Durrow Development Forum would like to ask all businesses and homes to partake in this year’s Scarecrow Festival by placing a scarecrow outside their premises or homes. The festival, now in its seventh year gives a great economic boost both into Durrow and surrounding towns and villages and is gaining nationwide coverage for both Durrow, Laois and the Midlands as a tourist destination. We have a leaflet on how to make a scarecrow attached to this week’s Durrow Parish Newsletter and we look forward to you all joining in this community event.

SCARECROW BRING AND BUY SALE: The Durrow Scarecrow Festival Bring and Buy sale is run each year within the Durrow Scarecrow Village from 2pm until 7pm on each weekday of the festival. The bookings spots are limited and should you wish to book a spot at the event you should contact Emer on (087) 9626350 for details. A deposit is required for each booking.

THE ANNUAL ARTS & CRAFTS EXHIBITION & SALE: As part of the Durrow Scarecrow Festival will be held at Durrow Community Centre from Sunday 24th July to Monday 1st August inclusive. Items will be displayed throughout the venue including Knitwear, pottery, art works including oils and acrylics. Local photographer Andrew Walsh will exhibit local landscapes and wildlife. Opening times: 11am to 6pm daily. Anyone wishing to exhibit contact (087) 2200199.

DURROW SCARECROW FESTIVAL – PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION: Senior Competition for the Joe Brophy Memorial Cup, Juvenile Competition for the Durrow Development Forum Trophy. Juvenile age is up to 16 years old. Print size for both competitions: From Standard size up to maximum 12″X10″ prints can be mounted but not necessary. Limit of photographs per ENTRY: 3. All entries to be presented in an envelope with name of entrant, address and telephone number written on envelope. Entry dates: Monday 25th and Tuesday 26th July from 3.00pm to 6.00pm both days at Durrow Community Centre. Entry fees: Senior €5, Juvenile €3. The winning prints will be announced and prizes presented at 4.00pm on Sunday 31st July. For further information contact Andrew Walsh at (086) 3791904.

SCARECROW PLACEMENT: Please be advised that for any entries that will be large format, you will need to contact any of the following as soon as possible so that your creation can be placed in the planning for the festival. This would relate to any larger scarecrows or scarecrows in excess of 8, you must contact us as soon as possible. Your entry will be kept confidential but we will need to know for planning purposes. Phone Evelyn on (087) 9194428, Mary on (086) 3055157 or Emer on (087) 9626350.

TUESDAY TIDY, CLEAN and PLANT DURROW NIGHT: Calling all residents to come out on Tuesday night to clean and tidy outside your own home and premises, there is a lot to be done. Volunteers along with Durrow Development Forum, have been working over the past few weeks to weed, clean and plant around the town, all help is needed. If you can come out on Tuesday night to sweep and clean around your own home it would be greatly appreciated. We will also be working around the town on each Tuesday night from 7.30pm to prepare for new flowers and planters which will further enhance Durrow.
Watering Flowers: We ask residents to help water any flowers planted in your area either in baskets, pots or flower beds.