It is a hard time we are all going through at the moment but if we can, we should try and support local businesses in our community during these tough times. Whether that is supporting local by buying local produce, taking an online course or sending an encouraging message online to a business you love. This blog post is all about how you can support our fabulous Ring of Cork members during this hard time. That can be supporting a business still open for deliveries, a shop open online or even by showing support on social media. Here is a list of fabulous things being offered along the Ring of Cork at the moment.
Stay safe everybody and stay home.
Leahy’s Open Farm
Leahy’s Open Farm have a fun, creative idea for Easter. Leahy’s Open Farm are delivering Easter Egg Making kits to do at home for the Easter holidays. You can place your order with Leahy’s Open Farm via Facebook message or ring them with the number of kits you would like and your phone number. They cost €10.50 without an apron and €12 with an apron. Additional charge of €5 for delivery. To make sure your kit arrives in time for Easter, order before the end of the day on Tuesday the 7th of April. Chocolate is always a good idea so this would be a fabulous project to do with the kids even after Easter too. A little treat from school work. For more information you can check out their Facebook page here. Be sure to keep an eye on their Facebook and Instagram pages too for some interactive posts and fun for the kids.
Sail Cork
Sail Cork are offering fabulous online classes on the theory of planning a trip or voyage at sea in any kind of boat, motor, sail, kayak, fishing etc. They use books like an Almanac which give tidal information and cruising guides which will give local information and charts (maps) of the area. Charts are marked with depts and if there are any rocks and the type of sea bottom near land which will help us to decide on anchoring. Sail Cork have developed these live classes to include information on what you will see ashore from the sea, some history and aerial and ground pics so that you can create a better picture of these coastal places. We enjoyed a live interactive class last week which was full of local knowledge. The classes suit boaters, those interested in history, geography, maritime, students, anyone who likes to look at the sea and explore the coastline. Sail Cork run the courses for Cork Harbour, Cork coast, Kerry coast, The Scilly isles and Cornwall, Majorca, The Caribbean, Croatia, Brittany, Galicia. For more information and a list of upcoming courses online, check out their website here.
Ballymaloe Cookery School
Ballymaloe Cookery School is hosting a temporary East Cork Neighbourfood market to continue the supply of the wonderful Midleton producers. You can choose from a wide range of local produce including fruit, vegetables, bread, pastries, cheese, meat, beers and many more. Collection takes place Ballymaloe Cookery School each Saturday from 1pm – 3pm for the foreseeable future. All you have to do is sign up here.
You will receive an email with a link to the online shop and you can shop each week anytime up to Thursday night at Midnight. The shop will then close and your orders will be prepped for collection on Saturdays between 1pm – 3pm in Ballymaloe Cookery School. Note that they will be vigilant in allowing only a few people in to collect at a time to adhere to social distancing.
La Tratoria
La Tratoria in Midleton are giving back to the community by serving up hot dinners to those who need it. La Tratoria is a family owned restaurant in Midleton and during these challenging times have decided to give back to their community by providing a roast dinner free of charge. This kind gesture by La Tratoria took place on lots of different dates so far. It has now continued on with the help of generous donations from people and businesses such as East Ferry Free range chickens, Frank Murphy Butchers, Roche’s Point Farm shop, Joe Hartnett Farm and Martha from Walsh’s pharmacy along with their own produce at La Tratoria. Now, La Tratoria are roughly serving 200 meals on dedicated days to the elderly and vulnerable people.
They also have generous offers from people to deliver the food which has been a great help to them. Well done to all in La Tratoria restaurant and all the people who are making this happen in the community.
Fota Wildlife Park
Fota Wildlife Park are updating their followers very regularly on social media with live updates from their rangers. It is great to get inside knowledge from the rangers and a great way for kids to learn more about all the different animals. If you would like to support Fota Wildlife Park and the animals at this time, just visit their website here to buy web tickets that are valid for 12 months after purchase or you could even sponsor an animal. Two great ways to support Fota Wildlife Park at this time.
BiteSize
BiteSize is open for business if you order your delights online. The cafes are currently closed but the bakery in Midleton is still baking their BiteSize goodies you all love so much. You can order online here and collect them from the bakery itself. All you have to do is order your treats before 12 noon and collect them the following day to enjoy! You can create your own boxed selection of your favourite BiteSize treats, order your tarts, wholemeal health loaves, quiches and even bags of BiteSize el Salvador Coffee Beans to keep you going at home. You can also note that you will be the only customer collecting your treats at your collection time to ensure social distancing is adhered to.
The Village Green Grocer & Food Hall
The Village Green Grocer & Food Hall in Castlemartyr are currently open for business. They are fully stocked with fresh salads, hot meals, sandwiches, rolls, wraps, fresh baking, lots of fruit and vegetables and much more. A good idea is to either ring ahead to order or order online and arrange to collect freshly baked goods in store. To order just simply contact them via phone on 0214667655 or online here. They are also offer a delivery service to your home if needed. They are open 7:30am – 5pm from Monday to Saturday. Be sure to order the day before you need it for collection or delivery.
Hurley’s SuperValu
Hurley’s Supervalu in Midleton is also fully stocked for friendly and efficient service. Always remember to practice social distancing while shopping. They are open from 7am – 8pm. Another option is to do click and collect with your shopping at supervalue.ie.
If you have any more ways to support local in the Ring of Cork community at this time, please do let us know and we will help spread the world.
Stay safe everybody and stay home.