Askamore Community Development Association has entered 'Askamore Village' in the Tidy Towns Competition every year since 2003.
Each year we have steadily gained points. This can be seen from the Table below.
Table : Points awarded to Askamore in Tidy Towns Competition
|
2003 |
197 |
|
2004 |
202 |
|
2005 |
209 |
|
2006 |
210 |
|
2007 |
218 |
This year we gained 8 points which is the highest we have ever been awarded.
The comments from the adjudicators are positive, helpful, encouraging and informative. These comments are useful the following year when filling out the entry forms. We can refer back to the reports from previous years and work on any suggestions that were made.
As I pointed out on this year's Tidy Towns Application, Askamore has a disadvantage because some of our interesting / historical sites are outside the village boundaries, as is the National School. Other areas have gained points through the involvement and inclusion of schoolchildren in categories such as Litter Control, Recycling and building up a catalogue of wildlife and different species of birds, which is sometimes done through the schools.
However, the volunteers and committee members who work so hard on Tuesday evenings during the summer months deserve our praise and congratulations. It is thanks to their hard work that Askamore is so beautiful.
Community Centre
They began by planting shrubs, heather and trees around the Community Centre.
Welcome Stones
Next came the 'Welcome Stones', one at Eddie Doran's Corner and one at the Community Centre.
Planting
To tidy up the corner, plant the bank, put barrels with plants in and restore / rebuild the stone walls was another project undertaken by the committee, as was the hanging baskets and troughs / barrels around the Church and Graveyard.
The Lady and the Pump.
Then we got a pump, so we had to get a lady to mind it. A competition was run to name her, as she even got a mention on South East Radio. Obviously, her winning name was Bridget!
Time for a rest
Next, a seat was needed so visitors and locals could rest after there walk up Sliabh Bui.
The Blue School
As well as being surrounded by beautiful scenery, Askamore also has some historical sites and it was decided to restore the 'Old School' at the Mill Hill junction. This building work has now been completed, and a stone inscription reminds us it was once known as 'The Blue School'. More plants and shrubs, and a lot of tidying up were done on the bank opposite the old school.
The Bridge at Kiltilihane
The bridge at Kiltilihane has been cleared, and weeds etc. cut back to reveal lovely stonework.
Noticeboard
We have a notice board up at the graveyard listing the wildlife and the walking routes.
WELL DONE
TO
EVERYBODY
FOR KEEPING ASKAMORE
TIDY
LITTER FREE
AND
BEAUTIFUL |
