Volunteers sought for new project
NEW NETWORK SET FOR LAUNCH
VOLUNTEERS have been sought to assist a new project which is aiming to pass on skills to the local community.
Organised by Transition Towns Donabate Portrane ( TTDP), SkillsLink will be a free social network of learning in the area, set to run in September.
The concept will allow people in the community teach their trades in a social and enjoyable environment and any potential mentors have been asked to get in touch.
' Would you like to help the community by teaching your skills to someone?,' TTDP's Sean Gibbons said. ' Mentors don't need to be qualified, have degrees or be certified in their areas of interest.
' If your friends rave about your cooking, DIY or jam making, then you are perfect and mentors will be given loads of support and help. The project is just being started now and is at a very early stage, so we will fill in more details as we get it up and running.
' If there is any skill you have ever wanted to learn, drop us a mail - trish@ ttdp. ie or blaithin@ ttdp. ie - and we will see if we can match you up with a small group.'
A number of classes have been pencilled in to date, including fruit and veg gardening, bike repair, car maintenance, chicken keeping, clothes repair, cooking, baking, herb growing, eco garden, eco home, craft, massage, knitting and sea fishing.
Meanwhile, TTDP are continuing to run the Donabate Food, Farmer's and Craft Market every Saturday morning at Donabate Parish Hall, which has proven to be a remarkable success.
A non-for-profit community scheme, all money raised goes back into supporting and growing the market, via promotions, signage and equipment and a new voucher system is set to be introduced soon.
' The aim of the market was to help give small businesses in the area a platform for getting their products to market,' Sean added. ' We have a fantastic and talent selection of local producers and we hope to encourage as many businesses in the area as possible.
' We will be launching a new money-back scheme shortly. All customers who buy at the market will get money back via a new voucher scheme.'
Elsewhere, chickenkeeping classes are also being planned for September at Newbridge Demesne, which will teach the basics of keeping fowl in gardens, include housing, feeding and health and the group recently featured on RTÉ's ' Capital D' show.
Anyone interested in getting in touch with TTDP can contact donabateportranetransitiontown@ gmail. com.
- Robin KIELY
