‘Grow Your Own’ Advice Clinic - Sligo

A new community based market is running every Thursday afternoon 3pm - 6pm in central Sligo until the end of September.

The Organic Centre is working in partnership with Bluebell Organic Farm and St Michael's Family Life Centre and will be selling fresh, local organic herbs and vegetables as well as delicious bread, eggs and jams.

Free seeds and gardening advice will also be available and the market coincides with a live session of the local Community Food Project Garden supported by the HSE.

Call Andy or Hans at The Organic Centre for further info 353-71-98-54338.

Also starting July 20th ,2009 at the Organic Centre is the popular 5 day course “Learn How to Live The Good Life” - where you come away with skills which will last a lifetime!

Log onto the Organic Centre website for further infomation on all kinds of workshops and activities.

The Sacred Art of Living & Dying - Sligo/Leitrim

The Sacred Art of Living Centre, Oregon, USA in collaboration with North West Hospice and the Centre of Nursing & Midwifery Education, Sligo/Leitrim, HSE West Present
The Sacred Art of Living & Dying / Healing Anamcara Education Programme

The Anamcara Project consists of a series of 4 workshops and reflective seminars. Each of the 4 units is a practical and inspirational learning experience appropriate for both professional caregivers and the general public.

The programme is grounded in the rich history and story of our Irish ancestors as well as contemporary clinical research. Participants explore the universal patterns of spiritual suffering and time-tested ways to relieve them. Proven results include relief from physical, emotional and spiritual pain, depression and death anxiety.

Sacred Art of Living & Dying is more about living than about dying. These workshops draw from the wisdom of our Irish ancestors that the quality of life is enhanced when we do not live in fear or denial of suffering and mortality.

Based on John O’Donoghue’s philosophy and writings, combined with the international best practice and expertise.

Unit 1: 7th & 8th Dec 2009-Understanding Spiritual Pain

Unit 2: 17th 18th May 2010-Diagnosing Spiritual Pain

Unit 3:15th & 16th Nov 2010- Healing Spiritual Pain

Unit 4:TBC Apr.May 2011-Transforming Spiritual Pain

Cost:
€700 per person for 4 units - Early Bird Special (bookings received by 10th July 2009).
€750 per person for 4 units - (for bookings received 11th to 24thth July)
€150 non-refundable deposit required on booking
€250 per individual unit

Further Information:
Contact Maura Mc Gettrick, Centre of Nursing & Midwifery Education, Sligo/Leitrim, HSE West
– Tel: 071 9177749 / 9177090 or e-mail: maura.mcgettrick@hse.ie

Giancarlo Ramaioli 1959 - 2009

Ireland is poorer today as a result of losing this great man.

Giancarlo was the face of activelink.ie. A lovely man who cared and gave so much to the non profit sector.

Activelink (Community Exchange) is the most successful online information network
for the non-profit sector in Ireland. It provided a counter-public sphere, a space
where alternative messages can be produced and exchanged outside the mainstream
media and public sphere.

Much of its success is down to the hard work of Giancarlo. Who says one person can't make a difference.

He will be sorely missed.

True Heart Work

Ingrid and Barry inspire and encourage people to step bravely into re-lationship, to hold one another tightly through life's storms and to find meaning in loss and endings. And so come to know themselves deeply; embracing Life and Love Joyfully! True Heart Work

You will find Ingrid and Barry at Fairs
Holistic & Psychic Fair, Leixlip Mon 1 June Noon-7pmThe Springfield Hotel, Leixlip, Co. Kildare

Check out their website at http://www.trueheartwork.com/events.htm

Robin Williamson - sharing Moytura on Moytura-Thursday May 28th, 2009

Robin Williamson is a legendbard, poet, songwriter, storytellerharp player, guitarist, fiddler, whistle playerand much more.
Millions have been moved by Robin's words and music for over 40 years and Robin Williamson is still touching peoples hearts.

Robin will share ancient tales, poems, songs, tunes and meditations on location such as:
Cheis Coarran, the mountain of Morriganand her sacred river Unshin (Inshin) where she was Washer of The Ford where Dagda discovered her
Labby Rock where De Dannan king Nuada fell
Lugh's seat on the Hill of Giantsfrom where Lugh threw his spear
Lough na Sool, Lake of the Eye where Balor fell
Stones Of Samhain, that froze the Formoriansin battle
Lough Arrow of Morrigan's waters from whereBride was born
Lough Key from where the flow of life healed the lands again
O'Carolan's grave where, weather permitting, we will share some of Turlough O'Carolan tunes performed by Robin

Check out http://www.celticways.com/moytura/ for details - act fast.

Pat Schneider reading in Sligo

Yeats Building,
Sligo

Friday 5th June 7pm – 9pm

Pat Schneider is a writer and the founder of Amherst Writers and Artists (AWA). Her method of facilitating creative writing workshops has been acclaimed around the world. Pat will be reading from her books and from the manuscript of her new book, which is soon to be published.

Admission €5

Eco Living Festival: June 6th & 7th, Leitrim

10am - 5pm each day at:
Community Resource Centre, Drumsna, Co. Leitrim
On the N4 near Carrick on Shannon


We need to celebrate, to give thanks, to acknowledge that the wretched illusions of consumption and greed have mercifully dissolved leaving us free to enjoy ourselves.

This is what we will be doing in Drumsna, County Leitrim on the weekend of June 6th & 7th - celebrating the richness that is ours to enjoy, sharing the knowledge, freedom and excitement of living life as it really is.

You are invited to contribute to this in whatever way you wish. Lend a hand. Give a talk. Play a tune. Tell a story. The only parameter is to be positive.

Admission will be €5 or €10 for families.

See http://www.permacultureireland.ie

World dance - Castlebar and Galway

BEALTAINE DANCE WORKSHOP with Jean Parker

Friday 15th May, from 11.00am-2.00pm

Learn and enjoy some gentle and easy-to-learn folk/group dances, danced to a range of world music.

Shimmy to lively music from Syria; clap and sway in a joyful rhythmic Israeli wedding dance; celebrate planting grain the Croatian way; spiral to a graceful French shepherds’ dance; dance to the stirring harmonies of a Georgian male voice choir.

The styles of dancing encountered will not demand a high degree of athleticism, or a specific dance partner; rather, they are all dances that people can join in with and enjoy straight away with no previous experience.

Jean Parker is a qualified teacher and trainer with over 25 years experience of teaching and community work with adults and children of all ages. She has been enjoying dance for eleven years and teaching workshops and classes for many of these.

The fee for the workshop is €20. All participants are advised to bring a bottle of water with them.

Places are limited and pre-booking is ESSENTIAL. Booking and further information from the Linenhall, Arts Centre, Castlebar 094 9023733

This workshop takes place as part of the national programme for Bealtaine, celebrating creativity in older age. All ages are welcome.


World Dance

three workshops
Tuesdays 5th, 12th, 19th May
2.00-3.30 pm

Galway Social Space
24 Middle Street, Galway


circle dances from around the world are easy to learn
they tone the body and lift the spirits
men and women welcome

book at Galway Social Space (limited spaces)
€8.00 per workshop
all three workshops €20.00

dance info tel: 091 571157

Jean is coming to the Wise Woman 2009 and we are in for a treat. Confident and knowledgable, she is sure to inspire any and all groups - whatever their aim. At the Wise Woman we create a sense of community, belonging, and celebration through world dance.

It is a powerful, yet gentle way of engaging people - especially those of us who hide our flame under a bush.

Sian Croose - Voice Workshop, Kilkenny, July 2009

Castalia Hall, Ballytobin
Co. Kilkenny.
Fri 10th, Sat 11th, Sun 12th July 2009

Exhilarating, inspirational, enriching
Great fun, no experience necessary
Group vocals taught by ear
Melody, harmony, rhythm
Stretch and release the voice

Workshops:
8.00 – 9.30pm Friday 10th
10am-1pm/2.30-4pm Sat.11th
10am-12.30 Sunday 12th

100 euro
Deposit 20 euro
Campers welcome

Maybe it is the atmosphere of the Camphill Community where the surroundings are built to inspire the human spirit, maybe it is the sense of community that is created from the start of the weekend, maybe it is the magic that Sian creates....whatever happens on this weekend...it is a great experience- even for "non singers" like myself.

Wise Woman in Dromahair

The programme for the 2009 Wise Woman Weekend are finalised and we are looking forward to holding all the events in the village of Dromahair, Co Leitrim. We thank Dromahair for welcoming us.

The community centre has recently started using chemical free cleaning products at the request of the Wise Woman, Stamford's Pub has provided workshop space, the local Producers and Craft Market have offered to include our facilitators in their market which is happening on Sunday May 10th, 2009 and the new 'Transistion Town' group have provided moral support. A harmony is developing between festival and host community.

The opening celebration will be held at Ard Nahoo Eco Retreat in the Wise Woman Madala, purpose built for the first Wise Woman Weekend, making it a return to our spirtual homeland. Ard Nahoo now has eco accommodation available and are offering a special on the weekend.

The Wild Woman Banquet and Social is being held at the fab Riverbank Restaurant. Local chef John Kelly, trained at NcNean's Bistro, consistently provides great food including gourmet vegetarian dishes.

The theme of this year’s festival is how to make your dreams come true. On the opening night we will be weaving a dream catcher - bring along natural items that represent your vision to add to the dream catcher. (shells, feather and so on)

There are fifteen exciting workshops during the weekend, given by eminent wise woman including Living Your Vision, Astrology, Egyptian Dance, African Drumming, Painting, and Yoga. Prannie Rhatigan will give a workshop on eating according to your blood type and Judith Hoad will guide a walk in nature to explore the spirit of the Celtic Ogham trees.

Last minute changes - due to funding cuts the pow wow dances from Canada will not be able to join us. Extra ordinary Wise Woman Amantha will be giving the Medicine Wheel workshop and the Noeleen will be guiding us in Yoga - Learning through movement.

All the details are on the website at http://www.wisewomanireland.com/ and you can register on line and download a leaflet for the weekend. Also you will find information on local accommodation and food options. Join the on line carpool and make a friend along the way.

Hope you like our iconic women - a sculpture by Leitrim based artist Martina Walker called 'Sunbathing in Leitrim'. We think of her as Mother Earth with a sense of humour or a modern day Shee Na Gig. I love the wellies - take a leaf from her prayerbook and come prepared for whatever the Irish weather has to offer.

Ruth Marshall and Network Ireland Magazine

Ruth Marshall's labour of love is the production of Network Ireland. A quarterly "Holistic Magazine for Mind, Body, Spirit & Earth". This is the must have guide to what's happening in Ireland for people who are on their journey. It is not available on the internet. Ruth does us all a great service.

One of the joys of the Wise Woman Weekend is connecting with like minded women. And while I have never had the chance to meet Ruth face to face, we have established a connection over the years. This year when I emailed her way way too late to see if we could put an ad in Network, she stopped the press to accommodate us. "Because I really support what you are doing" she said. Thank you Ruth!

Ruth is Storyteller and Author of 'Celebrating Irish Festivals' and is certified through Findhorn to faciltate the 'Transformation Game'.

We look forward to the day when Ruth will have time in her busy schedule to join us at the Wise Woman Weekend.

I am pleased to note that the Wise Woman facilitator Alanna Moore has an article in the April-July 2009 issue on 'Permaculture Your World' offering down to earth advice and making the concept easy to understand. Well done Alanna. We look forward to garnering some of Alanna's knowledge when she co facilitators the sprit of the trees workshops at the 2009 Wise Woman Weekend with Judith Hoad.

To subscribe to Network Ireland email Ruth at networkholistic@eircom.net ,the best guide to workshops and activities in Ireland for those on a journey into the Mind, Body, Spirit & Earth. Or call 061 473866

Ancient Bodies Found in Tara‏

Dear Friends,

Just to let you know that I met with Mr. Eamonn P. Kelly, Keeper of Irish Antiquities,National Museum of Ireland on the 1st of April last in connection with the sixty-two bodies taken out of Tara.

He made it very clear to me that he has always been against the selected M3 route and NRA interference with Tara from the very beginning. He had warned about the presence of ancient graveyards in the area and believed that the bodies should never have been removed. However, as the road was being built it was not a question of the bodies being bulldozed out they were removed “to keep them out of harms way”

The bodies of the sixty-two ancestors are now under study and scientific advice has been given that this is very important in terms of understanding genetic diseases etc

I would be very grateful, once again to have your comments and guidance on this issue.

Thank you

Kathy

Office of Kathy Sinnott, Independent MEP for Munster
St. Joseph, Ballinabearna, Ballinhassig, Co. Cork
Tel. Cork: +353 (0) 21 4888 793
E-fax: +353 (0) 818 411 090
Email: kathysinnott@iol.ie
Email: kathy.sinnott@europarl.europa.eu
Website: www.kathysinnott.ie

Contact the office of Kathy Sinnott to be added to her mailing list.

Leitrim Design House

Top Irish millinery designers Wendy Louise Knight, Suzie Mahony, Linda McKay, Carol Smyth, Rachel Feeley, Jaime Mc Eleney and Leonora Ferguson will collectively showcase their talent and precise craftsmanship from April 9 until

April 20th at Leitrim Design House in Carrick on Shannon in Leitrim.

African Drumming Workshops

Rúach Rhythms presents

Community Drumming "An exploration of Tribal rhythms and song from the tribal cultures of planet earth."

Factory Theatre Sligo

Drums provided

Sat 4th April

7pm-9pm

€15
(Student concession available)


contact Debbie 087 6326610
ruachrhythms@gmail.com

Debbie will also be giving a drumming workshop during the 2009 Wise Woman Weekend May 8th - 10th in Dromahair, Leitrim

Organic Gardening Courses in Omagh

Some of the topics and the sorts of things to be covered will be:
Intro – organic, companion planting, rotation, mulching, healthy soil = healthy plants overview, making beds / pruning & tree-planting, manures, planning plants, beds etc., maximising potential in small space, sowing & pricking out, weeding, pest control, harvesting & storing vegetables.

The course is open to adults, but wishing to be as inclusive as possible to all the community. So we want to be able to welcome parents who need to bring their babies or a child ( & it feels really vital to have young people around the world of growing…). Of course if they become agitated then the parent and them might need to go and play with them outside!

The £90 course fee from the 9 sessions needs to be paid in advance to secure the tutor.

The courses run from March 5th - Nov 7th, 2009.

Part of the Transistion Town Omagh project.

Email http://transitiontownomagh.wikispaces.com/ or call 00447899860773 for Marella.

Weekend Writing Workshop - Belturbet, Caven

Órfhlaith Ní Chonaill (M Phil. Creative Writing) uses the AWA method for creative writing workshops. People write together in a safe, inspirational space. The basic principle is that genius is available to all of us. It is in every person waiting to be evoked, enabled, supported and celebrated.

This workshop is given in conjunction with Margaret Haire, lifecoach, writer and regular participant in Writer's Ink Workshops and takes place April 3rd- 5th, 2009.

" I have been attending Órfhlaith's workshops for many years now and find them to be an inspiring and creative sanctuary. Her presence is a healing force that draws forth a genius in each one of her participants. I am so delighted she is willing to come to Cavan to deliver her most wonderful workshop, "Discover the Genius within, this Spring"." Margaret Haire.

Cost 125 Euro including refreshments throughout weekend and lunch on Saturday.

Call 0872799108 for further details.

An Introduction to Process Work (March 28-29, Westport, Co. Mayo)

Unfolding Dreams, Body Symptoms and Relationship Struggles to guide and enrich our living.

Facilitated by Brid Commins, M.A.

Dates: 28th and 29th March 2009

Venue: Social Service Centre, Mill Rd., Westport, Co. Mayo.

Sometimes life appears meaningless. We can feel stuck in familiar behaviour patterns that recycle year in, year out to leave us without a sense of direction or meaning.

In Process Work, founded by Dr. Arnold Mindell, we believe that life is constantly changing, presenting challenges and struggles that have opportunities for our growth inherent in them. Mindell demonstrates the hidden wisdom we can tap into by unfolding the dreaming process that manifests in our night/day dreams, our body symptoms, relationship issues and various unexpected and disturbing events in our lives. Exploring the background dreaming spirit, the global dreambody, provides insight into our life’s journey and can inspire us to take risks to move beyond our familiar patterns into new and meaningful life experiences.In this seminar, you will be given

An introduction to the foundations of Process Work and the global dreambody theory
New skills and tools for unfolding and working with dreaming experiences
Insights into your own dreaming processes and a deeper sense of connection and awareness of the unfolding mystery of your life.

The seminar will be of value to those with no previous training in psychotherapy, who are interested in exploring their own life experiences. It will also be invaluable to psychotherapists, social workers, life skills coaches and complementary practitioners as part of their ongoing Continuing Professional Development.

Cost: euro 195 (€175 if non-refundable deposit of e55 is received before 28th Feb, 2009). Cheques payable to Mary Manning.Registration: Please send deposit with your name, address, tel. no. and email address to Mary Manning, ”Suaimhneas”, Cross, Kilmeena, Westport, Co. Mayo.For more information contact Mary ManningTel. 087 2566374 (after 7pm Mon, Tues and Fri) / Email: marymanning.biz@gmail.com

Creative Glass Workshop - Leitrim Sculpture Centre

An Introduction to Kiln-formed Glass

Make your own glass mosaics, tiles, plates and pendants in this 3-week evening course. You will learn how to cut and assemble coloured sheet glass and how to create 2-D panels of your own design. You will also be able to make shallow bowls and plates by fusing and slumping glass into plaster moulds in the kiln. Glass artist Louise Rice will guide you through the whole process.

When: Thursday 12th, 19th & 26th March
7.30pm-9.30pm
Where: Leitrim Sculpture Centre, Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim
Price: €90 (Includes all tools and materials)

TO BOOK: Call Louise on 087 3139013, or email louisericelr@gmail.com

Book early as places are limited!

Drama & Movement Therapy - Belfast

This training day offers an experiential introduction to the Sesame Approach. Exploring how drama, movement, myth enactment, voice work are tools for working therapeutically with other people.

It will be useful for therapists, counsllors, teachers, occupational therapists or anyone in a caring profession who wants to explore an experiental and creative way of working.

City Church Hall, Belfast, NI

Saturday 27th June 2009

9:30 - 6pm

cost: 100 GBP

Booking is essential, call Meabh Ivers at 028 44828498 or email meabhivers@yahoo.co.uk for a brochure.

For more information about the Sesame Approach see http://www.sesame-institute.org/

Meabh gave a drama therapy workshop at the Wise Woman Weekend and got excellant feedback. She is joined by Mary Small, a Director of the Sesame Institute.

Spring Equinox at Loughcrew

Looking forward to the Spring Equinox at Loughcrew, the team from the OPW(Office of Public Works) will be on site at dawn on Friday March 20th,Saturday March 21st and Sunday March 22nd from 6.15am until 7.30am. If can be very cold at the Equinox dawn so dress warmly with layers of clothing.The 10 minute walk up the hill can be very slippery, boots with good grip are recommended.
Check http://www.knowth.com/index.htm for more information.