A different A Christmas Carol than Dickens gave us

A different take on A Christmas Carol by Dickens will be given at the Triple Spiral Storytellers December event in An Tearmann, on Wednesday 11 December, writes Brian Byrne.

The story will be told from the perspective of Scrooge's sister Fanny, whom we've not met before. The guest storyteller is Bea Salmon-Hawk, originally from France but living in Ireland's south east since the Brexit referendum.

Her stories are mainly based on the ancient greeks and romans, and from her beloved Provence, which she says have 'guided my life'.

Trained as an Arts Therapist at The Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education in London, she helped people in Mental Health settings with her stories until she came to Ireland.

"I am now a full-time storyteller and I love it! From Hook Lighthouse to Loftus Hall, via Tintern Abbey and the pubs and bars of Wexford, Waterford and New Ross, I entertain old and young with my Celtic tales."

The usual Ts&Cs, a 7.30pm start, a €5 donation on the door.

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KCCEC looking for a Caretaker

Kilcullen Community Childcare and Education Centre are recruiting a caretaker under the Community Employment (CE) scheme. The job will involve 19.5 hours of general and garden maintenance per week in the childcare centre located beside the all-weather pitch.

This opportunity would be ideally suited to someone who wants a local, part-time role and to be part of a fantastic team.

Candidates will need to qualify for the CE scheme and be Garda vetted and training will be provided. All application details are available here.

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Did you lose your keys?

A set of keys was found in the Castlemartin area on Sunday.

They have been handed in to Kilcullen Garda Station, where the owner can reclaim them.

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Something for all for the weekend

With what looks already like a very busy weekend in the area, it's no harm to list out some of the events you might want to mark in your calendar, writes Brian Byrne.

On Saturday, things kick off at 10am for participants in Conor Williams's Basics of Photography class, for which some places are still available.

At 11am, those who like to support Maintain Hope can go along to the Coffee Morning organised in their home at White Hall by Esther Reddy and Joe Dooley. On until 2pm.

Also at 11am, the launch of Johnny Magory and the Forest Fleadh Cheoil in Woodbine Books is a good place to bring your young children. A nice blend of storytelling and books ambience for children and parents alike.

The St Laurence’s Christmas Food, Art & Craft Fair first session is from 6pm at the GAA club in Narraghmore. It continues on Sunday from 12 noon.

The annual Dylstock Music Festival in O'Connell's Bar starts at 7pm on Saturday night and goes on until late.

And, of course, Saturday is the last occasion of the week to get to see The Seafarer, produced by Kilcullen Drama Group.

Don't say you have nowhere to go ...

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Have you booked your place for The Seafarer?

Just a reminder that this is the Kilcullen Drama Group's week for its presentation of The Seafarer by Conor McPherson.

If you haven't already got your place secured, contact Berneys Chemist on 045 481497, for Seniors preview on Wednesday 20 November, and public performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Do it now. Tomorrow comes quicker than you think ... as one of the characters in the play finds out.

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Cllr wants crash tragedy jury's safety recommendations implemented

R413 limits 'should be reduced'. Image: Google.

A call for Kildare County Council to implement road safety measures on the R413 between Brannockstown and Milemill will be made on Wednesday by Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer, writes Brian Byrne.

Her request is based in a motion for the monthly meeting of the Kildare Newbridge Municipal District. "I want them implemented as a matter of urgency given the time of year and the imminent onset of icy roads," she says.

The changes were recommended recently by a jury in a case related to a child's death in a traffic collision in February 2018. They include reducing the speed limit on the road from 80km/h to 60km/h.

Road signs warning of black ice should also be erected in the area, and the Council should consider making improvements to the road to prevent future similar tragedies.

Cllr O'Dwyer recalls that she came upon the accident herself that morning. "No family should ever have to suffer such a tragic loss and our thoughts will forever be with the family," she says. "I will work relentlessly to ensure,  at minimum, the recommendations of the jury are carried out."

Separately, the councillor has expressed her thanks to Kilcullen and Naas gardai for operating speed checks in Brannockstown, saying they are'definitely having an impact'.

She also noted that the Council has completed speed and traffic volume surveys in the village. "Based on the findings the following recommendations will be explored — an additional ramp, flashing speed lights, improved signage and road markings. The works will now be costed."

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Make A Wish to benefit from 2020 Sarah Swaine run

Start of the 2019 Run.

The next Sarah Swaine Memorial Run will raise funds for the Make A Wish Foundation.

The Run/Walk will take place on Sunday 12 January, setting out at 1pm from Kilcullen Parish Centre.

The event is in memory of 19-year-old Sarah, who lost her battle with cancer in 2017.

The sponsor of the medals for the run is Kilcullen-based premium leather crafts company CarveOn.

Prior registration is available at popupraces.ie. This is NOT a chipped time event.

(Source: Run organisers.)

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More CPR training next Sunday

Pic: KCFR.

The second large-scale training session by Kilcullen Community First Responders will be held next Sunday 24 November, in Scoil Bhride.

The group is inviting people interested in taking part to contact them via its Facebook page.

It will be the last large scale training session for a while, and the KCFR will concentrate on regular group meetings to get up to speed and gain the confidence to go 'live' soon.

(Source: KCFR.)

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