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Benwiskin Centre News

Benwiskin Centre - 10th Anniversary Celebrations

Ballintrillick Environmental Group Ltd. (the Group) celebrated the 10^th Anniversary of the opening of The Benwiskin Centre.  The celebrations were held over 3 days from the 11th - 13th June 2010. 

Activities over the 3 days included the official ceremony attended by the Minister for Social Protection, Eamon Ó Cuív, invited guests and Ballintrillick Community members.  Noreen Duignan and Charlotte Bussmann, Group members made speeches, Gerry Foley, a local historian, gave a presentation on the Industrial Heritage of the area and Rebecca McHugh, a local girl sang accompanied by local musician, John McGowan. 

During the Minister's visit, the Minister was given a tour around the building and shown some of the community art projects in the garden and the community garden project.  After the Minister's speech, the Minister launched the Group's booklet 'The Gleniff Barytes Mills' and also launched Gerry Foley's book 'Barytes Mining in Benbulbin'.  Fergal O'Byrne, National Standards Authority of Ireland gave an overview of the EU Flower Ecolabel which was awarded to the Benwiskin Centre for green measures in place at the Benwiskin Centre prior to the Minister unveiling the flag in the car park.  Displays on the day included beautiful paintings by participants of The Benwiskin Centre Adult Art Class and baskets in all shapes and sizes made by participants of the Basket Classes held at the Centre.  All those present were treated to a beautiful finger buffet provided by John McLoughlin.

The group's annual social was held on Friday night and there was a great turn out on the night.  The music was provided by Michael and Breege.  Supper was provided for all those present.

A Teddy Bear's Picnic was held on Saturday afternoon and this attracted many families, the sun was shining and the children enjoyed 2 bouncy castles, face painting and toys.  The children were also entertained by 'Charlie the Clown'.  All those present were treated to refreshments.  This event was so successful that we have been asked to make it an annual event!

On Sunday after mass, a Tea Day was held to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland which is an annual event at The Benwiskin Centre.  In the afternoon, people were invited to attend the Millsite amenity area at the base of the Gleniff Horseshoe valley in Ballintrillick where Gerry Foley gave an overview of the Mining which took place in the area and pointed out the foundations of the buildings which were uncovered at the Millsite after the Group purchased the site in 1995.  Michael Bell, local wildlife educator also spoke to the large group in attendance about the local flora and fauna.  Several people went on walks afterwards and then made it back to The Benwiskin Centre for refreshments.

All the activities over the 3 days were a tremendous success and it was great to see so many people in attendance at all the events.

A special word of thanks to Gerry Foley for his continued support given to Ballintrillick Environmental Group, for his knowledge and time and his beautiful sculptures donated to the Group.

Thanks also goes to Hugh Gallagher and the Rural Social Scheme workers for the work undertaken at the Millsite amenity area; Aideen Connolly (Blue Mountain Marketing) for her time and effort; Michael Bell who contributed to the success of the event at the Millsite and providing the details for the posters; John McLoughlin for providing the buffet at the official event; John McGowan for providing music and Rebecca McHugh for singing;

Sponsors for the celebrations included Frank McGovern - Core Print Design and
Tom O'Donnell - Macs Bouncy Castles.  Thanks for your generous support.

Sligo Pride of Place Competition 2010

Ballintrillick Environmental Group Ltd. have recently been selected as 1 of 3 groups to represent Sligo in the All-Island Co-operation Ireland Pride of Place Competition 2010.  On Wednesday, 12th May 2010, members of Ballintrillick Environmental Group Ltd. and the Manager of The Benwiskin Centre attended the Council Chambers at Sligo County Council's offices at County Hall, Riverside, Sligo and were presented with a certificate for the Sligo Pride of Place Competition 2010.  Ballintrillick Environmental Group Ltd. were selected as 'Single Issue Winner in the Community Response to Unemployment' category.  The group were also awarded a prize of €900 from Sligo County Council.

The Group are absolutely delighted to have received this award in recognition of the employment opportunities that have been created by the group since work began on the old Vocational School in Ballintrillick, work at the Barytes Millsite at the base of the Gleniff Horseshoe and the actual opening of The Benwiskin Centre back in 2000 which now employs 5 staff, 3 full-time and 2 part-time.  Tutors and assistants are also employed for spring and autumn classes and summer camps.

The concept behind the competition is to recognise and celebrate the vital contributions that community groups make to society. This basic element of community recognition makes the competition unique. Past entrants in Pride of Place have included groups involved in a wide variety of activities across the social spectrum. The common thread is the impact and difference these activities have made in peoples' lives.

BT Community Connections Award Scheme

The Benwiskin Centre has recently been awarded a new laptop and a year’s free wireless broadband access from the BT Community Connections Award Scheme.  The scheme is run by BT to give community and charitable organisations the opportunity to access the online world of marketing, recruitment, fundraising, communication and networking. 

The Benwiskin Centre was among thousands that entered the award scheme across the UK and ROI. This new service at the Centre will benefit members of the local community and guests availing of accommodation.   The Centre also plans to use this award to establish links with other community groups in the North West Region of Ireland with the possibility of developing further business opportunities. 

This is a great addition to the office services already available at The Benwiskin Centre which include typing, photocopying, faxing, printing and laminating documents.  

If you would like to use the laptop it is available during office hours, Monday - Friday 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 7pm.  Please speak to a member of staff at the Centre.  Terms and conditions apply.

Courthouse Restaurant, Kinlough, Co. Leitrim

In the old Courthouse Restaurant in the village of Kinlough, Co. Leitrim, Piero Melis’s little restaurant is a welcoming place and offers good food and helpful, professional service.

The Courthouse is an award winning restaurant.  It has been listed in the top 100 of the Bridgestone Guide for the past 5-6 years, it is also recommended by Georgina Campbell and listed in the Michelin Guide. 

Piero is offering guests staying at The Benwiskin Centre a 10% discount on meals.  If you would like to avail of this offer, let us know when you are booking your accommodation with us.

ACTIVITY BREAKS

Book your accommodation at the eco-friendly Benwiskin Centre and choose an activity from surf lessons, horse riding lessons, a carriage tour around the Sligo countryside or a course at the Organic Centre, subject to availability.

Package 1
Accommodation and Surf lesson

1.     A bed in a dorm room and surf lesson - €45
2.     A private room for 2 and surf lessons for 2 - €100
3.     A private room for 4 and surf lessons for 4 - €175
4.     All rooms have ensuite facilities
5.     Discount on surf lessons for 6 or more people
6.     Surf lessons between 10am - 1pm or 2pm - 5pm
7.     Lessons available 7 days a week
8.     Full payment required at time of booking

Price includes:-
Accommodation for 1 night at The Benwiskin Centre
Surf lesson to inlcude changing time, instruction on beach,
approx. 1.5 hours in water in Bundoran, board and wet suit

Note:- 
Surf lessons are in Bundoran, Co. Donegal
(Approx. 9 miles from the Benwiskin Centre)


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Package 2
Accommodation and 1 hour horse riding lesson/trekking

1.     A bed in a dorm room and 1 hour lesson - €40
2.     A private room for 2 and 1 hour lesson for 2 - €90
3.     A private room for 4 and 1 hour lesson for 4 - €145
4.     All rooms have ensuite facilities
5.     Full payment required at time of booking

Prices shown for Adults, contact us for prices for children.

Price inlcudes:-
Accommodation for 1 night at The Benwiskin Centre
1 hour ride or a 45 min. group lesson or a 25 min.
private lunge lesson

Note: 
All lessons are in Grange, Co. Sligo
(Approx. 6 miles from The Benwiskin Centre)

You can design your riding to suit your fitness and personal preferences. 

Here are some examples of the treks available:

• 0.5 hour ride for small children
• 1 – Hour Ride - 1 Hour ride on Trawalua Strand
• 1 – Hour Ride - On country lanes
• 2 – Hour Ride - Beach and Bog land
• 3 – Hour Ride - Beach and Bog land
• 4 - Hour Island Trek Crossing over to O'Connor's and Dernish Islands
• Day Rides ( 5 hours approx.) – To Gleniff Horseshoe in the Dartry Mountains, The little harbour town of Mullaghmore or O'Connor's and Dernish Islands 
  
  Contact us with your requirements and we will try to accommodate you.  Discount on lessons/trekking for group bookings of 4+ people.
  

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Package 3
Accommodation and carriage tour

Explore Yeats' country by horse drawn carriage.  Enjoy a trip on our state of the art wagonette carriage.  Our carriage can accommodate up to 8 passengers.  Handcrafted along traditional lines by Europe's finest Master carriage makers, it is fitted with all modern safety features and a waterproof hood with panorama windows to keep you dry during sudden Atlantic showers.  Coachmen are experienced and will make the trip a memorable event for you. 

The tour is €80 for 1 hour or €150 for a 2 hours.

Prices for accommodation and 1 hour carriage tour are as follows:-
1.     A bed in a dorm room and carriage tour - €95
2.     A private room for 2 and carriage tour - €120
3.     A private room for 4 and carriage tour - €135
4.     All rooms have ensuite facilities
5.     Full payment required at time of booking

Note:-
All tours depart from and arrive at the stables
in Grange, Co. Sligo
(Approx. 6 miles from The Benwiskin Centre)


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Package 4
Accommodation and course at the Organic Centre

Book a course at the Organic Centre (www.theorganiccentre.ie) and book your accommodation with us at The Benwiskin Centre. 

The accommodation prices are as follows:-
1.     A bed in a dorm room - €15
2.     A private room for 2 - €40
3.     A private room for 4 - €55
4.     All rooms have ensuite facilities
5.     Full payment required for accommodation at
        time of booking.

Note:-
The Organic Centre is approx. 30 mins. from The Benwiskin Centre 


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NOTE:-
All the above prices are available for packages only.  Packages 1 - 3 have to be booked through the Benwiskin Centre directly.   Package 4, book your accommodation through The Benwiskin Centre and your course through The Organic Centre.

If you would like to book any of these packages, please contact us on 071 9176721 or email us at info@benwiskincentre.com


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Group bookings
The Benwiskin Centre is ideal for workshops, classroom based activities, family reunions etc.  You can hire the hall and kitchen or you can hire the full Centre with accommodation which caters for 26/28 people.  Please contact us with your requirements.

Internet Access

Free to Residents! 

The Benwiskin Centre has Wireless Internet Access in Common Room and Dining Room. Simply ask at Reception for Password to access service.

Chiropody Clinic at The Benwiskin Centre

Clinics will be held at The Benwiskin Centre, Ballintrillick, Co. Sligo, every second Tuesday from 9.30am - 11.30am.  Service includes corn removal, callus removal, diabetic foot care, nail trimming, reduction and reshaping, plus structural assessment & bodywork for pain in feet, knees, hips & back. 

To book an appointment contact Martina Connolly MCFHP, MAFHP, AMBACP, MIFPA, MARCHTI on 087 4182788.

Benwiskin Centre - Top Rated Hostel in Sligo for 2008

We are delighted to announce that The Benwiskin Centre has been named as a top rated hostel for 2008, as voted for by our hostelworld.com customers.

We would like to thank our customers for their support.

 

 

Community Garden Project

Would you be interested in joining a community garden project at The Benwiskin Centre?  You will learn about propagation, harvesting, soil management, crop rotation, preservation etc.

The Course commenced 12th April 2010 and will run every Monday from 10am - 12pm until Sept/October 2010.  Please call the Centre if you would like to join - 071 9176721

Living Willow Sculpture Project

On Saturday 22nd Nov 2008 a living willow workshop commenced at The Benwiskin Centre, led by Artist Brendan Farren, supported by Sligo County Council Arts Grant 2008 and Ballintrillick Environmental Group Ltd.  The workshops were held over 3 Saturday mornings with a group of 11 in attendance.

Under Brendan's guidance, the group have created woven sculptures of hedgehogs and peacocks in the garden of the Centre.  Willow has been used for the spines of the 6 hedgehogs whilst the head and neck of the 2 peacocks have been carved from a branch of a tree.  Willow has been weaved to form the body part of the peacocks, one has been left bare and the other one has been covered in sods of grass.  The tails have been made from live willow which will sprout and grow next spring.  (Summer 2009 - Their tails are now tall and gracefully blowing in the gentle summer breeze).  The workshops were very informative, enjoyable and very hands on!