The Irish Press
April, 2002

Obair o chriích obair bean tíi

(Work without end is housewife's work)

St Patrick’s Day & The Irish Festival

Well, another Day has come and gone! I am only just recovering!

I am told by those present throughout the day that several hundred people passed through the Clubrooms during the course of the Day.

Most of those I have spoken to told the highlights included the afternoon music session, (which apparently threatened to continue much longer than the organizers had anticipated!) the wonderful food, and the range of talent on display throughout the evening, as ‘guests’ joined the Revellers for impromptu performances.

It was especially pleasing to see the late Barney Madden’s family present, and we hope they will continue his long association with the Club. Many have also said how pleasant it was to be able to bring their children along in the afternoon, to join in the festivities, and for them to be able to play safely in the carpark – courtesy of the new and impressive fence & gate!! Well Done John & Keiran – many appreciate the sterling efforts, and the effectiveness of the barrier in providing a safe play area for the kids.

Of course many had taken part in the golf tournament the day before. In case you hadn’t heard, Steve Carson won the St Patrick's Day Cup, and Frank Delaney the House of Travel Airline Tickets to Australia. Well done.

Air New Zealand Rose of Tralee

Our Regional Contest will be on April 20, at the Clubrooms. At the time of writing we have more entries than for many years, so we’re looking forward to a busy and enjoyable evening.

In addition to a sizable group of Contestants, we have experienced Judges, an entertaining Compere to keep the evening moving, and some music to ease the tension. All that and a Supper for $10!

But you will need to be quick if you want tickets. We anticipate very heavy demand this year, as we have so many Contestants, so you will need to call Pat on 0-4-589 0922 BY MONDAY 15 APRIL to apply for tickets.

If you’re interested in the National Final, it will be held in Hamilton over the weekend of 24-26 May. I have contact and other details. Call me on 938 9525 if you need them.

Petanque

Following the success of our impromptu game of ‘Paddy-tanque’ at the Family Barbecue at the end of February, we have made arrangements for a follow-up.

For those whose days of energetic sports are passed we offer an invitation to join us for Petanque (les boules) at Sacred Heart College at 2:00 pm on Anzac Day (25 April). No experience (or even expertise!) is needed, just a willingness to have a go and to have fun. (If you have no idea what Petanque is – it is a traditional French game of bowls).

And when we’ve had enough ‘exercise’, we will repair to the Clubrooms to refresh ourselves and consider the results of our exertions!

Cook’s Corner

The first ingredient of any recipe has to be: "find a man who can cook it" (Kay Braid)

Watercress Soup

Ingredients:

Method:

In a large saucepan with a lid, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in onions, cover, and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft but not brown. Stir in potatoes, stock, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower heat, cover pan, and simmer until potatoes are soft, about 30 minutes. Add watercress for last 5 minutes of simmering. Remove lid and let soup cool. Transfer to a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Chill until ready to serve. Add milk or cream, if desired.

To serve, ladle into soup bowls and top with croutons.

Book Corner

"BILLY" by Pamela Stevenson (reviewed by Kirsten Edie)

Yes, I realise Billy Connolly is Scottish, but the famous Glaswegian comedian identifies with the Irish, and often frequents his ancestral home in the west of Ireland. Regardless of his Irishness, this book is worth reading, as it is a fascinating look at a famous Scotsman.

Written by his NZ-born wife, it is a very open and honest account of his troubled childhood, recording his rise to fame. The story has an "Angela’s Ashes" feel to it, but with a rich leavening of humour.

Billy recounts a story of swimming in the Irish Sea. He notes that the Scottish, when they strip, are not white-skinned, but a rather nice shade of blue. He then goes on to discuss the anatomical changes he undergoes in the ice-cold water. I won’t go into detail here – you’ll just have to read the book for yourself, and have a great laugh!

Facilities for our Kids

Now the carpark is a safe play area, we are considering what we need to provide to make the Clubrooms a fun place for our kids. We are after balls, bats & other outdoor equipment, dress-up clothes, ride-ons or bikes, & other toys. If you have toys your kids have grown out of, and they’re looking for a new home, give Desiree a call on 938 9525.

We would also like to hear your ideas, and especially those of the kids, about what they would like the Club to offer them. Bring your ideas to the next Pot-Luck Dinner, and make sure you add them to the discussion.

Mark Your Diaries
NOW !

GREETING CARDS

Our thoughts go out to Joe Coffey, whose elder brother Paddy died on Good Friday in Cork.

We also wish Pat Braid a speedy recovery. We thought it was very unkind of someone to suggest it was about time he developed a bit of backbone! We’re also sure the need for a neck-brace does not reflect his political views.

Site Of The Month

I stumbled across this site just after sending out the last Newsletter (of course!), but before St Patrick’s Day.

http://www.stpatrick.co.nz/index.html

claims that "Auckland is the first city in the world to celebrate Ireland's National Day". Hmmmmmmm! A debatable claim, but one has to admire their gall!

It is a shame their approach to site design doesn’t match their cheek. The background of the pages is cluttered by unnecessary graphics of shamrocks, which are so indistinct as to appear like inkblots. It also uses frames, to which I have an aversion.

Having said all that, I have to admire those responsible for the site, as at least they have made the effort, and are raising the profile of the Irish in New Zealand. Despite it’s clumsy construction, it is a base on which to build, and for that the developers should be commended.

Supper Club

This women’s group intends holding occasional meetings again this year, generally on the middle Saturday of a month. For more details contact Desiree (04 938 9525), Kay (04 586 8956) or Kirsten (04 938 8913) or Carla (04 589 0922).

Annual General Meeting

This will be held late in May again this year, so start thinking about how you can contribute to the Club.

Can You Help?

We have a roster of members who take charge of the monthly Pot Luck Dinners. These are fun evenings, and having someone take charge of the few arrangements lightens the load on everyone. The job is not onerous, and help is available.

Please put your name on the Roster on the Noticeboard at the Club, or give Bryan a call on 04 938 9525.

New Email Address

Please note the new email address if you wish to get in touch with us.

I have been having some problems with the previous address, so have set up the Hotmail one to use until I can get something more permanent in place.

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Notices:

If you’d like you Newsletter by email, write to
huttirish@geocities.com

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And the Club now has it’s own WEB-SITE:
http://hutt-irish.tripod.com/

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Remember the Hall is available for Hire. All this helps your Club financially, so recommend us to your friends.

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Don’t forget the Club is open every Friday 5 p.m. to 1 am, and on Sundays 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

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Published by: Hutt Valley Irish Society, 12 Raroa Rd,
PO Box 31-469, Lower Hutt, Phone: (04) 569-6139
huttirish@geocities.com

Archive of previous Newsletters