This article is from page 31 of the 2008-03-11 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 31 JPG
A NEW pilot scheme to bring people to east Clare on holidays where they can learn traditional skills and crafts is being launched this summer.
The Centre for Environmental Liv- ing and Training, CELT are now ex- panding their operations to include new initiatives.
CELT are now offering eco-holi- days where visitors can learn a tra- ditional skill for three days, enjoy a guided woodland walk, or take a day off, then learn a second skill for two more days, creating a package week’s holiday.
Skills included are of the kind that CELT usually offer in one of their
bigger camps, such as blacksmith- ing, weaving, basket-making, chair- making or other crafts.
“We have put together packages that will suit all budgets, whether people want to do bed and breakfast, camp, self-cater or stay in a hostel,” said CELT administrator, Sarah Thomson.
The organisation is also booking beds in B&B’s locally which use eco-friendly practices, such as com- posting recycling or eco-friendly cleaning products.
“We’ve brought a lot of visitors into the area with our weekends in the woods but this is a different pack- age, which will give people a chance to come for just a few days and pick
and choose the courses they want,’ Ce RCOMmO YD eT Oe
The visitors will be encouraged to visit local pub traditional music ses- sions, sports events, fairs and other activities.
The eco-holidays are being adver- tised both at home and abroad and a representative of CELT is travelling to Poland this week to promote the package.
There is also an option for visitors to simply book one of the skills train- ing courses and sort out the rest of the holiday for themselves, for which CELT will provide suggestions and recommendations.
“We will be starting the first of the holidays in May and we already have
bookings for June, so we are hoping this will take off. At the moment, we’re still tweaking the details and making a list of accommodation op- tions which use eco-friendly prac- tices. We’ve had a lot of interest and co-operation and once the eco-holi- days are up and running for a while, we will have a better idea of which courses and packages are most popu- lar,’ said Sarah.
For further information on the CELT eco-holiday package contact Sarah or Bob on 061 640765 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursday between 10am and 3pm. You can also email enquiries to info@celtnet. org or visit the website on www.celt- net.org.