Thank you to all who have been involved in the planning of and the success of the three fundraisers during the months of July and August. (I don’t say ‘summer’ as the weather has hardly been summer!) The functions have all been aid of the Friends of St Mary’s, Desertserges, raising money for work on the Tower.
Our thanks especially to Kenneth and Gwyneth and Kenneth Strickland for hosting the Coffee Morning on 10th July; for Oriana Conner for allowing us to have guided walk with the INFF at Manch on 4th August; for Graham and Marjorie Garland for heading up the arrangements for the Fun Day two hours on 11th August. To all who baked and poured teas/coffees and generally ‘did’ and gave generously – thank you! At the time of writing we have both raised and been given donations totalling over €12,000 which is a good start and shows there is a lot of good will in the wider community for St Mary’s. The church which is a protected (listed) building has to be kept in good order. We will now look for grants and continue with the fundraising with different events – the next major one being a Tea Dance on Sunday 4th November at the BEDA Hall. Put this date in your diary or calendar now! All welcome.
We have changed the date of the Parish BBQ to the 1st September at 8pm – hoping for that ‘Indian Summer!’ This year it is at St Paul’s Parish Centre. Come and guess the baby photos of some of the adults in the parish (!) and find the treasure on the Treasure Island Map.
Baptism – On 1st July we welcomed Isabella (Ella) Patricia Lamb at St Mary’s Desertserges (where her great, great grandfather Walter Lamb was parson for forty four years in the 1800’s.) Sadly for us, she and her family who had been living at Kilcolman for only a short while, returned to the US to live – but with promises of plenty of return visits. We wish Ella, Eva, Julie and Andy all happiness with the very best in their new life.
Very many congratulations to Trevor Draper and Geraldine Coughlan who were married at Ennis on 27th July.
Keith Ross was involved in a farm accident in June with a fractured pelvis but we are glad he took advice on resting up and is now well on the mend.
Frank Stanley passed away peacefully on the 6th July in hospital. He had bravely contended with ill health for a very long time and patient in his long suffering. We extend our sympathies to his family, especially to Frankie his wife, who had so faithfully cared for him. Well known in the district all his life in so many ways and especially through the General Stores at Inchinatten, he will be remembered for his particular insights, good humour and practical knowledge. His body was laid to rest at Ballymoney Church graveyard. Very many friends and family gathered for his funeral; our thanks go to Dean Christopher Peters, the Rev Denis MacCarthy and David Bourne for the smooth running of the funeral in the absence of the Rector.
Our sympathies to all others who have experienced bereavement this summer; especially the families of Ernest Buttimer, Matthew Anderson and Robert Wilson.
Look out for the book ’Coppeen – A Glimpse of the Past’ on sale locally. It is worth getting and has been compiled by the Coppeen Archaeological Historical and Cultural Society.
Holy Baptism
1st July –
In St Mary’s Church, Desertserges – Isabella (Ella) Patricia, daughter of Julie and Andy Lamb
Christian Burial
8th July
In St Paul’s Graveyard, Ballymoney – Frank Jennings Stanley