December 2004
Where has the year gone? I cannot believe I am writing for December again – my third time here. Today is a fine, dry sunny day in November and it is difficult to focus on Christmas, and anyway, I don’t want to focus on it until it is actually here. However the commercialisation of the shops; the school preparations and activities; plans for old folks Christmas parties are already underway, all hotting up to the festive season, and we will all be swept up in it somehow. Even I find myself well in advance with the Girls’ Brigade as we make some Christmas collages together for the churches. But let’s not forget the waiting and stillness of Advent. Without the pregnancy of waiting and of prayerful reflective preparation, Christmas can so easily be empty and abortive.
We were sorry to hear of the death of Elsie Farleigh, at the end of October, sister of Nesta McCullough.
Last month we wished Canon Liam O’Mahoney a happy and enjoyable retirement. There was a large gathering for his farewell at Newcestown on 12th November. The Rector conveyed best wishes on behalf of the Church of Ireland community.
Ella Shorten came through her open-heart surgery splendidly and is now fitted with a new heart valve. She is amazing, as she is one of the oldest people in the country to have had this operation at the age of ninety. Within a fortnight she was back home and still looking well.
The Girls’ Brigade joined in with the Munster District Girls’ Brigade Bi-Annual Service at Clonakilty (13th Nov) to celebrate the work of the Girls’ Brigade in the county of Cork.
Ballineen 43rd Company led the prayers.
Another excellent demonstration by Catherine Foley was enjoyed by the Mothers Union (16th Nov).
At the time of writing, Edith Draper and Rose Shorten are going to Dublin for a training day (27th Nov) for Children’s Church leaders. We look forward to their sharing with the other leaders. We are lucky in this Union to have a number of people willing to share in the leadership of the Children’s Church – which is a vital part of the Church today – not vaguely something to do with tomorrow.
At the Vestry meeting it was decided that our Annual Aid and Missionary Giving evening be transferred this year to a Sunday morning. So this year we will have had our special collection at the two services on the 28th November. Some of you always give sacrificially and as a family decide in advance what your giving will be. Envelopes with your name on give extra tax reduction. If you couldn’t make these services for any reason, Lily Shorten is still happy to receive your gift.
Our concern and sorrow are still with the Hopkins and Riedmüller families after the burning down of one of their new ecologically crafted houses, north of Enniskeane. This house was to have been a family home. So much love and care and quality had gone into the construction of this unique dwelling. It is so very sad to see such a beautiful building nearly competed, now reduce to a sad ruin.
On 7th December the Mother’s Union will be having a Cake Icing demonstration by Ms Manning, which should be fun and seasonally helpful.
The Kinneigh Table Tennis Club. On 3rd December at 8.30pm there will be a Christmas Night of demonstrations by local talent with Breda Crowley (flowers), Diana Curtin (cookery demonstration) plus a seasonal musical item. This will be held at the Castletown Community Hall: Tickets €10/€5. Please come and support this as funds are vital for this growing club as they seek to improve the hall.
We again look forward to the two School Carol Services (see services schedule.) These excellent acts of worship are for everyone not just the school communities. At Desertserges, after the service, there will be refreshments in the school – a chance for you all to look around the school. At Kilmeen, after the service, there will also be refreshments in the Church Hall. All welcome.
The Ecumenical Carol Service will be held at Enniskeane RC Church on 19th December at 8pm. Please come, as a lot of hard work goes into the planning of this event, especially by the Ecumenical Choir.
To everybody, whoever you are, wherever you are;
I wish you very blessed and peaceful Happy Christmas!!
(When it comes.)
Via email to the Diocesan magazine -
Lucy Anna Bateman (nee Ross) late
of Cloncorban, Rossmore passed away on 30 October in Bristol aged 87 years. The
funeral took place in Christchurch, Downend in Bristol on 8 November followed by
interment at Mangotsfield Cemetery.
Lucy went to Ballymoney School and was married at Kinneigh. She attended Kilmeen
church until she emigrated to England in 1956 with her husband, Sam, and 6
children.
For many years she followed the news of her old friends and family in this
magazine. She was also very interested in the information and pictures on your
web sites.
She is survived by her son and 4 daughters.
If anyone wishes to contact the family please get in touch in the first instance
with Lucy's eldest daughter, Abbie Craghill, Havrincourt, Onneley, Crewe, CW3
9QJ, England.