Newsletter – September 2015
Askamore Community Council through this regular newsletter is keeping the local community informed of their activities and events.
In 2013 Askamore Community Council developed Le Chéile Park and as a result was committed to a loan of just over €50,000.This loan covered the refurbishment of the old squash court part of Askamore Community Centre (balance on Activity Centre loan 2013 – approximately €13000). The cost of the new park was just over €143,000, with the cost to the community being just over €37,000. These combined debts came to approximately €50,000. The itemised costings are available to view here. There has been over €1.3 million worth of developments in Askamore since 2005 (Childcare, old squash court refurbishment, provision of looped walks, Le Chéile Park being the major projects).
The debt in 2014 following our €10 a month contribution was brought down to €38,000, which is due to the support received locally. In early 2015 the debt stood at €30,000, and work is ongoing to fundraise to clear this. Annual costs for Le Chéile Park come to €5,600. This includes the repayment on the outstanding debt mentioned above, and the ongoing maintenance, insurance, and all other associated overheads.
Askamore Hall
At present the Hall refurbishment Phase 1 is nearing completion. The estimated cost of this phase is €34,000 approximately. Grant aid of almost €16000 was received from the SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) to upgrade the insulation of the main hall. At present, the roof has been insulated with 4 inches of closed cell foam and the walls will be pumped with high grade insulation material. Radiators and electrical facilities are being upgraded. The local community has to match the grant-aided funds, and the Hall and Community Council committees are therefore undertaking a fundraising drive.
Askamore Hall Refurbishment – Calf-Rearing and other fundraising schemes
Among the fundraisers are stock-rearing by local farmers, an idea which has received a very positive reception. There is already a large number of local farmers signed up to this innovative idea and this will be a two-year scheme of financing our debt. For those who are not in a position to rear stock, they will be asked to supply services of any or all types, which will then be auctioned with proceeds going also to Hall funds. The third leg of this fundraising venture will be a major auction each of the next two years of various donated and sponsored goods, at dates to be announced. It is hoped that these three ventures will raise significant funds without putting people under huge pressure financially. For further details of or to sign up to the Stock venture, please contact Tom Buttle snr, Aileen Kavanagh, Andy Kehoe, James Tomkins or Paddy Byrne.
A social dance evening will take place on November 6th to relaunch the hall after its insulation facelift, and this night will also be used as an opportunity to honour the contribution of the Hall Trustees of the past 35 years. Tickets will be available shortly. Jimmy Kehoe is providing the music and a good night is promised.
Social dancing as an ongoing event will continue on December 4th and once a month after that. There are other events in the pipeline to ensure the newly-insulated Hall will be used to its full potential.
Upcoming Events in Askamore Hall
| October 6th – Tuesday nights – new Knit, Stitch and Natter group in Schoolhouse Bar | October 23rd – Children’s Disco organised by Ballyellis Parents’ Association | |
| November 6th – Re-launch social and presentation to former Hall Trustees | November 13th – Primary School Children’s quiz | |
| November 27th – John Candy and Friends Variety Concert | December 4th – Social Dancing with Pam and John | |
| December 18th – Children’s Christmas Disco | ||
| More events to follow in 2016. If you’d like to book an event, please contact a member of the Hall committee. | ||
Further walk being added to 3 looped walks locally
A fourth walk, called the St. Brigid Loop, will be added to the existing walks in the coming months. It will start from the same starting point and bring walkers around and down by the Famine Cemetery and back to Askamore by road. It is intended to eventually have information boards along the route explaining the heritage and history that walkers are seeing along the way. This route has been approved by the National Trails Office and will be registered by them once recommended works are completed. New maps will then be provided. All materials for the extension have been sourced so far through Wexford Co Council Amenity Grants. Please support your local community facilities.
Askamore Community Website 