Mallow Tidy Towns were out enjoying the morning last Saturday, developing a bee garden in the Tipp O’Neill Park at the Spa. The idea of a bee garden came from volunteers concerned about the welfare of bees and the gradual disappearance of habitats suitable to sustaining the very important bee population. Bees are an essential part of nature, by their work in pollinating various species of plants and crops. Many shrubs and some trees were planted and the bee garden will develop over time with some planting of perennials which will follow in the springtime. Joining forces with the Tidy Towns on Saturday morning were pupils from St Patrick’s National School along with teacher Barry Linehan who made some excellent bat boxes and bird boxes which have been placed on the trees to encourage natural wildlife in the Park. The boxes have been made from old school desks and are an excellent way to recycle old furniture while providing much needed shelter for bats and birds. Regina Glynn and students from the Patrician Academy also joined in with some excellent artwork depicting the bird, bee and bat wildlife which are a very bright and attractive addition to the park. Thank you to all to helped out and to Ian at Lucey’s Good Food Shop who provided some very tasty treats and refreshments.

Our annual Table Quiz was held at the Roundabout Tavern recently and Mallow Tidy Towns want to say a huge thank you to all who supported the night. There was a great turnout, and some of the very local questions showed the good attention people have when walking around Mallow. It was a very enjoyable night and thanks to all at the Roundabout Tavern for their excellent hosting and finger food. Special thanks also to the many businesses in town which provided spot prizes for the night and ensured there were more winners than in the quiz itself.