Guild enjoys picnic in the shed
Their event had to be staged in a shed, but the guild raised €500 for the specially-designed Co Kildare-based camp that provides therapeutic recreation programmes for children with serious illnesses and their families.
“We decided to have a slightly different sort of picnic, one of our members offered the use of her farm shed, so we wouldn’t be weather dependent. The shed was decorated with coloured table cloths, jars of garden flowers, fairy lights, music, and of course the Burco boiler,” explained a member.
“Everyone brought a plate of food for themselves and their guests, and the odd bottle of wine, and the committee provided luscious desserts and cakes, tea and coffee. We kicked off at 5pm and for the next few hours, friends, relations and neighbours joined in. Some came after supper, as the harvest was underway, others dropped in after work. All were welcomed with a dessert, a cuppa and plenty of chat.”
The guild held a produce sale too, which was made possible by donations of pickles, jam, vegetables, plants and books. The evening also featured a free raffle.
Following the food, some enjoyed dancing, while another group headed off for a seaside walk. “Reluctantly, we packed up at about 10pm. It was a wonderful summer get-together of friends, great fun, and we hope to make our picnic an annual event.”
Two weeks earlier, the guild raised a similar sum at the local GAA car boot sale, and donated the amount to ICA charity REHAB Care. “It’s not bad going for a small guild in these recessionary times but, best of all, we enjoyed it and hope the fruits of our efforts will bring joy to someone else.”
Meanwhile, Shanagarry ICA made Kinsale their destination for an afternoon outing. The trip comprised a guided walking tour of the town with Don Herlihy, which included a visit to Charles Fort, a browse around the shops and dinner at the Lord Kingsale.
Earlier in the summer, the guild visited Rory O’Connell’s country garden near Ballycotton. “We had a lovely afternoon tea in the sunshine, it was an opportunity to don the summer dresses and catch up with the news.”
Meanwhile, the guild wants to congratulate members Rosalie Dunne and Mairead O’Carroll, who appeared on Martin’s Still Mad About Fish on RTE TV. Rosalie also came first in the fascinator (head-piece) competition at the Cork Federation meeting in Leamlara, and first in the mixed fruit jam competition at Federation Day in Wilton (for her raspberry and blueberry jam).
