Exciting events lined up at the Organic Centre in Leitrim for Heritage Week

The Organic Centre in Leitrim is busy organising ahead of National Heritage Week, which is on this year from 17th to 25th August. Once again the centre is hosting many free events, providing the perfect opportunity for visitors and locals alike to drop by before school returns.  

On 17th August from 12-5pm “From Fleece To Fabric:” sees Eimear O Neill and designer Pearl Reddington demonstrating hand spinning at the Organic Centre to help you explore and reconnect with the old skill.

For generations, Irish households spun sheep's wool into yarn to knit jumpers, socks and other garments to clothe their families. Handspinning lets people produce their own clothes with local materials, while also having fun.  Local Dromahair designer  Pearl Reddington will have some of her hand knits available to buy on the day. 

On two drop in days, on Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st from 11am til 4pm, Steffi Otto from 'Heritage Crafts Alive' will be onsite illustrating how for past generations everything had its use, with many things getting reused on the farm and homestead.

She will upcycle old broken roof slates making a new purpose from them (using traditional tools of slaters, axe and anvil). Slates will be repurposed to make plant identification labels for the garden. Using natural materials reduces the use of plastic. Visitors are requested that it would be helpful to bring slates if they have any, that can be used on the day if they call by. 

On 21th August, from 12pm - 1pm Gerry Bohan winner of the JP McManus award, will read a story from his book 'The Clainings Tree' . The story entitled 'Yad Wonder' tells of a time when people hadn't to look beyond a mile of their door to keep all within fed and warm.

Gerry will also be available after the event for an opportunity to buy his book.

And finally Heritage Week will close at the Organic Centre on 25th of August, 11am - 1pm with “Connections, routes & networks: A nature-based journey of the Glenaniff river at Fowleys Falls” .

Visitors  are invited to come and learn more about the history and ecology of the river system while experiencing the beauty and richness of the area. Ana-Maria Olaru,  an experienced forest bathing guide and wellness practitioner, will facilitate people to connect with the natural biodiversity of the Fowleys falls area with a special focus on the element of water. This event is supported with thanks by the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) Grants Scheme. 

For more information, and with some events requiring advanced booking go to www.theorganiccentre.ie