Judges comment favourably on Tidy Town performance
The eagerly awaited results for the Tidy Towns Competition are as follows: Virginia received 214 marks in Category D out of a possible 500.
The marks were broken down into those out of 50 and they were awarded for the following categories:
Overall Development-34, Roads, Streets and Back Areas-25, The Built Environment-30, Landscaping-27, Wildlife and Natural Amenities-19, Litter Control-26. Waste Minimisation-7 out of 20. Tidiness-14 out of 30. Residential Areas-24 out of 40. General Impression 8 out of 10.
Out of a possible maximum mark of 400 the town got 214 thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Tidy Towns Committee within Virginia Development and those who came along each week to help.
Judges Comments:
Overall Development Approach:
Virginia Development Association is one which shows a high level of pride in and commitment to their town, and rightly so! There was mention in last year's report of a work programme and the possibility of elaboration on it. They asked if that was acted on. If acted upon it would be a useful document for them to clarify their ideas and aims and also in order that judges can see goals. It will also be useful as a guide to show both the Development Association and the judges how it has progressed over the years. Both maps were very clear and very useful on the day. You would appear to have a large committee which is to your advantage.
The Built Environment:
Public and commercial premises throughout the town looked well on the day. The magnificent Church of Ireland with it's marvelous grounds and magnificent avenue of trees terminates the vista of Main street beautifully. The old Catholic Church that forms the Ramor Theatre, forming the “bookend” at the other end of the street, also looked well, The striking modern Catholic Church, National school and grounds on the Bailieborough Road looked well. The Courthouse was admired in pink. There are a number of striking modern buildings in the town environs which act as a foil to the existing stock of buildings, such as the Credit Union in render and stone, the Health Centre at the other end of town, Virginia College (the plinth of the railings here was a little tatty at the waterside) and the Shopping Centre, tucked in off Main Street. The lovely displays at Pergola Nurseries make a cheerful impression. The Chestnut tree was quite fresh, as was James Matthews and the Woodbine Inn. Centra and the Riverfront Hotel sported some magnificent floral displays. Pauline's Flowers & Gifts was admired. The Mill Bar looked well as did the Fortune Palace with its original sash windows above. The Fire station and Library were q2uite fresh in the Bailieborough Road. Talks with local businesses about signage are a good idea.
Landscaping:
The Square outside the Church of Ireland had colourful displays and a cheerfully painted village pump. The boat at the Dublin end of the town made a cheerful welcoming display, as did the associated floral displays on the bridge. There are a number of relatively new trees at the top of Main street, which will be a great inheritance for future generations and we note your plans for additional tree planting on the road to Ramor Lake. Hedging at the Ramor United GFC Club was admired. The gravelled beds to the front of the National School looked very well. Attractive planting to the banks of single storey stone cottages on this road was also admired. We look forward to seeing your new lamp standards. Planting at the new shopping centre should look well when matured.
Wildlife & Natural Amenities
You are indeed fortunate in being in such close proximity to the marvellous asset of the lake and with the wealth of mature trees in the town and its environs. We note that you re-entered last year after an absence of a number of years so this a category, which is quite new to you. Have you considered organizing a wildlife survey? You can get local experts and schoolchildren involved in drawing one up. Other towns have found it useful to create wildlife areas, wildflower meadows or even erecting wildlife information boards-the lake area looked well. The allocation of Green Spaces to the schools is another excellent idea. The proposed Heritage and Nature Trail is looked forward to next year. The proposals to open the lakes, boglands and woodlands as centres of leaning is another lovely idea.
Litter Control
The standard of litter control on the day was very good. A little was evident on the Ballyjamesduff Road and on the Main Street near the junction with Ramor Lake Road. The daily pick ups are obviously paying off. There is a problem area in the circular stone feature at the Square, where quite a lot of rubbish has accumulated. We note your comments regarding new and fewer bins as a solution to this problem in general and look forward to hearing your findings. The litter warden's visits to schools is a good initiative.
Waste Minimisation:
There was some evidence of dumping at the Bring Banks in the Shopping Centre, as there was last year. We note your comments regarding these becoming more varied in their range of materials accepted. This category also relates to how you handle the issues of waste management. Do you compost the green materials that you accumulate in your landscaping work-grass cuttings clippings etc? Do you segregate the litter you collect in your pick-ups? It also relates to how you make the community in general more aware of these issues-schools, households and businesses. Does the school participate in the Green flag initiative? Plans for a segregated bin on Main Street are a good idea.
Tidiness
The town was generally quite neat and tidy. There were a few problems areas in regard to weed control, such as on the road to Ramor Lake. There is a rusty pole on Main Street which may have supported a sign at sometime. It should be removed. Discourage fly posting as this can give approach roads a rather cluttered appearance. A few outbuildings behind the courthouse were in need of attention.
Residential Areas:
Houses along approach roads were generally well cared for with attractive gardens-those along the Cavan Road being particularly admired. The new housing estates such as Yew Park, Deerpark Manor and the Drumlins were noted. The latter sporting a stone and brick wall at the entrance leading in which made a good impression. The charming stone cottages with rustic columned porches were, as ever, admired. It was interesting to note that the barge-boards to the dormers were different in each one! Bell's Grove B&B contributed well in this category on the competition, as did the other houses in this row on the Cavan Road.
Roads, Streets and Back areas:
The road leading to Ramor Lake was a little potholed, as mentioned last year. We look forward to proposed improvements in this location. The Cavan road is an attractive approach to the town with well maintained grass verges (though there were a couple of them which appeared quite brown- had they been sprayed with weed killer?) and mature overhanging trees. The Dublin Road was not as well maintained and some verges were quite overgrown. There are a number of empty and overgrown sites along this road. The bridge and its displays have been much admired and mentioned elsewhere in this report. Some signage needed washing down such as the nameplate on the Cavan Road. Grass verges on the Bailieborough Road were a little overgrown. The pole of the children crossing sign was quite rusty. New pedestrian crossing was noted on Main Street and must make a real difference.
General Impression:
Virginia is an elegant and dignified town which never fails to impress. It looked delightful on the day.
That ends the full report from the Judges.
Pumpkin festival launch
Competition is growing between Pumpkin Growers as the countdown begins for the Festival and the search for the Largest Pumpkin.
The inaugural Virginia Pumpkin Festival will be launched in the Riverfront Hotel on Monday October 1. The Festival is in an advanced stage of planning and the committee wish to present the full list of events planned for this coming October Bank Holiday Weekend.
This will be a unique Festival with activities for all ages. All will be revealed on October 1.
The Official Launch will happen at 8.30pm, light refreshments will be served.
More details on www.virginiapumpkinfest.org. Contact Celia McClements, Festival Secretary, Tel. 049 854 36 67 or email virginiapumpkinfestival.gmail for more information.
Active Virginians
Cross Border Orchestra concert in the Helix, Dublin on Sunday 21st October, more details later.
Halloween Party: A bus will be traveling to Crover House Hotel for a Fancy Dress Halloween Party on Wednesday 31st October from 3pm to 7pm. Names please A.S.A.P. to John at 8547232
All other activities as usual.
Committee Meeting scheduled for 1st October has been re-scheduled for Tuesday 2nd October after the Art Class at 12noon. New members are always welcome.
Line dancing classes
Line Dance Classes Resume in Munterconnaught GAA club on Wednesday nights. Beginners welcome: class 8.30 to 9.30pm. Advanced Class: 9.30 to 10.30pm. For more information contact Stella on 087 6469469
Basketball
Basketball is up and running again and training has started again for the senior Ladies and mens teams in Killinkere Leisure Centre on Monday nights at 8.00pm. The U16 and U18 girls teams are also back training again and for further details about their training times contact Bernard at 087 9540654
Billis Whist Drive
Top Score Eammon Brady
1st Lady Tommie Murphy
1st Gent Val Goldrick
2nd Lady Maura smith
2nd Gent Brendan Smyth
3rd Lady Kathleen Kerr
3rd Gent Jimmy Smith
1/2 Time Lady Bella Henry
1/2 Time Gent Robbie Fegan
Raffle
1st Eammon Brady
2nd Kitt Lee
3rd Bella Henry
Next Whist-Drive to be held in Billis Hall Tuesday 9th October 8-30pm All Welcome.
Billis Hall Youth Club
Billis Hall Youth Club re-opening Friday 28th September from 7-15 pm to 8-45pm.
The Youth Club is open to all Primary School Children.
All Parent's or Guardian's must fill in Registration Form on first night.
Help is needed from Parent's once a Month and would be very appreciated.
Virginia Celtic FC
Virginia Celtic football club has started their new season on a high note lying second in their table after 4 games. Their main sponsors to whom the Club is grateful for the year's season is B.D. Flood Concrete Products.
The Club is currently looking for more local companies and Businesses to show support to Virginia Celtic FC. The Club offers Sponsorship signs which will be on display on match days around the pitch in the Showgrounds, Virginia. This is an ideal way to advertise your business or company. Please get behind the Club and help it build for the future. Further information from Kieran 087 12 41 044, Mick 087 28 50 316, Pat 086 35 53 609.
New Deadline
Items must be submitted by Sunday night.
Please contact: Margaret Hopkins, Cavan Rd, Virginia. Phone: 086 31 11 398. email; margarethopkins2@eircom.net