on display in addition to highlights of some school activities this year. All are welcome to view the school’s work.

YOUTH RESULTS

The Straide and Foxford Youth Teams Results which comprise the girls and boys teams are as follows: In the girls U-14 the results of the match against rivals Ballina were Straide & Foxford 1 Ballina 2. In the Boys U-11 team the results were Straide & Foxford 6 Ballina 8. Finally in the boys U-14 team the results were; Straide & Foxford 3 Ballina 0. Further news regarding Straide and Foxford FC will be featured in the Foxford notes.

PAST PUPILS REUNION

A Reunion of the 1985 Leaving Certificate Class of 1983 will take place in St Joseph’s Secondary School on Saturday, May 28. The evening will commence with the celebration of Mass at 5pm.

A tour of the school will take place afterwards, followed by a reception in Clarke’s Corner House. All students from these classes are expected for a roll call at 4.45pm. The class will also plant a tree in the school grounds that evening.

FR PEYTON CHOIR

The Fr Peyton Choir which is comprised the choirs from the cluster parishes of Attymass, Bonniconlon, Foxford, Straide, and Killassser, have been invited again this year to sing at The Rosary Pilgrimage in Knock Marian Shrine on Saturday, June 4. All choir members from the cluster parishes are invited to choir practices on three Wednesdays the 25th, and the 1st of June, 2005, in the Church of St Michael and St Mary at 8.30pm under the direction of Mary Gilroy, Bonniconlon.

FUNDRAISING PLANS

The Fundraising plans for the Admiral William Brown Project have been announced recently. The Admiral Brown Society in Foxford are to release a special offer of limited edition first day covers with Irish and Argentine stamps and postmarks which will be dated the 30th of September 2003 plus the chance to enter a draw for trips to Argentina to potential sponsors that are now required in order to advance a number of projects to honour Brown.

The plans for Foxford and for which sponsorship is sought are as follows; Ship for Weir Project at Foxford to include six bridge supports in the shape of ships, and called after Admiral Brown’s ships, at a cost of E10,000, sixteen replica cast cannons at E3,000 each, 36 replica plaster cannons at E200 each, 50 capstans ships quays at E200 each, eight marble tributes at the monument at Chapel Road at a cost of E500 each, and 10 flag poles at a cost of E100 each.

The materials required to develop the monument at Sir John Rogerson’s Quay in Dublin will include the following for which sponsorship is also sought to include; nine cannons at E300 each, nine capstans at E200 each, one ships mast at E2,500, two flag poles at E200 each, one plinth at a cost of E10,000 and one marble storyboard at a cost of E200.

The development of the Admiral Brown Park in Foxford is to feature four themed areas, parking area, playground and amphitheatre, and would include the rebuilding of the old weirs in the shape of ships, and to erect a monument to Brown across the River Moy. The plan also includes the construction of a building in the shape of Admiral Brown’s Flagship “The Hercules” and would incorporate a language school, interpetive area, museum, gift shop, and dining facilities.

To facilitate the development of the park provision of the following through sponsorship is required; to feature the twenty one provinces of Argentina at a cost of E350 each, eight plinth for the park, at a cost of E2,000 each, 24 park benches, at a cost of E100 each, one ship mast tribute, at a cost of E5,000.

Potential sponsors are requested to contact the President of the Admiral William Brown Society in Foxford Mr J.J. O’Hara. All sponsors are entered into a draw for ten trips for two to Argentina in 2007.

AFTERSCHOOL SERVICE

The Foxford Afterschool Service is an excellent community based iniatitive and involves the collection of the children from the Foxford National School by our staff, and taken to our facility which is nearby. This is all part of the service and parents do not need to make any other arrangements to ensure that their child/ren is safely cared for in accessing, and attending, the facility.

The opening hours are from Monday to Friday from 2.00pm to 6.00pm and a choice of times is offered either from 2pm to 6.00pm or from 3.00pm to 6 pm. The fee from 2.00pm to 6 pm is E7.00 per child, and E3.50 per second child or any other child from the same family. The fee from 3.00pm to 6.00pm is E5.50 per child and E2.75 per second child or any other child from the same family. Children may bring their own snack, and we encourage healthy eating such as fruit, yogurts, sandwiches, fruit juices, water, etc.

This is an excellent service in your community, and we look forward to hearing from you should you wish to obtain further details, or to avail of our Community Afterschool Service. For further information please phone 094-9256008 between 9am – 1pm daily.

BROADBAND FUNDING

The Foxford Broadband Project have now applied for Government funding in

conjunction with Westnet to provide broadband services to Foxford.

BUILDING PLANS

Plans have been drawn up by Doherty Coleman Architects of Ballina for a new extension to St Joseph’s Secondary School. It is intended to dispose of the top achool building in the near future, and replace the accommodation at the rear of the main school on Providence Road. These plans will be on view

on the presentation/awards night on Thursday, May 26.

NOVENA

The Novena to Our Lady of Knock continues at the Wednesday evening celebration of Holy Mass which takes place in the Church of Saint Mary and Saint Michael at 8pm.

PRESIDENT’S TALK

The President of the Admiral William Brown Society in Foxford J.J. O’Hara, will deliver a talk on Admiral William Brown and the plans for the Brown Memorial Project in the place of his birth to the members of the Mayo Worldwide Associations at their convention, which takes place in Hotel Westport, on Friday 27th, Saturday 28th, Sunday 29th of May.

Mr O’Hara is scheduled to deliver his talk to the delegates representing various Mayo Associations throughout the world on Saturday the 28th of May.

On Sunday, May 29, the Convention will discuss the next Mayo World Convention which will take place in Argentina in 2007 as part of the celebrations to mark the 150th Anniversary of the death of Admiral William Brown, founder of the Argentine Navy, who was born in Foxford in 1777.

COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP

The Foxford Community Playschool has a limited number of places available for children from two years and nine months to school going age. The opening hours are from Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 1.00pm. They offer your children an early introduction to education through play including both indoor and outdoor play areas, under the supervision of qualified, and experienced staff. For further information/enrolment details, etc contact Roisin (Playgroup Leader) on 094-9256008 between 9am and 1pm daily.

CAN YOU HELP?

Littering in all its forms should not be tolerated, it is a health risk in addition to its unsightly aspects. In terms of tourism, a high percentage of complaints from visitors to tourism agencies annually refers to the problem of litter. A clean environment sends out a powerful message to its residents, and visitors alike, unfortunately so does the opposite. It is imperative that we succeed in projecting an image of cleanliness, and concern for the environment in which we live.

The Foxford Environment Group hope to hold periodical clean-ups in the town, and they are appealing for continued, and increased community involvement. The onus is on all of us to keep our gardens, streets, roads, estate’s, woodlands, riversides, lakes, and rivers, clean and tidy not just on designated days, but throughout the year.

Please keep our town, and this beautiful scenic area an environmental friendly area. Help put in place environmental practices that will encourage our area to become a tidy and litter free zone.

RURAL SOCIAL SCHEME

The following positions are available as part of the Moy Valley/West Sligo Rural Social Scheme: The Maintenance of Way Marked Routes/Walking Trails, the location of which are in all areas. Organic Farming; located in Crossmolina/Ballina. Village Enhancement/ Caretaking, location – all areas. For further information, please telephone: Orlagh Denneny, at Moy Valley Resources: 096- 70905, or Jean Beattie, Foxford Rural Social Scheme: 094-9256444.

HOSTS REQUIRED

Would you like to host a Spanish student? Host families are required for Spanish students during the month of July. Students would come as a companion to a child within your family and would range in age from 11 to 16 years of age. Generous terms and a rewarding experience is offered. A teacher will travel with the students and is a great support throughout students stay. For further information please contact: Geraldine, at 094-9255985 after 3pm.

TRIP TO MEDJUGORIE

A trip to Medjugorie ex-Knock will take place from June 12-19 – for the fully inclusive price of E539. A limited amount of places are available for further details etc please contact Maura on 094-9388514 or 087-4143363.

FIRST YEAR TOUR

The First Years from St Joseph’s Secondary School, visited Inis Oir in the Aran Islands last week on an educational school tour. They departed from Rossaveal in Connemara, and spent the day walking about the island. It was an enjoyable trip and their thanks are expressed to Mr Brendan Forde, Mr Cafferkey, Mrs O’Hara and Mr McLoughlin.

The Second Year school tour takes place today Tuesday to Killary Harbour where the students and teachers will undertake a cruise of the harbour. They will be accompanied by Fr Gavigan, Mrs O’Connell and Mr Freeman. Afterwards the students will be taken on a guided tour of Galway city.

ACTIVE RETIREMENT

The Foxford Active Retirement Group meet each Wednesday morning in the Social Services Building at 10.30am. Why not come along and meet old, and new friends, in a relaxed and friendly setting. New members are most welcome.

FEILE NA TUAITHE

The first annual two day Craft and Artisan Fair of all that is great and good in country life took place on the weekend of May 14/15. The exciting event took place in brilliant weather in the spectacular grounds of Turlough Park House, Castlebar. As a large number of craft workers exhibited it served as a showcase for the many producers that are working in the county. There was an excellent attendance present for the weekend, and RTE’s Nationwide programme filmed coverage of the event, and was televised on Monday, May 16.

The many craft and food stalls included; bakers and preservers, weavers and basketmakers, fishing demonstrators, buttermakers, glass and woodworkers, jewellery makers, shrubs and organic produce, patchwork and potters. In addition traditional music fans enjoyed the renowned Clancy Sisters accompanied by Fiachra McGowan, while the talented local tradition group “Celtic Beat” got a rousing reception from the appreciative audience when they played in the Museum Galleries, on Sunday afternoon.

Local rock band “Kudose” also played an excellent gig on Saturday. This very popular, and talented group who play covers and their own originals are always a hit, and in demand, whom enjoy a large following . Lead singer James Coleman of Foxford stated that he enjoyed the gig immensely and that they created a lot of interest. James informed this correspondent they were in transit to another gig in County Leitrim later that night, such is their popularity in the West of Ireland at the present time.

The weekend featured a number of talks in relation to aspects of country life. The presence of so many visitors, enjoying the beautiful weather, music, picnics, restaurant, and experiencing all that the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, and Turlough Park House has to offer is a clear indictation that this inaugural Feile was a major success.

WEDDING WISHES

Congratulations to the following couples who were married recently. Susan Gilmartin and Gerard Bourke, who were married in the Convent Chapel on April 29. Gary Brogan and Catheriona Connelly, who were married in St Patrick’s Church, Glenamaddy, on April 30. Claire Butler and Austin Hegarty who were married in Knockmore Church on April 30, and Gary Ruane and Trish Dempsey who were married in Rome on May 2.

LEEDS CANCER APPEAL

Did you or your family live or work in the Leeds area of England. If so why not join our group from the Leeds Irish Centre, at one of the venues listed below. A night of Traditional Music and Song, at the Helm The Quay, Westport on Tuesday, June 7, The Merry Monk, Crossmolina Road, Ballina, (with Frank McCaffrey and Friends) on Wednesday, June 8, The Gateway Hotel, Swinford, (with Shaun Cuddy, Noel Cassidy, and Michael Fox) on Thursday, June 9. Why not come along and renew old friendships and enjoy the craic and help raise funds for the new Cancer Ward in Leeds. Your support will be very much appreciated.

NEW NOVENA

A New Novena to Padre Pio and the Sacred Heart will commence tomorrow Wednesday evening at the celebration of Holy Mass, and will continue for a number of weeks. We remember especially the sick, and the students, of the parish who are undertaking exams currently, and in the near future.

SINCERE SYMPATHY

Sincere sympathy is extended to the Staunton, Coleman, and Ward families, of Shraheen, Curloman, Belass, and Swinford Road, on the recent death of the late Tommie Staunton.

COMMUNITY TV COLLECTION

All members of the Foxford Community who avail of the Foxford Community Service are advised that you may pay your subscription of E50 towards the cost of providing this excellent facility. Your co-operation is this regard will be appreciated.

GARDENING CLUB

The May meeting of the Swinford Gardening Club will take place in Melletts Bar, Main Street, Swinford, on Tuesday, May 24, at 8pm. The meeting will feature the annual “Bring and Buy”. New members are welcome.

ARTHRITIS TALK

A talk organised by the Mayo Branch of Arthritis Ireland on “Quality of Life Management Strategies” will be delivered by Gerry O’Keefe, Senior Physiotherapist, and Ruth Walsh, Occupational Therapist, of Mayo General Hospital, and Sinead Lennon, Physiotherapist, District Hospital, Ballina. The talk will take place in the Travellers Friend Hotel, Castlebar, on Wednesday, May 25, at 8.30pm. The evening will feature a questions and answers session following the talks.

RECENT BAPTISM

Fiona Bell was baptised in the Church of St Michael, and St Mary, on May 7. Congratulations, and best wishes, to all concerned.

LOCAL GROUPS AT FEILE

Congratulations are extended to “Kudose” the very popular local rock group who enjoy an excellent following throughout Mayo and the West of Ireland, and the excellent local traditional/Folk Group “Celtic Beat” who delivered a brilliant performance at the Feile na Tuaithe last weekend at the National Museum of Ireland – Countrylife, Turlough Park, Castlebar.

INFORMATION INVITATION

The Accord organisation in Charlestown invites you to join us for an information evening regarding Training and Working in Marriage Education as a facilitator, on Thursday next, May 26, at 8pm in the Pastoral Centre, Charlestown. If you are interested please contact Marion on 094-9254944.

OPEN UNIVERSITY

The Open University in Ireland caters for all age groups who are interested in studying part-time at home for a degree, or a diploma. An information evening will take place in the County Library, Castlebar, on Tuesday, May 31, at 7pm.

TRADITIONAL GROUP

The Senior Traditional Group will perform at the vigil (evening) Mass on the third Saturday of every month. New members are welcome to join the group.

BOTTLE BANKS

The local glass recycling bottle banks are a great facility in our town, and all who use them are requested to refrain from leaving any discarded bags or boxes or any other form of litter including bags of household refuse in the vicinity of the bottle banks. This area is closely monitored so please refrain from any practices that may incur a fine for littering, and dumping. Not alone is this a health hazard from a number of points of view, but it is most unsightly. Please keep Foxford clean.

AL ANON/AL ATEEN

A meeting of the Al Anon/Al Ateen takes place each Sunday afternoon in Hope House at 3pm.

OPEN UNIVERSITY

The Open University will hold an Information Evening in the Castlebar Library on Tuesday the 31st of May at 7pm. These cources are particularly suited for people of all age groups who are interested in studying part – time at home for a Diploma, or a Degree.

PERSONAL ALARMS

Regarding the community support for older people personal telephone alarm featuring the pendant panic button. As the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has a closing date of May 25. For further information please contact Anne on 096-78720.