The Ashton estate has taken a significant step forward in enhancing its communal charm with the recent installation of handcrafted wooden benches throughout our shared green spaces. This initiative, spearheaded by the diligent efforts of Michael W. and the Ashton Committee, represents a commitment to improving our local environment and fostering a stronger sense of belonging among residents. These benches were thoughtfully placed to provide scenic vantage points, offering everyone a comfortable spot to rest, reflect, or engage in a friendly chat with passing neighbors.

The physical labor of the installation was a true community effort, and we owe a massive debt of gratitude to Michael W & our Chairperson, Michael C. Thier contribution went far beyond administrative oversight; Michael W. was on the ground on the day of the installation, providing essential hands-on assistance to ensure every bench was securely and perfectly positioned. His leadership and willingness to "get stuck in" alongside the team were vital to the project's smooth completion, proving that our committee is led by individuals who are truly invested in the estate's well-being.

Beyond their practical use, these wooden benches serve as a lasting symbol of what can be achieved when residents collaborate for the common good. The warm, natural aesthetic of the wood complements the estate’s landscaping beautifully, creating a more inviting atmosphere for families and elderly residents alike. It is heartening to see these new additions already being utilized, turning quiet corners of the estate into active hubs of social interaction and relaxation.

We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to Michael W. for his vision and the Ashton Committee for their logistical coordination, as well as a heartfelt thank you to Michael C. for his invaluable help on the day. Their combined dedication has not only improved the physical infrastructure of Ashton but has also strengthened the spirit of our neighborhood. We encourage everyone to take a moment to enjoy the new seating and appreciate the hard work that went into making this project a reality. Thank you!!!

We are looking forward to another great year in Ashton, the estate subscriptions are due now and remain at €250 for 2026, we look forward to another 100% of houses paying, thank you in advance

Thank you to Mick R for Organising the Christmas Raffle for 2024 & 2025

Thank you to the sponsors of our prizes for this year’s Christmas 🎅 raffle & Congratulations to all the winners.

TV by Mick M & family

Painting sponsored by Greg & Carolan

Food sponsored by Mick and Angie W.

Hamper by Mick R

Hair by Maureen C
Selection boxes by Sandra and Pat W

Merry Christmas Everyone.

The Committee

Thanks to everyone who came out for the estate clean up !!

The estate subscriptions of €250 can be paid by bank transfer. Please contact a member of the Committee for the BIC and IBAN

Thank you.

Before Picture

The front of the estate was in need of a lick of paint in May 2025.

After Picture

Thanks to all the residents who came out to help, special thanks to Michael Mooney for driving this project.

Wildflower Meadow Project

We have done a fantastic job on our wildflower garden in full bloom recently, and have great plans to expand their wildflower garden going forward. Big thanks to Mr Mooney for his hard work to seed and plant this big area. Mr Mooney recently added a second wildflower meadow, we are looking forward to seeing Ashton awash with colour soon again.

Bug Hotel and Bee Hive Project

We have also added a Bug Hotel, and recently last Summer some native honey bees have moved into the Hotel. Maybe we will have honey for the residents too… Huge thanks to Michael W for driving this project.

Flower Bulb Planting Project

Recently the estate have planted thousands of flower bulbs, We have seen dafadolls , crocuses , bluebells , snowdrops and many more in our travels. Thanks to all our flower planters over the years and special thanks to the O'Briens in number 29 for the work planting too.

Bird Boxes Project

We have installed various bird boxes around the estate and we hope to see new residents move in soon in them. Thanks to Paul in number 28 for the donation.

Leaf composting Project

Also a active leaf composting project has taken shape and we hope to have top quality compost in a few years, this project came from a Blessington Tidy Towns, composting course run in conjunction with Wicklow County Council and to top it all off, Ashton have had various residents assist Blessington Tidy Towns over the years, and currently have too, great community spirit. Thanks to Mick Courtney for driving this project.

Bat Box Project

The recent addition of a few bat boxes in Ashton is most welcome. Thanks to Ashton Committee's for securing these and its great to see the help given to our native bats. More great work indeed.

Bring Christmas Alive Project

In true community spirt and neighbourly friendship, Ashton residents met on the communal green in the estate at Christmas for mulled wine and selection boxes for the children to reminisce over the past years and absent friends too. And at the front of the estate our Christmas tree is on display year round and lit up at Christmas time. Thanks to Mick R and Mick M for making this happen.

Ashton Urban Forest Project

Ashton have also been part of the Dispersed Urban Forest Blessington Tidy Towns project, details in the link below.

https://blessingtontidytowns.ie/dispersed-forest/

Free Library Project

The concept of Little Free Libraries has become a global phenomenon, fostering community engagement and promoting literacy by providing free access to books in communities around the world. These small, publicly accessible book-sharing boxes operate on a simple principle: “Take a book, leave a book.” They encourage a sense of community, offering a space where residents can connect through their shared love of reading. The initiative began in 2009 in Hudson, Wisconsin, and has since spread internationally, with thousands of Little Free Libraries established in various countries.
Ashton are delighted to be joing this international movement. Thanks to Paul B and Blessington Tidy Towns for driving this project.

Solitary Bee Post Project

The Irish Bee Conservation Project has partnered with Ashton and Blessington Tidy Towns to install a solitary bee post beside the wildflower meadow in Ashton, creating a vital habitat for some of Ireland’s most important pollinators. Solitary wild bees, which include species like mason bees and mining bees, play a crucial role in pollinating native plants and crops. Unlike honeybees, these bees do not live in colonies, making safe nesting spaces like this post essential for their survival. Supporting solitary bees helps maintain biodiversity and strengthens local ecosystems, ensuring our environment continues to thrive.

https://www.ibcp.ie/

Ashton's "Stone Serenity" Project

What once lay beneath our feet in tired, cracked brick has been lovingly lifted, making way for something altogether gentler, quieter—Stone Serenity. Each gravel stone laid is like a breath exhaled, softening the ground with a whisper of calm. The earth now shimmers in muted tones, catching light and mood alike, a canvas of texture and peace. No longer a path merely trodden, this is a space reborn—where footsteps are softened, where stillness settles, and where something simple becomes unexpectedly beautiful. Stone Serenity isn't just a change in surface; it's a transformation in soul.

The "Power Garden" Project

Introducing The Power Garden Project — where engineering meets enchantment. What was once a plain electrical station has now blossomed into a vibrant symbol of harmony between progress and nature. Around the hum of vital infrastructure, a rich tapestry of wildflowers and native blooms now dances in the breeze, softening the lines of industry with colour and life. The Power Garden isn’t just about beautifying a space — it’s about showing that even the most practical places can uplift, inspire, and belong to the community. This is power with heart, purpose with petals — a quiet celebration of what’s possible when we reimagine the everyday. In time this will be spectacular.

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