EAST-WEST
With Chris Fingleton
THE new extension to Stratford Lodge National School, Baltinglass was opened officially on Friday 30 September, writes William Patterson.
In the presence of Canon Mervyn McCullagh, Simon Harris TD, members of the board of management, teachers, parents and pupils, the Rt Rev Michael Burrows, Bishop of Cashel & Ossory, dedicated the new wing to the welfare of the children of the parish from then on into the future.
It so happened that the opening day followed the Feast of St Michael & All Angels on 29 September (Michaelmas). At the church service held in St Mary’s, Baltinglass before the opening, the bishop used the occasion to remind the congregation that “angels were messengers from God” and that children often felt they saw angels while adults didn’t.
“Who are we,” he asked, “to say that children are wrong and there are some truths about life we grown-ups no longer understand?”
The service included prayers read by two young pupils and two of the parents.
After the blessing, Canon McCullagh outlined the history of the school which was founded in 1820.
Simon Harris TD said that since his election to the Dáil he had heard much about the country’s future in terms of bond markets, bailout deals and euro bonds, but said the true future of the country lay in this new classroom, and in school classrooms throughout the land.
He said that Ireland was recognised internationally for its well-educated people and its youthful population.
Turning to the children of Stratford Lodge National School, he said that he wanted to leave them with the message that Ireland was a great country made great by education and that they were the future. All would be proud of them, their achievements, ambitions and the contributions they would make to Ireland.
Later in the school itself, Mr Harris unveiled a plaque commemorating the occasion.
Positively lovely coffee morning
TULLOW Day Care Centre held a very successful coffee morning as part of its celebration of ‘Positive Aging Week’. Around 40 people made their way to the day care centre last week to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee as well as some delicious goodies made by resident chef Jackie Deering.
Those who attended were also encouraged to view the many items of jewellery as well as items of bric-a-brac supplied by the adjoining charity shop.
The previous day, instead of having afternoon tea in the day care centre, the members paid a visit to the nearby Glendale Nursing Home. This visit gave people the opportunity to have a chat and catch up with some of those who had been regular visitors to the Tullow Day Care Centre.
“It was really a very successful event,” said Marian Doyle, nurse manager at Tullow Day Care Centre.
The event was sponsored by Carlow Older Person Network and Carlow Community Development Partnership. Next on the members’ busy itinerary is the annual Halloween Ball, hosted by Carlow Older Persons Network. The ball will take place in the Seven Oaks Hotel on Wednesday 26 October from 2pm to 4.30pm and there will be a prize for the best costume.
Lively start to Culture Café new season
THE Culture Café at the Davidstown Schoolhouse in the Glen of Imaal has returned for what will hopefully be another successful season. Now in its second year, the month-ly event is promoted by West Wicklow Arts Network, bringing together people to enjoy a mixture of inspiration, entertainment and chat.
Each night features an informal programme celebrating and encouraging local creativity but, most importantly, giving people an opportunity to socialise and come together in an inspiring environment. The first night of the season got underway on Monday night last, 10 October, with some live music, surprise guests, refreshments as well as a warm welcome.
According to the organisers, it is often challenging for new people to get to know their community and for existing residents to have an opportunity to meet new people – and this is where the Culture Café comes in, as it encourages people to mix. As much as possible, the café will draw on the delicious food grown and produced locally.
Each night has a different creative theme and people will be encouraged to try things for themselves at each meeting. Some nights, for example, will feature music, film and food, while other nights may cover a topic such as photography.
Admission is free but voluntary donations are welcome. For more information, email artsnetwork@gmail.com or call 087 9048095.