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Living Scenes 2010 - 2011By participants of the Living Scenes Programme from Galway Community College and Croí na Gaillimhe Resource Centre, SVP.
Citation preview
1
Table of Contents
Dr. Mary Surlis, N.U.I. Galway, Foreword .................................... 5
Loretta Needham, St. Vincent de Paul, Croi na Gaillimhe ............. 6
Maria Moore, About Galway Community College ........................ 7
Hedy Gibbons, About Creative Writing ......................................... 8
Anna Cleary, Alphabet Reflections ................................................. 9
Leny Mannens, Alpha Poem .......................................................... 10
Davis Bergholcs, Alpha Poem ....................................................... 11
Nora Barrett, Alpha Poem .............................................................. 13
Emmie Lloyd, Alpha Poem ............................................................ 14
Nora Lally, Alpha Poem................................................................. 16
Igor Kucharski, Alpha Poem .......................................................... 17
Racquel Myers, Alphabet Reflections ........................................... 18
Dmitrys Uselonoks, Favourite Things ........................................... 19
Emmie Lloyd, Georgia Possum ..................................................... 20
Bridge Quinn, The Blue Stone ....................................................... 21
Nora Lally, Mary Joyce‟s Hat ........................................................ 22
Nora Barrett, Love .......................................................................... 23
Emmie Lloyd, St. Brigid‟s Cross ................................................... 24
Dmitrys Uselonoks, Inside ............................................................. 25
Leny Mannens, Gabriela ................................................................ 26
Davis Bergholcs, Hippo on the Sand ............................................. 27
2
Josephine Kelly, Koks = Trees ..................................................... 28
Bridge Quinn, Bridge‟s Treasure ................................................... 29
Nora Lally, Winter ......................................................................... 30
Leny Mannens, The Princess of Spain ........................................... 31
Rebecca Donovan, I Am ................................................................ 32
Anna Cleary, Treasures .................................................................. 33
Igor Kucharski, Too Heavy ............................................................ 34
Maureen Kelly, Under Cover ......................................................... 35
Nora Lally, The Japanese Girl ....................................................... 36
Bridge Quinn, Haiku ...................................................................... 37
Patricia McLaughlin, The Gospel According to ............................ 38
Davis Bergholcs, Great Memories ................................................. 39
Racquel Myers, New Flowers ........................................................ 40
Bridge Quinn, A Fish Out of Water ............................................... 41
Dmitrys Uselonoks, Tom The Man ................................................ 42
Josephine Kelly, Things I Like ...................................................... 43
Nora Lally, Trees In Winter ........................................................... 44
Maureen Kelly, The Mannequin .................................................... 45
Davis Bergholcs, Two Haiku ......................................................... 46
Igor Kucharski, Favourite Things .................................................. 47
Patricia McLaughlin, Who Am I? .................................................. 48
Leny Mannen, Seasons ................................................................... 49
Davis Bergholcs, The Man - A Character ...................................... 50
Luke Egan, Looking Forward ........................................................ 51
3
Leny Mannen, In The Beginning ................................................... 52
Anna Cleary, A Lady‟s Hat ............................................................ 53
Igor Kucharski, Igor‟s Treasures.................................................... 54
Denis O‟Brien, Haiku ..................................................................... 55
Patricia McLaughlin, A Beautiful Man.......................................... 56
Nora Barrett, Treasure .................................................................... 57
Igor Kucharski, Laughing Man ...................................................... 58
Racquel Myers, A Diamond Ring .................................................. 59
Denis O‟Brien, A January Boy ...................................................... 60
Leny Mannens, Something Special ................................................ 61
Rebecca Donovan, Traveller .......................................................... 62
Anna Cleary, Summer Mornings ................................................... 63
Denis O‟Brien, Seanfhocail ........................................................... 64
Nora Lally, From Self-Reliance to Dependence ............................ 65
Dmitrys, Change ............................................................................. 67
Denis O‟Brien, The Last Word ...................................................... 68
Hedy Gibbons, Introduction to the Play ........................................ 69
The Miller‟s House , Cast of Characters ........................................ 72
Old Fire, New Fire / The Miller‟s House ....................................... 73
4
Acknowledgements:
Much thanks to all those who provided or facilitated the gathering of
information during the research project:
Staff of Special Collections, N.U.I. Galway;
Martin Keating, Galway City Librarian, for an interesting and
informative tour of the Library and its research facilities;
Paul Duffy, recently retired City Engineer, for sharing his fund of
knowledge relating to Galway city, and especially the Mills area;
Frank Heneghan, Bridge Mills for his information on the workings
water-powered mills; the participants in Living Scenes for the oral
histories and folklore they gathered; Loretta Needham, Manager of
Croí na Gaillimhe; and information provided on their website by the
Society for the Traditional & Ancient Mills of Ireland.
Special thanks also to Volunteer workers Elaina and Philip for their
dedicated and careful work in typing the initial drafts of this book.
5
Foreword: M. Surlis
A Programme of Intergenerational Learning in NUI Galway
Living Scenes is collaborative educational initiative, involving
schools, teenagers and older adults, working together within a
community learning environment. It encourages, supports and
accommodates active experiential learning among participants of the
programme. It has specific learning outcomes from the curricular
based objectives of the programme and is designed, implemented and
funded by NUI Galway as part of the University‟s Adult and
Continuing Education outreach initiatives.
As a programme of intergenerational learning Living Scenes seeks to
promote and cultivate the enriching relationship that has been
established in the course of the programme‟s ten year history. This
concept of learning is very new in Irish education. It has been
received enthusiastically by school management and staff, local
Active Retirement groups, community groups and individuals
as being something very worthwhile and of great educational
importance. The objectives are to discover common links between
“perceived” diverse generations, to foster and promote mutual
respect, and to empower both groups through consultation to actively
participate in the development of the curriculum, and thus develop a
sense of “ownership” of a non-hierarchical nature within the
programme.
The current year has seen a new venture for the Programme by
bringing it and the Transition Year students out of the school and into
a community, and setting (Living Scenes, Croí na Gaillimhe). It has
been a tremendous success. Core to that success has been the
involvement of an enthusiastic participant group, a wonderful centre
manager, Loretta Needham, an actively supportive and encouraging
school presence in Galway Community College, under the weekly
supervision of Maria Moore, and finally, an exciting and highly
developed Writing and Drama module facilitated by Hedy Gibbons,
which has brought the programme to a new level, a new model of
intergenerational learning. Well done to all!
Míle buíochas,
Mary Surlis.
6
Foreword: Loretta Needham The Croí na Gaillimhe Resource Centre opened in April 2009 and
was officially opened in January 2011 by President of Ireland Mary
McAleese.
The mission is to promote positive change in favour of those
who would benefit most in the community, promote inclusion and
equality in the community, and resource the local community. We
provide an intergenerational and intercultural place of welcome,
offering a range of holistic educational and social supports
complementing current provision in Galway City.
Tradition suggests (though research indicates otherwise) that
this house was built at the turn of the 19th century by a Mr. Ruxton,
who also gave his name to the nearby „little bridge‟ on Mill Street.
The building is unique in the Galway City context, because it is the
only known example with a watercourse constructed to run directly
underneath it.
A feasibility study commissioned in 2007 (which involved
consultations with wide range of local stakeholders) concluded that
there was a need for a city-centre based resource centre. Armed with
findings emerging from this feasibility study a proposal was
developed and submitted to the Maureen O‟Connell Trust for support
to re-develop the Mill Street building as a Resource Centre. The
application was successful and the building was redeveloped and
refurbished, with a full-time Centre Manager appointed in March
2009. A three year plan was subsequently devised. In January 2010, a
full time Receptionist and part-time Social Club Co-ordinator were
appointed. We worked in 2009-2011 with a range of service users to
provide a dinner and social club, high quality training programmes
and the “Living Scenes Intergenerational programme”.
I would like to acknowledge the contribution of St James
Conference and all our volunteers who have contributed to the centre.
Finally it was a privilege to work with Dr. Mary Surlis, NUI
Galway and the Living Scenes team (Maria Moore, Galway
Community College and Hedy Gibbons, Creative Writing
Facilitator).
Loretta Needham, Manager, Croí na Gaillimhe, Resource Centre
7
Introduction
Living Scenes in Galway Community College
The programme running with G.C.C. is different from those running
elsewhere in that, instead of the school classroom, participants meet
in Croí na Gaillimhe. This beautiful venue has inspired a lot of the
work we have made there - a programme providing a mix of Music,
Art, Drama and Creative Writing.
We have a very talented group of people from all over Ireland,
joined by participants from Latvia, Poland, and Holland. They speak
a variety of first languages, Irish, English, German, Dutch, Russian,
Latvian and Polish, as well as Cant (the language of Irish Travellers).
This makes for a great linguistic melting pot -and at times some
confusion.
Several of the Transition Year learners arrived in Ireland with
little or no English and we should pay tribute to them on the
remarkable progress they have made during the year. Thanks to all
those who encouraged, explained and at times translated for them.
Initially class-work was designed to help participants get to
know one another. Early work in art and crafts explored the theme of
Leadership. Participants made masks, banners and small clay models.
The beautiful masks explored the notion that we hide behind facades.
It was wonderful to witness the bonds of trust and friendship which
developed between the group members; to see the care, and hear the
laughter, (especially the laughter).
Banner and model making developed skills forgotten in some
and undiscovered in others. Halloween involved traditional games as
well as pumpkin decoration. Who would have realised how
competitive the men became over carving designs! We also had some
very talented young musicians visit us which brought out hitherto
unknown dancing skills in several of the gentlemen. What a busy
year!
We have been privileged to work with Hedy Gibbons, award
winning writer, in our Creative Writing module. To all those
involved in Living Scenes a huge thank you.
Maria Moore, Art Teacher
8
About Creative Writers:
In January, 2011, joining the Living Scenes programme as Creative
Writing facilitator, I wasn‟t sure what to expect. On that first day the
prospect of facilitating a creative writing experience with individuals
from a variety of countries, who have as many different native
languages, presented quite a challenge!
On that journey, I have observed a warmth and caring, a
genuine desire to communicate, an enthusiasm to learn and grow,
that has carried all of us. I watched people listen to each other, laugh
together, help each other, as they moved through words - exchanging
memories, treasures, dreams and life stories. From there they began
to create „scenes of life‟, putting some of those life-experiences on
paper, telling some of their stories, imagining others through the
poems, short prose, memoir, characters and scenes they created.
Finally, as we became increasingly aware of the historical
significance of this old Miller‟s House, we researched its history,
wrote a short play about it, and performed that play in public.
Thank you all for your willingness to take pen to paper: to „give
it a go‟; to „push the boat out‟ into your imaginations; to take
whatever writing tasks were presented to you „on board‟.
Very special thanks to Maria Moore, a wonderfully creative Art
teacher and colleague who offered calm, costumes, and creative
solutions in marrying art, craft and writing.
Many thanks also, to Loretta Needham, her staff, and
Volunteers, who supported and helped us always, on this unique
„voyage of discovery‟.
And finally, to Dr. Mary Surlis – for having the vision to see on
the horizon this glorious new territory of learning before we‟d even
set sail!
Hedy Gibbons
Creative Writing Facilitator
9
Anna‟s Alphabet Reflections:
At Living Scenes today we did creative writing.
But halfway through we did a story and told everyone.
Continued after the break.
Did the alphabet a-z, said a line about each letter.
Everyone really enjoyed themselves.
First we started with a postcard.
Great stories were given to share.
Hopefully next week will be as good.
I enjoyed Living Scenes today
Just after the break we said out the stories
Keep up the good work should be said to everyone.
Let your mind flow said the woman
Means a lot to everyone at Living scenes
Nobody was sad
Overall I enjoyed myself
People should do writing at home
Queen-I felt like one.
Raquel had a good story
So shared it with Living Scenes
Teacher was happy and helpful.
Underneath the story I wrote I add more
We enjoyed everything
X-rays we should learn about.
You have a good time.
Zoom into the future.
Anna
10
Alphabet Poem
A Arms are to bring things home.
B Bears are living in woods.
C Catherine is a lovely girl.
D Dennis likes writing.
E Eggs are nice fried.
F Fun and sadness go together.
G Great pleasure is good for the heart.
H Honey is made by the bees.
I I don't like milk.
J Jeremiah was a prophet.
K Kay is the daughter of my friend.
L Leny is my name.
M Mannens is my surname.
N Never say never.
O Old and young go well together.
P Polish people are good at speaking English.
Q Quarrel not too much!
R 'Round and round‟ goes the carousel.
S Sometimes life is not easy.
T Two people know more than a single one.
U U tube is a site that I know nothing about.
V Victory in Peru for the Spanish was very sad for the Incas.
W What are you doing now?
X Xanthan gum is a thickener.
Y You are wearing a beautiful blouse.
Z Zenith is another word for top.
Leny
11
Alphabet Poem 2
A Apples are healthy.
B Brothers are annoying.
C Car I do not own.
D Dogs I like.
E Exams are coming up.
F Friends are there for you.
G Gardens are nice and green.
H Holes are in my shoes.
I Internet everyone uses.
J Joking is fun.
K Krooked words
L Life is too short.
M Music can change your mood.
N Neon lights hurt my brain.
O Outdoors is exciting.
P Playing can be fun.
Q Questions and answers.
R Rivers never stop.
S Students go to school.
T Trees are fun to climb.
U Universities are after school.
V Views of the world.
W World keeps spinning.
X X-ray the broken bones.
Y You are pretty.
Z Zebras run in the wild.
Dāvis
12
Patricia
13
Alphabet Poem 3
A I eat an apple every day.
B I play football in school.
C I have a cat.
D I have a dog.
E I love elephants.
F I love my friends.
G I go to school.
H I live at home.
I I love being on Facebook.
J My brother's name is Joshua.
K All my friends are kind.
L I love life.
M My mom is amazing.
N My name is Nora.
O I never saw an octopus.
P I love walking in the park.
Q I love the queen.
R I really hate when people talk about yo???.
S I love school.
T I think you're a nice person.
U I love you.
V I have a van.
W I broke window in my house over a playing...
X I have excellent attendance at school.
Y My favourite colour is yellow.
Z I would love to have a zebra.
Nora B.
14
Alphabet Poem 4
A A is for apple I eat every day.
B B is for ball to play.
C C is for car. Everyone has one.
D D is for daffodil, a beautiful flower.
E E is for earth on which we live.
F F is for fire – very hot.
G G is for garden full of flowers.
H H is for house where we all live in.
I I is for ice-cream – very tasty.
J J is for jam – lovely on bread.
K K is for kite – fly high in the sky.
L L is for love to be shared around.
M M is for milk good for you.
N N is for night, we go to bed.
O O is for orange full of goodness.
P P is for park, children can play.
Q Q is for queen, very important.
R R is for rain we have plenty of in the West.
S S is for sun, lovely and warm.
T T is for train, gets you from place to place.
U U is for umbrella – handy in the rain.
V V is for victory when you have won.
W W for windows to look out of.
X X is for xylophone, an instrument to play.
Y Y is for yellow, a bright colour.
Z Z is for zebra, an animal in the zoo.
Emmie
15
Emmie
16
Alphabet Poem 5
A April airs are around now.
B Butterflies are unique in their life span.
C Cats are friends but not loyal.
D Dogs are man's best friend.
E Eagles are rare birds and beautiful.
F Funny stories are cheering.
G Green has forty shades.
H Honey is healing – and also delicious
I Ideas come from imagination.
J Jokes are good in dull company.
K Kittens are cute and cuddly.
L Laughter is the music of the soul.
M Mother is the source of memories
N Nora is my name meaning „dawn‟
O Others are always important to me
P Prayer is an important part of my life
R Rest is essential to create energy and give zest to life
S Sisters are good friends, always supportive
T Trees are a great love in my life
U Under the earth, spring flowers are growing
V Veneration is sometimes lacking in to-day‟s culture
Y Your life is lived forward but understood backwards
X X-rays are a great aid to diagnosis
Z Zips are a great replacement for buttons
Nora L.
17
Alphabet Poem 6
A Apple – I eat every day.
B Birds – can fly.
C Clowns – I like clowns.
D Doors – can be open.
E Exam – I can pass it.
F Film – I like watching it.
G Garden – I have a garden in Poland.
H Hammers – I like hammers.
I Igor – my name is Igor.
J Jesus – made a world.
K Key – I can open something that is closed.
L Life – is brutal.
M Mother – everyone loves her.
N Never – never say never.
O Open – I can open doors.
P People – I know a lot of people.
R Race – I won today's race.
S Sport – I love sport.
T Titanic – I saw the film Titanic.
U Unfortunately – I broke my leg unfortunately.
V Victory – I love victory.
W Wars - I don't like wars.
X Xzibit – character from MTV programme “Pimp my Ride”.
Y Yoti – mystic character.
Z Zombie – I play zombie games.
Igor
18
Racquel‟s Alphabet Reflections
At Living Scenes today we had fun
Because everyone contributed their thoughts and
Didn‟t refuse to do so
Everyone brought something special
Friends and family were involved in the story
Good stories and sad stories we shared
Hopefully we will do it again
I really enjoyed it
Just after the break we all shared a story
Kindness is what we all shared
Laughing, I did lots of it
Memories we shared
Nobody was left out
Opinions we gave
People were happy and emotional
Questions were asked
Racing Raquel is the nick name they gave me
Surprising
Together we told stories
Unconditional
Victorious
We were telling stories
X-ray
You will really enjoy it
Zee you!
Racquel
19
Dmitrys‟s “Favourite Things”:
My favourite food is pizza.
My favourite clothes are shoes. They can be lots of colour. The best
thing is when I feel nice in my shoes.
My favourite time of year is summer with green colour. Summer
smells of flowers.
Dmitrys
20
Sun-Dried Georgia Possum
Well I never heard of that before! It showed on the tin a small animal
so now I know what a possum is. The poor possum. It was flattened
by a truck, so it says on the tin, and then sun-dried for one day! Who
would think of doing such a thing, the poor possum. Somebody
decided to put it in a tin and make a joke of it, well I never. Some
people must have nothing to do. I don‟t think it‟s a joke.
I think of how the possum felt and must feel now, locked up in a tin
for all eternity.
Emmie
21
The Blue Stone
I like the look, colour and shape of this pyramid shaped stone in front
of me. I pick it up and it fits comfortably into the palm of my hand. It
feels smooth and easy to be with. Its colour is dark blue and
mysterious, my favourite colour.
I am beginning to form a bond with this old, old, old, stone. I
have not asked it many questions as yet, just letting it sit there, in the
palm of my hand and allowing it to speak to me. But in nature it is
silent, all the while it is creating an energetic reaction in me. I ponder
how and why all this is happening. I have no answers but I am happy
just to let it be, as it is early days yet.
Bridge
22
Mary Joyce‟s Hat
I am Mary Joyce – at the Galway Races 1928. Hats were in fashion,
for young women who had not yet dressed in a shawl. Women in
Galway, especially in the Claddagh, looked colourful. The more
colourful and maybe raffish were the most rakish. Generally women
walked to the races and it was a good few miles from the Claddagh.
In those olden days the summers were great, long summer days in
July and August. A woman had a two purposes for wearing a hat, one
to shade from the sun, the other more important to look great and
stand out in a crowd. As they say in a fashion store, “that hat could
get you anywhere”.
Nora L.
23
LOVE
Nora B.
Poem 1
Love is a symbol of trust
loyalty, respect, honesty.
And if you have no symbols
like these,
Then that means that you have
no love.
Respect is the most important
symbol.
You have to have respect
For yourself and also for your
partner
Poem 2
Hand in hand
Love is sent,
You'll be my
Best friend
Until the end.
So thick and thin,
Through good times and sad times,
Me plus you, now and
Forever. So don't look back
On bad times, because
You and I, now me and you,
For all the times.
24
My Treasure - Saint Brigid's Cross
Made of rushes, I made this cross many years ago while out walking
in the country.
It is a symbol of protection and safety and most Irish houses have
one of these hanging in their kitchen to keep the family safe.
It is said that St. Brigid made one of these crosses first.
Emmie
25
Haiku - Inside
Inside the big house
Is a very fun party
In a dark night.
Dmitrys
Dmitrys
26
Gabriela -
The girl has a happy face.
Sitting at the table in her aunt‟s house.
White teeth with a split in the middle,
long blond hair, grey blue eyes,
she has a little white spot on her nose.
Wearing a white t-shirt and a mauve top,
and an apron with blue-white stripes,
she has a knife in her hand and
a big pancake in front of her.
She has several things in her pocket –
a tissue, a mobile phone among others.
Also the one thing she has carefully wrapped.
She knows her granddad will come in a while and
this is a present for him that he will like.
She is probably looking forward to eating the pancake.
Leny
27
Hippo on the Sand
Wouldn't it be nice to be a hippo on the sand,
Sit all day, and feeling so grand.
Not having a worry at all in the world,
Eating grass and not feeling the cold.
Wouldn't it be great to be a hippo in the sand,
Sitting all day, and feeling so grand.
Not having to do chores today,
He's just so lucky, what can I say?
Wouldn‟t it be good to be a hippo on the sand,
Sit all day, and feeing so grand.
Not having one worry at all in the world,
And not doing what you've been told.
But he's just a hippo, and you are you,
So stop the dreaming and go back to school.
Davis
28
Haiku:
Koks tall and green
Birds chirp noisily
Bark is very brown.
Josephine
29
Bridge‟s Treasure
My Jerusalem Cross is a dear reminder of my first visit to Israel (the
Holy Land) 10 years ago. My daughters gave me £50 to spend on
myself and I was able to secure the gold cross for the £50. It brings
back the wonderful memories and failings of that special trip. I really
cherish it very much.
Bridge
30
Haiku - Winter
Winter woodland walk at dusk,
leaves fall silently as death.
Old age letting go time.
Nora L.
31
The Princess of Spain:
In this hat I am the princess of Spain, married to the prince who is
going to be King in the future. I am just an ordinary girl, don't really
like all the celebrations I am supposed to go to. The only thing I do
enjoy about it is choosing a nice hat that makes me feel comfortable
and not so exposed when people along the streets are looking at me.
Leny
32
I am -
I‟m a gypsy
And I‟ve got style
So mess with me
And you‟ll run a mile
And for all you u
Haters… who think
You‟re cool,
Just remember
Pavees rule
School is not the
Place for me…
Home is where
I want to b…
No job…no career
Just traveling here &
There… with
Family & friends
Who will stand by
Me til the very end
Although years may pass
Our pride will last.
Rebecca
33
Treasures:
My nephews, whose names are John and Packie. Last Christmas their
mother brought them into Mothercare to get their photos done. The
woman asked her could she enter them into a competition. So a few
days after something came out in the post. It was to say that they
were through and that they won.
So for a year my sister-in-law got all the stuff like bottles, free
photos, from Mothercare. And in August they to go to Dublin for
more photos.
Anna
34
Haiku – Too Heavy
Sitting at the table
I break the table because
I am too heavy for piseog
Igor
35
Under Cover
I am working as a store detective and, although I hate this hat, it is a
good disguise. I have to act like a very interested shopper, examining
items and even placing some in my basket which is a must to look
the part. The hat helps to make me resemble a trendy housewife so
the unsuspecting shoplifter can act now. I will have one capture at
last.
Maureen
36
A Girl:
I am looking at a teenage Japanese girl.
She is a beautiful girl in a Japanese way.
She has long dark hair and a dark large
head-dress or hat.
Her face is made up and eyes are
wide open under the most
perfect eyelashes.
She has a long gracious neck.
Her arms are long
but her hands are
not showing.
The girl is wearing a white top.
On the front are prints of trees,
green and brown and zig-zag design,
to represent the earth,
birds above the trees.
I think my Japanese girl is called Zoe.
She would not have a
screwdriver in her pocket.
Somehow it would be out of keeping with
her beauty and graciousness.
Nonetheless just maybe a small screw-driver
would come in handy at times.
She could open a lock on her bike should
she forget the key.
Or prise open a coke bottle
or can in an emergency.
Nora L.
37
Haiku – Star Gazing
Up on the night sky
I see Jupiter gleaming
As the sun has set.
Bridge
38
The Gospel According To
First, the beauty to the eye now and always,
The feel to a heart and hand
The power held within me always,
To go deep into the earth to find me,
My power is in all we can behold.
This for your joy and pleasure,
Health, goodness, power and grace,
May you always hold the earth dear,
My wish is your life path to bloom
So that full life will be yours.
Search for me, respect me always,
To find me is your inner gift,
Be it your life now, endless peace,
Feel my strength within yourself,
Deep within the richer part of you.
To all is gift, only you can take it,
Again the freedom is yours enjoy,
Never lose any of my power, its yours,
To feel one with the beauty of our Earth,
Our creator and creation.
This is my gift to your today –
And always.
Patricia
39
Davis‟s Treasure
I have a video on my mobile phone of my little cousin dancing, back
when she was just one year old. And that video brings me great
memories because it was during a summer where I broke my leg and
she would always come into the room and cheer me up because I
couldn‟t go anywhere.
Davis
40
Racquel‟s Haiku
When winter is over
New flowers will start to fás
Early in Spring.
Racquel
41
A Fish Out of Water
I live in London. My mother was born in Galway in the Claddagh to
be precise. I am invited to my cousin's wedding in the Claddagh with
my sister. I have not met my cousins or been to Galway before, so I
am worried as to what impression I am going to make – will I look
like a fish out of water, or are hats a feature or in fashion? I decide
black with a little lace would make a comfortable cover.
Bridge
42
Tom The Man
Tom sits on motorbike. It‟s very expensive bike and powerful. I
think he just drives around the city on weekend. I think he works in
some company. Maybe he doesn‟t have wife and children.
Dmitrys
43
I Like -
Chicken,
cream or white
triangle or round.
Not very nice raw,
very nice cooked,
eat it for dinner
with roast potatoes.
Summer:
bright
yellow
round.
Flowers
smell sticky.
Josephine
44
Trees in Winter
For years and years bare trees intrigued me,
beckoning me to see through and beyond,
transparency of sacred beauty.
Arms outstretched, uplifted, silently extended,
so many fingers whispering hosanna!
by gentle breeze or gushing wind.
Mystery of transformation,
not trees or wood or timber,
wonder deep and tender:
Unknowing yet believing,
bare trees icons of winter beauty.
Nora L.
45
The Mannequin.
He is elegant, majestic and beautiful. He takes a lot of grooming and
his white coat is always in peak condition. He is very temperamental
and can be quite vicious being deceptive as he looks so meek and
mild. Being so well-kept he is nearly always being entered in shows
and usually is awarded many prizes.
“Bailey” the poodle has a very posh opinionated owner named
Ronald who struts around with Bailey on leash waiting for everyone
to admire him and if possible himself as well. He is a bank manager
and lets it be known. He walks Bailey along the prom and the dog‟s
hair blowing in the breeze – with a definite air of affluence that belies
the fact that our country is in deep recession. He then hops into his
Saab and goes on his merry way to Barna.
Maureen
46
Haiku 1
Here in our classroom
Everyone is fáilte
On every Tuesday.
Haiku 2
At the local park
The wind blows hard on the trees
During the big storm.
Dāvis
47
Favourite Things
Salathe Greclia - mix colours, I eat it with lunch, I eat it when I'm
home. The best thing about this is that it is from Greece. I love food
from Greece and Turkey. The smell sometimes is like white cheese.
Summer/winter (Christmas)
My favourite time of the year – Christmas – because I love spending
time with all my family. I think colours about Christmas are red and
white. And I like snow.
Igor
48
Whose Hat?
Who am I in this hat?
My Kangol design set me up for
the Kerry races.
Not interested in hats or races, but
sure the act of being someone else
is fun.
Under this hat I can fool others
and myself even for a day.
My thoughts on the type of person
who would wear such a design of
hat, is a lady who spends big on
hats for every dress and occasion.
Money is free-flowing, so no
worries to her no matter how often
she goes shopping for another hat.
Good luck to her and I am glad it's
not me!
Patricia
49
Seasons
Under the birch tree
White little snowdrops come out
In the early Spring
Rain in the distance.
In the breaking of the light
a bow of colours.
Leny
50
The Man – A Character
The man in the picture looks like he‟s in his late 50‟s, his face
expression looks like he is surprised. He has got a bald spot on his
head and it looks like he recently had an ear infection. His head is
turned in the left direction. From the quality of the picture it looks
like it‟s an old picture. He‟s wearing old fashioned clothes.
John has lived on the farm for all his life now. He is 59 now
and his brother‟s teenage son from the city centre has come to visit
him. John recently had an accident with a tractor and damaged his
ear. He had to go to the city and get an operation. Now with his bad
ear he can‟t do the farm jobs he is supposed to do. Now he is trying
to get his brother‟s son Mike to work but Mike is ignoring him.
Davis
51
Haiku
In the upper field
The horses will foal again
As the spring comes around
Luke
52
In The Beginning…
In the beginning
God created the Earth
Nature was perfect
Man created in God's image
But Man liked to be God himself.
As a result, much got destroyed,
Forest, flowers, eagles,
Even man got attacked
They feel helpless like
An eagle that can't spread his wings.
Leny
53
A Lady‟s Hat
I have a lady's hat on. It is like what you wear on Lady's Day.
I am like Jessica Fletcher.
She is in Murder She Wrote, but I think I am like a film star.
I really like this hat. It is lovely.
Lovely
Awesome
Be myself
Young
Surprise
Hat of the day
Addictive
Tall
54
Igor‟s Treasure:
I bring two pictures of me and my sister and mother in garden.
This garden is very old, I think 150 years or more. But we have to
renew this, and home as well. I very much like this garden.
Igor
55
Haiku
Over the rainbows
Colours come and go like snow
Nature is in bloom.
Denis
56
A Beautiful Man
Beautiful relaxed man
The smile shares joy and peace,
health and strength, alive
eyes, brown and olive.
Making full use of nice
leather armchair he is
casually dressed for comfort,
as is his nice brown hair.
He likes small watches and cars.
Then I got a shock to find he
also enjoys knitting in bed.
Patricia
57
Nora B‟s Treasure:
Today I bring a bracelet my mom gave to me for my 16th
birthday.
She got it off her mom when she was way younger and she passed it
on to me. It is about 20 years old. So when I get older and have kids
I‟ll give it to one of my daughters.
Nora B
58
Laughing Man
When I go to cinema with friends we meet beside front doors.
Laughing man he call us to come there, and he shows us a lot of
magic tricks, we are in shock because he brings muffins and
sandwiches to do magic tricks that was amazing where he can eat this
and he take out again that food from the product and give this to
people who need this, I don't know how he do this...he give more,
more and more and we can't see end of this. This man is very lovely
he use his magic skills to help each other peoples who‟s hungry and
can't buy anything. I think he can do everything what he want but he
just want to help people to have better life. He is happy if he can't
help if everybody can't be like him, we can change the world to move
better.
Igor
59
A Diamond ring
My grandmother from my father‟s side got this diamond ring years
ago when she was young and had only one child. She promised
herself she would give to her first grand-daughter when she was old
enough, and she did give to me one year ago, and told me that story,
and for me never to part with it. So I will keep it forever.
Racquel
60
A „January‟ Boy
I remember the first time my older sister received her gift of a
jewellery box. What a delightful box: so delicate, so precise, so
colourful. My sister had one ring to place in her jewellery box which
she had collected from our Halloween barm brack the previous week.
This jewellery box had sparked a whole level of enthusiasm
with her for all and sundry of the accessory items that appeared in the
few glossy magazine she studied on her first visit to the dentist.
And this is a paper-weight which I received on January 16th
1963
when Potez Industries of Ireland Ltd was officially opened by An
Taoiseach Sean Lemass TD. Potez was a French company that
manufactured free- standing oil heaters and central heating systems
for the home and export markets.
Denis
61
Something Special
Crystals are special to me
and this one is very precious
because I got it from a friend
more than 20 years ago.
This crystal is shaped in a
very geometrical form, all
like triangles.
The nicest thing about it
is the breaking of the light
when the sun is shining
on it, the white light
is broken into all the different
colours of the rainbow,
which you can see when it is
projected on a white surface.
Leny
62
Traveller
My traveller pride
I will not hide,
My gypsy race
I will not disgrace,
My traveller blood
Flows hot and true,
My pavee folk
I will stand by you.
Through thick and thin
'Till the day we die,
Our traveller flag
Always stands high.
I yell this poem
Louder than all the rest,
'Cause everyone knows
Pavees are the best.
Traveller pride in my mind
Gypsy blood in my kind.
So step aside and let us through,
And embrace the gypsy inside of you.
Rebecca
63
Summer Mornings
Trees, calm as a breeze
just a picture
that was freeze.
Colourful kite
in the bright
blue sky.
Light brown river
month is June.
June, July, swim till you die.
Anna
64
Seanfhocail:
“Go neirí an bóthar leat as seo amach”
“Do réir a céile tógtair na caisléan”
“Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh siad”
“Is ar scát a céile a mhaireann na daoine”
Denis
65
From Self-Reliance to Dependence
Growing up as a teenager in the 1940‟s, it was towards the end of the
Second World War when life was difficult for many due to shortages
of food. We had ration books for clothing. To my memory, it was a
great time. Living with my parents and three brothers in Gibbstown,
Co. Meath, life could not have been better. Belonging to a farming
community we had full and plenty of everything. Ours was a mixed
farm of tillage - which was compulsory - and animal husbandry.
There was a good variety of animals and poultry. From the land we
enjoyed abundance of potatoes and vegetables – the staple diet of the
ordinary people of Ireland. Wheat, when harvested, was brought to
the local mill and ground to brown flour. From this healthy flour we
had our daily supply of freshly baked soda bread. For cakes and
pastry we sieved the flour through a very fine sieve. taking away
most, it not all, the brown bran. Oats, when harvested, was also
brought to the same mill where it was crushed to provide pin-head
oatmeal. Every morning we had the oatmeal as porridge, well cooked
and delicious with milk or cream. The small dairy farm supplied
ample milk, cream and butter. Unfortunately, we never got to cheese-
making.
Eggs were abundant from the poultry. All enjoyed an egg for
breakfast. The men had two eggs. Each year, generally before
Christmas, we killed a pig. It was then salted and cured for a few
weeks, hung from the kitchen ceiling. The bacon we enjoyed each
day, boiled with vegetables from the garden – cabbage, turnips,
carrots and parsnips. We grew plenty onions, they kept throughout
the winter, hanging in bunches from a bar in the shed.
On Sundays, feast-days, or when we had visitors my mother
would always find a good big chicken to boil, giving delicious meat
and soup. Each week we sold whatever eggs and butter were surplus
to the family‟s needs, providing cash for groceries and other family
necessities. Life was simple.
66
My father loved his sheep and lambs; he was a shepherd at heart.
Wool fetched a good price during the war. He knew how to select the
best lambs‟ wool, sometimes black, but mostly white. The wool my
mother would prepare for spinning, first carding it into little soft
rolls, then on her spinning wheel into large balls of yarn. From the
wool yarn she knitted our stockings, jumpers, gloves and caps,
keeping us all cosy and warm during the winter months.
During the summer we had plenty of fruit in the garden,
rhubarb, gooseberries, blackcurrants and apples, providing lots of
desserts and jam. There was a Government grant of sugar for jam-
making, which was stocked up for the winter months.
That was a time of healthy diet and great self-reliance, all
friendly to nature, different from to-day. Now we depend so much on
fast foods, the mobile, computer, and so many disposables – not all
healthy or good for the environment.
Nora L.
67
Change
68
The Last Word:
“Empowerment” = Leadership which excites, motivates and
liberates others.
Denis
69
The Miller‟s House – Introduction
Built between 1780-1820 as house for the miller, it stood beside a
water-powered flour mill which stood where the Madeira House
apartments are. A Mrs. Mitchell ran the mill with her five sons, built
the house beside it, then built a house on Prospect hill. Between
herself and her sons they finally owned corn, flour, linen and bleach
mills.
There were several flour mills, six oat-mills, two malt-mills, three
fulling-mills, a bleach-mill, and two distilleries in the small area
comprising Mill Street, Presentation Road, Nuns‟ Island and the
West Bridge. In reality, early versions of „factories‟, they were
called mills because they were operated by water-powered mill
wheels.
On Mill Street alone there were three mills, a brewery, foundry (the
Garda Barracks), a brush factory, and a sawmill (at Parkavera).
Imagining the number of people it took to run these mills, and the
number of families supported by them, between it and the Claddagh
the area must have been densely populated.
The site of the pink-painted building which stands today near the Car
Park was previously occupied by a Charitable Lying-In Hospital built
in 1820. A Grand Jury of the County sent women to the Rotunda
Hospital in Dublin to learn midwifery.
The connection with the name Ruxton comes from a gentleman of
that name who lived in Dublin, but was witness to memorials
transferring property in the area. So the little bridge to the left of Croí
na Gaillimhe as you leave was called after him.
According to Hardiman‟s History of Galway, in the early 1800‟s the
export trade was declining. It had one time included large quantities
of kelp and fine marble (there was a quarry of beautiful black marble
at Merlin Park), as well as superior quality wheat. Hardiman
wondered with all the sheep in the surrounding areas why nobody
thought of exporting woollen goods.
70
Salmon, herring, sun-fish, cod, turbot, oysters and lobster were in
great supply. They were eaten locally, or sent to the Dublin Market.
Oysters were exported to England and France even then. According
to Hardiman the fishing industry was not well managed, and could
have been more productive.
A Nail-maker did business in the tiny triangular shop around the
corner in Dominic Street until the 1970‟s.
Mrs. Mannion, a niece of Mr. Hill, the last person to own this
miller‟s house and mill, still lives in Galway.
This play came about from our weekly Living Scenes classes in Art
and Creative Writing in Croí na Gaillimhe. As we painted and wrote
and created masks and banners we began to wonder about the history
of the house we work in, and started to research it.
Having uncovered some of its story, we began to imagine the
characters who one time lived in the Miller‟s House.
Written and acted by the Living Scenes participants from Galway
Community College and St. Vincent de Paul Resource Centre at Croí
na Gaillimhe, this play is the result.
Hedy Gibbons: May, 2011.
71
Croí na Gaillimhe; The Miller's House
72
Old Fire, New Fire, or The Miller's House
Cast of Characters
Mrs. Mitchell Nora Lally
Howard Mitchell Denis O‟Brien
Thomas Michell Dmitrys Usolonoks
David Mitchell Davis Bergholcs
Edward Mitchell Karol Kyriacou
Patrick Mitchell Igor Kucharski
Peggy Josephine Kelly
Emily Anna Cleary
Aunt Beatrice (Mrs. Mitchell‟s sister) Maria Moore
Her Friend, Martha Maureen Kelly
Mrs. Ruxton Leny Mannens
Bean Uí Máirtín Patricia McLaughlin
Delia Óg Nora Barrett
„Mrs.‟ O‟Connell, the midwife Bridge Quinn
73
Old Fire, New Fire or
The Miller's House
The year is 1802. We are in The Miller‟s House, Mill Street,
Galway where the Mitchell Family, who own the mill, are having
breakfast:
Sitting around the table are the five Mitchell sons Howard,
Thomas, David, Edward, and Patrick.
Enter Mrs Mitchell, their mother, and Head of the Family..
She rings for the maid, sits down at the table, and looks around at
her family.
Mrs. Mitchell: (she glances round the table).
Good morning boys. I'm glad to see you 're all here.
But where is Emily, Edward? Is she well this
morning?
Enter Emily, who takes her place in the last seat at the table.
Mrs. Mitchell: Oh Emily, here you are. And looking well.
I was just about to tell the family...
Peggy, the maid, enters and goes to Mrs Mitchell.
Peggy: Sorry M'am. No fresh herrin's this morning. At least
not for us.. Bean Ui Mairtin said to tell you.
(she backs away from the table, and hurries out the door.)
Mrs.Mitchell: I'll deal with those Claddagh women later. Now,
as I was saying. I am expecting very important
visitors from Dublin later to-day- Mr and Mrs
Ruxton.(she looks at Emily, the new daughter-in-
law)
74
Edward may not have told you, Emily dear, but Mr.
Ruxton is our family lawyer. His wife has great
influence around this city. I am expecting her for tea
this afternoon. Please be here. I'd like you to meet
her.
Emily: Yes, ma‟m
Mrs. Mitchell: Now, we have some very important decisions to
finalise to day. (looks around at all her sons, who
respond in their own ways).
Edward: (standing up quickly) May I be excused Ma? I want
to get to the stables to check on the stallion before
they…
Mrs. Mitchell: Sit down Edward! I said important business.
As you all know the mills are doing well. It‟s time
to re-invest some of our profits. I have decided to
buy a house on Prospect Hill. It would be a very
good investment. A great location. And would
make a very suitable home for Edward and Emily.
(she smiles at the young couple).
Emily: (looking excited and happy). Oh thank you Mam! It
would be lovely to have our own home ((she looks
at Edward) And so nice to be close to the city,
especially for this baby coming along...
Edward: (Getting up from the table to pace up and down) But
I don't want a house on Prospect Hill. Or any other
hill for that matter. Claregalway would be much
better. Good flat land, plenty of it, good grazing,
handy for the Galway Blazers.
75
Patrick: (looks and sounds pleased) Prospect Hill? There
should be plenty of space in Prospect Hill for
playing football. I could bring my friends ...
Thomas: (not pleased) House? Mother, now is the time to buy
another mill! There‟s one for sale further up Mill
Street. I' m sure we could get it at a good price...
A house for those two can wait! (He glares at
Edward)
Emily: I'd love a house in the city. It‟s free. I‟ll take it!
Mrs. Mitchell: (turning to Howard): Well Howard?
Howard: Another mill! How can I think about another mill?
I'm due in court later..a matter of a small gambling
debt. Don't worry Ma, Mr. Ruxton is making a good
case for me. I'm sure he‟ll see me right, but I need to
show up in Court.
(he stands up) I must be off. The judge likes to see
some respect...(heads for the door)
Enter Peggy, who goes to the table to stand beside Mrs. Mitchell..
Peggy: Will I clear away M'am? Them Claddagh women,
they said they‟d be back to-day….
Mrs. Mitchell: Yes, please clear the table Peggy. I‟ll deal with
those Claddagh women later.
Howard: (turns back at the door to say):
"I won't be here for lunch.
After Court I have a meeting with Mrs O‟Connell,
the midwife at the Lying-In Hospital. To do with
sending a woman to Dublin to train as a midwife...
76
Peggy: (about to carry things from the table) If you believe
that M'am, you‟ll believe anything!
Mrs. Mitchell: That‟s enough Peggy. And remember, Mrs. Ruxton
will be here at three. Have the front parlour fire
lighting and a tea-tray set.
Peggy: But Ma‟m, I saw Howard and Mrs. O‟Connell, the
midwife…
Mrs. Mitchell: I said that‟s enough, Peggy! Please leave us!
David: (standing up) I agree with Thomas. We should buy
another mill. We need to expand now, while we can.
There are five of us to think about! Six, and more, if
you count Emily.(he smiles at her).
Patrick: (looks at his mother) You promised Ma. You said
the next place would have enough space for me to
play football!
Mrs.Mitchell: Patrick. You‟re a bright boy. I have great hopes for
you. I wish you to study law. With Mrs. Ruxton‟s
help in Dublin I hope to get you into Trinity
College. There you can play all the football you like.
Just have some patience.
Edward: (looking at his mother)Ma, you‟d better have a word
with Mr. Ruxton this evening. I got in a bit of a fight
last night. Nothing serious. But I owe one of the
Blakes a hundred guineas - a little matter of a filly...
Emily: (gasps) Oh Edward!...
Edward: (smiling at Emily) The four legged kind of course,
my dear.
77
Mrs. Mitchell: That‟s enough! All of you! I expect you to be on
your best behaviour today.
Thomas, you'll be here when Mrs. Ruxton comes for
tea. She likes to be greeted properly.
You too, Emily.
Patrick, I don‟t think we need you for tea. Or the
rest of you. But you must all be here for dinner.
Eight o‟clock sharp.
And Emily, would you see to it that Peggy sets
enough places for dinner. Eleven. Mr. and Mrs.
Ruxton may have someone with them. And Aunt
Beatrice will be with us – I think.
***********
Scene II: Later that afternoon, we join Mrs. Mitchell,
Emily and Thomas in the Front Parlour. They
are waiting for Mrs. Ruxton to arrive.
Emily: Oh, Mam, the house in the city would be lovely.
Mrs. Mitchell: And you will have it my dear.
That Edward is a handful, but between us we‟ll
manage him. (She looks closely at Emily)You are
feeling quite well?
Emily: Oh yes. But it would be wonderful to have fresh air
and space for this baby. And maybe others...With
the mill here, there‟s so much dust in the air…
Peggy: (rushing in). Excuse me Ma‟m, Miss Beatrice to see
you...I told her you were expecting an important
person. ...but
Mrs. Mitchell: Oh. That sister of mine. Yes, Bea, what is it?
Enter Auntie Beatrice, somewhat puffed, fanning herself.
78
Aunt Beatrice: It‟s hot in here. I can see this isn‟t a good time. I'm
not staying. I know you‟re expecting very important
visitors. I just wanted a word with Emily.(she turns
to Emily)
Emily dear, Mrs. O‟Connell, the Midwife, would
like to come and see you. To check on this baby, as
much as you.
I just met herself and Howard outside the door.
They‟re doing great work setting up this midwife
training.
Mrs. O‟Connell knows such a lot about babies.
Emily: (turning to the audience) Ah, she would, wouldn‟t
she... Howard better watch out...
Beatrice and Emily move to one side of stage and talk quietly
between themselves..
Peggie: (Entering again) : Mrs. Ruxton is here, M'am.
All turn to look as Mrs. Ruxton enters, and greets everyone. They all
bow in return.
Mrs. Mitchell: You‟re very welcome, Mrs. Ruxton. (She gets to
her feet, but waits for Mrs. R. to come to her.)
Please excuse my slowness. The rheumatics are very
bad these days. (She takes Mrs. R’s arm and turns
towards Emily).
I‟d like you to meet my new daughter-in-law
Emily. She and Edward married last autumn. (Emily
and Mrs. Ruxton smile at each other).
And you have met my son Thomas before, of
course.
(Thomas bows, and moves to hold a chair for Mrs.
Ruxton)
79
Mrs. Ruxton: Thank you Thomas. (She sits down, settles
herself)
Emily: I hope you had a good trip, Mrs. Ruxton. I‟ve
heard the road from Loughrea is much
improved.
Lady Ruxton: Well, it is still an uncomfortable journey.
However, we are here two days. So I am well
rested.
Emily: (Moving to the tea tray) May I pour you some
tea, Mrs. Ruxton?
Mrs. Ruxton: Yes, tea would be lovely. (She smiles at Emily,
who goes to pour tea).
Peggy (running in again). More visitors M'am. The
Claddagh women. I told them you didn't want
to be disturbed, but...
Two women storm in. Walk straight over to Mrs Mitchell.
Bean Ui Mairtin: We won't wait any longer.
You owe us five pounds for the herrings, ten
for the salmon and prawns...
Mrs Mitchell: I‟ve told you ladies before, you will be paid
when I get paid for my flour. Not before.
Bean Ui Mairtin: Fine for you, but I have ten mouths to feed…
Delia: It‟s the likes of you that has us how we are,
living hand to mouth. (looking at Emily) This
one isn‟t the only one carrying a child. And I
won‟t be able to go to the Lying-In, will I?
Who would put in a good word for me?
80
(The door opens, and in come Howard and Mrs. O’Connell)
Howard: Good afternoon everyone. Mrs. Ruxton. (he bows to
her). I have brought someone for you all to meet.
Mrs. O‟Connell, the city‟s first official mid-wife.
(He takes Mrs. O’Connell’s hand and draws her
forward).
And soon to be my wife. (H. smiles at Mrs. O’C and
puts his arm around her. Gasps from everyone.
Mrs. Mitchell collapses in her chair. Auntie Bea and
Emily grin at each other.The Claddagh women
stand looking on, and whispering to
themselves.Martha, Auntie Bea’s friend is agog at
the goings-on. Mrs. Ruxton gets up and gathers
herself to leave.)
Mrs. Ruxton: I will see you later this evening Mrs. Mitchell.
(moves towards the door)
You people! (She looks around from one to the
other) This would never happen in Dublin.
Emily: Ah, now. This is Galway! It‟s the city of the Tribes!
The End