Cheile Community Choir pays a visit to Austria
CHEILE Community Choir from Fassaroe in Bray has just returned from their Austria 2019 choral cultural exchange.
The choir has been taking part in cultural exchanges since 2016, when they were guests of the medieval village of Sarzana in northern Italy. The Italian choir travelled to Bray the following year and in turn enjoyed their visit. Members of the guest choir said after exploring County Wicklow and the west of Ireland, they had lost their hearts to Ireland. Having just returned from a visit to Austria, the choir members all agreed it was an amazing experience.
This trip rekindled a previous Irish Austrian choral connection. The connection was established 25 years ago with Hainfeld in Austria by the Avoca singers, A choir member, Caroline Buck who was a member of the Avoca singers twenty-five years ago and attended that very first choral exchange; remained a close friend of the family Lux who hosted the members during that first visit to Hainfeld, Austria. The idea to rekindle these valuable cultural ties evolved during the planning of a concert which coincided with a celebration for Mirli Lux, one of their founder members. The Cheile Community Choir, on arrival in Hainfeld, Austria, was greeted by the host Choir wearing traditional clothing and singing traditional songs of welcome, this was followed by refreshments and presents and a finale that included the participation of the choirs and audience. The Mayor had also been contacted by Cormac Becton, a member of Cheile Community Choir, also a member of Post 21 Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA). A wreath laying ceremony took place at the village war memorial. After the wreath was laid the Cheile Choir sang ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Danny Boy’ accompanied by the tin whistle, the whole community joined in and were moved by the occasion.
During the five day tour the Cheile Community Choir were taken by coaches to Vienna and to local historical sites. They also spent one night in Bratislava visiting the medieval part of the city and the Danube. They sang their hearts out wherever they went and showcased the Irish with pride and dignity a great report of our ambassadors in Europe.
There is always room for new members. There are no auditions, no pressure to learn to read music. All are welcome. For more information call 01 286 7644.
Developers Capami Limited have made a strategic planning application for 219 residential units at Kilgarron Hill in Parknasillogue, Enniserry.
The proposed development includes 136 houses, 84 apartments and a creche.
The application was lodged on October 4, and An Bord Pleanala is due to make a decision by December 5.
In July of this year, the bord refused permission for 218 units at the site, the application having been made by the same developer.
A total of 22 submissions were made with regard to that proposal, including a joint submission by many residents of Parknasillogue Court.
Some of the issues raised related to residential density, traffic and transport, water services and impact on views.
On that occasion, the inspector’s report recommended refusal in order to protect Knocksink Woods, a special area of conservation.
According to the report, the natural hydrogeology within the subject lands could potentially be altered, which could result in adverse impacts on Knocksink Wood.