ICA's Lisavaird guild in good spirits after month of highs and lows
Federation president Deidre Hickey welcomed all new committee members and expressed sorrow at the death of the federation’s oldest member, Lucy Carty, in her 106th year, of Bishopstown Guild. Born in 1910, she was a dedicated ICA member.
Deidre extended words of wisdom to all present: “Be nice to each other, work for each other, stand beside each other and all problems can be solved.” She asked current members not to forget past colleagues who may no longer be able to attend meetings, who are in nursing homes or hospitals and said a regular visit would make a big difference to their lives.
Mid-Cork vice-president Ena Howell spoke about Pieta House, Cork Federation’s charity of the year. A centre for the treatment of self harm and suicide, Ena emphasised the free confidential counselling service and how anyone can refer themselves or be referred by a friend, family member or work colleague. “No GP letter is needed. They have professional counsellors and psychotherapists and all ages are catered for. There is family support for those who need it.”
Ena detailed the five ‘signs of suicide’: sleep disturbance, isolation, giving away possessions, no interest in anything and seeing no future. She said: “It’s ok not to be ok. It’s perfectly ok to ask for help.”
On a lighter note, the day’s competition involved making an item from a facecloth. In total there were 22 different ideas. “The extent of the talent was unbelievable with a bag, a teddy bear, a tea pot and cupcake to mention but a few,” reports federation PRO Noreen O’Connell. Liz Mc Sweeney presented first prize to Shelia Fitzgerald of Knockraha and second to Margaret Mason.
Competitions for the next federation meeting – in Mourneabbey on November 22 – are a Christmas tree decoration in any medium and creating/telling a bilingual joke.
Meanwhile craft days on the last Saturday of the month continue in West Cork. Eleanor Calnan runs them – the upcoming two are on November 20 and December 12 (if interested in attending, phone 087 2958 460). “I get a good crowd. I’m maxed out really. Some come from the city, as well as from all over West Cork, from Bantry to Kinsale. The ladies say it’s a great social occasion.” The day runs from 10.30am-3.30pm in Rosscarbery’s Celtic Ross Hotel.
Eleanor will demonstrate Carrickmacross Lace at the Knitting and Stitching Show (RDS, November 12-15).
