Community Initiative Manager,ESB Mr Gerry McGough & National ICA President Carmel Dawson together with Pallasgreen ICA ladies Majella O'Dea, Mary Ryan & Susan English who attended an ESB sponsored course at An Grianán recently .
NOLLAIG SHONA
Federation President Marie Hayes extends Beannachtaí na Féile to all members of Bantracht Na Tuaithe, past and present. agus Bliain Nua Faoí Mhaise do gach einne.
Go mbeirimíd beo ar an am seo arís.
CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS
Many of our members have seen changes over the years in customs and traditions associated with Christmas. Some such as the Wren Boys or the hunting of ‘The Wran’ has almost died out altogether. Would you like to put on record your memories of ‘The Wran’ in your area? Was a bush carried, how did you dress, what music was played, do you remember any of the songs or dances or funny incidences. The celebration of Little Christmas /Nollag na mBan varied from place to place.
Your personal memories of Christmas’s past would be much appreciated by Phyllis O’Halloran, either by email or snail mail and all will be acknowledged.
RURAL ELECTRIFICATION
The Irish Country Women’s Association, worked hard and diligently, over the last century, on behalf of the women of Ireland. Health and education issues were pursued, and all facilities, which would improve the living standards of the community and women in the home, were advanced.
One of the many challenges undertaken by the members of the ICA in its earlier years was the campaign to have electricity provided in all rural homes .
Lobbying and advocacy were no strangers to these pioneering women .The introduction of Rural Electrification countrywide in the fifties changed the lifestyle of women beyond recognition. In addition to electric light, houses now had clean and efficient methods of cooking. Electric cookers came on the market, the problem was how to use them.. Never found wanting, the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) came forward with a solution. Cookery courses were organised by the ICA with generous sponsorship from the Board and women suddenly had the opportunity to acquire new skills. The days of baking in a bastable oven over an open fire were coming to a close. ICA women were facilitated, by way of scholarships sponsored by their new benefactor ESB and travelled to courses at the ICA Adult Education College in Co Louth in their droves. This was a wonderful way of coming to terms with the new cookers and other electric appliances, which were to follow.
The relationship and trust built in those years between the ESB and ICA was successful one .As new appliances came on the market, so did new ICA members
And the ESB sponsored courses are much sought after by the 21st century ladies as they were by their sisters over fifty years ago.
Molaimíd an tachaiocht atá faighte againn go dtí seo agus tá súil again go mbeidh an seans ceanna ag mná an tóchaí freisin.
VOLUNTEER READING PROGRAMME
Volunteers are sought to provide one-to-one reading sessions to children in 1st and 2nd class who need some extra help with their reading. The sessions occur twice weekly for 40 minutes each during school hours.
No teaching experience is required, full training will be provided to all volunteers and ongoing support.
The schools taking part in the programme will be in the Limerick City area.
For more information or to register contact Sineád Hardiman or Lorna Johnson, Volunteer Service, Barnardos. Tel: 01-4530355 or email volunteers@barnardos.ie
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