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TheCentre for Traditional Skills is based in the Old Railway Station, Lismore, Co Waterford. It is dedicated to the conservation and revival of age-old crafts and skills and it is the venue for a programme of summer weekend courses starting in June. The first skill to be taught is how to make a traditional hanging dresser

The organisers say no woodwork experience is necessary and that participants will bring home a piece of furniture they can be proud of. Also in June there is an opportunity to learn how to learn how to make a pine chest based on an 18th Century chest in the National Museum. Apart from various furniture-making courses, the cnetre offers courses in a range of other traditional crafts such as woodturning, basket-making, coopering, willow sculpture and building in stone and earth.

Three courses are offered in metalwork including tinsmithing. All courses are open to individuals and the centre will also provide special training for organisations and groups. For full details of all the courses available contact (058) 53196.

Training initiative in project management

Raising standards and ensuring best practices within the project management fraternity is the aim of the Institute of Project Management of Ireland, which has recently launched new training initiatives aimed at those working in this field. Certification is offered at four levels and is designed to provide professional accreditation for project managers as their careers develop. Courses are run in Dublin, Cork and Galway over a six month period.

The programmes have the imprimatur of the International Project Management Association. Ed Naughton, director of the Institute of Project Management of Ireland, says: "The principal objective of the new courses is to provide a solid foundation for the advancement of project management in Ireland and a benchmark for standards." For more information, contact the Institute of Project Management of Ireland (01) 661 4677 or log on to www.projectmanagement.ie

Distance option for horticulture studies

The Dublin School of Horticulture already runs taught courses in Dublin and Galway for those interested in gaining qualifications from the Royal Horticultural Society. But it has now added a distance learning/home study option for those living outside these centres. Students are assessed as they work through the material and regular written assignments are required. The cost of the course is €445 and it is aimed at those with a serious interest in horticulture. For information contact dacusc@indigo.ie or ceburke@gofree.indigo.ie or the Dublin School of Horticulture, 28 Spencer Villas, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin. Telephone (01) 280 9602.

Senior cybers meet through web portal

Age Action Ireland has identified a number of websites which may be of particular interest to senior cybers. The first of these is a website promoting the use of technology by older people which acts as a portal for interaction among senior surfers and offers them the opportunity to overcome online isolation. It provides practical help for newcomers and good links and the address is homepage.eircom.net/~katcha. www.vhihelath.com has a section on older people's health issues. This project is being led from University College Cork. The contact number for Age Action Ireland is (01) 475 6989.