AEDs (Defibrillators) for the Village
We are currently drawing up a list of available AEDs in Blackrock Village – where there is a physical AED and trained personnel to operate each one. Then with the help of a DLRCoCo grant we propose to purchase two extra devices and site them in strategic locations in order to give optimal coverage. The Order of Malta is happy to provide training and, in addition, Blackrock Further Education Institute (BFEI) are very keen to be involved, having a training department in the college for their Pre Paramedic course.
Post Office – Good News!
The Post Office has now closed in the Frascati Shopping Centre but the good news is that, following extensive efforts by the BBN, the Post Office will shortly be operational from SuperValu in the Blackrock Shopping Centre. We expect a full service by the end of this month.
St Patrick’s Day Festival
Preparations for the St Patrick’s Day Festival are well underway and we expect another bumper turnout. The day will start with the now customary Leprechaun Chase in Blackrock Park. The usual goodie bags will be handed out afterwards in the Village with plenty of music in the background to maintain the atmosphere. BFEI have generously provided space within their building for face-painting, story-telling and a colouring competition, so come on down to the Village after the Leprechaun has been chased!
This year we want to extend the fun further into the day and evening so, in conjunction with Coopers&Kelly and Conway’s Pubs, we will be staging trad sessions both in the afternoon and evening. This should add much needed vibrancy and atmosphere to the Village throughout the whole day.
Frascati Singers and Vincennes
Our plans to partner with Vincennes are progressing well. On 11 May 2019, Vincennes will celebrate Europe Day. A lot of events, such as conferences, films, games, food-trucks and, of course, concerts will showcase the diversity of European cultures. The Frascati Singers will perform on their own and with a choir from Vincennes. Many of the events will be in the main squares of Vincennes.
This is a great first connection and we look forward to further synergies in the near future. We are also working on a visit from Vincennes Rugby Club to coincide with the Six Nations’ weekend of 9-10 March 2019 and in addition we are building connections between two of our local schools and the Hector Berlioz’ school in Vincennes. This school has 10 teachers of English and has a European department.
Each year we organise the erection of the Christmas Tree in the Village Square and the setting up of the lights to add atmosphere to the Village. This is getting more and more expensive to deliver, despite a subsidy from DLRCoCo. We are very appreciative of those businesses who give us their wholehearted support, but, sadly, many of those who each year gain most from having the Village looking cheerful and welcoming are the least supportive of our activities.
We have struggled on over the past number of years to provide lights and atmosphere, but we are now at the point where we can’t continue to go on as before. This year we are considering a slimmed down version of the lights or we may possibly go for a tree only. Very simply, not enough businesses are prepared to pay for the lights.
Lark in the Park
In July 1985, crowds flocked to Blackrock Park for the first of two ‘Larks’ to be held that summer. Among the musicians playing for free were the band ‘Light a Big Fire’ and artists Brush Shiels and Flo McSweeney. Now promoter Lar Flynn is very keen to create that atmosphere once again this summer and is working tirelessly to make it happen. As always funding is the issue, and making the ‘Lark’ happen this year will depend on his negotiations with DLRCoCo and local businesses.
New Restaurant in Blackrock
The choice of restaurants in Blackrock has risen steadily in recent years to the point where we are approaching a solid critical mass that will make Blackrock a ‘go to’ place at night once again. The latest addition is expected to open its doors very shortly. This is a new Sichuan Restaurant in the iconic old Post Office building. It is a really exciting development and should add greatly to Blackrock’s night time appeal