News Report for July 20^th 2010

·        A meeting will be held to present the West Cork Islands Strategy on Wednesday 28^th July 2010 at the Westlodge Hotel, Bantry. This will start at 10:30pm with an information session followed by a questions & answers session at 2pm. Everyone is welcome to come along. For those of you who would like to attend with children a full day of activities for children has been planned from 10:30am – 4pm which will include swimming classes, lunch and a range of other fully supervised activities. Cost per child is 5 euro and is supported by Bere Island Projects Group Ltd. Booking for the children is essential contact Projects Group Office on 75099

·        The Bere Island Heritage Centre is opening its ‘Living with the Sea' Exhibition on     Friday 23rd July until the end September 2010. This Exhibition illustrates just what it was and is like to live alongside the sea and includes displays on: Seine Boats & Fish Palaces, Shipwrecks, Irish Lights, Ferry’s servicing Bere Island through the years, Maritime artifacts, Aquaculture Farming techniques, Boat building, Navy activity in Berehaven and some children’s activities. Featuring model boats, outstanding photographs & stories, film footage and donations from the Call of the Sea Exhibition in Castletownbere, this exhibition provides an insight into the history and nature of maritime activity in Beara. Groups and School tours are also welcome. Theresa Hobbs, Project Officer, Bere Island Heritage Centre.  027 75956, biheritage@gmail.com   

·        There will be music in the Hotel this Thursday 22nd July with Jerry Bruton. Everyone welcome.

·        The Chernobyl Children will be visiting Bere Island this Thursday 22nd July from 12 noon – 4:30pm. A range of activities has been organised in the Heritage Centre. If anyone would like to come along and support the activities please contact the Projects Group Office on 75099. 

·        Bere Island Projects Group supported by Cork County Sports Partnership is holding 2 weeks of Summer Camps on Bere Island in July & August 2010. There will be a wide range of sporting and other activities for children aged 4 – 12 yrs. These camps are jam packed with fun and fully supervised. For more information & bookings contact the Projects Group Office on 75099.  

·        The Berehaven Red Cross are holding a sponsored walk this Saturday 24th July from Ardgroom to Castletownbere and across Bere Island and back to Castletownbere. If anyone is interested in participating in the walk please contact Adrian on 75099. Please support this worthy cause.

News Report for July 13^th 2010

·        The Berehaven Red Cross are holding a sponsored walk on Saturday 24^th July from Ardgroom to Castletownbere and across Bere Island and back to Castletownbere. If anyone is interested in participating in the walk please contact Adrian on 75099. Please support this worthy cause.

·        Preparations are well underway for this years Festival which takes place from Sunday 1^st – Sunday 8^th August. If you are interested in getting involved please contact any member of the committee. Any help that can be given would be greatly appreciated.

·        Dr Fiona Kelly will hold a clinic on today 13^th July at the Health Centre Bere Island from 11am to 12noon.
  

·        Water Safety week takes place on Bere Island from Monday next 19^th – 24^th July 2010. For enrolment contact Edel Murphy on 75988.

·        The Bere Island Heritage Centre will be opening a Maritime Exhibition on Friday 23rd July until the end of September. The Exhibition will include information on: Seine Boats & Fish Palaces, Shipwrecks, Irish Lights, Ferry’s, donations from the Call of the Sea Exhibition, Sea Life, Fishing Artefacts, Aquaculture, Boat building, Navy Vessels, and more. Groups and School tours are also welcome. For more information contact 75956 or email biheritage@gmail.com

·        Birthday greetings to Joseph Harrington, Ballinakilla who celebrated his 21^st birthday in the past week.

News Report for July 6^th 2010

·        Special Thanks from Ted Harrington to everyone who wished him well over the past week on the occasion of his 100^th birthday. Special thanks especially to Fr Joe Harrington for saying mass. It was much appreciated and very, very thoughtful of everyone.
 

·        Kitty’s Restaurant is now open for the summer from 12pm – 3pm & 5pm onwards 7 days per week. Last orders at 8pm. For bookings Tel: 75996.

·        Preparations are well underway for this years Festival which takes place from Sunday 1^st – Sunday 8^th August. If you are interested in getting involved please contact any member of the committee. Any help that can be given would be greatly appreciated.
  

·        Water Safety week takes place on Bere Island from 19^th – 24^th July 2010. For enrolment contact Edel Murphy on 75988.

·        Fáilte Ireland Tourist Office Staff will be visiting the Bantry Bay islands on Wednesday & Thursday of this week. They will be visiting the Heritage Centre Bere Island at 11am on Thursday. Anyone wishing to meet them is welcome to do so.

News Report for June 29^th 2010  

·        The Bere Island Heritage Centre will be holding an Independence Day Fair on Sunday 4^th July from 12pm to 3pm.  With crafts, food stalls, music, a BBQ, story telling with Teddy Black, a poetry recital from Seamus Harrington, face painting, egg and spoon race, sack race, 3 legged race, tug of war and a bouncy castle. This is a family day with lots of fun and Everyone is welcome! Contact 027 75956 or email biheritage@gmail.com for more information.

·        The Projects Group and Heritage Centre staff would like to thank Maria Angeles Mena Mateos, our student from Spain who was with us from January to June.  Maria has been working with the island groups, in particular the youth group and has been working on a youth exchange project proposal for them, she has helped out a lot in the Heritage Centre and has been a pleasure to work with and we wish her every success on her return to Spain later this week. 

·        A preparation meeting for the visit of the Fáilte Ireland staff on 7^th & 8^th July will be held on Friday next 2^nd July at the Heritage Centre at 7pm. Everyone is welcome to come along.

·        Congratulations and Best Wishes to Jim Hanley & Gillian Mulcahy who were married on Friday last at the Honar Chapel, UCC followed by a reception at the Maryborough Hotel, Douglas . We wish them a happy and healthy life together.

·        Congratulations and best wishes also to Ted Harrington, Derrycreeveen who celebrates his 100^th birthday today 29^th June 2010. We wish him many more years of health and happiness.

News Report for June 22^nd 2010  

·        The Bere Island Heritage centre will be hosting a Mid Summer Painting Retreat with Jenni White on 25^th, 26^th & 27^th June. Please call us to book your place as spaces are limited. 75956 or email biheritage@gmail.com

·        The Bere Island Heritage Centre will be holding an Independence Day Fair on Sunday 4th July from 12pm to 3pm.  With crafts, food stalls, music, a BBQ, story telling with Teddy Black, a poetry recital from Seamus Harrington, face painting, egg and spoon race, sack race, 3 legged race, tug of war and a bouncy castle. This is a family day with lots of fun. Everyone is welcome.

·        The Draft West Cork Islands Integrated Development Strategy is now available on the Cork County Council website. http://www.corkcoco.ie/cp/pdf/124915003.pdf The strategy addresses the physical, social and cultural development of the West Cork Islands with a view to making the islands a better place in which to live, work, visit and do business. The draft strategy is currently on public consultation and submissions or observations can be made up until June 25^th For more information please call the office on 027 75099 

·        Congratulations to Kathleen Spillane and John O’ Shea who were married on Saturday last at St Michael’s Church Bere Island followed by a reception at the Eccles Hotel, Glengarriff. We wish them a happy and healthy life together.  

·        Congratulations and Best Wishes to Helen Walsh, Mayfield Cork who scooped €310,000 in the Big Money Game on Saturday 12^th June last.

News Report for June 15^th 2010  

·        Bere Island GAA Club and Bere Island Heritage Centre are holding a fundraising golf classic in Berehaven Golf Club on Friday & Saturday next 18^th & 19^th of June. Teams of 3 mixed or otherwise are invited to participate. The cost of a team is €60. Also any sponsorship for greens or tee’s or any donations would be greatly appreciated. For more information contact Una Kingston on 087 2660668.

·        The Bere Island Heritage centre will be hosting a Mid Summer Painting Retreat with Jenni White on 25^th, 26^th & 27^th June. Please call us to book your place as spaces are limited. 75956 or email biheritage@gmail.com

·        The Draft West Cork Islands Integrated Development Strategy is now available on the Cork County Council website. http://www.corkcoco.ie/cp/pdf/124915003.pdf The strategy addresses the physical, social and cultural development of the West Cork Islands with a view to making the islands a better place in which to live, work, visit and do business. The draft strategy is currently on public consultation and submissions or observations can be made up until June 25^th. A public meeting will be held in the Bere Island Heritage centre on tomorrow Wednesday 16^th June at 8pm to discuss the preparation of the strategy and on the submission period. Breeda Murphy from Cork County Council will attend. Copies of the strategy are also available in the office. It is important that you attend this meeting to have your say into the strategy and to find out how to make a submission. For more information please call the office on 027 75099

·        The next edition of the Bere Island newsletter is due soon. Any articles, photos etc can be emailed to bereisle@eircom.net or dropped into the office on or before Friday next 18^th June. 

News Report for June 8th 2010  

·     The next Active Retirement Group meeting will take place on Monday next 14th June at the Heritage Centre at 11am. Margaret Carney, HSE will give a talk on diabetes. Anyone interested in attending or needing a lift can contact the Projects Group on 75099.

·     Bere Island GAA Club and Bere Island Heritage Centre are holding a fundraising golf classic in Berehaven Golf Club on Friday 18th & Saturday 19th of June. Teams of 3 mixed or otherwise are invited to participate. The cost of a team is €60. Also any sponsorship for greens or tee’s or any donations would be greatly appreciated. For more information contact Una Kingston on 087 2660668.

News Report for May 31st 2010  

·     The community of Bere Island are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Aisling Sullivan, The Strand, Bere Island on Thursday last following an accident earlier in the week. Aisling was a bright happy child who brought joy to all she met. She will be sadly missed by all. We would like to extend our sympathy to her parents Jack & Anne, brothers Sean, Kieran, Aidan and Liam, grandparents Patrick, Anne, Anna and Frank, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and huge circle of friends.

OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE HERITAGE CENTRE, BERE ISLAND BY PRESIDENT MARY MCALEESE ON SATURDAY 29TH MAY 2010 HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

THE BERE ISLAND COUNTRY & WESTERN FESTIVAL FRIDAY 28TH - SUNDAY 30TH MAY 2010 HAS ALSO BEEN CANCELLED. 




News Report for May 18^th 2010  

·        Another Spring Clean will be taking place on Monday next 24^th May. Meet at the Community centre at 7pm. Everyone is encouraged to make the effort to attend.

·        There will be a public information meeting on Tuesday 18^th May at 8pm in the Heritage Centre regarding the President’s visit to Bere Island on the 29^th May to officially open the Heritage Centre, everyone is welcome.

·        Preparations are actively underway for the President’s visit.  The President will arrive at the Heritage Centre at 11am and people are requested to be there 30 minutes in advance.  Those also wishing to see the guard of honour in Rerrin village at 10.30 must ensure that they leave the village immediately after this event to arrive at the Heritage Centre before the President.  There is an open invitation to all.

·        There will be a Hands on Soap Making workshop with Maria Angeles on Saturday 22nd May, learn how to make homemade soaps, bath salts & lip balm with natural ingredients. For more information or booking contact the Heritage Centre on 75956.

·        The Bere Island Heritage Centre will be hosting a Mid Summer Painting Retreat with Jenni White on the 25th, 26th and 27th June, please call us to book your place as spaces are limited 75956.

·        An Active Retirement Group outing will take place on tomorrow Wednesday to Kilcrohane. Boat leaves west end at 8:30am and returning on the 6:30pm ferry. Anyone who would like to book a place can contact Laura on 75099.  

·        A health training day as part of the Primary Healthcare Project will be held on Tuesday next 25^th May in Schull. 2 island representatives are needed to attend. For more information contact the Projects Group Office on 75099.

·        The annual Country & Western Festival will take place from Friday 28^th – Sunday 30^th May. Friday night – Der Hurley, Saturday night – Robert Mizzell and Sunday afternoon ceili with James Kelleher. Everyone welcome.

News Report for May 11^th 2010  

·        Another Spring Clean will be taking place on Monday 24^th May. Meet at the Community centre at 7pm. Everyone is encouraged to make the effort to attend.

·        A white goods collection will take place on Monday next 17^th May on Bere Island . Items can be dropped to the recycling centre between 9am & 12 noon on the day only. Anything with a plug or battery can be included e.g. children’s toys, toasters, kettles etc. For more information contact 75099.

·        Bere Island Projects Group received funding under the Equality for Women Measure. A Women’s Night has been organised for Saturday next 15^th May and will include a meal at the Look Out at 7pm followed by a talk on women’s health by Dr Fiona Kelly followed by music in the Hotel. Cost 20euro per person. To book a place contact Laura/ Bernie on 75099 on or before tomorrow Wednesday 12^th May.

·        The AGM of Comhdhail Oileain na hEireann will be held on Saturday next 15^th May in Rathlin Island . A bus has been organised leaving on Friday 14^th and returning on Sunday 16^th May. Anyone interested in booking a seat on the bus should contact the Projects Group Office on 75099. 

·        There will be a public information meeting on Tuesday 18^th May at 8pm in the Heritage Centre regarding the President’s visit to Bere Island on the 29^th May to officially open the Heritage Centre, everyone is welcome.

·        The book launch that was due to be held on Thursday May 13th at 4pm for Thom Kleiss has now been cancelled due to the current uncertain travel situation.

·        There will be a garden structures workshop on Saturday 15th May with Basketry artist Lynn Kirkham, learn to make plant supports, trellis, fences, tipis and domes, book your space early for this course as there are only a few spaces left.

·        There will be a hands on soap making workshop with Maria Angeles May 22^nd, learn how to make homemade soaps, bath slats & lip balm with natural ingredients.

·        The Bere Island Heritage Centre will be hosting a Mid Summer Painting Retreat with Jenni White on the 25^th, 26^th and 27^th June, please call us to book your place as spaces are limited. For more details on any of the above contact 75956 or biheritage@gmail.com

·        Michael O’ Leary & Deirdre McGuinness would like to thank everyone for their help on Friday last. They would like to thank especially all the islanders who helped on the day, the fire brigade personnel, the ferry operators, everyone who has helped them since Friday, The McGuinness Family and all their friends both on and off the island.

News Report for May 4^th 2010  

·        A white goods collection will take place on Monday 17^th May on Bere Island . Items can be dropped to the recycling centre between 9am & 12 noon on the day only. Anything with a plug or battery can be included e.g. children’s toys, toasters, kettles etc. For more information contact 75099.

·        A public consultation evening regarding the future Public Health Nurse cover on Bere Island will be held on Monday next 10^th May at 7:15pm in the Heritage Centre. Reps from the HSE will attend and everyone is welcome to come along.

·        The AGM of Comhdhail Oileain na hEireann will be held on Saturday 15^th May in Rathlin Island . A bus has been organised leaving on Friday 14^th and returning on Sunday 16^th May. Anyone interested in booking a seat on the bus should contact the Projects Group Office on 75099. 

·        On Thursday May 13th at 4pm Thom Kleiss will launch his novel 'Aan dek!' in the Heritage Centre.  Aan dek!, a novel written in Dutch, about 'coming of middle age' has important episodes playing on Bere Island .  After a small introduction, he will dedicate the book to the Bere Island Heritage Centre

·        There will be a garden structures workshop on Saturday 15th May with Basketry artist Lynn Kirkham, learn to make plant supports, trellis, fences, tipis and domes, book your space early for this course as there are only a few spaces left.

·        There will be a hands on soap making workshop with Maria Angeles May 22^nd, learn how to make homemade soaps, bath slats & lip balm with natural ingredients.

·        The Bere Island Heritage Centre will be hosting a Mid Summer Painting Retreat with Jenni White on the 25^th, 26^th and 27^th June, please call us to book your place as spaces are limited. For more details on any of the above contact 75956 or biheritage@gmail.com

·        Best Wishes to Francis Lehane, ESB Castletownbere on his recent retirement.

News Report for April 27^th 2010  

·        A white goods collection will take place on Monday 17^th May on Bere Island . Items can be dropped to the recycling centre between 9am & 12 noon on the day only. Anything with a plug or battery can be included e.g. children’s toys, toasters, kettles etc. For more information contact 75099.

·        A public consultation evening regarding the future Public Health Nurse cover on Bere Island will be held on Monday 10^th May at 7:15pm in the Heritage Centre. Reps from the HSE will attend and everyone is welcome to come along.

·        Thanks to everyone who took part in the clean up on Friday last. The fourth Tidy Islands win in a row is underway so we are organising another clean up for one months time. Everyone is encouraged to keep up the good work and keep the island tidy.

·        If you would like to participate in the next Safe Pass course on the island which is due to be held in May please contact Bernie on 75099 as soon as possible to book your place.

·        The AGM of Comhdhail Oileain na hEireann will be held on Saturday 15^th May in Rathlin Island . A bus has been organised leaving on Friday 14^th and returning on Sunday 16^th May. Anyone interested in booking a seat on the bus should contact the Projects Group Office on 75099. 

·        On Thursday May 13th at 4pm Thom Kleiss will launch his novel 'Aan dek!' in the Heritage Centre.  Aan dek!, a novel written in Dutch, about 'coming of middle age' has important episodes playing on Bere Island .  After a small introduction, he will dedicate the book to the Bere Island Heritage Centre

·        There will be a garden structures workshop on Saturday 15th May with Basketry artist Lynn Kirkham, learn to make plant supports, trellis, fences, tipis and domes, book your space early for this course as there are only a few spaces left.

·        There will be a hands on soap making workshop with Maria Angeles May 22^nd, learn how to make homemade soaps, bath slats & lip balm with natural ingredients.

·        The Bere Island Heritage Centre will be hosting a Mid Summer Painting Retreat with Jenni White on the 25^th, 26^th and 27^th June, please call us to book your place as spaces are limited. For more details on any of the above contact 75956 or biheritage@gmail.com

News Report for April 20^th 2010  

·        On Thursday May 13th at 4pm Thom Kleiss will launch his novel 'Aan dek!' in the Heritage Centre.  Aan dek!, a novel written in Dutch, about 'coming of middle age' has important episodes playing on Bere Island .  After a small introduction, he will dedicate the book to the Bere Island Heritage Centre

·        There will be a garden structures workshop on Saturday 15th May with Basketry artist Lynn Kirkham, learn to make plant supports, trellis, fences, tipis and domes, book your space early for this course as there are only a few spaces left.

·        There will be a hands on soap making workshop with Maria Angeles in May, learn how to make homemade soaps, bath slats & lip balm with natural ingredients.

·        The Bere Island Heritage Centre will be hosting a Mid Summer Painting Retreat with Jenni White on the 25^th, 26^th and 27^th June, please call us to book your place as spaces are limited. For more details on any of the above contact 75956 or biheritage@gmail.com

·        The Annual Country & Western Festival takes place from Friday 28^th – Sunday 30^th May 2010. There is a full line up of entertainment for the weekend including Robert Mizzell & the Country Kings and set dancing on Sunday afternoon. See posters locally for more details.

·        It’s that time of year again when we start to prepare for the Tidy Islands competition. We are asking everyone to please make the effort to keep our island clean and tidy.

·        A white goods collection will take place on Bere Island in the coming weeks. Anything with a plug or battery can be included e.g children’s toys, toasters, kettles etc. For more information contact the Projects Group on 75099.

·        Another safe pass course is being organised on Bere Island . If you would like to participate please contact Bernie on 75099 on or before Monday 26^th April with a fee of €90. Your place is not guaranteed unless the fee is paid on time.

·        A very Happy Birthday to Lizzie Reid who celebrated her 21^st birthday at the weekend from all her friends on Bere Island .

News Report for April 13^th 2010

·        The Annual Country & Western Festival takes place from Friday 28^th – Sunday 30^th May 2010. There is a full line up of entertainment for the weekend including Robert Mizzell & the Country Kings and set dancing on Sunday afternoon. See posters locally for more details.

·        A white goods collection will take place on Bere Island in the coming weeks. Anything with a plug or battery can be included e.g children’s toys, toasters, kettles etc. For more information contact the Projects Group on 75099.

·        The Bere Island Heritage Centre would like to thank everyone who supported the Spring Fair on Sunday, the weather was fantastic and it was a great day.
There will be a Midsummer Painting Retreat with Jenni White on the 25th, 26th and 27th June, please call us to book your place.
Membership for the Heritage Centre is now available, please enquire for details.
Please contact Theresa Hobbs Project Officer, Geraldine O Sullivan Project Administrator, Bere Island Heritage Centre.
Tel: 027 75956 or email: biheritage@gmail.com.

·        Due to the high demand a second safe pass course is being organised on Bere Island . If you would like to participate please contact Bernie on 75099 on or before Monday 26^th April.

·        Frank van den Burg, a student from the Netherlands has been on the island for the past 10 weeks on work experience. He will be leaving us next week and we would like to thank him for all the work he has done and wish him well for the future.

·        Belated birthday greetings to Ann Marie Harrington, Ardagh who celebrated her birthday recently.

News Report for April 6^th 2010

·        There was great excitement around Bere Island over the weekend with the arrival of the Cork senior football team who spent the weekend here training. They put down a busy weekend which they all enjoyed and hopefully it will stand to them in their quest for Sam. Best of luck.

·        We would like to say farewell to all the people who came to Bere Island for the Easter retreat which is now an annual event organised by the world community for Christian meditation, they are a great group of people and many friendships were created over the week and we look forward to seeing them all again.

·        The Bere Island Heritage Centre is holding the following weekly classes open to everyone: Guitar lessons in the West room at 8pm tonight.
Irish Dancing Classes for Children on Tuesdays from 4.30pm to 5.30pm.
Meditation is held on Wednesday evenings in the West Room at 7pm.
Salsa dancing is on Thursdays at 7pm for children and 8pm for adults.
Our Spring Fair will be held on Sunday 11^th April from 12pm.  Please contact Theresa Hobbs Project Officer, Tel: 027 75956 or email: biheritage@gmail.com

·        The race night for Haiti which was held in the hotel was a great success and was well supported, so thanks to everyone for that.

·        The Charity Cake Sale in aid of the Irish Cancer Society will be held on Sunday 4th April, from 12pm onwards at the Bere Island Heritage Centre. All home baking is welcome, please contact Joanna on 086-8078691 if you would like to bake something.

News Report for March 30^th 2010

·        Congratulations to Beara community school who won the All Ireland vocational schools B championship last Saturday, well done an a great win which has given the peninsula a great boost. We would also like to give a special mention to the Bere Island players, Cihan Harrington, David Murphy and to the coach Sean Crowley, who have done the Island proud.

·        The Bere Island Heritage Centre is holding the following weekly classes open to everyone: Join Father Laurence Freeman, Director of the World Community for Meditation for a week long retreat commencing the 29^th March, this is a great opportunity to relax and take time out. Please see notices locally.
Guitar lessons in the West room at 8pm on Mondays.
Irish Dancing Classes for Children on Tuesdays from 4.30pm to 5.30pm.
Meditation is held on Wednesday evenings in the West Room at 7pm.
Salsa dancing is on Thursdays at 7pm for children and 8pm for adults.

Our Spring Fair will be held on Sunday 11^th April from 12pm. There will be a Willow Garden Structures weekend workshop on Saturday 17^th and Sunday 18^th April, book your spaces early.  Join artist Jenni White for the Midsummer Painting Retreat working with watercolours on the 25^th, 26^th and 27^th June, please call us to book your place.
Please contact Theresa Hobbs Project Officer, Tel: 027 75956 or email: biheritage@gmail.com.

·        The Charity Cake Sale in aid of the Irish Cancer Society will be held on Sunday 4th April, from 12pm onwards at the Bere Island Heritage Centre. All home baking is welcome, please contact Joanna on 086-8078691 if you would like to bake something.

·          Bere Island active retirement group are holding a planning day in the Lookout tomorrow to plan for the activities for the rest of the year. The day starts at 11.30 followed by food at 1, so please come along and have your input for the year.

News Report for March 22^nd 2010

·        The Bere Island Heritage Centre is holding the following weekly classes open to everyone:
Guitar lessons in the West room at 8pm on Mondays.
Irish Dancing Classes for Children on Tuesdays from 4.30pm to 5.30pm.
Meditation is held on Wednesday evenings in the West Room at 7pm.
Salsa dancing is on Thursdays at 7pm for children and 8pm for adults.
Our exhibition " Bere Island 's Military Past" continues until the end of April.
Membership for the Heritage Centre is now available; please enquire with us for details.
Join Father Laurence Freeman, Director of the World Community for Meditation for a week long retreat commencing the 29^th March, this is a great opportunity to relax and take time out.
Our Spring Fair will be held on Sunday 11^th April from 12pm, this is a family day with crafts and food stalls, face painting and music and everyone is welcome.  On the same day we have a cake sale with the proceeds going to the Irish Cancer Society, please contact Joanna Murphy for details.
There will be a Willow Garden Structures weekend workshop on Saturday 17^th and Sunday 18^th April, book your spaces early.  This is a chance to make your own fencing, trellis, plant supports, tipis or domes.
Join artist Jenni White for the Midsummer Painting Retreat working with watercolours on the 25^th, 26^th and 27^th June, please call us to book your place.
Please contact Theresa Hobbs Project Officer, Geraldine O Sullivan Project Administrator, or Tomasz Olczak, Bere Island Heritage Centre.Tel: 027 75956 or email: biheritage@gmail.com.

·        The Charity Cake Sale in aid of the Irish Cancer Society will be held on Sunday 4th April, from 12pm onwards at the Bere Island Heritage Centre. All home baking is welcome, please contact Joanna on 086-8078691 if you would like to bake something.

·        The next edition of the Bere Island Newsletter is now being put together. If you have any items for inclusion please drop them into the office or email them to bereisle@eircom.net before tomorrow Wednesday.

·        Sincere condolences to the family of the late Margaret Sullivan, Ballylickey and Ballinakilla, Bere Island . May she rest in peace.

News Report for March 15^th 2010

·        In respect of recent events, the Charity Cake Sale that was due to be held on Saturday March 20th has been postponed to Sunday 4th April, from 12pm onwards at the Bere Island Heritage Centre, all funds raised will be donated to the Irish Cancer Society.  All home baking is welcome, please contact Joanna on 086-8078691 if you would like to bake something.
 
Our Spring Fair that was due to be held on Sunday 21st March has also been postponed to Sunday 4th April, from 12pm onwards, with Handmade crafts, knitwear, food stalls, a raffle, music, refreshments and face painting, this is a family day with lots of fun and Everyone is welcome!
 
The Bere Island Ferry leaves from Super Valu at 12.30, returning 4.30pm or 6.30pm and Murphy’s Ferry leaves from the Pontoon at 1pm, returning 2.30pm or 4.30pm.

·        Bere Island Projects Group held their elections on Friday last 12^th March 2010. Brendan Murphy, John Orpen and Cormac Sidley filled the vacancies through the elections. We would like to thank Marie Orpen for her many years of dedication to the group and wish Cormac well with his new role.     

·        A safe pass course is being organised on Bere Island for Saturday 27^th March. If you are interested please contact Bernie on 75099 as soon as possible to book a place. Cost is €70 per person.  

News Report for March 9^th 2010

·        If you're looking for a tranquil setting with stunning views to enjoy a tea or coffee, try Bere Island Heritage centre, open every day or try one of the following classes this week: 
Spanish, Irish Dancing, A Home Growing Gardening course, Basket making, Meditation, Guitar lessons, Crochet or Salsa dancing
Our exhibition "Bere Island's Military Past" continues throughout this month.
Membership for the Heritage Centre is now available, please enquire for details.
There will be a Traditional Basket making weekend on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28th March and a Willow Craft weekend on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th April, book your spaces early.
There will be a Watercolour Workshop weekend with Jenni White on the 25th, 26th and 27th June, please call us to book your place.
There will be a public meeting in the Heritage Centre at 2pm on Wed 10th March to discuss fundraising ideas for earthquake victims in
Haiti and Chile .
Our Spring Fair will be held on the 21st March from 12pm, this is a family day and everyone is welcome.
Anyone interested in learning Dutch or doing a quilting course, please
contact us on 75956.

·        Bere Island Projects Group Ltd will hold their AGM on tomorrow Wednesday 10^th March 2010 at 9pm in the community centre. Everyone is welcome.

·        Bere Island Projects Group will hold their elections on Friday next 12^th March 2010 from 9am – 9:30pm at the community centre. 3 people have stepped down therefore there are 3 vacancies to be filled. You will be voting for the following on Friday: Brendan Murphy, Rerrin, Cormac Sidley, Greenane, John Orpen, Derrycreeveen and Marie Orpen, Ballinakilla.     

·        A cake sale is being planned by Joanna Murphy in aid of the victims of Haiti and Chile . Joanna will be holding two meetings, 1 has already been held and the other will be held on tomorrow Wed 10th March at 2pm in Heritage Centre. Meetings are to discuss and prepare for Community Cake and Home baking Sale so please all able home bakers please attend. Cake Sale to be held on Saturday of Spring Fair at the Heritage Centre. Proceeds to the victims of Haiti and Chile .

·        A safe pass course is being organised for the end of March. If you are interested please contact Bernie on 75099 as soon as possible to book a place. Cost is €70 per person.  

·        A community consultation meeting will be held today Tuesday 9^th March at the Heritage Centre at 2:30pm in order to input into the Interagency Strategy which is currently being developed. Everyone is welcome.

·        Birthday greetings to Josie Harrington, Ballinakilla who celebrated a special birthday recently.

News Report for March 2^nd 2010

• The Bere Island Heritage Centre's exhibition " Bere Island 's Military Past" continues throughout this month.
  Membership for the Heritage Centre is now available, please enquire for details.
  There will be a Traditional Basket making weekend on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28th March and a Willow Craft weekend on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th April, book your spaces early.
  There will be a Watercolour Workshop weekend with Jenni White on the 25th, 26th and 27th June, please call us to book your place.
  There will be a public meeting in the Heritage Centre at 2pm on Wed 10th March to discuss fundraising ideas for earthquake victims in Haiti and Chile .
  Our Spring Fair will be held on the 21st March from 12pm, this is a family day and everyone is welcome.
  Anyone interested in learning Dutch or doing a quilting course, please contact us on 75956.

·        Bere Island Projects Group Ltd will hold their AGM on Wednesday 10^th March 2010 at 9pm in the community centre. Everyone is welcome.

·        Bere Island Projects Group will hold their elections on Friday 12^th March 2010 from 9am – 9:30pm at the community centre. Nomination forms have been sent to each household on the island and must be returned by 5pm on Friday next 5^th March.  

·        Nominations are also welcome for the ferry monitoring committee and can also be sent to the office before 5pm on Friday next 5^th March.

·        Best Wishes to Luke Sidley who celebrated his 4^th birthday last week.

·        A cake sale is being planned by Joanna Murphy in aid of the victims of Haiti and Chile . Joanna will be holding two meetings, 1 evening meeting on Mon 8th March at 9pm in Community Centre and 1 afternoon meeting on Wed 10th March at 2pm in Heritage Centre. Meetings are to discuss and prepare for Community Cake and Home baking Sale so please all able home bakers please attend. Cake Sale to be held on Saturday of Spring Fair at the Heritage Centre. Proceeds to the victims of Haiti and Chile .

·        A safe pass course is being organised for the end of March. If you are interested please contact Bernie on 75099 before Friday next 5^th March to book a place. Cost is €70 per person.  

·        A series of community consultation meetings will be held on the West Cork Islands starting next week to input into the Interagency Strategy which is currently being developed. The Bere Island consultation meeting will be held on Tuesday March 9^th at 2:30pm in the Heritage Centre. Everyone welcome.

News Report for February 23^rd 2010

• Bere Island Heritage has the following classes and events coming up:

Irish Dancing Classes for Children are on every Tuesday from 4.30pm to 5.30pm.
A Home Growing course starts on Tuesday from 4.30pm to 6pm for 4 weeks.
The next Basket making course also starts tomorrow night at 7.30pm for 4 weeks, very limited spaces left.
Spanish lessons are in the West Room at 6pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Meditation is held every Wednesday evening in the West Room at 7pm.
Guitar lessons are in the West room at 8pm every Wednesday.
Salsa dancing is on Thursdays at 7pm for children and 8pm for adults.
Our exhibition ' Bere Island 's Military Past' continues throughout this month.
Heritage Centre membership is now available, please enquire if you are interested in this. We have a Spring fair on the 21st March which will be a great day for all the family.
The centre is running a watercolour workshop weekend at the on the 25th, 26th and 27th June, please contact us to book your place.

·        The Community day of healing that was scheduled for the 27^th February has now been postponed to the summer. Anyone interested in learning Dutch or doing a Quilting course, please contact us.

·        Bere Island Projects Group Ltd will hold their AGM on Wednesday 10^th March 2010 at 9pm in the community centre. The Bere Island Projects Group elections will be held on Friday 12^th March 2010. Letters will issue to each household in the next week with nomination forms.  

·        Congratulations to Rachael Sullivan and Patrick Harrington who got engaged last weekend

·        Birthday greetings to Sheila Walsh, Ballinakilla who celebrates her birthday around now.

News Report for February 16^th 2010

·              The Bere Island Heritage Centres exhibition “Bere Islands Military Past” continues this week, with members of the Irish Great War Society displaying uniforms, medals, badges and other WW1 memorabilia on Saturday 20^th for the day. Please contact the Heritage Centre for more details: 027 75956 or biheritage@gmail.com

·              BIM are running a 2 week Fetac Seaweed Module from 22^nd March – 1^st April 2010. Cost of the course is €200. For more information or booking contact Della, BIM Castletownbere on 70450. 

·              Bere Island Projects Group Ltd will hold their AGM on Wednesday 10^th March 2010 at 9pm in the community centre. The Bere Island Projects Group elections will be held on Friday 12^th March. Letters will issue to each household in the next week with nomination forms.  

·              A Race Night will be held at the Hotel on Saturday 3^rd April 2010 in aid of the Haiti Appeal. Anyone interested in sponsoring a race etc should contact Catherine on 027 75075 or Angela on 087 9207860.

·              Birthday greetings to Amy Orpen, Derrycreeveen who celebrates her birthday around now.

News Report for February 2^nd 2010  

·              The Bere Island Heritage Centre would like to thank everyone who attended the coffee morning organised by the Bere Island Meditation group on Wednesday last. A huge €1750 was raised for helping the people of Haiti , well done to everyone involved.

·              Bere Island ’s Military Past exhibition opens on Saturday 13^th February, with a presentation on the history of Martello Towers by Bere Island historian Ted Sullivan on Sunday 14^th February at 12pm.  The exhibition is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and on Saturday 20th February, Members of the Irish Great War Society will be displaying First World War uniforms, equipment & memorabilia. Our exhibition includes displays on:
Lonehort Viking Harbour including a model of a Viking Ship made by the Bere Island Youth Group
The Siege of Dunboy in 1602
The Battle of Bantry Bay in 1689
The French Armada attempted Invasion in 1796 including details on the Bantry Longboat
The Fortification of Bere Island in the early 1800’s
Construction of Lonehort Battery and Military buildings early 1900’s
Berehaven in The First World War
Submarine Indicator Loop Stations in the late 1930’s
The Handover of Fort Berehaven in 1938
 Please contact the Heritage Centre for details: 027 75956 or biheritage@gmail.com

·              A reminder that a few places are still available for the Safety At Sea course being run in BIM Castletownbere on 23/ 24/ 25 February next. For more information or to book a place please contact Bernie as soon as possible on 027 75099.

·              A Race Night will be held at the Hotel on Saturday 3^rd April 2010 in aid of the Haiti Appeal. Anyone interested in sponsoring a race etc should contact Catherine on 027 75075 or Angela on 087 9207860.

·              The Senior Citizens Party will be held at 7pm in the Hotel on Friday next 5^th February 2010. Everyone welcome.

News Report for January 19^th 2010  

·        The Bere Island Heritage Centre will be holding a Spring Fair on Sunday 21st March from 12pm to 3 pm. The cost will be €10 per table for sellers, and there will be children’s games, face painting, food, music and fun for everyone.  Please contact us to book your table and we look forward to seeing you all here.

 Harriet Roach will be starting a Home Growing course in February, this will be a fun way to create your very own kitchen garden with practical hints and tips.

A Quilting course with art teacher Sean O’Laoghaire will also be starting in February.

Maria Angeles will be holding Spanish Classes in February, a great opportunity to learn from a native speaker. Please book your places in advance.
 
Our first themed exhibition for the New Year " Bere Island 's Military Past" will be opening on February 13th. A detailed schedule of events will follow.

Please contact us on 027 75956 or Email: biheritage@gmail.com 

• Places are still available for the Safety At Sea and Marine Engineering courses being organised through Bere Island Projects Group Ltd. For more information contact Bernie on 027 75099.
  
  
• Congratulations and best wishes to Michael Dennehy, Greenane and William O’ Sullivan, Rerrin who celebrated their 21^st birthdays on Saturday night last at the Hotel.