Sorrel Wood

The Sorrel Wood Coffee Social was a success, drawing around 50 residents who enjoyed connecting with neighbours and creating a warm, community-focused atmosphere. Bruno and his wife, along with their friendly dog, helped keep the event lively, while Deirdre, Raymond, and Vivien showed enthusiasm for future involvement. Despite windy conditions limiting some activities, children enjoyed themselves, and residents lingered even as the event wound down. Valuable feedback from 25 surveys and discussions around forming a Residents’ Association highlighted a shared commitment to building a vibrant neighbourhood.

The Sorrel Wood Street Party, held as part of the Home Together programme, was a joyful afternoon of food, fun, and friendly connection. The event took place on a rainy afternoon in late May — but not even the weather could dampen the community spirit.

Neighbours gathered from across the estate to share home-cooked food, take part in games, and meet one another in a relaxed and welcoming setting. From toddlers to grandparents, the event drew more than 50 people throughout the afternoon, including the estate’s youngest resident at just three weeks old.

Volunteers were at the heart of the day. Residents like Emma, Milton, Vivienne (and her granddaughter Megan), Andrew, and Bruno pitched in with set-up and decorations, transforming the shared green into a colourful celebration space with gazebos, bunting, and a shared food table brimming with dishes from all over the world — from Sri Lankan bakes to Italian pasta and coconut rice balls.

The day featured light music, arts and crafts, games for children, a neighbourly quiz, and lots of conversation. Megan, age 16, took charge of the kids’ table with creative energy for two hours. One resident who popped by during her lunch break said, “I’m so glad I could make it, even if just for a little while. It reminded me how important these moments are — otherwise, we just pass each other with a quick hello.”

Even in the pouring rain, neighbours helped each other pack up, wipe down tables, and take rubbish home. The sense of shared ownership was clear and inspiring.

As Julia, a resident, put it: “Events like this are just what our estate needs. It’s so easy to get stuck in our routines — this was a breath of fresh air. Thank you to Home Together and everyone who made it happen!”

The Sorrel Wood Residents’ Association Information Session took place on Thursday, 10th April 2025, bringing together seven residents for an evening of conversation, ideas, and inspiration. Facilitated by Martina and Eilish, the session explored what a Residents’ Association could look like in Sorrel Wood, focusing less on estate maintenance and more on building social connections and community spirit. The arrival of Cllr. Jason Mulhall added a boost of insight and encouragement, as he shared his own experiences of starting an RA. The discussion really came alive when residents began planning their upcoming Street Feast, with fun ideas like a dog-and-owner lookalike contest and nature-based activities for kids. By the end of the night, there was a clear sense of excitement and a shared commitment to taking the next steps—starting with creating and distributing a survey to spark wider interest across the estate.

The Sorrel Wood Visioning Workshop took place on 10th December 2024 at Blessington Library, bringing together five residents for an intimate evening of conversation and ideas. Led by Ali and supported by Martina and Heather from Home Together, the session gave neighbours space to reflect on what they love about their community and imagine its future. Residents shared thoughtful ideas, from setting up walking groups to hosting a “careers night” where people could talk about their jobs. The small group made it easy to connect, with plenty of laughs, encouragement, and practical suggestions. By the end, there was interest in organising a casual coffee morning as the next step towards building stronger links—and maybe even forming a Residents’ Association down the line.

To mark the end of the Home Together programme in Sorrel Wood, residents gathered for a warm and creative wreath-making workshop in the beautifully transformed Gather & Glow market space in Blessington. With the weather too wild for the planned nature walk, neighbours instead came together indoors to enjoy refreshments, chats, and a chance to craft something festive.

Families, individuals, and new faces joined in, with children entertained in a cosy kid-friendly corner while parents and older teens got hands-on with natural foliage and creative designs. Residents chatted about holiday plans, life in the estate, and what they’d like to see next for their growing community. A gentle, joyful way to wrap up the programme.

​