The annual summer lunch is an occasion to which many of our members look forward eagerly each year. It’s an opportunity to don the summer frocks, the short-sleeved shirts and the open-toed sandals, while anticipating the lazy, hazy summer days ahead.
As in previous years, our lunch meeting was held at Oriel House Hotel, and no lunch was had till we had completed our business first! We are fortunate to have our wonderful choir to entertain us. They opened the proceedings with three sweetly sung and beautifully harmonised songs: The Bells of Shandon, Jubilate Deo, the Londonderry Air and When You Believe. A sure sign that our choir is going from strength to strength is that they could perform so expertly under the guidance of a guest conductor. Indeed it seemed that they were able to put her at her ease, so confident did they appear, after their recent tour to Krk, Croatia.
Our secretary Marian O’Callaghan then outlined the wide variety of activities that are available in our Branch. As an illustration of that, our Camera Group exhibited a fine selection of photographs taken during the past few months. Marian emphasised that the committee are open to all ideas, and are willing to consider any proposal put to them by our members.
General Secretary of RTAI, Billy Sheehan addressed the meeting too. His address covered the following topics:
- RTAI current position
- Pensions
- Changes to the PSPR – end in sight!
- Changes to Branch funding formula
- GDPR
- INTO
- Membership Plus
- Contacting RTAI – please call early in the day! 01-2454130, alternatively email info@rtaireland.ie, or see the website www.rtaireland.ie
One of the results of discontinuing the Membership Plus, is that there is extra funding for RTAI bursaries and for the counselling service, Inspire.
One of the recipients of a bursary this year was RTAI Cork member, Michael Duggan. Maith thú, a Mhichíl. Go n-éirí leat!
Once again the staff of Oriel House put on a great spread for our lunch. Compliments were flying to the chef!
The advantages of retirement include plenty of time for chat and catching up with old friends. When those who lingered did eventually get up to leave, we were met at the door by a torrential downpour!
Ah, summer!
RTAI CORK BLOG - Suíomh na Múinteoirí Scortha Chorcaí 