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Tallow is bustling with activity at the moment, as a group of civic-minded locals tackle a number of enhancement projects, ahead of the first round of judging in the Pride of Place 2013 competition.
Following their nomination, a first for the town, an open meeting was held in late June to discuss what should and could be done to increase their chances of winning. Spearheaded by the Tallow Gathering committee which had organised that flagship event to such success, teams were set up for different areas of the town. The group meet each week to discuss progress and lay further plans.
"There's been a very good buy in from the local community," the committee's John Pratt told The Avondhu. "The community council, always very active, are involved and we also have the help of Tús workers who did such great work for us for our Gathering event."
As part of their preparations for the judges on August 20, all three bridges are being planted with flowers, new fencing is being erected in the Newline area and untidy areas are being cleaned up around the town. A big challenge for the committee is empty and derelict buildings. Owners of some have undertaken to clean them up and give them a coat of paint, while permission has been sought and given for others to be painted by the committee and members of the community.
Local artist Eilís Walsh has been drafted in to help and she has plans to continue the horse theme that the committee is incorporating to celebrate its proud tradition of hosting one of the oldest horse fairs in the country, the Tallow Horse Fair, in early September each year.
One prominent main street building will have its façade turned into a barnyard scene complete with stables. Another will be used to showcase entries in an art exhibition being run as part of the event, with the Pride of Place as the theme and categories for under 10s, under 15s and over 16s.
James Clancy of Clancy's Bar and Hotel is involved with the initiative. "It's great, there's mighty work going on. A great effort is being made with everyone doing their bit. The town has never looked as well," he said. "We had great momentum going with the Gathering weekend and this is keeping it going, it's given us a focus, a goal to work towards" he explained.
With Tallow being entered in the tourism category of the Pride of Place awards, as well as working to show off the local landscape to its best advantage, they're working hard on putting together a presentation for the judges that will detail all the town and area has to offer in terms of culture, heritage and amenities.
Committee member Gerty Murphy used that old political saying this week to sum up their progress. "A lot done. More to do." Pointing out that time to the judges's arrival is short, she said it's going to be a very busy few weeks. Anyone from the area who would like to help bring the prestigious award to the town is invited along to the committee's weekly meetings held on Wednesdays at 8.30pm in Clancy's Bar.
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