JULY/AUGUST 2001

HUGHES NEW SUPERMARKET The opening of Hughes Family Supermarket which was opened on Friday the 6th July, brought a much needed boost to Claregalway and the surrounding areas. The Supermarket spans 10,000 square feet with very impressive wide aisles for comfort shopping. Hughes Supermarket and Post Office has been in existence for over 30 years and has expanded with the growing community. This new Family Supermarket boasts a large fresh meat counter and a delicatessen as well as all your grocery and hardware needs. The Post Office has also been relocated to the new store .Spacious car parking is freely available in the surrounding car park giving comfort to the shopper. This Supermarket is a welcome addition to the people of Claregalway and we wish Michael and the Hughes Family the very best of luck with their future developments.

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GARDENING WITH BOSCO

July can be one of the best months to enjoy your garden. It is the month in which we see maximum growth with lots of colour from trees, shrubs and bedding plants. The weather (this is usually our warmest month) can often be conducive to gardening or sitting out, relaxing or having a barbecue. The garden continues vigorous growth due to the adequate soil moisture (particularly this June), but the year has turned and plants begin to slow down and mature. Dry weather can lead to drought, but a wet July is also possible and this favours many fungal diseases and action may be necessary.

The high summer can be a time of serious pressure on lawns. A combination of drought, heat and a general slow down in grass growth can leave the lawn looking slightly brown and sad. If the weather remains good, cut fortnightly only and raise the height of cut. Watering is not really worthwhile on lawns in this country because any drought spell is unlikely to be prolonged and the grass recovers within a couple of weeks. If you still have some weeds remaining on your lawn spot treat them with Shell D50 or Verdone to eradicate them.

This is a tricky time for all trees and shrubs etc. planted in the last few months. Quite often woody plants take two full seasons to become properly established. Watch out for plants that are suffering—thin cover of foliage, small leaves, yellowing leaves, crinkled or distorted leaves and even drooping foliage. Watering and feeding will help such plants, remove all grass or weeds from around the base of young trees or hedging and cover with a layer of bark mulch or well decayed compost.

Now is also a good time to clip any of your hedges. Most species will have made most of their growth by now. The woody plants used as hedging begin to harden their stems during July. The cellulose or woody material that stiffen the twigs forms during mid summer. If hedge clipping is left until after the woody tissue has formed, the effort required will be greater. Clipping a hedge now means that it will have a chance to make some new growth before the end of the season, making it hardier to exposure of winter winds. When trimming a hedge rather than cut straight down as many people do, trim slightly at an angel, wider towards the base. This ensures more light at the base of the hedge and you will have a much fuller hedge to ground level. See diagram.

July is a month of plenty in the vegetable garden, as everything comes to maturity. Many vegetables come together so blanching and freezing should be considered.

In the glasshouse, remove some of the leaves of tomato plants to help the fruit ripen. Continue to sideshoot tomatoes and ventilate well on hot days.
In general, the hot humid weather has brought a lot of pests, so keep an eye out and treat accordingly.
The Easter frosts has affected fruit crops all over the country. If trees have a heavy set of fruit, in the first two weeks of July these should be thinned by half to allow the remaining fruit develop to full size and flavour.

Use garden herbs as much as possible while fresh for their best flavour. Some can be harvested for winter use now. Most reach their peak of flavour before they flower after which they dry out and lose their pungency. Varieties such as sage, thyme and marjoram can be successfully dried and retain their flavour, others are better frozen. Herbs for drying should have good sized sprigs pruned off on a dry day, towards evening when he heat has waned. They can be placed in a cool dry airy place where a good draft of air dries them out quickly. Artificial heat tends to reduce flavour and they are best air dried. On the other hand they must not be allowed to turn musty. Herbs for freezing include the softer leafed kinds such as basil, parsley and french tarragon. Pick coming up to flowering but before they flower. Pick sizeable sprigs and strip the leaves from the stems immediately and wash them. The leaves can be then frozen in ice cubes or on their own. If the latter method is used the leaves should be stirred occasionally to prevent them freezing solid.

Bedding plants can continue to be planted. Earlier plants can be fed with any general purpose liquid feed but perhaps only every 3 weeks or so. Many people ask about keeping geraniums or fuschias for next year. Here is a step by step guide: -
Cut young shoots off the mother plant.
Remove flower shoots and leaves.
Trim the base of each shoot just below a leaf joint.
Fill the pots with 3 parts compost and 1 part sand mixture.
Dip the base of the cutting in rooting powder, and tap off excess.
Insert the cutting in the mixture to halfway on the stem.
Firm the cuttings and water them.
Cover with a plastic bag and place in a bright place out of direct sunshine.
Finally, somebody told me recently about receiving flowers on her side salad on a recent outing to a restaurant. She was reluctant to try them as she was unsure. I reassured her by telling her not to worry that there are quite a few edible flowers and many restaurants use them for decorative or garnishing purposes. The following is a list of edible flowers: Wigella ‘Miss Jekyll’, Crambe Mantma, Violas, Nasturtums, Climbing Bean flowers, Swiss Chard, Monarda, Marjoram Chives, Thyme and Rosemary.

That’s it for now, happy gardening,

Bosco McDermott, Jnr.,
Glynns Garden Cenre,
Lydican, Oranmore.
Tel: 091– 799135

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S.M.A. SUMMER CONCERT

A wonderfully relaxed and enjoyable evening of music was held in the SMA house on the 10th June last. It was held by music teacher Ranveig Helene Nordbryhn, known also as Helene, as an end of year showcase for her students. Helene is a native of Norway who came to Galway some years ago and fell in love with it! She has several pupils in the Claregalway area as well as in Galway Technical Institute in Fr. Griffin Road.
All ranges of ability performed at the Concert and the level of enthusiasm was high. Some of the younger pupils were giving their first public performance. Indeed several of Helene’s students had only been studying with her for one term, but were still able to go to their instrument and play a piece, even it if was just a simple one handed piece. These were the most charming performances, to hear someone just starting, having the confidence of playing in front of an audience. While there was no stiffness and formality, the more able and older students would have been at home in front of any audience, such was their skill.

Local talent was represented by Laura McCaul, Siobhán Bratt, Patrick Farrell and Catherine Hession. If the essence of music is to communicate, then what came through this evening were smiles and joy. These students are fortunate to have a teacher whose love of music shines through all she does, and which is so obviously being transmitted to them. This, along with the hard work they have put in, coupled with their talent, will give them much pleasure in the years to come.

This evening also saw another musical milestone—it was the debut of the recently formed Abbey Singers. Called after the local landmark, they are a group of local singers whose talents are more often on display through the local church choir—Patricia McCaul, Josette Farrell, Jenifter Donaghy, Celia Fleming, Karina Keane, Mary Casserly, Margaret Kearney. Pianist was Mary Rose Finlan, Conductor was Tessa Tiernan and song arrangement by Mary Tansey.

It is a wonderful thing to see people giving expression to their talent. Their classical dress and orchid corsages lent an elegance to the evening and a suitable visual echo of their repertoire.

Their beautifully harmonious voices gave new depth to such classics as Amazing Grace, Guten Abend, and Whispering Hope. Their final song, Carribean Melody, which wound up the evening, was as full of joy and melody as the whole show had been.

The SMA Fathers were complimented on their pleasant and accessible facility, and thanks were also expressed to all those who helped with refreshments. We were also entertained by Epona—a group from Galway whose repertoire is mainly medieval. They even appeared in medieval costumes at one stage, lending a kind of magic to the evening. While it was the first outing for the Abbey Singers, it would be a great shame if it were also the last. Such local talent is heartening to see, and I hope they will reach a wider audience in the future.

Siobhán Lynskey

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Claregalway Leisure Centre

The refurbishments to the Centre are still in the planning stages, but the committee hope to have them finalised in the near future. In the meantime, fundraising is ongoing. A calendar based on photographs of the parish taken by local photographer Gerry Mooney, is being compiled and should be available in the autumn. This will have an A3 format, and will comprise twelve pages. In the next few weeks, local businesses are to be approached and invited to place advertisements.

It is planned to print 1,000 calendars, which will be sold locally at a cost of £5 each. They will also be available from any member of the committee and also at the annual Craft Fair in November. All proceeds will go towards the refurbishment of the toilets and showers in the Centre. The committee are hoping for the support of the local community to give a much needed update to the facilities in the Centre. It is used by a huge amount of people from the parish, and is the base for basketball, badminton, indoor soccer, scouts, meetings and summer camps. It is a wonderful facility for the community, but needs community support if it is to continue. If you feel you can help in any way in providing sponsorship for the calendar, or in helping the sale and distribution, please contact any member of the committee, or buy one when you see it on sale in the autumn. Every penny raised will go to improving the Centre. Committee members Patricia Carton, Tony Clarke, Hugh Farrell, Mary Forde, Maura Harte, Margaret Kearney, Siobhán Lynskey, Alan Moran, Gerry Mooney, Hubert Newell, Ita O’Reilly, Mary Reidy, Carol Steven.

Siobhán Lynskey.

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EDITORIAL Our environment belongs to us all and it reflects what we all do to it. We can make valuable contributions as individuals by our personal behaviour, by taking care not to inflict damage on the environment and by doing something to improve it when we have the opportunity and means to do so. We have been supplied with recycling facilities in Claregalway and we are not taking care of this valuable facility. In fact, not taking care is stating it mildly—we are totally and absolutely abusing it. The bottle banks were placed in Claregalway to encourage recycling but for anyone trying to get access to the banks is like doing an obstacle course as so much litter has been strewn carelessly in front of the banks. Disposable nappies, cardboard boxes, bags of bottles were blatantly evident (see photo). Litter is a health hazard– it can be a breeding ground for vermin which can cause outbreaks of disease, e.g. gastro-enteritis and salmonella. Litter is a threat to human safety e.g. broken glass, tins, etc. The active involvement of people in the cleaning up of their own area is one of the most effective ways to bring it up to a high environmental standard and to keep it that way. Have we decided to turn a blind eye on what we see? Do we want the bottle banks taken away? Are we just too lazy to bother? Recycling is a very topical issue at the moment and we are being encouraged to get involved and do our part. We need to be positive and do all we can to protect our environment and make it a place to be proud of, not ashamed. Josette

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SPECIAL NEWS

Wedding bells were ringing throughout June for the following couples
and we wish them congratulations

Marie Fahy and Donal O’Connell on 2nd June
Sarah Walsh and Stephen Morley on 3rd June
Carmel Lyons and Tom Culkeen on 22nd June
Michelle Cormican and Enda Egan on 6th July
Aidan Concannon Summerfield and Lorraine Kelly, Milford, Co. Donegal on 22nd June

Congratulations to Sr. M. Glynn, Mullacuttra who celebrated her Silver Jubilee on 16th June.

Best Wishes to Maura and Michael Wall, Summerfield, on the birth of their baby girl Emily in early July.

Congratulations also to Martina and Martin Hughes (Hughes Shop) on the birth of their baby son
Mark born on the 10th July. Welcome to the parenting world!!!

Congratulations to Siobhán Lynskey, Cregboy who has joined the teaching staff of
Cummer National School, Corofin.

Congratulations also to Gerry Mooney, Cahergown who has been
appointed Principal of Kilternan National School, Ardrahan.

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LOCAL GIRLS WIN TOP PRIZES IN MAJOR COMPETITION
Congratulations to Carol McKiernan and Helen Moran who were top prize winners in the Book Review Competition organized by the County Library. There were 2,500 entries from 235 schools in Galway City and County, the age group ranging from children between the ages of 8 and 12. The children were asked to review a book of their choice in Irish or English, by an Irish author or illustator

A selection of the top 50 were invited to the presentation of prizes in the Galway Bay Hotel on 6th June. Carol McKiernan was among the five children who won first prize and received a mountain bicycle and a book voucher. She reviewed ’The Drumshee Rebels’ by Cora Harrison. Helen Moran then featured among the next ten children who were awarded 2nd prize. Helen received a voucher for £75 and a book voucher, and she also had the opportunity to read aloud her review on the book Timber Twig to its author Kate McMahon.

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CHOOSING A CAREER - LANDSCAPE GARDENER

The Work of a Landscape Gardener
Attractively designed, healthy and well-maintained lawns create a positive first impression and also increase property values. Gardeners plant trees, hedges and flowering plants, and may be contracted to care for their upkeep on a regular basis. Landscape gardening involves renovating an old garden for a client or creating an entirely new one. The opportunities for a Landscape Gardener are many and varied. Some find employment with Local Authorities, maintaining parks and playing pitches for the local community. Others work in private gardens, planting, growing and caring for a wide range of trees, shrubs and flowering plants. In recent years, Landscape Contractors have employed Gardeners to implement and maintain landscape schemes on the grounds of both private and commercial properties. Those with an interest in sales will find employment in garden centres.

Educational and Other Requirements
Training is given on the job, often as part of an apprenticeship. However, there are courses available in this area which are essential for career advancement (see below).

Gardeners generally enjoy the outdoor life. An interest in plants and how and where they grow is essential. A flair for design and construction coupled with an interest in machinery is also useful for the aspiring Gardener.

Training
The following courses are available:
Diploma in Amenity Horticulture
This is a three-year, non-residential course covering all aspects of amenity horticulture. The course is suitable for people who intend to engage in horticulture on their own account and for those who seek to follow careers in landscape construction and maintenance, garden centres, nurseries, public authority parks, private and public garden estates, the interior plantscape industry and golf course maintenance.

Applicants for the course should have completed the Leaving Certificate or an equivalent course (exceptions may be made in certain instances). All entrants must be at least seventeen years on 1st October in the year of entry.

The programme includes studies on Arboriculture, Design and Landscape Construction, Plant Science, Agrometeorology, among a number of other relevant topics. Practical activities are arranged to complement the classwork. Students are trained in supervisory techniques and become familiar with work practices and the organisation of work through work experience in the Botanic Gardens, the Parks Departments of Dublin County Council and Corporation and the Office of Public Works.

Students are assessed on a continuous basis on theory, practical skills, projects, performance at work, initiative and responsibility. Particular importance is placed on full attendance and punctuality.

The first and third years of the course are conducted at the Botanic Gardens. The second year consists of work experience on amenity horticulture in public parks. Trainees who satisfactorily complete the programme are awarded the Diploma in Amenity Horticulture.

Greenkeeping Option
For students participating in the Diploma in Amenity Horticulture course who intend to study afterwards for a qualification in Greenkeeping, there are a limited number of Golf Course placements available in the second year as an alternative to parks placement.

UCD B.Agr.Sc. Degree in Landscape Horticulture
This course provides students with a scientific background on which to build design and management skills. Flexibility in courses and individual and group projects allows undergraduates to concentrate on landscape design, landscape management, landscape science and horticulture. (See Career Leaflet on Agriculture Science Graduate for further details on entry requirements, etc.)

Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa - Landscape Design and Construction
This one year non-residential course offers continuation training to students who have completed a basic horticultural course or who have acquired appropriate practical experience. Subjects offered provide trainees with knowledge and skills associated with the design, construction and maintenance of quality landscaped areas. Work placement forms an integral part of the training programme. Mature students are welcome to apply.

Employment Prospects
Many jobs for Gardeners tend to be seasonal. However, all year round vacancies do exist. Many Gardeners work for firms who operate real estate, for local government, including park departments and recreational facilities such as golf courses, race tracks and amusement parks. Some are self-employed and work on a contract basis.

Where to go for Further Information

The Principal,
Teagasc,
College of Amenity Horticulture,
National Botanic Gardens,
Glasnevin,
Dublin 9.

Admissions Office,
UCD,
Belfield,
Dublin 4.

Information supplied by FÁS

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Interior Design - Hints and Tips

Decorative Edge
Give your soft furnishings that special look by adding fringing, braid, or piping. They can be used on curtains, cushions, tiebacks, blinds, lampshades and even tablecloths. Trimmings can create a tailored look that will give a special finish to any room. Outlining and defining soft furnishing is usually associated with traditional-style décor, but some brightly coloured modern fabrics can also be given a lift with the range of trimmings available.

There are different types of trimmings available but their suitability will depend on the item being trimmed. Braids are tightly woven bands used as decorative borders on cushions, curtains and furniture to define shape. They range in width from ¼ “ to 6” and in style from plain ribbed bands to ornately patterned strips with looped edgings. Use colourful braids to add different textures and patterns to plain fabrics. Cords and ropes are used to emphasise the outline of chairs, curtains and cushions like piping. Heavy cords and ropes can be used as tiebacks. They come in a variety of colours and texture from natural cotton to gold thread and chenille. Flanged cord has a taped edge, which is stitched into a seam.

Fringes range from simple, single-colour to multi-coloured versions. Natural fiber fringes such as cotton, linen or silk could be dyed to match a colour scheme. Bullion fringe is made of rows of tightly twisted skeins, which form the fringe, and is attached to a heading. The more heavy versions are used for chairs and sofas. Tasselled fringe is a row of small tassels attached to a heading, while bobble fringe is a row of small pompons hung from a narrow braid heading and is a traditional favourite for cushions, lampshades and shelf edging.

Ribbons can be used in the same decorative ways as braid, but they are softer. You can have them from simple satins to rich velvet. Tassels range from small simple styles made with one yarn to multi-tasselled versions in combinations of different yarns. They are very useful a decorative feature.

Choosing Trimmings:
Trimmings should be matched to a colour in the design of your fabric. If you match it to the background colour the effect will probably be subtle, but if you want a more defined outline, match the trimming with one of the stronger colours in the pattern to provide contrast. If you are using a plain fabric, you could use a completely different colour that matches another colour in the room’s décor. Contrasting trimmings will highlight and define the shape of soft furnishings.
The weight and type of trim should complement the fabric and the style of the item being trimmed. Deep thick fringing could be used with velvet or linen curtains, whereas a delicate one would suit lighter curtains. As a general rule use shiny elaborate trims on rich formal fabrics and on e.g. a simple fabric like cotton use a cotton trim. Curtains with fringing can be heavy so you may need to use a strong pole e.g. a metal one instead of wood. The size of the trimmings should be also taken into consideration e.g. don’t use a large or deep one on curtains for a small window. Also don’t make the trimming look like an apology, it should be as much of a statement as the curtains themselves.
There are a wide selection of trimmings available in the shops, but if you cannot find exactly what you want. There are sample books from which you can order the right colour and style to suit your needs, Some fabric companies include co-ordinated trimmings with their fabric samples. Also find out if the trim is washable before you buy it e.g. you don’t want to apply a dry-clean only one to a washable curtain unless you are willing to remove it each time you need to wash the curtain. Include the trims in your design plans from the start so they don’t look like an afterthought.
The way you attach a trimming will depend on the type of trim, where it’s being added and how much wear and tear it will get. You can stitch it by hand, machine-stitch, glue, fuse with iron-on bonding or use upholsterer’s tacks. Sometimes for example flat braid can look better if hand-sewn as the lines of the machine sewing may spoil the finished effect. Trimming will unravel as you are working with them, to avoid this turn the ends under and secure with sellotape. Before you start know at what stage the trimming is attached e.g. flanged cord should be attached when the main seams are stitched whereas others are used to cover-up the seams.

Ideas for Trimmings:
Ideas for trimming your soft furnishings can arrange from delicate fringes on floral curtains to brightly coloured braid on the latest fabrics. Plain curtains can be decorated lavishly with braid. Cord and fringing to make an eye-catching feature. A silk fringe can make a swagged valance elegant. On gracious windows you can readily go town on swags and tails using rich contrast fringing to show-off their folds and contours. But you need tall windows to carry off swags and tails treatments. If you have a tall window e.g. on a landing, edge the centre of the curtain with a deep fringing and hold in place to one side with a tasselled cord. Goblet pleats are one of the most elegant of curtain headings. The stitching feature of the curtains is the sculptured shape of each goblet, a double row of cord loops under each goblet would emphasise the gracious shape of the design. A kitchen window could be decorated with bright patterned curtains and a plain white blind, which are linked with matching fringing on the curtain edge and a wide braid on the blind. The braid could be glued to the blind. Fringing will also help to define the shape of a pelmet. If you use strong contrast between the fringe and fabric of e.g. a serpent tail pelmet, it will make a powerful impact.

Cushions can add highlights of colour or unusual textures to your living room. Scattered attractively on sofas and armchairs create a warm and inviting atmosphere. You can decorate them with cord, fringing or braid. They can be added as the cushion is been made or some can be added afterwards. It is an inexpensive way of having lavish fabrics and trims in the décor.

Tassels can be used to decorate many items – curtain tiebacks, pelmets, lampshades, cushions, etc. Tassels come in a large variety of shapes and sizes. Multi-coloured ones will help to draw together the colours of the décor. You could have fun matching your own, which would add that personal touch to the room. Tassels can be suspended from poles or used as tiebacks, or small tassels could be hung from each point of a pelmet.

Bedspreads or tablecloths are other items that can be trimmed, even the simplest tablecloth is elegant edged with fringing. To co-ordinate a bedroom look, add a trim down the edge of plain curtains or pelmet, using the same fabric on a bed cover or dressing-tablecloth or use patterned curtains and edge the plain bedspread.

The range of decorative edgings and trimmings available is huge – so you should be able to find a trimming to enhance, outline, emphasise or harmonise with every colour, style and type of soft furnishing. The only limitation is your imagination.

Mary D. Kelly
Decorating Options
(091) 798224.

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CLAREGALWAY SKIN CARE AND AROMATHERAPY CLINIC
Kiniska, Claregalway - (091) 798485 or Main Street, Clarinbridge - (091) 776824

Aromatherapy is a truly Holistic therapy taking into account the mind, body and spirit seeking help.
Aromatherapy has its roots in the most ancient healing practice of mankind. Massage with essential oils diluted in a carrier oil is the most important method of treatment, for it combines the effects of the oils themselves with the important element of human contact between the Aromatherapist and the person seeking help. It is very important for the Aromatherapist to take a case history before applying the essential oils. Even small amounts of essential oils can build up a toxic level in the body, and some of the essential oils are very toxic indeed. Essential oils are very readily absorbed through the skin. The aroma alone can have a very relaxing effect on the mind.
Aromatherapy can be used to compliment many other forms of treatment, both orthodox or unorthodox. Self treatment is quite safe provided that the oils are sensibly and correctly used, self diagnosis is not advisable, nor is self treatment for anything moderately serious.
For further information on aromatherapy, please contact Evelyn Kitt.

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