Development Update May 2014
Construction on the Centre is reaching its final stages. All the major construction work is complete. However work continues on the interior and exterior of the building. The photographs will give a good image of what the finished building will look like.
Fundraising Event for Solas Bhride
Clonohill Gardens Open Day Country farmhouse gardens, adjacent to Laois Angling Centre and close to the Sliabh Bloom Mountains. The gardens feature woodland lawns, herbaceous boarders, with many unusual plants, and walled garden overlooking lake. Date: Sunday, June 8th, 2014 Time: 1.00 p.m. to 6 .00 p.m. Admission: €10.00 Further information contact: Enda 087 9962864 Conohill House, Coolrain, Portlaoise, Co. Laois clonohillgardens@gmail.com All proceeds in aid of Solas Bhride Centre and Hermitages
Upcoming Events
Meditation during Lent “Come apart and rest awhile.” Mark 6:31 In this Lenten season take time to connect with the Presence that is within and all around us. Meditation takes place every Monday evening from 8pm – 9pm. “You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope.” Thomas Merton. The Spiritual Legacy of Patrick Kavanagh Reflecting on the Lecture delivered by Dr. Una Agnew, ssl, at Kildare Education Centre during Feile Bride February 2014. Thursday, March, 2oth Time: 2.00 p.m.-3.00 p.m. Venue: Solas Bhride, 14 Dara Park. Primrose Upon a bank I sat, a child made seer Of one small primrose flowering in my mind. Better than wealth it is, said I, to find One small page of Truth’s manuscript made clear. I looked at Christ transfigured without fear… Patrick Kavanagh
Development Update – March 2014
The construction on the exterior of the building is now almost complete. The last of the windows were installed in mid-February. A lot of the major interior work is nearing completion. Painting has begun and it is hoped that most of the interior work will be completed within the next three weeks. The timber floors will not be installed for a further six weeks to allow the building to dry out completely. The wet and windy weather have not been favorable to landscaping. However, some progress has been made. The oak trees that have been nurtured at Solas Bhride since 2007 were inspected and deemed to be in good condition for planting at the site. Fundraising We are in the process of negotiation a loan/loans to cover cost of completing the building. We still need to raise a further €790,000. Any donation is deeply appreciated. We need your help! Donations can be made through the Donation Page at this website or directly to Solas Bhride Centre and Hermitages, 14 Dara Park, Kildare Town, Co.Kildare, Ireland. Solas Bhride Centre and Hermitages will open in Summer 2014
First Event held in New Centre
A beautiful bronze sculpture of St. Brigid, donated to Solas Bhride Centre was to be unveiled on St. Brigid’s Day, 2014. Manley Construction Ltd worked tirelessly to have the space ready for the unveiling. However, stormy weather conditions hindered progress. The stormy weather also prevented the arrival of the sculpture because by St. Brigid’s Day, “St. Brigid” was still on the high seas! However, a special ceremony was held within the incomplete building, to mark this very generous donation by Fr. Dennis O’Neill of St. Martha’s Parish, Morton Grove, Illinois. Fr. Dennis, together with members of his family and friends, had travelled from the States to be present on the day. They were joined by many Brigidine Sisters, members of the local community, and architect Brian O’Brien of Solearth architecture. Ann Riordan, MC for the day, reminded all how a year previously, at the Turning of the Sod Ceremony, she had laid down the challenge to Manley Construction to have the site ready for St. Brigid’s Day in 2014. She thanked them for work completed to date and extended the appreciation of all in being able to use the building on the day. Sr. Rita welcomed each one, while Mary Minehan and Phil O’Shea wove a St. Brigid’s cross giving a brief history of the building as well as remembering the deceased members of the O’Neill Family. Fr. Dennis spoke of his love for St. Brigid and told the story of how he had commissioned Tim Smhalz to sculpt the bronze sculpture. He expressed his delight in finding a “most suitable home” for the sculpture. While the sculpture had not arrived he was delighted to view where it would be installed and saw how it will become an important focal point in the new centre. All present had the opportunity to walk around the building. Many remarked on the beauty of the design and the peaceful atmosphere already present there. Following the Ceremony tea and coffee was served for the first time at the Centre by Silken Thomas catering.
Feile Bride 2014 Programme launched
Feile Bride launches 2014 Programme On January 14th the steering committee and its supporters met at Solas Bride to announce plans for the forthcoming Feile which will take place this year from January 31st to February 9th. This year’s theme is “Kindling Sparks of Hope.” Feile Bride, coming as it does at the beginning of February, heralds the beginning of Spring when the new shoots begin to spring forth from the earth. Brigid is renowned as the Saint who at this time “breaths life into the mouth of dead winter.” We are now at a time in our country and world when our hopes are somewhat dimmed. We need to kindle “sparks of hope” and to celebrate the many signs of hope that emerge in the most unexpected places. A full programme of events is promised including weaving of St. Brigid’s crosses workshops, craft exhibitions, A Walk in the footsteps of St. Brigid and Brigid’s Eve well ritual. (Full progamme on Events Section of this website.) Luka Bloom will perform in concert on Monday, February 3rd at the Heritage Centre. A limited number of tickets is available and can be booked through the Heritage Centre in Kildare town. Luka has a long association with the Feile and the proceeds from the concert will be donated to Solas Bhride Centre and Hermitages building fund. Construction on the new Centre is ongoing. A new sculpture of St. Brigid will be unveiled at the site of the new Solas Bhride Centre on the Tully Road on February 1. Brigid, bees & Brewing will take place on Tuesday 4th of February at 7:30pm in Boyles in Kildare Town. It will be an hour long talk about the influence of Brigid on Kildare, bee keeping & brewing with food & drink tastings throughout the event. We will be sampling different food & drinks to our previous event. “The Spirituality of Patrick Kavanagh” presented by Una Agnew is the topic for the Annual Celtic Lecture, to be hosted by Kildare Education Centre on Wednesday, February 5th. “Brigid’s Spring awakening – a literary celebration with music” will be held in Kildare Town Library on Thursday evening. “From St. Brigid to St. Barbara – Women making their mark on the Curragh” This involves a bus tour around the Curragh and will give a glimpse into the lives of women who work on or near Brigid’s Pastures. Amid the hectic schedule of life there is always a need for quiet in order to touch into the “Sparks of Hope” dwelling within each of us. So “Quiet Reflection / Meditation” on Tuesday morning, February 4th and “Creative Movement” on Wednesday, 4th provide this opportunity. The annual Afri conference Justice and Peace Conference is a very important part of the Feile and takes on Saturday February 8 at the Osborne Centre. This year’s theme is “Life: Source or Resource” and the speakers include Feargal Anderson, who will talk about “Food, Sovereignty and Resilience: Living well with the Planet.” Abjata Khalif will speak about “Lighting the way to Climate Justice: Finding solutions in Northern Kenya.” Donal Dorr will will explore the topic of Human Trafficking, today’s slavery. Brigid is associated with the threshold – the doorway between worlds. To venture over the threshold of our known realities, into deeper awareness and understanding of what it means to be a living being among other living beings is an exquisitely designed, finely turned and audaciously beautiful life system. At the Festival of Brigid, Feile Bride, Imbolc, we stand on the threshold between Winter and Spring, darkness and light. (Extract from Afri Conference Programme)
Development Update January 2014
Most of the exterior work on the building has been completed. Work on the interior is progressing very well. It is hoped to have the construction work completed by May 2014. We are grateful to many people who give so generously of their time and expertise to the New Centre and to all those who who have generously donated to the Project. Fundraising We still need to raise a further €820,000 to complete the Project. Any donation is deeply appreciated. Donations can be made through the Donation Page at this website or directly to Solas Bhride Centre and Hermitages, 14 Dara Park, Kildare Town, Co.Kildare, Ireland.
Feile Bride 2014 – Kindling Sparks of Hope
Feile Bride – January 31st – February 9th: Programme of Events Friday, January 31st Weaving St. Brigid’s crosses An opportunity to learn the skill of weaving a St. Brigid’s cross. Venue: Kildare Town Heritage Centre Time: 2.00—4.30 pm Brigid’s Eve Ritual at St. Brigid’s Well A pilgrimage of quiet reflection, song and prayer on the eve of springtime. Assemble: Japanese Gardens’ car park at 7.20 p.m. Time: 7.30-9.30 p.m. If you wish bring a light/lantern Saturday, February 1st – Lá Fhéile Bhríde – St. Brigid’s Day A Walk in the Footsteps of St. Brigid Assemble in the Market Square at St. Brigid’s Flame for a guided walk, revisiting the ancient monastic sites of Kildare Town. Time: 11.00 a.m. Weaving St. Brigid’s Crosses A weaving workshop where participants will have the opportunity to weave a St. Brigid’s cross Venue: Kildare Town Library Time: 11.00 a.m. – 12.30 pm Craft Exhibition Venue: Kildare Town Heritage Centre Time: 1.00 – 5.00 pm Unveiling of Sculpture of St. Brigid NB: Sculpture delayed in transit so unveiling deferred. A beautiful new sculpture of St. Brigid will be unveiled at the site of the new Solas Bhride Centre and Hermitages, Tully Road, Kildare. Car Parking: Japanese Gardens car park. Time: 3.00 p.m. Sunday, February 2nd Craft Exhibition Venue: Kildare Town Heritage Centre Time: 1.00 – 5.00 pm Women making their Mark on The Curragh (1.30pm – 5.00 pm) A glimpse into the lives of women who work on or near Brigid’s pastures! Suitable footwear essential. Assemble: 1.30 p.m. in the Market Square. Cost: €10.00 includes ticket for bus. Booking essential: Tickets available through the Heritage Centre 045 530672 Email: info@kildareheritage.com Monday, February 3rd An evening of music with Luka Bloom Venue: Heritage Centre Time: 8.00 pm Booking essential: Tickets, €25, available through the Heritage Centre Ph: 045 530672 Email: info@kildareheritage.com Only 4 tickets remaining. Proceeds to Solas Bhride Centre and Hermitages Building Fund. Tuesday, February 3rd Quiet Reflection & Meditation An hour of quiet and relaxation. Venue: Solas Bhride, Dara Park Time: 11.00 am Brigid, Bees & Brewing Venue: Boyle’s Pub Time: 7.30 pm Admission: €8.00 Booking essential through Boyle’s or Judy at 086 8418909 Wednesday, February 5th Creative Movement An hour of gentle movement that refreshes body, mind and spirit. Venue: Solas Bhride, Dara Park Time: 11.00 am Annual Celtic Lecture “The Spiritual Legacy of Patrick Kavanagh” Lecture by Una Agnew ssl Venue: Kildare Education Centre Time: 8.00 p.m. Sponsored by Kildare Education Centre Thursday, February 6th “Brigid’s Spring Awakening” – a literary celebration with music in Kildare Town Library Venue: Kildare Town Library Time: 7.30 pm Hosted by Kildare Library Saturday February 8th 2014 Afri Justice and Peace Conference Full details available on www.afri.ie or email afri@iol.ie Venue: Osborne Centre, Irish National Stud Sunday February 9th, Mass at St. Brigid’s Well Time: 10.30 a.m. Followed by welcome cup of tea/coffee in the Parish Centre. “To Celebrate Sparks of Hope” A morning of music, song and story Music, by “Highly Strung” Venue: Aras Bhride, Kildare Town Time: 12.00-1.30 p.m. Admission: €10.00 Concessions: €8.00
Guinness World Record for Kildare
Attention all Record Makers! Solas Bhride are delighted to confirm that we have successfully achieved a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for “Most people weaving a Brigid’s cross’. Solas Bhride would like to congratulate you on your record-breaking achievement. “You are OFFICIALLY AMAZING.” Solas Bhride has been told to expect an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS certificate confirming our world record which is being created and will be sent to Solas Bhride very soon. Certificates For everyone who took part in the successful record attempt, Guinness World Records are offering a Certificate of Participation. They stated in their letter of Confirmation to Solas Bhride that all of the participants in setting the record for most people weaving a Brigid’s cross, can purchase their own official Guinness World Records Certificates of Participation via the Guinness World Records Store. URL: http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/store Before you access the Guinness World Records store you will need to make contact with Solas Bhride to obtain the Participant verification codes as soon as possible. Solas Bhride contact details: email: info@solasbhride.ie Tel: 045 522890
Development Update November 2013
After the dry summer days the rain has arrived and made conditions around the site very muddy indeed. However, work continues at pace. Most of the roofs have been completed and windows are expected to be installed by mid-November. The red poroton bricks have now been sealed and the outside of the building begins to have a finished look! Stephen Smyth, site foreman, stands outside the front entrance of the building. The walls here are clad in limestone. Work has begun on the interior of the building. On a recent site visit Mary can be seen checking out the rooms in one of the apartments in the building. Brian O’Brien and Catriona McArdle of Solearth Ecological Architecture hold a meeting on site with the Solas Bhride community as well as Ann Riordan and Liam Kearney who supervise the Project on behalf of Solas Bhride. The timber frame for the first Hermitage is put in place. The Hermitages were built off site and then assembled and installed on site. Much progress has been made during the past six weeks. Once the building is secured, with windows installed and roofs completed, work on the interior will progress. The weather will not impact on the work at that stage. Once the scaffolding has been removed a clearer picture of the design of the building will emerge. Fundraising is ongoing. If you would like to contribute in any way towards the cost of the building it would be much appreciated. Donations can be made to Solas Bhride Centre & Hermitages Building Fund, 14 Dara Park, Kildare Town, Co. Kildare or through the Donation page on this website. Thank you.
