Greyhound Estates Competition

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Tidy Estates Competition

In August 2018 we ran our inaugural Tidy Estates Competition, it was sponsored by Greyhound Household. We were delighted to see that 14 estates entered the competition; this was a very good response for the first one.

The competition was judged by two STT volunteers and one member of Greyhound Household. Estates received marks for the upkeep of common areas (50%) and Houses and Gardens (50%)

The winning estate was Highfields who received €500 for use on common areas, a free skip and a plaque to display at the entrance to their estate. They were closely followed by Glen Ellen and Sandford Woods in second place and Ballintrane Wood in third place who both received a free skip.

It was a great success as it really brought communities together, in fact we have received high praise from two of the estates who entered. Carlton Court thought is was a great way to meet the neighbours, make new friends, have some fun and do some good while doing so. Ballintrane Woods tell us that the estate became really united at the time of the Tidiest Estates competition and they are eagerly awaiting this year’s competition.

We are delighted to say that Greyhound has agreed to sponsor the 2019 Tidiest Estates competition. Estates will receive marks this year for the upkeep of common areas (40%); gardens (30%) and house exteriors (30%). Prizes will be the same as 2018 . Our resident’s liaison tells us that there is a lot more interest this year and to expect more entries!

Inclusiveness Sculpture Launch

Swords Tidy Towns won the National Tidy Towns Diversity Award in 2017 in recognition of the wonderful diversity within our group. Two of our members, Mary Maxwell and Matt Cullen, designed a new inclusiveness sculpture to celebrate this win and to acknowledge that this diversity has continued to grow since then.

On Tuesday evening July 30, 2019 the completed project was finally launched. Despite the showery weather, spirits were high as members of the group and local guests and dignitaries gathered at the site close to the Malahide Roundabout , and huddled under shared umbrellas. Fingal County Council was represented by CEO Ann Marie Farrelly, Mayor Eoghan O’Brien and Councillors Darragh Butler and Joe Newman.

Our chairman, Ken Duffy, gave a speech in which he acknowledged the successful cooperative efforts of Swords Tidy Towns, Fingal County Council and members of the Swords community. He thanked Colin Rigney and the Fingal Operations Department, and the volunteers of STT for all their efforts. He also acknowledged the advice given by Martin Nulty and Martin Tully in regard to the choice of plants and how best to plant them. He thanked the 164^th Brackenstown Bobcats cubs, who joined us for planting one Saturday morning.

Ken thanked those involved in the making of the Inclusiveness sculpture. Mary Maxwell and Matt Cullen came up with the concept, and Billy McClean worked with them to install the sleepers. Colourtrend Swords advised on the choice of staining. Lindsey Balfe, a teacher at St Finians Community College cut out all of the letters and made the logos for the sleepers.

Speeches acknowledging the successful cooperative efforts of Swords Tidy Towns and Fingal Operations Department were given by Ann Marie Farrelly, (CEO), and Mayor Eoghan O’Brien who then cut the ribbon.

The celebration continued in Wright’s Bar over finger food, coffee, tea and a drop of something stronger.

Swords Town Park Well Launch

On July 19th STT were invited to the launch of the Swords Town Park well along with members of Fingal County Council Operations Department. The Mayor of Fingal declared it open.

Flavors Of Fingal

On June 29th 2019, George Mongey and Matt Cullen attended the annual Flavors of Fingal County Show. This is a two day event showcasing agricultural produce with fun events for all the family. It all takes place within the historic walled garden of Newbridge House and Farm in Donabate. Our two STT members were on hand to promote our group. They were invited by Fingal Horticultural Society to share their allocated display area.