Welcome Spring! Workshop

An Gairdin, Portumna, Co Galway

Saturday 29th January 2011

In the Celtic Year, Imbolc is celebrated on 1st February. It marks the start of Spring and is also the festival of Brigid, Celtic goddess and Christian saint. Brigid was known as the protector of hearth, home and land, and as patron of healing, poetry and crafts.
In this workshop, we gather to celebrate the fertile energy of the earth, the return of the Light and the increasing strength of the sun. The three months of winter are now past. While we are still living with darkness and it is still cold, each morning and evening we see extended daylight. The early buds are already appearing on the trees; shoots from bulbs are visible above the earth and beneath the earth, life is stirring. In ancient times Brigid was revered as the one who banished Winter by bringing back the light of the sun and releasing the waters that may have frozen over Winter.
Imbolc is known as the Festival of Awakening, when the life force that has been resting over winter starts to awaken. In the natural world, the period of rest has brought about renewal and regeneration. In our lives, we too, as part of nature are responding to the return of the Light. We can feel small stirrings within - messages from our soul of new beginnings that may beckon; awareness of our deep desires and hopes and the steps we may wish to take to bring these to fruition. This is a time for listening to the awakening of these dreams and yearnings and for attuning to our inner wisdom, which can prompt us to the direction that we may need to take.
In the workshop, we will use movement, ritual, the weaving of Brigid’s crosses, time in nature and times of reflection to connect to the energy of Imbolc and Brigid
Time: 10.30 a.m. - 1.00 p.m.
Registration: An Gairdin 09097-41689
or www.angairdin.ie

Irelands Forests at Risk

The Irish Government is moving closer to a huge sell-off of the public forests managed by Coillte (The Irish Forestry Board) to private investors. An area greater than 1 million acres, equivalent to two medium sized counties will be lost forever. This will include some of our most valuable native woodlands, wild places and some of the last refuges of our native flora and fauna.Interest has been expressed by Swiss finance company Helvetia Wealth - who own the International Forestry Fund (IFF) - chaired by Bertie Ahern, (ex-prime minister of Ireland) as well as The China Investment Corporation.Please sign this petition now to tell the Irish Government that Ireland's Forests are not for sale. These forests are the inheritance of the Irish children and managed wisely can help secure Ireland's social, environmental and economic future. A strong show of support, asserting our rightful ownership of the public forests will make all the difference.
Please click the following link to sign the petition:

http://www.woodlandleague.org/

Organic Horticulture Course

Organic Gardening Course

The 2011 Organic Gardening Course is beginning in Mid-February.

This very popular course runs each year for one day per month for 9 months.
It takes the participants through the entire growing season.

The course covers all aspects of Organic Gardening.

Fetac Certification optional.

Book Early!

Contact An Gairdin on 090 9741689 or angairdin1@gmail.com
www.angairdin.com

Weight Loss Cookery with Lynda McFarland at An Gairdin

Weight Loss Cookery - healthy cookery and nutrition aimed at balancing blood sugar levels, thereby preventing cravings and supporting weight loss.

Date: Thurs January 27th - 7pm-9pm.

Cost: €25 includes demo and sampling.

Yoga with Ruth

YOGA With Ruth

An Gairdin Organic & Ecology Centre,
Portumna

Start Date: Tuesday 25th January


Time: 6.00pm-7.45 pm for General & Beginners

7.45pm-9pm for Advanced


Cost: €120 for 12 weeks



Contact Ruth: 087 2434759 or 065 6835548

Rights of Nature

The UN rights of nature - Civil Society has started to work on a new resolution which is currently under consideration at the UN: the rights of nature. These should be discussed by governments on April 22, 2011, the day of Mother Earth.

For more information please click on the following link :

http://pwccc.wordpress.com/programa/