COBH EDITION 16TH MARCH - DIGITAL VERSION

Cork Harbour Cycle 4th March - Try A Long Cycle for Fun
Many people still confine their cycling to commuting to work or shops. Worse still many give
up cycling once school days are over. If the Bike to Work Scheme has been a Bike to Shed
scheme for you then here is a chance to enjoy it. Cycling can be a great leisure or sporting
activity. The Cork Harbour Cycle on Sunday 4th March is an opportunity to give it a try. The
route it takes has also introduced many to Cork harbour’s beautiful scenery with access to
much of it along waterfront paths. Escape to a peaceful nature reserve so close to the city.
Africa Direct organises the cycle using marshals and signage to ensure you don’t get lost.
Rosie Woods, a young cycling enthusiast and volunteer executive member says the cycle is
suitable for all. Ove the past 15 years we have had cyclists from 14 to 78 years, some who
dust off their bikes once a year for this event. Tom Connolly got his bicycle “Nellie” refurbished,
complete with basket, for the cycle 3 years ago and has cycled it every year since,
togged out in sports jacket and cravat. He likes to support Africa Direct because we can build
houses for €300. Adding to that a plot of land for €200 with some training to run a market
stall we have helped many families escape destitute slums and build happy, independent lives
at home in Kenya.
In addition to the leisure cycle of 40Km. around the flat waterfront taking 2 to 3 hours, there
is also a 100Km. circuit with plenty of challenging hills. Both routes use the ferry to Cobh,
kindly provided free of charge, to complete the circuit. A feeding station and refreshments to
enjoy a break and a reflector vest to add to your safety are provided. So all of you who only
cycle to work, come along for a lovely introduction to leisure cycling. For entry application see
www.africadirect.ie or email africadirect@gmail.com or phone 021 4806425.
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Annual Fota House Plant and Garden Fair
Sunday 22nd April 2018 at Fota House and Gardens
Fota House and Gardens, Carrigtwohill, Cork, will host its annual “Fota House Plant and Garden
Fair” on Sunday, 22nd April 2018 from 11.00am to 4.00pm. The Fota Plant Fair is now
recognised as the largest Plant and Garden Fair outside the Dublin area and will be held in the
new car park of Fota House.
Approximately eighty specialist nurseries are expected to attend and provide an opportunity
for visitors to purchase unusual and special plants, including rare Trees, Shrubs, Alpine, Herbaceous
and Water Plants etc. at competitive prices.
“We are excited to add some new elements to this year’s Plant Fair, offering an expanded programme
to our visitors,” said Victoria Tammadge, General Manager, Fota House, Arboretum
and Gardens. “We are planning foraging walks with Herbalist John Vaughan, guided tours by
our volunteer team of our award winning Victorian Working Garden which has been brought
back to life, as well as demonstrations and educational talks on various topics. We also welcome
everyone to visit and enjoy the beautiful historic Fota House and see the collection of
paintings which represents the third most significant public collection of Irish art in the State”,
she continued.
Retailers will also be on site providing Garden Furniture, Pots, Sculptures, Ornaments and
Tools, as well as Food Stalls. A competition for the most attractive stand will be held which
was won in previous years by Hillside Nurseries, Rare Plants Ireland and Future Forests.
For all those with an interest in Gardening, this is an event not to be missed. Volunteers from
Fota House and from the Friends of Marymount Hospice will assist with the running of the
Fair. A substantial donation will be given to this very worthy charity as well as towards the
conservation of the property for future generations. Admission: €8.00.