Young crafters in spotlight as Darndale prepares for Christmas

Young crafters in a northside Dublin suburb are using their skills as makers to raise funds for a children’s ambulance service.

Service users at Darndale youth centre Sphere 17 will be in the spotlight when their works go up for sale at a Christmas Fair.

It takes place at Darndale Belcamp Village Centre tomorrow, Wednesday December 4, between 12 noon and 4.00pm, with proceeds going towards Bumbleance, the Children’s Ambulance Service.

Bumbleance covers half a million kilometres each year through 15 vehicles, providing safe and comfortable transport for the country’s youngest patients.

It moves children between their homes and hospitals, hospices, treatment and respite centres, nationwide.

The fair is part of a day of pre-Christmas celebration in Darndale.

Santa will arrive at Darndale Belcamp Village Centre at 10.00am on Wednesday and the Christmas lights will be turned on in the Village Square at 4.00pm.

Locals have been encouraged to turn out by Dr Jack Nolan, the Chairperson of the Darndale Implementation Oversight Group, a community focused initiative of Dublin City Council.

“It will be wonderful see people of all ages gather in Darndale to mark the start of the festive season and I encourage everybody who can to come and enjoy these events,” said Dr Nolan.

“And I applaud the talent and the initiative of the young makers of Sphere 17.”

Sphere 17 also operates youth centres in Bonnybrook, Priorswood and Kilbarrack.