Winny the van

After many years of transporting plants, water, tools and machinery all around Swords in our own cars, on trolleys or over our shoulders, Swords Tidy Towns are now able to travel in style.

The good people of Windsor North Dublin have sponsored a van for our exclusive use.

The van presented is a Renault Master 100 percent electric.

We are all very grateful to Ken Walsh and all at Windsor North Dublin for this godsend.

Noel Cosgrave from Swords Tidy Towns accepted the keys from Ken Walsh, Windsor, on behalf of the group on July 31st.

The following day Noel took the van out for the first time, taking fellow members Dympna and Catherine as passengers. They really appreciated the convenience of being able to transport heavy weeding equipment about the town so easily.

This Saturday, member Georgy Hughes had the honour of baptising the van, as she was the winner of the naming competition amongst our members. The van is now called Winny.

Fifty Years Of Volunteering

On the evening of July 13th STT members and friends gathered in the Whiskey Room at the Old Schoolhouse to mark a very special milestone.

Matt Cullen, one of our founding members, has been a volunteer with several organisations for half a century. So this called for a special celebration.

On the night, Matt was presented with a customised tee shirt and a special poem, penned by our Chairman Ken Duffy. Fellow member, Georgy Hughes, baked and decorated an anniversary cake. A fun evening was had by all.

Matt has such a cheerful and positive attitude, despite his health challenges. He is an inspiration to us all.

The following is a summary of Matt’s impressive volunteering history.

Matt started volunteering in 1974. Fifty years ago, he joined the St Helena’s Community Association, Lakeglen, Finglas, Dublin11. He held various positions in his time there, such as; Public Relations Officer, Vice Chairman and he was the Treasurer for many of those years with the association, which he served from 1974 to 1996. When he moved to Swords in 1997 he did some
voluntary work in maintaining the entrance to Carlton Court and organizing occasional litter picking. In 2004, he helped in the forming of Swords Tidy Towns and has been an active volunteer for the last twenty years. In 2015, he was the winner of the All Ireland Volunteer of the Year Award, which Swords Tidy Towns kindly nominated him for, in recognition of all the hard work over the years.

He has volunteered with other organisations and groups over the last fifty years. In the 1970s to the 1980s he was chairman of the Dublin City Services Studio, which was an art group consisting of members who were ordinary working- class people who wanted to promote the arts at that level. Matt also became involved with the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA), especially since 2013 after becoming very unwell with pulmonary fibrosis. He is a voluntary patient advocate for ILFA, he also is a leader of the Dublin Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group and helps to fund raise for them by mainly given 50% of the proceeds from the sale of his paintings to ILFA.

Matt’s passion is to help patients living with pulmonary fibrosis or similar lung diseases. He joined the European Lung Foundation (ELF)- Pulmonary Fibrosis Patient Advisory Group (PF- PAG) three years ago, which is a group from several countries in the Europe. Over the last two years Matt and a few of the members worked on a Patient Supportive Guide, which is now available to patients with pulmonary fibrosis and it has recently been made available in 17
different languages. Also, he joined the (ELF) European Patient Ambassador Programme Patient Advisory Group (EPAP -PAG) in 2015 which is a group comprised of members from various countries throughout Europe. Matt helps to promote the programme and helps with the revision of it where appropriate.
Over the last ten years he has volunteered to help the Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI) as a patient in relation to medical students undergoing examinations. Finally, Matt has volunteered to take part in videos; exercises and yoga for pulmonary fibrosis patients and has taken part in presentations/talks, discussions on pulmonary fibrosis both in Ireland and in some countries in Europe.

Swords Tidy Towns Hosts Successful Themed Clothes Swaps in June and July

Swords Tidy Towns has recently wrapped up two successful themed clothes swap events in June and July, reflecting the community’s growing enthusiasm for sustainable living and waste reduction.

In June, the event was expanded to include a toy swap in collaboration with the Rediscovery Centre and Jiminy Eco-Toys, aligning with the Big Toy Swap initiative. This additional feature was a resounding success, attracting numerous parents and children eager to exchange toys. By the end of the day, it was estimated that at least 30 toys had found new homes, promoting the idea of reusing and recycling among the younger generation and their families.

July’s event saw the involvement of St. Finian’s GAA club, who were invited to participate and encourage their members to bring along any sports gear they no longer needed. This partnership not only broadened the scope of the swap but also fostered a sense of community spirit and support. The day was graced with fantastic weather, which added to the event’s vibrant atmosphere.

Contributing to the festivities was Two Birds Coffee, the neighbouring café celebrating its 3rd birthday. Their participation further enlivened the event, creating a lively and enjoyable environment for all attendees.

The success of these themed events has been a testament to the community’s support and enthusiasm. Swords Tidy Towns is already looking forward to hosting similar events in the future, continuing to promote sustainable living and community engagement.

Stay tuned for more updates and be ready to participate in the next swap event!

Celebrating One Year of Sustainable Swapping with Swords Tidy Towns

By Ramune Kuzminiene and Emma O’Toole

The global fast fashion industry is a significant contributor to climate change (Arthurs 2023). Half a tonne of clothing is dumped into a landfill in Ireland every minute (Clancy 2019), and just 1 % of global textiles are recycled into new textiles (Government of Ireland, 2020, p. 42). Ireland has signed up to the National Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy 2020-2025 (Government of Ireland 2020, p.6), yet circular fashion has not been implemented on national scale. Circular fashion is seen as a necessary transition due to the current linear business model exposing climatic effects during every phase of the fashion industry process (O’Leary et al. 2021, p. 9).

In May 2023, Swords Tidy Towns launched its first clothes swap event, inviting residents to exchange garments to promote sustainability and reduce textile waste. What began as a simple idea evolved into a thriving monthly tradition, thanks to the incredible support of local residents. These gatherings not only provided an eco-friendly way for residents to update their wardrobes but also fostered camaraderie and shared environmental responsibility.

Our original team at the first Swap Shop event in May, 2023

The initiative, aimed at promoting eco-conscious/slow fashion and reducing textile waste, quickly gained popularity, culminating in Swords Tidy Towns being awarded the EPA Circular Economy Award in the national SuperValu Tidy Towns Competition last year. This recognition not only celebrates the efforts of our community but also emphasises the importance of embracing eco-friendly practices in our daily lives.

As our Clothes Swap Shop celebrates its first birthday milestone, Swords Tidy Towns extends heartfelt gratitude to the Rivervalley Community Centre for their unwavering support and ongoing collaboration, recognising it as a cornerstone of the Clothes Swap’s success. We also give our thanks to SuperValu Pavilions Swords for their donation of cakes and treats to help us celebrate our first birthday. We also thank Councillor Joe Newman and Darragh O’Brien TD for their show of support.

At this special event, we also had a young local entrepreneur Naima introducing her special event dress rental business @shopfluently14 to the community. We hope this will become a new collaboration that will benefit the entire community.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to share our plans for the upcoming year. In addition to our regular swap shops, we’re eager to introduce clothes repair and repurposing workshops, further expanding the scope of our events. It’s an opportunity not only to exchange garments but also to learn valuable skills and foster creativity.

However, none of this would be possible without the dedication of our volunteers. As we continue to grow and evolve, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals willing to lend a helping hand. If you share our commitment to sustainability and community engagement, we encourage you to reach out and get involved.

Together, we can make a difference – one swap at a time.

References:

Arthurs, R. (2023) The Sustainable Fashion Communication Playbook: Shifting the narrative: A guide to aligning fashion communication to the 1.5-degree climate target and wider sustainability goals. UNEP and UNFCC.

Clancy, B. (2019) ‘New Shocking Facts about the Impact of Fast Fashion on Our Climate’, Oxfam Ireland, 2 September. Available at: https://www.oxfamireland.org/policy/new-shocking-facts-about-the-impact-of-fast-fashion-on-our-climate [Accessed 22December 2023].

Government of Ireland (2020) A Waste Action plan for A Circular Economy: Ireland’s National Waste Policy 2020-2025. Ireland: Government of Ireland.

O’Leary, E., Tobin, K., Downey, C., Hanlon, Elaine., and Miller, S. (2021) Nature and Extent of Post-Consumer textiles in Ireland: Study Report, Ireland: The Environmental Protection Agency.

Climate Change and Bio Diversity Art Competition Swords Tidy Towns and Swords Woodland Association – 2024

By Matt Cullen, Schools Liaison Officer, Swords Tidy Towns

Biodiversity art competition presentation with Fingal County Council and Swords Tidy Town. Pic Orla Murray/Coalesce

It was November 2023 that the Climate Change and Biodiversity Art Competition 2024 was initiated. All primary schools were consulted at this time to see if the art competition would be of interest to both the students and the school staff. The feedback from most schools was very positive, consequently in January 2024 the Climate Change and Biodiversity Art Competition was launched. All the schools concerned that entered the competition were provided with all the relevant details about it in February 2024. To facilitate the schools, the final entry date was extended until after the Easter period and the judging commenced in the middle of April. The competition was a collaboration between Swords Tidy Towns (STT) and Swords Woodland Association (SWA). It was open to students to enter it from all primary schools in Swords. The following schools participated; St.Colmcille’s GNS, Old Borough N.S., Rivervalley CNS, Scoil an Duinninigh, Feltrim and Gaelscoil Bhrian Boroimhe. A total of 202 entries were received, we were delighted with the response from each school and wish to thank the students, teachers, and each school for their time and participation in the art competition. We would have loved to display all the art entries but this was not possible, however, we displayed all the prizewinning posters and the commended art entries.

Students were encouraged to use their creativity and were asked to submit a poster that reflects the themes of Climate Change and Bio Diversity. They were given the opportunity to create the poster in any medium on A3 paper. It was truly wonderful to see such a diverse and very creative range of posters entered by the students, especially given the very young age profile of all the students concerned. The judges wish to thank both the students and teachers for all their great work. They were delighted with the high standard of the entries. Swords Tidy Towns are very thankful to judges Eric Duffy (STT) and Edward Stevenson (SWA) for their help in the judging of the competition.

The outcome from the judging resulted in the following students receiving vouchers:

1 st Prize: (4 to 8 yrs.) Myah Whelehan McNally (Rivervalley CNS) €100 voucher
2 nd Prize: (4 to 8 yrs.) Giovana Cavaicante (Rivervalley CNS) €50 voucher
3 rd Prize: (4 to 8 yrs.) Anna Doherty (Rivervalley CNS) €25 voucher
1 st Prize: (9 to 12 yrs.) Andrea Quinn (St. Colmcille’s GNS) €100 voucher
2 nd Prize: (9 to 12 yrs.) Kayleigh Ni Chaomhanach (Scoil an Duinninigh, Feltrim) €50
3 rd Prize: (9 to 12 yrs.) Aiman Shaheen (St. Colmcille’s GNS) €25 voucher
Merit Prize: (4 to 8 yrs) Donovan Hourigan Murphy (Broadmeadows CNS) €20 voucher
Merit Prize: (9 to 12 yrs.) Grace Duddy (Scoil an Duinninigh, Feltrim) €20 voucher

Merit Prize (9 to 12 yrs.) Caoimhe Ni Oireachtaigh (Gaelscoil, Bhrian Boroimhe) €20

Due to the incredibly high standard of entries, three additional Merit Prizes were added to the original 6 prizes allocated. Also, certificates were issued to 10 students for their commended art entries. Congratulations to all the winners and to all the students whose artwork was commended. The winning entries and commended posters were on display in The Atrium, County Hall, Fingal. County. Council, Swords during Bio Diversity Week from Tuesday 22nd to Friday 24th May 2024 from 9am to 5pm. The award ceremony was held on Wednesday 23rd May at 2.30 pm in the Atrium and was very well attended. The joyful atmosphere at the event, especially from the response from all the children concerned,) made it a very memorable and worthwhile event.

Biodiversity art competition presentation with Fingal County Council and Swords Tidy Town. Pictured was Anna Doherty, 3rd Prize age 4-8 yrs category from Rivervalley CNS, Giovana Cavalcante2nd prize 4-8yrs from Rivervalley CNS and Myah Whelehan McNally, Rivervalley CNS 1st prize 4-8 yrs Pic Orla Murray/Coalesce

Many thanks to all involved (including Fingal County Council, and especially Deborah Tiernan, Executive Biodiversity Officer, FCC,) for their help in making this competition a great success. It shows the level of interest, commitment, and the importance by all in focusing attention on the themes of Climate Change and Bio Diversity.

Volunteer Expo Fingal

What a wonderful opportunity Volunteer Expo Fingal event provided for community organisations to meet up with the public and to attract new members.

Alongside groups such as STT, Women’s Shed and Swords Woodland Association, were representatives of Fingal Counselling and health services.

Our experienced members Noel, Teresa, Dympna, Georgy, Ramune and Rusne were on hand to answer queries throughout the evening. They were really pleased by the amount of interest shown in our work, and by the number of people keen to join our group.

Fingal Proms 2024

A group of our members was delighted to accept the invitation from Paul Barnes of FCC Events to this special event. The performance on May 3rd was by the extremely talented Ennio Morricone Ensemble.

A very enjoyable evening was had by all in lovely ambience of the chapel in Swords Castle.

Mayor’s Awards Night 2024

Fingal County Council Mayors Awards 2024 at The Crowne Plaza Hotel

On May 2nd representatives from every Tidy Towns group in the Fingal area gathered for a night of celebration. They were there at the invitation of Fingal County Council, who wanted to show its appreciation of their tireless efforts to enhance their local areas.

Leading off the entertainment was a stellar performance by the girls’ choir from St Brigid’s school. Later the audience was treated to the magical music of Bohemian Strings.

Deric Ó h’Artagáin from TV3 did a sterling job as presenter. The awards were presented by Fingal mayor Councillor Adrian Henchy.

It was a wonderful evening filled with good food and entertainment, and was a great opportunity to mingle with members of other Tidy Towns groups.

Gardening Projects 2024

Committee member Mary Maxwell is responsible for the design of our new garden areas and for the selection of suitable plants. She and her hardworking crew have added to existing beds, and have transformed areas on the Dublin Road and Forest Road this year. Many Saturday morning and Wednesday night sessions have been dedicated to preparation of the sites before planting could take place.

These new projects were fully completed on April 27 when mulch was supplied by FCC.

Mary also organised the planting of trees in large pots outside Penneys on Main Street, and the addition of new planters outside the garda station, bringing additional colour to this shopping precinct. The pots and plants arrived on site on April 6.

On April 13th our new purchase had its first outing. Noel and his team took the “Weedex” to the rock garden to tackle the weeds there. Less time spent on weeding means that we’ll have more time for planting and maintenance of existing flower beds.

Graffiti and Painting 2024

STT member, Eric Duffy, is continuing his ongoing battle, begun several years ago, against graffiti in the Swords area. He also liaises with FCC, whose team can deal with larger areas.

Tidy Towns groups in Fingal and beyond appreciate his advice and expertise.

Eric and fellow member Noel Cosgrave have spent many hours painting neglected walls and other features around the township. They have also maintained the surroundings of St Colmcille’s Well, a very important historical landmark in Swords.

Polytunnel worker Kim has taken on some painting jobs lately. For example, she has done a great job on benches and planters by the police station, and on the wall and section of wooden fence by our garden next to Morton and Flanagans on Swords Main Street.