REVIEW OF RECENT EVENTS

ANNUAL WEEKEND BREAK

Niall picked up Jim and me at Whitehall on Friday and drove us to Skerries. We found our accommodation on Thomas Hand Street, and there we met Mary, Rose and Teresa, who had travelled by train. After a rest we headed out for a ramble about the town, where a great variety of houses and the wide Main Street and obelisk a monument to a “kind landlord” and MP, James Hamilton set Skerries apart for us. On a walk beside the beach we met a number of dog-owners exercising their pets of several breeds; one, a Limburger, was the largest dog we’d ever come across. We were also introduced to 2 Shiatsu pups, one of which recently saved it’s owner’s life by alerting her husband when her blood pressure suddenly plummeted.

A light evening meal in an Italian restaurant was followed by a good night’s sleep. We made use of the Piccolo Café next door for our breakfast. A guided tour of Skerries Mills a watermill and two windmills was most interesting; we were shown how the mechanisms worked, with the rooftop being moved to catch the wind. Later the Harbour and beach were traversed and much enjoyed with lovely sights. That night after Vigil Mass we were out again to “Raff’s on the Corner” where we had a fine meal and took in some of the live band’s music. The service was great.

The weather held up very well until Sunday afternoon when it was time to head for home. We all enjoyed the weekend.

Paddy Kelly


BOOK NIGHT

We had another pleasant Book Night in August. Once again some members preferred to relax and listen rather than read, but most of those who came treated us to a wide assortment of subjects.

Rose Noone began the proceedings with thoughtful excerpts from Sr Stanislaus’s book. Patsy Collins gave us insights into the lives of computer geniuses Bill Gates and the late Steve Jobs. Francis Lawlor’s “Remeniscences of Dublin” entertained us, while Teresa O’Hehir chose an inspiring story of a saintly nun. Lorraine Wall reminded us of Sir Roger Casement’s capture on “Lonely Banna Strand”. By contrast Teresa Talbot read a humorous article by popular Dublin author John D. Sheridan on the difficulties encountered doing DIY tasks.
Eileen Murphy’s delightful supper and Tommy’s lovely tea brought the evening to a close. We look forward to another selection of readings soon, and in the meantime we’ll look at our book shelves for suitable items.

“Roving Reporter”