23rd September 1999
The Noticeboard

ASBESTOS BANNED

The EU Commission has decided to ban white asbestos (chrysotile) from all but one use in the EU. The existing restriction will be extended to cover asbestos cement products such as pipes and roofing, friction products (brake and clutch linings), seals and gaskets and other specialist uses. These have already been banned in some European states; all must bring the ban into force by 2005 at the latest. The only exception is for electrolysis in some chlorine plants. In this case a substitute is not technically possible without the risk of explosion, and the danger from the asbestos itself is low because the substance is contained in a closed system onsite. All forms of asbestos have been shown to cause cancer, affecting the lungs in particular. The latest amendment does not require existing asbestos to be removed from buildings; the health risk here is usually low if the substance is left undisturbed.

SOLEMN REDEDICATION at ST. COLUMBA'S CHURCH

Thursday next, Sept. 30th at 7.30pm. Presided over Bishop John Buckley. Homily by Fr. Vincent Hodnett, P.P., Blackpool. This will be followed by a PARISH SOCIAL in Douglas GAA Hall from 9pm till midnight. Special guest artists will include Sean O’Se and Billa Connell. Light refreshments. Tickets £5. A great night assured. Reserve your tickets in good time!

CORK SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE

The Cork Scottish Dance Society meet in the Hall of the Ardfallen Centre, Douglas Road (entrance by the swimming pool car park) on Saturday nights at 8.00pm. New members welcome. Tel: (021) 831859.

CORK ARTS FESTIVAL

This years Cork Art’ Festival presents on of Irelands most important fiddle players, Martin Hayes, along with Chicago born guitarist Dennis Cahil. Also in the line up are Mary Chapin Carpenter, The Desford Colliery Brass Band, The Cork Pops Orchestra, The Crawford Piano Trio, and many many more...

FOSTER CARER'S

Fosters carers are urgently needed for children of all ages - from infants to children up to the age 18 - in Cork City and County. The Southern Health Board’s (SHB) Fostering Unit is looking to recruit foster carers for both long-term and short-term periods. If you are interested in becoming a foster carer and would like more details conatct: Fostering Resource Unit, St. Finbarr’s Hospital, Douglas Road. Tel: (021) 312848.

COCA-COLA UNDER INVESTIGATION

EU Commission Inspectors have raided Coca-Cola’s offices to study whether the company has abused its dominant position in contravention of EU law. They seized files in surprise visits to the premises in the UK, Germany, Austria and Denmark. The raids are intended to help the Commission establish whether Coca-Cola infringed EU competition rules to boost its market position. Officials have stressed that they are only at the start of the inquiry to assess whether a full investigation would be justified. Coca-Cola has been co-operating with the inspectors and its says it has complied fully with the law.

GARDEN - GROWING FROM SEEDS

Collect seed heads from annuals and perennials when they start to turn brown. Tie a bag over the stems to catch ripe seeds or cut stems and hang them upside down in a dry place until seeds ripen. Remove any debris and store the seeds in a labelled bag or envelope in an airtight container until planting time. Collect seed heads and berries from shrubs in autumn. You don’t have to remove seeds from berries. Sow seeds straightaway in pots or trays and leave them in a cold frame, unheated greenhouse or a sheltered, sunny spot to germinate, or store seeds to sow in early spring under glass or other protection. Soft seeds can be sown directly into the compost. Hard coated seeds may need to be soaked in water or scored with a knife to help germination. Some seeds must be kept in the fridge to simulate winter conditions before they germinate, check a reference for precise details.
A useful general rule is the smaller the seed, the lighter the covering of compost. Cover seeds with polythene or a sheet of glass until they germinate.