The venue once again was the Rivervalley Community Centre. The time was changed to 12 to 2 pm, so that Fingal County Council’s cameraman could film all of STT’s activities on that day. 

The stalls were manned by members Dympna, Emma, Ramune and Catherine. They were very  pleased with the great turnout.

As last year, this year we had a fantastic group of volunteers from local MSD Biotech company here in Swords.

The volunteers were divided into three groups led by our members Rose, Georgy and Kim.

The first group did a lot of weeding of the planters opposite the Rock Garden beside the CareChoice nursing home.

The second group tackled our flowerbed at Spittal Hill.

The third group let by Rose planted some lavenders at our Inclusivity sculpture near the Malahide roundabout, swept and tidied up the paths and the pedestrian bridge.

We are very pleased and appreciative of the amount of work done by all these hardworking volunteers in one day and in not so perfect weather. Thank you and well done everyone!

Very well done to all the residents of Holywell who turned up on Saturday morning to tidy up their estate. Our member Olanike was there to help too.

The afternoon of March 21 was a busy one at Glasmore estate. STT member Jo Fulham joined volunteers, including FCC Councillor Ann Graves, to litter pick before tackling some tree planting.

The 83 tree whips were provided by Swords Woodland Association. Representatives from this group, including Councillor Joe Newman, turned up to help out.

The ribbons, which they tied to the trees, carried an important health message. Each one has the web address: www.seechange.ie

The aim was to encourage people to have open conversations about mental health. The message is that “It’s ok not to feel ok”.

Our gardening group developed the Morton & Flanagan’s garden on Swords Main St, and have maintained it for many years. New plants and features are regularly added, and we have water butts there for watering.

On Tuesday, March 19 a new wooden section of fence was erected. We thank the Swords Mens’ Shed for making the decorative slats for us. 

STT members Gerry Brennan and Paddy Hughes ably installed the new fence. Kim from our polytunnel did a wonderful paint job. 

Later that week our gardeners planted an evergreen ‘Red Robin’ hedge which will provide a nice contrast against the black fence.

The new fence and the planting really enhances the look of this attractive garden.

In 1966 The United Nations designated March 21 as “International Day For The Elimination Of Racism”, which is celebrated annually. To mark this day Fingal County Council invited members of community groups to attend a special event at the County Hall. 

STT members Dympna and Joanne represented our group. 

The aim was to help organisations to effectively confront racism, and to foster racial diversity.

FCC launched a new step by step guide on how to respond to racist incidents, whether for themselves or on behalf of another person.

STT prides itself on the diversity of its members. Our volunteers come from several different continents with diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. 

To date all of our experiences have been positive with everyone working together towards a common goal.

However, it is important that we be prepared to deal effectively with any racial incidents that might occur at a future date.

For more information on how and where to report a racial incident, click here.

STT members of all ages, dressed in eyecatching costumes, assembled in the car park at St Colmcille’s school at 10:30 on St Patrick’s Day ready to take part in the local parade.

Rose Brennan, our polytunnel manager, was on hand to apply removable face tattoos as a final touch. 

She was also responsible for growing the beautiful plants, which filled our wheelbarrow.

This year our group was moved up to fourth position in the running order. 

The leaders carried our new banner, designed by member Ramune Kuzminiene. It lists the full range of STT’s activities, and our links with FCC and other community groups. It also emphasises the importance of diversity amongst our members. People of all ages, religions, ethnicity, sexual orientation, educational background and disabilities are welcome to join our group.

The fine, sunny weather drew out a record number of spectators, who cheered on all of the participating community and sporting groups. 

Member, Eric, carried a message about cleaning up after your dogs. His beautiful pet, Buddy, had had a special grooming session for the occasion. Once again he was a great hit with the spectators. 

Another crowd pleaser was Teddy our giant mascot. 

We had another very successful clothes swap shop to pick up some green items for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade the following weekend. Lots of fun, chats and items of clothing exchanged!

George Mongey represented our group at the tree planting event in Holywell on Saturday, February 17th. This session was run by Swords Woodland Association, who provided the rowan, hazel, elder, bogrose, spindle and crabapple plants. 

Dark clouds threatened, but they didn’t deter the volunteers from Kinsealy United or the Holywell residents. Within an hour 130 whips had been planted, and a hedgerow was extended in Holywell Park before rain stopped play for the day. 

We have been involved in SWA projects over the past few years, and plan to assist them in further tree planting events throughout this year.

Our major fundraising event at Peacock’s Bar was a resounding success. There was a capacity crowd, which thoroughly enjoyed the evening. We may need to hire a larger room at Peacock’s next year! Thank you to Fiona and staff for looking after us so well.

STT member, Noel Cosgrave, was our quizmaster for the night, and he did a magnificent job. He was ably assisted by his wife Teresa, with whom he’d written the quiz questions.  Fellow STT member Georgy helped to check the scores. Members Debora, Deborah, Kay and Mary took charge of the raffle. 

Fingal County councilors Ann Graves, Joe Newman and Darragh Butler attended with their teams. Ann’s team came second, losing out to last year’s winners.

In the weeks leading up to the quiz Chairman Ken Duffy and member Georgy Hughes had visited businesses in the Swords area. Judging from their generous responses, they really value the dedication of our hard-working group. There was no shortage of prizes for our quiz winners and for our raffle.

We thank the following sponsors for their wonderful support: SuperValu Boroimhe, SuperValu at Pavilions, The Betsy, Indie Spice, The Arch Bar, Cupcakes and Counting, The Old Schoolhouse, Lynott Jewellers, Pavilions SC Management Company, Peacock’s Lounge and Bar, FCC Councillor Brigid Manton, Wrights Bar, The Cock Tavern, The 44, Swords Shoe Repair, Platinum Bakers, Howrad Studios, Paradise Nails, Coffee Works, The Breakroom, The Hair Lounge, Hairs Another Salon, The Cottage, Saks Hair Salon, Beauty Lounge, Boyles Sports, Loaf’d, Integrity Fitness, Glam Salon, Paddy Powers, Gadget Plus, Hanleys, Swords Barbers, Pure Pharmacy, Peter Mark Hairdressers, Gilsenan’s Allcare Pharmacy, Swords Eye Centre, The Pound Bar, K67 and McNamara’s Pharmacy on Swords Main St.