It Says in The Bridge: February 2021
With the February issue of The Bridge, just gone on sale, Kilcullen's community magazine has completed 50 years of publication, writes Brian Byrne.
That's no mean achievement for a parish enterprise kicked off in March 1971 by a group of people who had no experience of the magazine business, and the most rudimentary of printing technology. But it was in some respects the same as the lead story headline of this issue, 'A Call to Action', which has resulted in a unique chronicle of half a century of Kilcullen life.
That story this month is about another publication, due for launch next Thursday, the Kilcullen Biodiversity Action Plan 2021-2025. Noel Clare outlines the what, why, how, who, where and when of the endeavour, which will provide a roadmap to greater wildlife and plant diversity in our town that will benefit the community in coming decades.
Inside there's a recollection of another event from 50 years ago, the establishment of the Credit Union in Kilcullen. Christy Sheridan recalls how members of the working group initiated by Club 70 — the KCA of its time — set about learning the business of community financial self-help. From their first individual savings deposits on 5 February 1971, Kilcullen Credit Union opened for business officially in April of that year, and we'll have more on that in the April Bridge.
The centre feature this month is about Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer, who this time two years ago had no political thought in her mind and now is totally involved as a local representative. 'You always have to be thinking a year ahead' is the key takeaway of her life today.
Although the pandemic means that much activity which would fill the Bridge each month just isn't happening for now, this is still a very full issue. Among the regulars, KCA's substantial ongoing work since Christmas is recorded, and includes a look forward to the plans for the market square, finally due for publishing in the coming weeks. Julie Felsbergs writes about glimmers of hope that will take us out of our year-long winter of Covid, with the words of Julian of Norwich “All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well.”
The hard-working animal lovers of KWWSPCA have had a successful year despite everything, and this month issue a timely appeal for people to watch out for 'cast' sheep. An instructive call for those of us who had never heard the term for an animal on its back and unable to get upright on its own.
Mary Orford's regular column — she only planned to do it for a year but we haven't let her free since she began — looks back at Kilcullen of a hundred years ago. A tumultuous year when there was 'a narrow margin between peace and war'.
Noel Clare takes a walk within the 5km limit, in the Gilltown area where he spent the first quarter century of his life. Memory here is a personal history of fascinating snippets from that part of Kilcullen in the 20th century.
Sean Landers is still far away in Taiwan, but gives us a 19th century look at Kilcullen's weekly market and how it was run. Also historical is the report on the laying of the foundation stone for Kilcullen Parish Church, which celebrates 150 years in 2022.
There are the schools pages, at the moment teaching and learning by remote and recording some amazing activities by children currently dispossessed of their normal school life. There's news, there are features on climate action, on people who live here, Kilcullen's connection with the latest Wonder Woman movie, dog stresses in lockdown, book reviews, and a timely article from Sophie Dooley on the Power of Positive Psychology.
And more. There's always more in your Bridge. Has been for 50 years. Available in the usual outlets.
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