Future Proof Kilkenny has again submitted a report to Kilkenny Co Co illustrating how the fundinig received through Local Agenda 21 wa used.  Local Agenda 21 is a process which facilitates sustainable development at community level.
The report contains project descriptions and how the project partnered with the local community and explains how aspect of National environment policy has been addressed by the project as well as its contribution to developing Sustainable Local Communities.
The main activities by Future Proof Kilkenny over the past year (2010/2011) include;
1. The Green Screen
2. Local Economies, Strong Communities Conference
3. Organised Talks and Seminars:
4. Progressed the 400 Fruit Tree Project
5. Organised and Hosted Workshops at the Electric Picnic
6. Participation in Savour Kilkenny Food Festival 2010

This LA21 report also refers to the results achieved through these activities.
The Full LA21report can be read/downloaded here.

Ireland’s first ever Renewable Energy Camp highlighting business opportunities and job creation potential in the renewable energy area will take place in
Kilkenny, on Friday, May 27th

This is a one day FREE event to promote business ideas, innovation and job creation. It is aimed at existing and start-up businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to share their experiences and gain knowledge.

The Renewable Energy Camp follows in the footsteps of similar events such as the Dublin Bizcamps. The Camp is being hosted by Kilkenny Leader Partnership and Carlow Kilkenny Energy Agency.

Nearly 20 speakers from a variety of backgrounds will offer advice and assistance: http://energycamp.ie/speakers

The day finishes with a panel discussion on “Job Creation and Opportunities in the Green Energy Sector”. Panelists will include; Nick McGrath from Kilkenny based Hybrid Energy Solutions who recently closed a successful €800,000 funding for a innovative off-grid renewable energy system; Pat Blount from Meitheal na Gaoithe -The Irish Windfarmers Cooperative on future business & job opportunities in wind energy, and Colm Byrne from Glas Energy on re-inventing a business to meet market demand.

Register to attend: http://energycamp.ie/registration

Speakers slots are still available; register your interest: http://energycamp.ie/registration

Saturday May 7 & Sunday May 8

10.30 am– 4.00 pm
(non-residential)
at
Castalia, Camphill, Ballytobin, Callan
Co . Kilkenny

Vipassana (also called Mindfulness or Insight meditation) is a simple and direct way to develop our capacity to be present in each moment. We learn to be present wholeheartedly, with kindness, to the ever-changing flow of the body/mind processes. We begin to accept more fully the pleasure and pain, fear and joy, sadness and happiness that life inevitably brings.
This silent retreat is suitable for beginners and non-beginners. Some loving kindness practice will also be included.

Cost: by donation
Please bring something for your own lunch. Coffee and tea will be provided.
Marjó Oosterhoff will guide the retreat. She runs Passaddhi Meditation Centre in West Cork. She has been trained in the Burmese Buddhist tradition, and has been teaching vipassana and loving kindness meditation since 1992.

It’s also fine to come for just one day, or for part of a day.

For more details, and for bookings (and directions) please contact Marjó at moosterhoff@eircom.net
Telephone 027-60223 or 086-8787040.
See www.vipassana.ie/retreats.html for dates of other retreats.

As part of the Kilkenny Fruit Tree project Kevin Dudley of Irish Seed Savers will run a short workshop on how to prune and graft apple trees. Grafting stock will be available and there is a good selection of young heritage trees for scion wood. If you wish bring along some top-growth cuttings from your own trees please do so. There will be a small charge for this workshop to cover costs and it will take place on Sat 16th April from 2:30pm-5pm in Ballyline, Callan. Contact Brian on 056 7725913 or text  087 0665859 to book a place and get directions.

This month we head into South Kilkenny for a walking exploration of the wildlife and heritage of the Tullahaught/ Killmacoliver area just north of Piltown.
Sunday April 10  is the day and 2.30 pm the start time from the Car Park at Tullahaught Church.  The walk will be approximately 5 kms and with stops and talks will take about 2 hours.  Afterwards, the local community group will provide a welcome and refreshments in the community hall just across from the Car Park.
Walk leader is Fons Jaspers and he will be assisted by local historians and naturalists.  The route  which leads us to a stone circle is on tarred road, lane (which is inclined to be muddy after  heavy rain) and open field.
Directions:  From Waterford take the road to Carrick on Suir branching off  for Piltown.  At Piltown turn right at Anthony’s pub and follow north for about a mile  turning off  left for Owning.    Go through Owning and turn right uphill.  At top of hill   turn left to Tullahaught.   At a T junction at the bottom of the hill turn left into the village of Tullahaught and to the Church Car Park.  Mark it in your diary – Sunday April 10, 2.30 pm.   Ray@ 051-382629

Apologies for late notice for this outing – we have just received the information
Next event is a
Seaweed Workshop with Hilary, Reg, Grace and Marie at Clonea Strand Hotel on Sunday April 17th at 11.30 am.
We will show how to identify and harvest seaweed , sustainably, how to store and cook with it, explain the health benefits from de-toxing to enhancing men’s virility (well, for those might who need it!). And we will have some samples of delicious foods made from seaweed.
Booking for this event is via www.dungarvanfoodfestival.com and it includes lunch at the hotel after the workshop, at approx 1 pm. and includes a small fee for adults, to cover cost of lunch.