BALINAKILL HEATED OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOL: The outdoor heated pool at Ballinakill will host their grand opening at 1pm on Sunday, July 6th. There will be a Family Fun Day held in conjunction. Contact Anthony Christie on (089) 4581165 or visit www.swimminganalysis.ie online.

SCARECROW ART COMPETITION: The children of Junior Infants, Senior Infants and First Class in both Durrow and Cullohill all took part in an Art Competition for the Festival Arts and Crafts Exhibition & Sale. All pictures will be displayed throughout the festival week and the results will be announced on Sunday 27th July at the exhibition in Durrow Community Centre.

VOLUNTEERS FOR SCARECROW FESTIVAL: Durrow Development Forum invite you to come on board for the 2014 Scarecrow Festival. We are looking for people who would like the get involved in the festival – new input and ideas are what keep a festival alive and flourishing. If you are in doubt but considering that you might like to get involved, please do! Do not worry that it will take all of your time, you would not be expected to attend every meeting. Please contact Evelyn on (087) 9194428.

DURROW SCARECROW FESTIVAL PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION: The Senior Competition for the Joe Brophy Memorial Cup and the Juvenile Competition for the Durrow Development Forum Trophy will once again take place this year. The juvenile age is up to 16 years old for the competition. Entry fees are Senior €5 and Juvenile €3. Print Size for both competitions: Standard size to Maximum 10”X 8”. Prints can be mounted but not necessary. Limit of photographs per entry: 4. All entries to be presented in an envelope with name of entrant, address and telephone number written on envelope. Entry Dates: Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th July from 2.30pm to 4.30pm both days at Durrow Community Centre. Winning prints will be announced and Prizes will be awarded at 5pm on Saturday 2nd August. For further information please contact Andrew Walsh on (086) 3791904. Get your cameras at the ready!

JOHNSTOWN ACTIVE RETIREMENT: A trip to Portumna Workhouse including a trip on the Shannon and lunch in Lynches on Banagher will take place on Thursday, July 17th leaving Johnstown at 9am. The cost of the package is €31. The bus will cost extra. The trip is open to everyone, so if you are interested please contact Breda Campion on (056) 8831109 before July 10th. Many thanks.

TAEKWONDO CLASSES: World taekwondo association classes are held in Durrow Community Centre every Monday and Wednesday from 7.45pm to 8.30pm (both nights). Classes are open to men, women and children. For more information, contact (086) 8359333 or visit www.world-taekwondo.com online.

HAPPY DAYS CRECHE: There are three places available for the ECCE scheme in September. The crèche also qualifies for the CETS scheme for anyone interested in returning to full time education. Please contact Evelyn on (087) 9194428 for further details.

MONTESSORI SCHOOL: A new Montessori School will open at Ballyouskill hall in September 2014 for children aged 2½ to 5 years. The free pre-school year is available under ECCE scheme. Contact Laura Saunders for enrolment on (085) 1652589.

NEXT NEWSLETTER: The next newsletter will be on sale weekending July 12th and July 13th. The deadline for inclusion of notes is Thursday, July 10th at 7pm to info@durrow.ie where possible. All adverts must be booked with Angela (087) 1928522 or Mary (086) 3055157.