Notes by Michael Martin / Máire George
18/10/09
The BIG sponsored cards sold in great numbers and special thanks to Eileen Murphy for her art work and to Councilor John Murphy for sponsoring the bird nesting boxes. Eileen also researched the best way to attract the birds and gave a set of instructions. A group picture was taken yesterday for the official sponsor ceremony and each child received a copy of this picture. One child, Alex Szproch, couldn't make it. We look forward to seeing how successful they are.
Máire George (BIG) Fr.Howard ---The Prize Winners---Councilor John Murphy, Michael Martin (BIG)
12/10/09
BIG sponsored a Christmas card competition for the pupils in the National School. One entry was chosen from each class (two where the classes were large). These were then made into cards by Ballon Business and Training Services and include the names of the children and the class.
They will be for sale at the Fayre on Sunday and proceeds will go to KHA and St. V. de P.
4/12/09
Last night BIG switched on the lights at the Millennium bed. Something of cheer in this gloomy time. BIG members were joined by the KHA choir who led a carol singing procession around the graveyard, through the village and gave a carol service by the lights
2/12/09
Last night Maire and Michael toured the village with Janet O'Brien of Community and Enterprise to familiarise her with the village and our tentative plans.
Janet then listened to our plans and gave comment and advice gleaned from the Tidy Towns and Pride of Place reports. A three year plan covering all aspects of the Groups's activities is a must to obtain further marks and arrangements will be made to get a speaker to give guidance on this topic. Janet left material from the Tidy Towns, waste minimisation and details from winners Emly.
She also encouraged the estates to enter the Litter League and Pride of Place competitions.
30/10/09
Ballon did very well in the Pride of Place awards.
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It was history in the making on last Thursday night in the Lord Bagnal, Leighlinbridge when Ballon was announced as winners in the Carlow Pride of Place Competition.
Máire George of BIG receiving the cheque from Michael Doran, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council.
People of Ballon can now sit back and take pride in what has been achieved and look to the future with fresh enthusiasm Each and every person who helped in any way by way of picking up litter, painting, planting, cleaning, planting and flower sowing, grass cutting, watering (though this summer it came mostly from the skies), brushing, dead heading, clipping, spraying, weed pulling,hoeing, can take a bow and be proud of what has been achieved. The work and village enhancement done in previous years have given us a great foundation. Ba léir go raibh sárobair curtha isteach in ullmhú an shráidbhaile i mbliana
The people who came out and helped can sit back for a little while now over the winter. But it would be fantastic altogether if more of the folks that sit back all the time would come out and help in the spring of 2010. Helping to beautify the village can be very rewarding. A great way to socialise, meet new friends, and get to sample that feel good factor. In the village there is always something to be done.
This win can be the launching pad of further great things to come. We can now go forward into the future and try and improve dramatically our rating in the National Tidy Town competition.
Congratulations to Maple Lawn on winning the best estate prize for the
second year running. Mick McGrath getting the goodies.
Ballon School took second prize in the School section shown with teacher Bernie Mullins
and headmaster Noel Heffernan
The Graveyard on Ballon Hill got a special award.
So congratulations to all involved. Ar agaidh linn le solas in ár gcroí.
Some members of BIG on the night.
(pictures with thanks to Margaret Buggy/Máire George)
Watch this space for information regarding a forthcoming meeting which will be held in the Ballon Parish centre before the end of November. We need to plan for next year and we need to see and meet new comers and there will be a big welcome do gach éinne.
We would like to thank Carlow County Council for their help and great co-operation. Comhgháirdeachas le gach éinne a bhí pairteach linn. Go mbeirimid uile beo ar an am seo arís!
(by Máire George)
11/8/09
FAS worker returns to college.
Our Fas worker, Rory Byrne finished to-day and we'd like to thank him for all of his assistance during the year helping to keep the vilage looking good.
Let's hope we get another soon.
Picture by Máire George
10/8/09
An Heritage Board is in draft form for the 50th celebration of the Grotto. It can be seen in pdf form by clicking on the link or is on display in Michael McAssey's side window. Please check the narrative for accuracy and if you have any comments please contact me asap.
18/7/09
A meeting was held in the Parish Centre with Máire in the chair and seven members present.Councillor John Murphy came as a guest and advisor. There was one apology.
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The letter from the OPW was read out and possibilities for a community garden were discussed. -
Minutes of the last meeting were circulated and adopted. John Murphy confirmed that there would be just the engineer from Tullow to liaise with for the future. -
Fr. Howard confirmed that taking into consideration the suggestions we received we are now
proposing to hold the celebration on Sunday 16th August at 11.00 am Mass and
afterwards at the Grotto. A special Church gate collection will be held at Masses on Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th July to carry out refurbishment work on the Grotto. The 'stonework' will be left unpainted but the two statues will be refurbished. -
There are still some sponsors not renewed and these will be deleted from the web site. -
Heritage week is being advertised and if anyone wants to organise something forms are available.This will be displayed in the Newsletter. -
Margaret and Anita will proceed with a flower bed on Ballon Hill. -
The 1798 sign has been repositioned and now needs cementing in place. -
Michael will position the planters at Barbies. -
The development of the wildflower bed on the north side will benefit from expertise and Robert Miller will be asked to give his views.
10/7/09
Community Garden
2/7/09
Carlow's
Litter Initiative
An
open meeting was held last night in Tullow civic office,
as part of the procedure for drawing up a new three year plan, and hosted
by the Environment Dept. It was agreed by the majority that the best
solution was to install mobile cameras, capture the evidence, and then
'name and shame'. Local councillors present stated that they have asked
senior management to take this action but no support has been given.
I asked for the name of suppliers of this equipment and have been told
I'll be sent the details. I showed the posters provided by Máire
from Tralee Council but they didn't generate much interest. However,
I'll go ahead and make one for Ballon Village and am looking for a quote
for printing.
Community
Garden
Máire is interested in this project.
The Gardai Superintendent has confirmed they had no objection to using
the garden attached to the station. We have now written to the OPW,
who lease the site, to learn what their views are.
25/6/09
Following yesterday evening's cleanup a meeting was held in the Parish Centre with Máire in the chair and eight members present.
The salient points were.
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Insurance had been extended to cover paid employees.
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CCC is hosting a meeting in the Civic office in Tullow on Wednesday 2nd July to get input from voluntary groups in drawing up a a litter management plan.
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The treasurer indicated there were sufficient funds to pay for the increased expenditure so far this year.
- The jobs from the previous meeting were discussed most of which had been done or were in progress.
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The roadside verge on the south side to be kept mowed for this year and to encourage the shrubs planted in the past to grow and be seen,
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The decimated wild flower bed on the north side to be prepared for re - seeding by killing off the growth in the autumn and the spring. Michael will also discuss with the Bagenalstown foreman the idea of extending the tree planting down to the cottages.
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Máire showed some posters issued by Tralee Town Council on rubbish and the Litter Pollution Act and Michael is to approach Community and Enterprise to learn if they have something similar. Also for poopscoops for dog owners to clean up after their dogs. This is becoming a growing problem in the village.
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A letter has been sent to the Garda Supt. to inquire if the garden could be used as a community garden or who to contact if not his decision. Michael to write to Community and Enterprise on the same lines and also to investigate the possibility of a children's playground there.
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Mick is going to re-erect the 1798 sign near the school and is looking after the Grotto.
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The next meeting will be tentatively held in the first week of August and Michael will make a photographic record on the features in the village so they can be discussed for future planning.
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The Secretary will now contact members collectively via their mobile phones to advise of meetings and important issues.
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22/6/09
Due
to a misunderstanding between the council engineer and
the contractor our wildflower garden has been demolished.
But,
on a positive note the Bagenalstown foreman arranged for the railings
to be painted a beautiful shade of red.
15/6/09
Captured
last Wednesday during a clean up session.
Niamh Mullins and Ms Anon-by-choice cleaning up the recycling sign
(Picture by Máire)
12/6/09
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Thanks to Michael Martin for being chairman since inception and congratulations on being selected as Carlow volunteer for his contribution to BIG and the environment.
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An assessment of the jobs done following last weeks 'walk about' with good progress having been made.
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The new flower bed to be prepared for planting carpet roses and Declan Webb to select the roses and plant them. Máire has some annual bedding plants to add a bit of instant colour.
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Put some stepping stones in the gravel patch by the new bed. Declan will do this.
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To look at the stream and assess if it is feasible to clear it up - Declan again.
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Michael to contact Garda to clean up the station garden before judging.
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To have a specific grotto group set up and to arrange painting before Sunday's ceremony. Also to ensure the baskets are watered from now on. Michael to prepare a draft for the heritage board.
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Pay some young persons to do painting and cleaning around the village.
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Fr. Howard to investigate the chance of getting a full time scheme worker for the village.
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Mick, Jackie and Máire to look at another location for the 1798 plaque. Possibly by the school.
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Wall at church entrance to benefit from power washing.
- To look at extending the row of trees in the wild flower bed down to the cottages.
5/6/09
BALLON TIDY TOWNS & PRIDE OF PLACE: Last Wednesday a very enthusiastic committed, dedicated and civic minded large group of people turned out, again, at 7.00 pm and worked on a number of the 38 areas needing attention. All are welcome to join - fáilte roimh cách. If you have a spare hour anytime besides Wednesday nights please contact Máire George 0872424934 and she will let you know where your skills will be appreciated. “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” A meeting of Ballon Improvement Group will be held in the new Parish Office after the tidy up on Wed next 10th June 2009. Ní neart go cur le chéile”
Granite walled bed - thanks to Maple Lawn helpers.
28/5/09
A
village walk about was organised last night by the chairperson and there
was a good response to her appeal for new workers. A list of proposed
projects will be posted soon.
Meanwhile the picture tells the story.
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21/5/09
Note by the new chairperson - Máire George
Eileen
and mé féin did up the Tidy Town application this pm.
Took us a couple of hours.
We decided that it would be a good idea to have a work evening once
a week for the next few weeks.
Suggestion is to go for Wed nights at seven. Meet at the old school.
Litter and a walk about to look at where improvement can be made for
next Wed.
We will be able to have all future meetings in the new parish room.
Any other suggestions
are welcome
20/5/09
Application for Carlow's Pride of Place has been sent in as indicated below.
7/5/09
Carlow's Pride of Place
The
closing date for this is the 22nd May
I suggest that we opt for the following....
Burial Ground not in use
- Lecky/Quaker graveyard
Population Category –
500 to 1000
Floral Pride – General
appearance of the village.
Community – Show
how having a web site benefits the community at home and away.
Heritage – Make
reference to the Heritage Stone on Ballon Hill and for the Grotto.
There are options also for Housing estates/residential area
Ogra (Youth)
Business awards
Individual award
If you have any views please let me know ASAP
The emphasis is on Floral Display and
Colour
Further
information from 059 9136203/0136210 - Community
and Enterprise of CCC
6/5/09
Open meeting of BIG
On the 5th May an open meeting was held in the clubhouse of Ballon GFC and summarised as follows:
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Officers are now Chairperson: Máire George, Secretary: Michael Martin, Treasurer: Eileen Murphy.
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Funds are sufficient for envisaged projects but some sponsors to be approached if they wish to continue for this year.
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Liability insurance has been renewed with no premium change.
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The quotation for the raised bed opposite the Millennium Clock has been accepted from Carlow Stone Centre with the stone being provided free of charge. Work should commence within ten days. This will be part funded from the donation by the Chronicle and will be recognised with a plaque. The remainder will come from the "Litter Cheque" from CCC.
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BIG will sponsor the water conservation project by the school for their third green flag.
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Mick McGrath will oversee the replacement of two trees opposite Texaco and with Marty Barry arrange for the make up of baskets opposite Maple Lawn and the planters on the school wall.
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Margaret Nolan and Anita Dowling will provide a planter on Ballon Hill by the top of the old graveyard and keep the plants watered.
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Michael Martin will contact Seamus Cummins for the baskets at the Grotto.
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Michael Martin has approached the forman of Bagenalstown council to repaint the railings at the Lecky graveyard and it's looking positive.
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Eileen Murphy to contact Fr. Howard for additional help from FAS and connection of a water supply for the baskets at the church graveyard.
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Entry into the Tidy Towns is open to any member who wishes to make the application.
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Also discussed were extending the tree planting on each entrance into the village, revamping the wild flower bed on the the south side and adding summer bedding plants in the pots at the council graveyard.
3/5/09
Ballon Village and Maple Lawn make a clean sweep.
Last Wednesday, Ballon's efforts at keeping the area litter free were recognised by CCC in that the village came 'runner up' in the category for large population centre with a cheque for €400.
Maple Lawn was the semi finalist for the County Estates winning an award of €300.
Pictured
are Marty Barry representing Maple Lawn and
Mick McGrath for BIG.
BIG
also wish to thank two recent volunteers for litter picking.
Hugh O'Byrne and Declan Nolan.
23/4/09
9/4/09
Carlow
Volunteer Awards
In
the link below details of the Categories is given and if you want application
forms they are available from the Centre. Tel: 9137562. Closing date
is 5th May. I have one set if needed.
Quotes
are now being sought for the bed by the school crossing.
Part of it has been made into a pavement by Jimmy O'Toole.
24/3/09
We wish to thank the Chronicle for their generous donation of €500 to the Group.
Pictured
is Mick McGrath, Mr. Tidy Towns himself, receiving the
cheque from John O'Donovan of the Chronicle.
11/3/09
Work is underway for a raised flower bed by the school crossing.
We plan to remove the soil at the hatched area and to fill it in with crusher dust and then small pebbles. Local builder Jimmy O'Toole will do this part for us. He says there would be a problem if concrete was laid as the drainage is very poor. A 25 cm granite wall will be built around the periphery similar to that at the millenium bed and then filled with top soil and planted up. At the moments we have a soggy mess as can be seen from the picture. If anyone has alternative ideas we would be pleased to listen to them.
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The finished product with help from Carlow Stone Centre, CCC. The Chronicle.
4/3/09
I met the Tullow engineer, Brian O'Donovan, in the village yesterday and this is the situation on the points raised.
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The pothole at Texaco Garage will be made good.
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The builders will be told to restore the planting in the hole pictured below.
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The triangle on Ballon Hill will be removed this year.
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There is no funding for the road surface by the Community Centre but they will try to keep the potholes in check.
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A sign for 'Ballon' at Closh Cross will be erected but it can't be done on the NRA signage and this has caused the hold up.
- Gave approval for a raised flower bed by the school crossing.
In addition to the above the two dead oak trees have been replaced and the tree fronting Forge Meadow has been rescued. Both courtesy of Kilcoole Garden Services.
Our treasurer, Eileen Murphy, has sent letters to last years sponsors inviting renewal.
27/2/09
This
is the bed that Máire George just planted with shrubs, daffodils
and hedging
near the roundabout by Londis Top Shop.
I spoke
to Shane, the site engineer, who told me that they has to re-rout the
rising water main and the ESB due to the completion of the new houses.
He said that he had approval from the Tullow engineer and that he would
restore all to its previous best except for the daffodils. I pointed
out that if the shrubs and hedging were left where they were that they
would die and that the roots should be kept moist. He said he'd do this.
I asked about the risk to the large trees and he said that they shouldn't
be affected.
I've left a message for the Tullow engineer and am waiting on a reply.
25/2/09
10/2/09
Recent
progress
The beach hedge opposite Londis has been extended
following backfilling by the builder.
Arrangements have been made to replace the two dead oak trees opposite
the Lecky/Quaker graveyard, to move the tree by the bridge to replace
the dead one opposite Nolan's garage and to re stake the tree fronting
Forge Meadow.
A message has been left for the Tullow engineer concerning the poor
road surface at the start of the Fenagh Road.
13/1/09
If anyone can give a little time each week to help with litter collection please email me asap
| Round | Date | Against | Result |
| 1 | 12/1 | Clonegal | 97 v 99 |
| 2 | 19/1 | Ballintrane | 97 v 93 |
| 3 | 26/1 | Fenagh | 96 v 96 |
| 4 | 2/2 | Myshall | 100 v 100 |
| 5 | 9/2 | A bye | a bye |
| 6 | 16/2 | Kildavin | 100 v 100 |
| 7 | 23/2 | Tinryland | 96 v 99 |
| 8 | 2/3 | Kilbrannish | 100 v 94 |
| 9 | 9/3 | Carrigduff | 96 v 96 |
4/1/09
On
the 4th January the Heritage Stone for Ballon
Hill was unveiled and blessed by Fr. Howard
following 11 0'clock Mass.
The plaque was designed and researched by Ballon Improvement Group with
help from local historian John Smyth, Maeve Sikora curator of the National
museum and Dermot Mulligan curator of Carlow museum. Funds were raised
from the sponsors of the village web site and there was a generous subsidy
on the stone plinth from Carlow Stone Centre
who designed and erected it.
Of particular interest in the picture is the lady seated. She is Nancy Abbey of Ballon Hill and at 87 years of age still takes a great interest in the local community. She is accompanied by her son Pat, her grandson Patrick and her great grandson Kyle. Four generations.
BIG
has plans for similar heritage plaques for the Grotto, the Bull Tree
and the village as a whole. All ideas are welcome.