A time of reflection

by | Jan 2, 2015 | Uncategorised

For the winter solstice this year we decided to do something we had never done before; walk to the Minaun and welcome the rising sun as I imagine our forbearers in the distant past had.  I have to say I was nervous that anyone would be interested to come along,...

Christmas crib

by | Dec 26, 2014 | Christmas memories, Folklore

For me, if Christmas is about anything, it’s about family and about family traditions.  I think it’s how a family keeps Christmas that effectively gives it meaning, creates memories and makes it a special time of year. Christmas was a much simpler affair...

“Old Folks” party

by | Dec 12, 2014 | Uncategorised

This weekend marks an renewal of an old tradition, the Senior Citizens party.  I recall many years back the parties going on in the Reading Room and as youngsters we passed by and could hear the voices and the music and do our best to avoid the cars...

Working Ryan’s Shore

by | Dec 5, 2014 | Uncategorised

As a child there was a popular song by Glenn Campbell called Rhinestone Cowboy.  Somehow, it wound its way into the local parlance, often sang about the exploits of a certain fisherman who worked Ryan’s shore (or the shore) for a living.  It could have...

Who was Adelaide Blake of Faithlegg

by | Nov 28, 2014 | Uncategorised

Adelaide Blake was the third daughter of Nicholas Mahon Power, landlord of Faithlegg from 1819 to 1873.  His youngest child, she was forty before she married John A Blake MP. Part of her legacy was the establishment of the Reading Rooms, Cheekpoint and the stained...