Benwiskin Centre - 10th Anniversary Celebrations
Ballintrillick Environmental Group Ltd. (the Group) celebrated the 10th 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.