RTAI CORK BLOG – Suíomh na Múinteoirí Scortha Chorcaí
Events and News from RTAI Cork. (Best viewed on a laptop or PC, some features not visible on phones and tablets).
On Thursday 29th June, a group of avid gardeners visited the garden of Hester Forde in Glounthaune. Summer arrived early for Hester’s garden and she explained how that affects one’s colour display. Hester was more than helpful and was on hand to answer all kinds of questions.
Her garden has featured in many publications, including Irish Garden magazine, May 2017. The photos below give a little flavour of the wonderful views. Many a tip was shared, and notes compared over the cuppa agus cáca!
Friday 2nd: Social Coffee morning. Clayton Silversprings Hotel. 11 a.m.
Thursday 8th: Amblers walk in Garrettstown. Meet at 11 a.m Speckled Door.
Friday 9th: Spring/summer meeting followed by lunch. Oriel House, Ballincollig. 11.30 a.m. Billy Sheehan, General Secretary will attend.
Wednesday 21st: Hillwalkers. Hike in Comeraghs. E-mail will issue in advance to Hillwalkers. Contact any committee member for more info.
Thursday 29th: Garden visit. Hester Forde’s garden is in full bloom! Visit at 2pm. 15, Johnstown Park, Glounthaune, Co. Cork. Donations accepted for the Irish Pilgrimage Trust.
Drama to continue as arranged.
The Choir is on summer holidays.
As usual, all events are subject to confirmation by Text Message.
On Wednesday 8th February 2017, a group of over 30 RTAI members visited the garden of Hester Forde in Glounthaune, Co. Cork. Hester, who is an RTAI, member is renowned for her garden, in particular her wonderful display of snowdrops.
As soon as the visitors were gathered they became engrossed in the variety of plants all around them. Hester was most helpful in answering questions and giving advice about all aspects of gardening.
We were unlucky with the weather, but fortunately we were welcomed into her home for tea, coffee and cake to warm us up when the rain started. Hester’s husband Paddy was on hand to help too.
Paddy told us that the proceeds of the day would be going to The Irish Pilgrim Trust. Every two years they have a cycle to Lourdes to raise funds. Paddy will be cycling the route in 2018. He was extremely grateful for the donation of €234 by the visitors.
Thanks to Pat Naughton and Mags McCarthy for the photos below.
The summer meeting of our branch was held at Oriel House on Saturday June 11th 2016.
Our Choir opened the proceedings with a beautiful rendition of “How can I keep from Singing” and the ever-popular “Song for Ireland”. (The Choir is now on summer break, and will be welcoming new members in September).
About 120 members were present at the meeting. We are grateful to INTO Districts 12 and 16 for subsidising the cost of the wonderful meal. We welcomed Mr. John Driscoll CEC rep District 12, Ms. Emma Dineen, past President INTO and Ms. Kathleen Lowney, acting Chairperson District 12.
The meeting was addressed by Mr. Billy Sheehan, President of RTAI.
The most recent Comhnasc has news in relation to many pertinent issues. Billy brought us up to date on these and other issues.
Public Sector Pension Reduction – restoration scales up to and including 2018.
RETIRED BEFORE MARCH 2012 – PENSION UNDER €34,132
RETIRED BEFORE MARCH 2012 – PENSION OVER €34,132
RETIRED SINCE 1 MARCH 2012 – PENSION UNDER €32,250
RETIRED SINCE 1 MARCH 2012 – PENSION OVER €32,500
PLEASE CHECK YOUR OWN SITUATION WITH D.E.S. OR RTAI HEAD OFFICE, AS THIS IS A GENERAL RECAP OF THE FIGURES GIVEN.
OTHER MATTERS:
Pictured at the summer meeting in Oriel House
Front Row L-R: Clare Bradley (Treasurer), Kathleen Lowney (D12), Marie Dennehy (Secretary), Billy Sheehan (General Secretary) Velda Ó Brádaigh (Cathaoirleach), Emma Dineen (outgoing President INTO), John Driscoll (CEC, D12).
Back row L-R: Committee members, Pádraig Ó Conaill, Derry Keogh, Mags McCarthy, Marian O’Callaghan, Frank Tobin, Seán Radley. (Photo: Bridie O’ Brien).
On Monday 20th June, a small group of interested RTAI Cork members and friends visited BLUES the Dyeing, Patchwork and Quilting exhibition at the Bishopstown Library, Wilton Shopping Centre.
The exhibition on show is the work of a group of local craftswomen: Mary Palmer, Moya Geraghty, Kay O’Sullivan, Ailbhe O’Callaghan and Margaret Walsh (Mags). Each piece is unique, and the styles in the work reflect the individual taste and talent of each member of the group.
We were fortunate to have Mags Walsh, RTAI Cork member, to guide us and to explain the techniques that were used in the process from start to finished work-of-art.
Most of the fabric is dyed by the members themselves. The impetus for the current exhibition came from a dyeing workshop, a year previously, when the members learned the practice of Japanese dyeng called Shibori. The dye used is obtained from the indigo plant. For further information on Japanese dyeing processes, see the Wikipedia link here.
When the fabrics had been dyed, the quilters took inspiration from the patterns produced, and incorporated them into some of their quilts.
The exhibition includes other techniques of patchwork; traditional and contemporary. Some patterns have amusing names, such as the Drunkard’s Path!
Some quilts are small – suitable as wall hangings, but the majority on show are full-sized quilts which will no doubt become family heirlooms for future generations.
Click on the images for a larger view.
Having Mags to explain how the pieces were assembled, highlighted for us the painstaking work involved in each one. However, she also brought along some smaller pieces, to encourage us to “start small.”
If you couldn’t attend on the 20th, it’s not too late!
Click Bishopstown Library for more information on upcoming events.
Reminder!
There will be what promises to be a facinating talk on how the past has influenced and contributed to our lives today, at Oriel House Hotel, Ballincollig, on Wednesday May 18th at 11 a.m.
The lecture will be given by Shane Lehane of the Folklore and Ethnology Department of UCC. No doubt his passion for the subject will enthuse and inspire all in attendance.
Please check your text messages for Claire’s number, and reply on or before Monday 15th May.
Refreshments will be served.
Here are the planned activities for May 2016:
May 4th (Wednesday )
Ramblers: Dolman Loop walk
May 6th (Friday)
Social Coffee Morning. Clayton Silversprings Hotel. 11 a.m.
May 12th (Thursday)
Amblers Walk Murphy’s Farm, Bishopstown. This is an easy linear walk. Meet at The Model Farm (formerly Tennis Village) 11 a.m.
May 18th (Wednesday)
Talk by Shane Lehane, Department of Folklore and Ethnology, UCC.
Moulded by our Past; Archaeology, Folklore and History. Oriel House 11 a.m.
May 21st & 22nd
Bishopstown Hill Walking Festival Click here
May 23rd (Monday)
Dinner and Show Earlybird at Isaac’s Restaurant, followed by The Simon and Garfunkel Story, 50th Anniversary Show, at the Everyman Theatre 8p.m. €40 total.
Numbers limited, filling up fast! See text sent 21st April.
Information about the Simon & Garfunkel Story
May 25th (Wednesday)
Ramblers – Nire Valley and Coumdoola Loop
The Committee is looking at summer events, for June, July and August. Further details will be posted on the blog and notified by text message when they are finalised.
Don’t forget! Contact us at rtaicorkblog@gmail.com
