This project has had such a positive impact on our local community and has facilitated some great connections between our commuity members. Recently we travelled to Athlone for a dinner and chat with all our local community members. It offered yet another day trip for members of our community that have been disconnected with the impact of Covid 19. We also went for a 'Walk and Talk' in the Altamont Gardens in South Carlow. Our group got to socialise in a very beautiful and tranquil part of Ireland and we had a fantastic trip there also. Overall this project has kept the most vulnerable members of our community connected and has spread joy and love in our small village of Killeshin and around.
Our second event since Covid restrictions ended was to the Dolmen Hotel on the 31st January where we went for a lovely lunch and a catch up with our Active Retirement group!
Our Active Retirement Boat Trip on the picturesque River Barrow. Later 13 members of the Active Retirement group had a beautiful meal in the Lord Bagnel Hotel. This was our first outing since Covid began so it turned to be a very special day out. We had a super guide who gave great information about the river and landmarks we passed.
Overview
The first meeting for the Walk and Talks project in Killeshin was a great success. We decided to start with three local walks in the locality; Killeshin Waterworks, Castlecomer and part of the Barrow Way which are all in close proximity. Different members of the committee will organise the three seperate events to ensure that the workload is spread between the members.
How to spend the Seed funding
The Seed funding will be spent on key speakers and experts to guide us around the different routes. For example we will have a heritage expert for the Waterworks walk and a focus on Biodiversity for the Barrow walk while the Castlecomer walk will focus on the history of the mines in that particular area and will incorporate a museum visit. The seed funding will mainly pay for these experts to give the talks as well as cover some museum and small refreshment costs. There will also be some Covid Safety costs incurred to ensure that it can be carried out in a safe manner.
Covid Safety Plan
We will be sure to follow all government guidelines so that the Walk and Talks series of events can go ahead successfully. Some of the key steps taken will be;
Checking of Vaccination Certificates
Maintaining Social Distancing
Wearing of Face Masks when necessary (under current government guidelines)
Hand Sanitiser on site for all to use
No sharing of objects or items
Benefit to the community
Rural isolation is a major problem in our community especially among the older generation. These walk and talks will connect people locally each wee with a different walk in places of interest locally. We feel that they will improve the feeling of social isolation felt by our active retirement group. Older people can often be forgotten about where this project will tie some of the most vulnerable people in our society together and connect them in a shared series of events.
This Walk and Talk series will improve the knowledge of the area and will foster community spirit and provide entertainment and enhance wellbeing of all.
