Dinner with a difference at CBS
PEOPLE from across the New Ross community joined together for a dinner with a difference when the Street Feast was set up in the grounds of CBS Primary School.
Organised as part of the national Street Feast initiative, the community picnic saw people of all ages bring along homemade dishes and treats to share. Children also enjoyed having their faces painted, while music was provided by several local groups.
Although only organised a week in advance, Ellie McBett said it went down very well.
‘A good number of people showed up,’ said Ellie, who helped to organise the occasion. ‘Everyone brought their own things to share and there was enough for everyone. It was a lovely gathering and we hope to do it again regularly.’
The event was about more than just feasting. It was also an opportunity for various community groups to get a glimpse at the grounds of the CBS Primary School which will soon be vacant when staff and pupils move to a new premises. Once the school closes its doors for the final time, this community group collective hopes to take over the building and transform it into a community space.
‘We hope to bring cultural groups, training activities, the youth club and other groups under one roof. It will be a place offering space and services for the community,’ explained Ellie. ‘We are hoping to get an agreement from the management in the coming weeks about it. After that, we will need to form a single company. It will be very informal – just a gathering of people who like to be together.’
Several groups, including the Make a Change Group and Grow it Yourself, are already on board for the project which is known as Groups4Growth. Ellie is urging anyone else who wants to get involved to register their interest by finding them on Facebook.