Our Open Day took place during Fingal County Council’s sixth Annual Inclusion Week, which ran from November 11 to 17, 2024. The FCC Community Development Office’s stated aim was “to celebrate and promote community efforts to address social exclusion throughout the region”.
STT received a grant of €250 to cover the cost of its event.
Our team planned activities, which would appeal to young and old. Our crew at the polytunnel worked hard preparing give away plants, and gathering natural materials for art and craft activities to suit all age groups.
Our Chairman, Ken Duffy, approached the manager of Lidl on the Dublin Road, who very kindly agreed to provide all of the refreshments for our event.
The weather gods smiled on us on Saturday, November 16, which drew lots of visitors.
Members Mary and Gerry planted spring bulbs and gave gardening tips outdoors.
It was a hive of activity inside the polytunnel. Niamh and Marcela enjoyed helping the children make Christmas decorations using natural materials, a wonderful alternative to buying plastic ones.
Catherine, who has experience as a florist, was in charge of Christmas wreath making. She was ably assisted by Rose, our polytunnel manager.
On hand was Ramune, our master composter, who could give advice on composting and leaf moulds. She had organised a wide variety of seeds for pollinator plants. Hopefully local gardeners will have great success with these give-aways.
Saturday’s event provided a wonderful opportunity to showcase the range of STT’s activities to the public. It’s not all about litter-picking!
It was a chance for folk of all age groups to meet and to share activities making it a truly inclusive event. Feedback from the public, including members of Fingal Horticultural Society, was very positive.
Swords Tidy Towns 