We have decided to start a monthly Wine review as a result of interest expressed by users of the site, and will in due course be covering many aspects of the wine industry .

Not only will we focus on wines from the different wine producing regions and countries of the world and the characteristics of the main grape varieties, but also general information on wine as an investment in pleasure and how to derive benefit from this.

Judging for the national Tidy Towns competition takes place during the months of June, July and August, and can begin anytime from the first of June onwards.  Last year Blackrock was awarded 284 points in the competition, just one point short of a medal.  This year the Tidy Towns ask everyone in the village to do all they can to get those extra few points to reach medal status.  The committee has identified a number of ways in which individuals, households and businesses can assist in achieving the highest possible marks for Blackrock this year:

• Make sure your property, including boundary walls, is in a good state of repair and decoration.
• Try to keep the footpath, gutter and roadway directly outside your own property tidy, weed-free and litter-free at all times.
• Remove any weeds or grass growing at kerbs or at the bases of walls outside your property, or in the gutters or chimneys of buildings.
• Make sure that the entrances to residential estates, and the common areas within estates, are well maintained and presented.
• Erect hanging baskets and window boxes where appropriate.
• Please carry a bag to clean up after your dog (dog fouling continues to be a problem in Blackrock).
• If you are a smoker, please dispose of your cigarette end properly – don’t just drop it on the footpath or roadway.
• If you come across litter while out walking, please pick it up and place it in the nearest bin. If everyone picked up even one item of litter each time they go for a walk it would help enormously.  
• If you see anybody dropping litter, point out to them that they are undermining the village’s chances of getting that elusive medal.