This article is from page 68 of the 2008-10-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 68 JPG
THE East Clare Community Co- op, which has been largely closed for some time for improvements and building work, is making great strides towards being up and running again.
Located behind Brian and Joe’s Café, the co-op has been the home of a myriad activities from learning boat building and getting involved in a community garden project to expe- riencing Shiatsu, taking singing les- sons and learning yoga.
The co-op closed temporarily in January so that disability access
could be installed throughout the building. However, it soon became apparent that more work was needed than had been budgeted for.
Work was needed to bring the build- ing up to health and safety standards, including a complete rewiring of the building and a fire alarm system. AI- though the refurbishment was grant- aided, the co-op ran into a number of snags along the way to unveiling the new and improved facility.
‘There were a number of things to sort out and it has taken a bit longer that anyone had originally thought but the various elements are com- ing together now and we’re moving
ahead”, a spokeswoman for the co-op said.
The Community Co-op, has been the launching pad for many initia- tives locally including the Raheen Wood School, the Grainey whole- food store, East Clare Telecottage and the Clare Women’s Network.
The co-op has also been at various times home to youth club activities, the Citizens’ Information Service, the Centre for Environmental Training and Living (CELT) the Letts Trading system, where people exchange work and skills as an alternative to cash, the Dandelion Puppet Theatre Com- pany, and Brian and Joe’s Café, sup-
ported by the Brothers of Charity.
When the co-op reopens, it will be ready to roll out four new part-time Pobail-funded jobs for a gardener, caretaker, administrator and cleaner.
A number of activities are still go- ing ahead in the co-op. Last week a group came together under the aus- pices of the Brothers of Charity to build a currach.
The community garden project is also underway each Wesdnesday be- tween | and 3pm.
New gardeners are welcome, and children are particularly welcome to come and experince the fun of plant- ing and growing.