Table of Contents Dr. Mary Surlis, N.U.I. Galway, Foreword .................................... 5 Loretta Needham, St.

Vincent de Paul, Croi na Gaillimhe ............. 6 Maria Moore, About Galway Community College ........................ 7 Hedy Gibbons, About Creative Writing ......................................... 8 Anna Cleary, Alphabet Reflections ................................................. 9 Leny Mannens, Alpha Poem .......................................................... 10 Davis Bergholcs, Alpha Poem ....................................................... 11 Nora Barrett, Alpha Poem .............................................................. 13 Emmie Lloyd, Alpha Poem ............................................................ 14 Nora Lally, Alpha Poem................................................................. 16 Igor Kucharski, Alpha Poem .......................................................... 17 Racquel Myers, Alphabet Reflections ........................................... 18 Dmitrys Uselonoks, Favourite Things ........................................... 19 Emmie Lloyd, Georgia Possum ..................................................... 20 Bridge Quinn, The Blue Stone ....................................................... 21 Nora Lally, Mary Joyces Hat ........................................................ 22 Nora Barrett, Love .......................................................................... 23 Emmie Lloyd, St. Brigids Cross ................................................... 24 Dmitrys Uselonoks, Inside ............................................................. 25 Leny Mannens, Gabriela ................................................................ 26 Davis Bergholcs, Hippo on the Sand ............................................. 27
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Josephine Kelly, Koks = Trees ..................................................... 28 Bridge Quinn, Bridges Treasure ................................................... 29 Nora Lally, Winter ......................................................................... 30 Leny Mannens, The Princess of Spain ........................................... 31 Rebecca Donovan, I Am ................................................................ 32 Anna Cleary, Treasures .................................................................. 33 Igor Kucharski, Too Heavy ............................................................ 34 Maureen Kelly, Under Cover ......................................................... 35 Nora Lally, The Japanese Girl ....................................................... 36 Bridge Quinn, Haiku ...................................................................... 37 Patricia McLaughlin, The Gospel According to ............................ 38 Davis Bergholcs, Great Memories ................................................. 39 Racquel Myers, New Flowers ........................................................ 40 Bridge Quinn, A Fish Out of Water ............................................... 41 Dmitrys Uselonoks, Tom The Man................................................ 42 Josephine Kelly, Things I Like ...................................................... 43 Nora Lally, Trees In Winter ........................................................... 44 Maureen Kelly, The Mannequin .................................................... 45 Davis Bergholcs, Two Haiku ......................................................... 46 Igor Kucharski, Favourite Things .................................................. 47 Patricia McLaughlin, Who Am I? .................................................. 48 Leny Mannen, Seasons ................................................................... 49 Davis Bergholcs, The Man - A Character ...................................... 50 Luke Egan, Looking Forward ........................................................ 51
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Leny Mannen, In The Beginning ................................................... 52 Anna Cleary, A Ladys Hat ............................................................ 53 Igor Kucharski, Igors Treasures.................................................... 54 Denis OBrien, Haiku ..................................................................... 55 Patricia McLaughlin, A Beautiful Man.......................................... 56 Nora Barrett, Treasure .................................................................... 57 Igor Kucharski, Laughing Man ...................................................... 58 Racquel Myers, A Diamond Ring .................................................. 59 Denis OBrien, A January Boy ...................................................... 60 Leny Mannens, Something Special ................................................ 61 Rebecca Donovan, Traveller .......................................................... 62 Anna Cleary, Summer Mornings ................................................... 63 Denis OBrien, Seanfhocail ........................................................... 64 Nora Lally, From Self-Reliance to Dependence ............................ 65 Dmitrys, Change ............................................................................. 67 Denis OBrien, The Last Word ...................................................... 68 Hedy Gibbons, Introduction to the Play ........................................ 69 The Millers House , Cast of Characters ........................................ 72 Old Fire, New Fire / The Millers House ....................................... 73

Acknowledgements:
Much thanks to all those who provided or facilitated the gathering of information during the research project: Staff of Special Collections, N.U.I. Galway; Martin Keating, Galway City Librarian, for an interesting and informative tour of the Library and its research facilities; Paul Duffy, recently retired City Engineer, for sharing his fund of knowledge relating to Galway city, and especially the Mills area; Frank Heneghan, Bridge Mills for his information on the workings water-powered mills; the participants in Living Scenes for the oral histories and folklore they gathered; Loretta Needham, Manager of Cro na Gaillimhe; and information provided on their website by the Society for the Traditional & Ancient Mills of Ireland. Special thanks also to Volunteer workers Elaina and Philip for their dedicated and careful work in typing the initial drafts of this book.

Foreword: M. Surlis
A Programme of Intergenerational Learning in NUI Galway Living Scenes is collaborative educational initiative, involving schools, teenagers and older adults, working together within a community learning environment. It encourages, supports and accommodates active experiential learning among participants of the programme. It has specific learning outcomes from the curricular based objectives of the programme and is designed, implemented and funded by NUI Galway as part of the Universitys Adult and Continuing Education outreach initiatives. As a programme of intergenerational learning Living Scenes seeks to promote and cultivate the enriching relationship that has been established in the course of the programmes ten year history. This concept of learning is very new in Irish education. It has been received enthusiastically by school management and staff, local Active Retirement groups, community groups and individuals as being something very worthwhile and of great educational importance. The objectives are to discover common links between perceived diverse generations, to foster and promote mutual respect, and to empower both groups through consultation to actively participate in the development of the curriculum, and thus develop a sense of ownership of a non-hierarchical nature within the programme. The current year has seen a new venture for the Programme by bringing it and the Transition Year students out of the school and into a community, and setting (Living Scenes, Cro na Gaillimhe). It has been a tremendous success. Core to that success has been the involvement of an enthusiastic participant group, a wonderful centre manager, Loretta Needham, an actively supportive and encouraging school presence in Galway Community College, under the weekly supervision of Maria Moore, and finally, an exciting and highly developed Writing and Drama module facilitated by Hedy Gibbons, which has brought the programme to a new level, a new model of intergenerational learning. Well done to all! Mle buochas, Mary Surlis.
5

Foreword: Loretta Needham

The Cro na Gaillimhe Resource Centre opened in April 2009 and was officially opened in January 2011 by President of Ireland Mary McAleese. The mission is to promote positive change in favour of those who would benefit most in the community, promote inclusion and equality in the community, and resource the local community. We provide an intergenerational and intercultural place of welcome, offering a range of holistic educational and social supports complementing current provision in Galway City. Tradition suggests (though research indicates otherwise) that this house was built at the turn of the 19th century by a Mr. Ruxton, who also gave his name to the nearby little bridge on Mill Street. The building is unique in the Galway City context, because it is the only known example with a watercourse constructed to run directly underneath it. A feasibility study commissioned in 2007 (which involved consultations with wide range of local stakeholders) concluded that there was a need for a city-centre based resource centre. Armed with findings emerging from this feasibility study a proposal was developed and submitted to the Maureen OConnell Trust for support to re-develop the Mill Street building as a Resource Centre. The application was successful and the building was redeveloped and refurbished, with a full-time Centre Manager appointed in March 2009. A three year plan was subsequently devised. In January 2010, a full time Receptionist and part-time Social Club Co-ordinator were appointed. We worked in 2009-2011 with a range of service users to provide a dinner and social club, high quality training programmes and the Living Scenes Intergenerational programme. I would like to acknowledge the contribution of St James Conference and all our volunteers who have contributed to the centre. Finally it was a privilege to work with Dr. Mary Surlis, NUI Galway and the Living Scenes team (Maria Moore, Galway Community College and Hedy Gibbons, Creative Writing Facilitator). Loretta Needham, Manager, Cro na Gaillimhe, Resource Centre
6

Introduction
Living Scenes in Galway Community College The programme running with G.C.C. is different from those running elsewhere in that, instead of the school classroom, participants meet in Cro na Gaillimhe. This beautiful venue has inspired a lot of the work we have made there - a programme providing a mix of Music, Art, Drama and Creative Writing. We have a very talented group of people from all over Ireland, joined by participants from Latvia, Poland, and Holland. They speak a variety of first languages, Irish, English, German, Dutch, Russian, Latvian and Polish, as well as Cant (the language of Irish Travellers). This makes for a great linguistic melting pot -and at times some confusion. Several of the Transition Year learners arrived in Ireland with little or no English and we should pay tribute to them on the remarkable progress they have made during the year. Thanks to all those who encouraged, explained and at times translated for them. Initially class-work was designed to help participants get to know one another. Early work in art and crafts explored the theme of Leadership. Participants made masks, banners and small clay models. The beautiful masks explored the notion that we hide behind facades. It was wonderful to witness the bonds of trust and friendship which developed between the group members; to see the care, and hear the laughter, (especially the laughter). Banner and model making developed skills forgotten in some and undiscovered in others. Halloween involved traditional games as well as pumpkin decoration. Who would have realised how competitive the men became over carving designs! We also had some very talented young musicians visit us which brought out hitherto unknown dancing skills in several of the gentlemen. What a busy year! We have been privileged to work with Hedy Gibbons, award winning writer, in our Creative Writing module. To all those involved in Living Scenes a huge thank you. Maria Moore, Art Teacher
7

About Creative Writers:

In January, 2011, joining the Living Scenes programme as Creative Writing facilitator, I wasnt sure what to expect. On that first day the prospect of facilitating a creative writing experience with individuals from a variety of countries, who have as many different native languages, presented quite a challenge! On that journey, I have observed a warmth and caring, a genuine desire to communicate, an enthusiasm to learn and grow, that has carried all of us. I watched people listen to each other, laugh together, help each other, as they moved through words - exchanging memories, treasures, dreams and life stories. From there they began to create scenes of life, putting some of those life-experiences on paper, telling some of their stories, imagining others through the poems, short prose, memoir, characters and scenes they created. Finally, as we became increasingly aware of the historical significance of this old Millers House, we researched its history, wrote a short play about it, and performed that play in public. Thank you all for your willingness to take pen to paper: to give it a go; to push the boat out into your imaginations; to take whatever writing tasks were presented to you on board. Very special thanks to Maria Moore, a wonderfully creative Art teacher and colleague who offered calm, costumes, and creative solutions in marrying art, craft and writing. Many thanks also, to Loretta Needham, her staff, and Volunteers, who supported and helped us always, on this unique voyage of discovery. And finally, to Dr. Mary Surlis for having the vision to see on the horizon this glorious new territory of learning before wed even set sail! Hedy Gibbons Creative Writing Facilitator

Annas Alphabet Reflections:

At Living Scenes today we did creative writing. But halfway through we did a story and told everyone. Continued after the break. Did the alphabet a-z, said a line about each letter. Everyone really enjoyed themselves. First we started with a postcard. Great stories were given to share. Hopefully next week will be as good. I enjoyed Living Scenes today Just after the break we said out the stories Keep up the good work should be said to everyone. Let your mind flow said the woman Means a lot to everyone at Living scenes Nobody was sad Overall I enjoyed myself People should do writing at home Queen-I felt like one. Raquel had a good story So shared it with Living Scenes Teacher was happy and helpful. Underneath the story I wrote I add more We enjoyed everything X-rays we should learn about. You have a good time. Zoom into the future. Anna

Alphabet Poem
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Leny Arms are to bring things home. Bears are living in woods. Catherine is a lovely girl. Dennis likes writing. Eggs are nice fried. Fun and sadness go together. Great pleasure is good for the heart. Honey is made by the bees. I don't like milk. Jeremiah was a prophet. Kay is the daughter of my friend. Leny is my name. Mannens is my surname. Never say never. Old and young go well together. Polish people are good at speaking English. Quarrel not too much! 'Round and round goes the carousel. Sometimes life is not easy. Two people know more than a single one. U tube is a site that I know nothing about. Victory in Peru for the Spanish was very sad for the Incas. What are you doing now? Xanthan gum is a thickener. You are wearing a beautiful blouse. Zenith is another word for top.

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Alphabet Poem 2
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Apples are healthy. Brothers are annoying. Car I do not own. Dogs I like. Exams are coming up. Friends are there for you. Gardens are nice and green. Holes are in my shoes. Internet everyone uses. Joking is fun. Krooked words Life is too short. Music can change your mood. Neon lights hurt my brain. Outdoors is exciting. Playing can be fun. Questions and answers. Rivers never stop. Students go to school. Trees are fun to climb. Universities are after school. Views of the world. World keeps spinning. X-ray the broken bones. You are pretty. Zebras run in the wild.

Dvis

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Patricia
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Alphabet Poem 3
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z I eat an apple every day. I play football in school. I have a cat. I have a dog. I love elephants. I love my friends. I go to school. I live at home. I love being on Facebook. My brother's name is Joshua. All my friends are kind. I love life. My mom is amazing. My name is Nora. I never saw an octopus. I love walking in the park. I love the queen. I really hate when people talk about yo???. I love school. I think you're a nice person. I love you. I have a van. I broke window in my house over a playing... I have excellent attendance at school. My favourite colour is yellow. I would love to have a zebra.

Nora B.

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Alphabet Poem 4
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A is for apple I eat every day. B is for ball to play. C is for car. Everyone has one. D is for daffodil, a beautiful flower. E is for earth on which we live. F is for fire very hot. G is for garden full of flowers. H is for house where we all live in. I is for ice-cream very tasty. J is for jam lovely on bread. K is for kite fly high in the sky. L is for love to be shared around. M is for milk good for you. N is for night, we go to bed. O is for orange full of goodness. P is for park, children can play. Q is for queen, very important. R is for rain we have plenty of in the West. S is for sun, lovely and warm. T is for train, gets you from place to place. U is for umbrella handy in the rain. V is for victory when you have won. W for windows to look out of. X is for xylophone, an instrument to play. Y is for yellow, a bright colour. Z is for zebra, an animal in the zoo.

Emmie

14

Emmie
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Alphabet Poem 5
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V Y X Z April airs are around now. Butterflies are unique in their life span. Cats are friends but not loyal. Dogs are man's best friend. Eagles are rare birds and beautiful. Funny stories are cheering. Green has forty shades. Honey is healing and also delicious Ideas come from imagination. Jokes are good in dull company. Kittens are cute and cuddly. Laughter is the music of the soul. Mother is the source of memories Nora is my name meaning dawn Others are always important to me Prayer is an important part of my life Rest is essential to create energy and give zest to life Sisters are good friends, always supportive Trees are a great love in my life Under the earth, spring flowers are growing Veneration is sometimes lacking in to-days culture Your life is lived forward but understood backwards X-rays are a great aid to diagnosis Zips are a great replacement for buttons

Nora L.

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Alphabet Poem 6
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W X Y Z Igor Apple I eat every day. Birds can fly. Clowns I like clowns. Doors can be open. Exam I can pass it. Film I like watching it. Garden I have a garden in Poland. Hammers I like hammers. Igor my name is Igor. Jesus made a world. Key I can open something that is closed. Life is brutal. Mother everyone loves her. Never never say never. Open I can open doors. People I know a lot of people. Race I won today's race. Sport I love sport. Titanic I saw the film Titanic. Unfortunately I broke my leg unfortunately. Victory I love victory. Wars - I don't like wars. Xzibit character from MTV programme Pimp my Ride. Yoti mystic character. Zombie I play zombie games.

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Racquels Alphabet Reflections

At Living Scenes today we had fun Because everyone contributed their thoughts and Didnt refuse to do so Everyone brought something special Friends and family were involved in the story Good stories and sad stories we shared Hopefully we will do it again I really enjoyed it Just after the break we all shared a story Kindness is what we all shared Laughing, I did lots of it Memories we shared Nobody was left out Opinions we gave People were happy and emotional Questions were asked Racing Raquel is the nick name they gave me Surprising Together we told stories Unconditional Victorious We were telling stories X-ray You will really enjoy it Zee you! Racquel

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Dmitryss Favourite Things:

My favourite food is pizza. My favourite clothes are shoes. They can be lots of colour. The best thing is when I feel nice in my shoes. My favourite time of year is summer with green colour. Summer smells of flowers. Dmitrys

19

Sun-Dried Georgia Possum

Well I never heard of that before! It showed on the tin a small animal so now I know what a possum is. The poor possum. It was flattened by a truck, so it says on the tin, and then sun-dried for one day! Who would think of doing such a thing, the poor possum. Somebody decided to put it in a tin and make a joke of it, well I never. Some people must have nothing to do. I dont think its a joke. I think of how the possum felt and must feel now, locked up in a tin for all eternity. Emmie

20

The Blue Stone

I like the look, colour and shape of this pyramid shaped stone in front of me. I pick it up and it fits comfortably into the palm of my hand. It feels smooth and easy to be with. Its colour is dark blue and mysterious, my favourite colour. I am beginning to form a bond with this old, old, old, stone. I have not asked it many questions as yet, just letting it sit there, in the palm of my hand and allowing it to speak to me. But in nature it is silent, all the while it is creating an energetic reaction in me. I ponder how and why all this is happening. I have no answers but I am happy just to let it be, as it is early days yet. Bridge

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Mary Joyces Hat

I am Mary Joyce at the Galway Races 1928. Hats were in fashion, for young women who had not yet dressed in a shawl. Women in Galway, especially in the Claddagh, looked colourful. The more colourful and maybe raffish were the most rakish. Generally women walked to the races and it was a good few miles from the Claddagh. In those olden days the summers were great, long summer days in July and August. A woman had a two purposes for wearing a hat, one to shade from the sun, the other more important to look great and stand out in a crowd. As they say in a fashion store, that hat could get you anywhere. Nora L.

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LOVE
Poem 1 Love is a symbol of trust loyalty, respect, honesty. And if you have no symbols like these, Then that means that you have no love. Respect is the most important symbol. You have to have respect For yourself and also for your partner Poem 2 Hand in hand Love is sent, You'll be my Best friend Until the end. So thick and thin, Through good times and sad times, Me plus you, now and Forever. So don't look back On bad times, because You and I, now me and you, For all the times.

Nora B.

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My Treasure - Saint Brigid's Cross

Made of rushes, I made this cross many years ago while out walking in the country. It is a symbol of protection and safety and most Irish houses have one of these hanging in their kitchen to keep the family safe. It is said that St. Brigid made one of these crosses first. Emmie

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Haiku - Inside
Inside the big house Is a very fun party In a dark night. Dmitrys

Dmitrys

25

Gabriela The girl has a happy face. Sitting at the table in her aunts house. White teeth with a split in the middle, long blond hair, grey blue eyes, she has a little white spot on her nose. Wearing a white t-shirt and a mauve top, and an apron with blue-white stripes, she has a knife in her hand and a big pancake in front of her. She has several things in her pocket a tissue, a mobile phone among others. Also the one thing she has carefully wrapped. She knows her granddad will come in a while and this is a present for him that he will like. She is probably looking forward to eating the pancake. Leny

26

Hippo on the Sand

Wouldn't it be nice to be a hippo on the sand, Sit all day, and feeling so grand. Not having a worry at all in the world, Eating grass and not feeling the cold. Wouldn't it be great to be a hippo in the sand, Sitting all day, and feeling so grand. Not having to do chores today, He's just so lucky, what can I say? Wouldnt it be good to be a hippo on the sand, Sit all day, and feeing so grand. Not having one worry at all in the world, And not doing what you've been told. But he's just a hippo, and you are you, So stop the dreaming and go back to school. Davis

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Haiku:
Koks tall and green Birds chirp noisily Bark is very brown.

Josephine
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Bridges Treasure
My Jerusalem Cross is a dear reminder of my first visit to Israel (the Holy Land) 10 years ago. My daughters gave me 50 to spend on myself and I was able to secure the gold cross for the 50. It brings back the wonderful memories and failings of that special trip. I really cherish it very much. Bridge

29

Haiku - Winter
Winter woodland walk at dusk, leaves fall silently as death. Old age letting go time.

Nora L.

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The Princess of Spain:

In this hat I am the princess of Spain, married to the prince who is going to be King in the future. I am just an ordinary girl, don't really like all the celebrations I am supposed to go to. The only thing I do enjoy about it is choosing a nice hat that makes me feel comfortable and not so exposed when people along the streets are looking at me.

Leny
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I am Im a gypsy And Ive got style So mess with me And youll run a mile And for all you u Haters who think Youre cool, Just remember Pavees rule School is not the Place for me Home is where I want to b No jobno career Just traveling here & There with Family & friends Who will stand by Me til the very end Although years may pass Our pride will last. Rebecca

32

Treasures:
My nephews, whose names are John and Packie. Last Christmas their mother brought them into Mothercare to get their photos done. The woman asked her could she enter them into a competition. So a few days after something came out in the post. It was to say that they were through and that they won. So for a year my sister-in-law got all the stuff like bottles, free photos, from Mothercare. And in August they to go to Dublin for more photos. Anna

33

Haiku Too Heavy

Sitting at the table I break the table because I am too heavy for piseog

Igor

34

Under Cover
I am working as a store detective and, although I hate this hat, it is a good disguise. I have to act like a very interested shopper, examining items and even placing some in my basket which is a must to look the part. The hat helps to make me resemble a trendy housewife so the unsuspecting shoplifter can act now. I will have one capture at last.

Maureen

35

A Girl:
I am looking at a teenage Japanese girl. She is a beautiful girl in a Japanese way. She has long dark hair and a dark large head-dress or hat. Her face is made up and eyes are wide open under the most perfect eyelashes. She has a long gracious neck. Her arms are long but her hands are not showing. The girl is wearing a white top. On the front are prints of trees, green and brown and zig-zag design, to represent the earth, birds above the trees. I think my Japanese girl is called Zoe. She would not have a screwdriver in her pocket. Somehow it would be out of keeping with her beauty and graciousness. Nonetheless just maybe a small screw-driver would come in handy at times. She could open a lock on her bike should she forget the key. Or prise open a coke bottle or can in an emergency. Nora L.

36

Haiku Star Gazing

Up on the night sky I see Jupiter gleaming As the sun has set.

Bridge

37

The Gospel According To

First, the beauty to the eye now and always, The feel to a heart and hand The power held within me always, To go deep into the earth to find me, My power is in all we can behold. This for your joy and pleasure, Health, goodness, power and grace, May you always hold the earth dear, My wish is your life path to bloom So that full life will be yours. Search for me, respect me always, To find me is your inner gift, Be it your life now, endless peace, Feel my strength within yourself, Deep within the richer part of you. To all is gift, only you can take it, Again the freedom is yours enjoy, Never lose any of my power, its yours, To feel one with the beauty of our Earth, Our creator and creation. This is my gift to your today And always. Patricia

38

Daviss Treasure
I have a video on my mobile phone of my little cousin dancing, back when she was just one year old. And that video brings me great memories because it was during a summer where I broke my leg and she would always come into the room and cheer me up because I couldnt go anywhere.

Davis

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Racquels Haiku
When winter is over New flowers will start to fs Early in Spring. Racquel

40

A Fish Out of Water

I live in London. My mother was born in Galway in the Claddagh to be precise. I am invited to my cousin's wedding in the Claddagh with my sister. I have not met my cousins or been to Galway before, so I am worried as to what impression I am going to make will I look like a fish out of water, or are hats a feature or in fashion? I decide black with a little lace would make a comfortable cover. Bridge

41

Tom The Man

Tom sits on motorbike. Its very expensive bike and powerful. I think he just drives around the city on weekend. I think he works in some company. Maybe he doesnt have wife and children.

Dmitrys

42

I Like Chicken, cream or white triangle or round. Not very nice raw, very nice cooked, eat it for dinner with roast potatoes.

Summer:
bright yellow round. Flowers smell sticky. Josephine

43

Trees in Winter
For years and years bare trees intrigued me, beckoning me to see through and beyond, transparency of sacred beauty. Arms outstretched, uplifted, silently extended, so many fingers whispering hosanna! by gentle breeze or gushing wind. Mystery of transformation, not trees or wood or timber, wonder deep and tender: Unknowing yet believing, bare trees icons of winter beauty. Nora L.

44

The Mannequin.
He is elegant, majestic and beautiful. He takes a lot of grooming and his white coat is always in peak condition. He is very temperamental and can be quite vicious being deceptive as he looks so meek and mild. Being so well-kept he is nearly always being entered in shows and usually is awarded many prizes. Bailey the poodle has a very posh opinionated owner named Ronald who struts around with Bailey on leash waiting for everyone to admire him and if possible himself as well. He is a bank manager and lets it be known. He walks Bailey along the prom and the dogs hair blowing in the breeze with a definite air of affluence that belies the fact that our country is in deep recession. He then hops into his Saab and goes on his merry way to Barna. Maureen

45

Haiku 1
Here in our classroom Everyone is filte On every Tuesday.

Haiku 2
At the local park The wind blows hard on the trees During the big storm. Dvis

46

Favourite Things
Salathe Greclia - mix colours, I eat it with lunch, I eat it when I'm home. The best thing about this is that it is from Greece. I love food from Greece and Turkey. The smell sometimes is like white cheese. Summer/winter (Christmas) My favourite time of the year Christmas because I love spending time with all my family. I think colours about Christmas are red and white. And I like snow. Igor

47

Whose Hat?
Who am I in this hat? My Kangol design set me up for the Kerry races. Not interested in hats or races, but sure the act of being someone else is fun. Under this hat I can fool others and myself even for a day. My thoughts on the type of person who would wear such a design of hat, is a lady who spends big on hats for every dress and occasion. Money is free-flowing, so no worries to her no matter how often she goes shopping for another hat. Good luck to her and I am glad it's not me! Patricia

48

Seasons
Under the birch tree White little snowdrops come out In the early Spring Rain in the distance. In the breaking of the light a bow of colours. Leny

49

The Man A Character

The man in the picture looks like hes in his late 50s, his face expression looks like he is surprised. He has got a bald spot on his head and it looks like he recently had an ear infection. His head is turned in the left direction. From the quality of the picture it looks like its an old picture. Hes wearing old fashioned clothes. John has lived on the farm for all his life now. He is 59 now and his brothers teenage son from the city centre has come to visit him. John recently had an accident with a tractor and damaged his ear. He had to go to the city and get an operation. Now with his bad ear he cant do the farm jobs he is supposed to do. Now he is trying to get his brothers son Mike to work but Mike is ignoring him. Davis

50

Haiku
In the upper field The horses will foal again As the spring comes around

Luke

51

In The Beginning
In the beginning God created the Earth Nature was perfect Man created in God's image But Man liked to be God himself. As a result, much got destroyed, Forest, flowers, eagles, Even man got attacked They feel helpless like An eagle that can't spread his wings.

Leny

52

A Ladys Hat
I have a lady's hat on. It is like what you wear on Lady's Day. I am like Jessica Fletcher. She is in Murder She Wrote, but I think I am like a film star. I really like this hat. It is lovely.

Lovely Awesome Be myself Young Surprise Hat of the day Addictive Tall

53

Igors Treasure:
I bring two pictures of me and my sister and mother in garden. This garden is very old, I think 150 years or more. But we have to renew this, and home as well. I very much like this garden. Igor

54

Haiku
Over the rainbows Colours come and go like snow Nature is in bloom. Denis

55

A Beautiful Man
Beautiful relaxed man The smile shares joy and peace, health and strength, alive eyes, brown and olive. Making full use of nice leather armchair he is casually dressed for comfort, as is his nice brown hair. He likes small watches and cars. Then I got a shock to find he also enjoys knitting in bed.

Patricia

56

Nora Bs Treasure:
Today I bring a bracelet my mom gave to me for my 16th birthday. She got it off her mom when she was way younger and she passed it on to me. It is about 20 years old. So when I get older and have kids Ill give it to one of my daughters. Nora B

57

Laughing Man
When I go to cinema with friends we meet beside front doors. Laughing man he call us to come there, and he shows us a lot of magic tricks, we are in shock because he brings muffins and sandwiches to do magic tricks that was amazing where he can eat this and he take out again that food from the product and give this to people who need this, I don't know how he do this...he give more, more and more and we can't see end of this. This man is very lovely he use his magic skills to help each other peoples whos hungry and can't buy anything. I think he can do everything what he want but he just want to help people to have better life. He is happy if he can't help if everybody can't be like him, we can change the world to move better. Igor

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A Diamond ring
My grandmother from my fathers side got this diamond ring years ago when she was young and had only one child. She promised herself she would give to her first grand-daughter when she was old enough, and she did give to me one year ago, and told me that story, and for me never to part with it. So I will keep it forever. Racquel

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A January Boy
I remember the first time my older sister received her gift of a jewellery box. What a delightful box: so delicate, so precise, so colourful. My sister had one ring to place in her jewellery box which she had collected from our Halloween barm brack the previous week. This jewellery box had sparked a whole level of enthusiasm with her for all and sundry of the accessory items that appeared in the few glossy magazine she studied on her first visit to the dentist. And this is a paper-weight which I received on January 16th 1963 when Potez Industries of Ireland Ltd was officially opened by An Taoiseach Sean Lemass TD. Potez was a French company that manufactured free- standing oil heaters and central heating systems for the home and export markets. Denis

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Something Special
Crystals are special to me and this one is very precious because I got it from a friend more than 20 years ago. This crystal is shaped in a very geometrical form, all like triangles. The nicest thing about it is the breaking of the light when the sun is shining on it, the white light is broken into all the different colours of the rainbow, which you can see when it is projected on a white surface.

Leny
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Traveller
My traveller pride I will not hide, My gypsy race I will not disgrace, My traveller blood Flows hot and true, My pavee folk I will stand by you. Through thick and thin 'Till the day we die, Our traveller flag Always stands high. I yell this poem Louder than all the rest, 'Cause everyone knows Pavees are the best. Traveller pride in my mind Gypsy blood in my kind. So step aside and let us through, And embrace the gypsy inside of you. Rebecca

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Summer Mornings
Trees, calm as a breeze just a picture that was freeze. Colourful kite in the bright blue sky. Light brown river month is June. June, July, swim till you die.

Anna

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Seanfhocail:
Go neir an bthar leat as seo amach Do rir a cile tgtair na caislan Mol an ige agus tiocfaidh siad Is ar sct a cile a mhaireann na daoine

Denis

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From Self-Reliance to Dependence

Growing up as a teenager in the 1940s, it was towards the end of the Second World War when life was difficult for many due to shortages of food. We had ration books for clothing. To my memory, it was a great time. Living with my parents and three brothers in Gibbstown, Co. Meath, life could not have been better. Belonging to a farming community we had full and plenty of everything. Ours was a mixed farm of tillage - which was compulsory - and animal husbandry. There was a good variety of animals and poultry. From the land we enjoyed abundance of potatoes and vegetables the staple diet of the ordinary people of Ireland. Wheat, when harvested, was brought to the local mill and ground to brown flour. From this healthy flour we had our daily supply of freshly baked soda bread. For cakes and pastry we sieved the flour through a very fine sieve. taking away most, it not all, the brown bran. Oats, when harvested, was also brought to the same mill where it was crushed to provide pin-head oatmeal. Every morning we had the oatmeal as porridge, well cooked and delicious with milk or cream. The small dairy farm supplied ample milk, cream and butter. Unfortunately, we never got to cheesemaking. Eggs were abundant from the poultry. All enjoyed an egg for breakfast. The men had two eggs. Each year, generally before Christmas, we killed a pig. It was then salted and cured for a few weeks, hung from the kitchen ceiling. The bacon we enjoyed each day, boiled with vegetables from the garden cabbage, turnips, carrots and parsnips. We grew plenty onions, they kept throughout the winter, hanging in bunches from a bar in the shed. On Sundays, feast-days, or when we had visitors my mother would always find a good big chicken to boil, giving delicious meat and soup. Each week we sold whatever eggs and butter were surplus to the familys needs, providing cash for groceries and other family necessities. Life was simple.
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My father loved his sheep and lambs; he was a shepherd at heart. Wool fetched a good price during the war. He knew how to select the best lambs wool, sometimes black, but mostly white. The wool my mother would prepare for spinning, first carding it into little soft rolls, then on her spinning wheel into large balls of yarn. From the wool yarn she knitted our stockings, jumpers, gloves and caps, keeping us all cosy and warm during the winter months. During the summer we had plenty of fruit in the garden, rhubarb, gooseberries, blackcurrants and apples, providing lots of desserts and jam. There was a Government grant of sugar for jammaking, which was stocked up for the winter months. That was a time of healthy diet and great self-reliance, all friendly to nature, different from to-day. Now we depend so much on fast foods, the mobile, computer, and so many disposables not all healthy or good for the environment. Nora L.

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Change

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The Last Word:

Empowerment = Leadership which excites, motivates and liberates others.

Denis

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The Millers House Introduction

Built between 1780-1820 as house for the miller, it stood beside a water-powered flour mill which stood where the Madeira House apartments are. A Mrs. Mitchell ran the mill with her five sons, built the house beside it, then built a house on Prospect hill. Between herself and her sons they finally owned corn, flour, linen and bleach mills. There were several flour mills, six oat-mills, two malt-mills, three fulling-mills, a bleach-mill, and two distilleries in the small area comprising Mill Street, Presentation Road, Nuns Island and the West Bridge. In reality, early versions of factories, they were called mills because they were operated by water-powered mill wheels. On Mill Street alone there were three mills, a brewery, foundry (the Garda Barracks), a brush factory, and a sawmill (at Parkavera). Imagining the number of people it took to run these mills, and the number of families supported by them, between it and the Claddagh the area must have been densely populated. The site of the pink-painted building which stands today near the Car Park was previously occupied by a Charitable Lying-In Hospital built in 1820. A Grand Jury of the County sent women to the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin to learn midwifery. The connection with the name Ruxton comes from a gentleman of that name who lived in Dublin, but was witness to memorials transferring property in the area. So the little bridge to the left of Cro na Gaillimhe as you leave was called after him. According to Hardimans History of Galway, in the early 1800s the export trade was declining. It had one time included large quantities of kelp and fine marble (there was a quarry of beautiful black marble at Merlin Park), as well as superior quality wheat. Hardiman wondered with all the sheep in the surrounding areas why nobody thought of exporting woollen goods.
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Salmon, herring, sun-fish, cod, turbot, oysters and lobster were in great supply. They were eaten locally, or sent to the Dublin Market. Oysters were exported to England and France even then. According to Hardiman the fishing industry was not well managed, and could have been more productive. A Nail-maker did business in the tiny triangular shop around the corner in Dominic Street until the 1970s. Mrs. Mannion, a niece of Mr. Hill, the last person to own this millers house and mill, still lives in Galway. This play came about from our weekly Living Scenes classes in Art and Creative Writing in Cro na Gaillimhe. As we painted and wrote and created masks and banners we began to wonder about the history of the house we work in, and started to research it. Having uncovered some of its story, we began to imagine the characters who one time lived in the Millers House. Written and acted by the Living Scenes participants from Galway Community College and St. Vincent de Paul Resource Centre at Cro na Gaillimhe, this play is the result. Hedy Gibbons: May, 2011.

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Cro na Gaillimhe; The Miller's House

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Old Fire, New Fire, or The Miller's House Cast of Characters

Mrs. Mitchell Howard Mitchell Thomas Michell David Mitchell Edward Mitchell Patrick Mitchell Peggy Emily Aunt Beatrice (Mrs. Mitchells sister) Her Friend, Martha Mrs. Ruxton Bean U Mirtn Delia g Mrs. OConnell, the midwife Nora Lally Denis OBrien Dmitrys Usolonoks Davis Bergholcs Karol Kyriacou Igor Kucharski Josephine Kelly Anna Cleary Maria Moore Maureen Kelly Leny Mannens Patricia McLaughlin Nora Barrett Bridge Quinn

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Old Fire, New Fire or The Miller's House

The year is 1802. We are in The Millers House, Mill Street, Galway where the Mitchell Family, who own the mill, are having breakfast: Sitting around the table are the five Mitchell sons Howard, Thomas, David, Edward, and Patrick. Enter Mrs Mitchell, their mother, and Head of the Family.. She rings for the maid, sits down at the table, and looks around at her family. Mrs. Mitchell: (she glances round the table). Good morning boys. I'm glad to see you 're all here. But where is Emily, Edward? Is she well this morning? Enter Emily, who takes her place in the last seat at the table. Mrs. Mitchell: Oh Emily, here you are. And looking well. I was just about to tell the family... Peggy, the maid, enters and goes to Mrs Mitchell. Peggy: Sorry M'am. No fresh herrin's this morning. At least not for us.. Bean Ui Mairtin said to tell you.

(she backs away from the table, and hurries out the door.) Mrs.Mitchell: I'll deal with those Claddagh women later. Now, as I was saying. I am expecting very important visitors from Dublin later to-day- Mr and Mrs Ruxton.(she looks at Emily, the new daughter-inlaw)
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Edward may not have told you, Emily dear, but Mr. Ruxton is our family lawyer. His wife has great influence around this city. I am expecting her for tea this afternoon. Please be here. I'd like you to meet her. Emily: Yes, mam

Mrs. Mitchell: Now, we have some very important decisions to finalise to day. (looks around at all her sons, who respond in their own ways). Edward: (standing up quickly) May I be excused Ma? I want to get to the stables to check on the stallion before they

Mrs. Mitchell: Sit down Edward! I said important business. As you all know the mills are doing well. Its time to re-invest some of our profits. I have decided to buy a house on Prospect Hill. It would be a very good investment. A great location. And would make a very suitable home for Edward and Emily. (she smiles at the young couple). Emily: (looking excited and happy). Oh thank you Mam! It would be lovely to have our own home ((she looks at Edward) And so nice to be close to the city, especially for this baby coming along... (Getting up from the table to pace up and down) But I don't want a house on Prospect Hill. Or any other hill for that matter. Claregalway would be much better. Good flat land, plenty of it, good grazing, handy for the Galway Blazers.

Edward:

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Patrick:

(looks and sounds pleased) Prospect Hill? There should be plenty of space in Prospect Hill for playing football. I could bring my friends ... (not pleased) House? Mother, now is the time to buy another mill! Theres one for sale further up Mill Street. I' m sure we could get it at a good price... A house for those two can wait! (He glares at Edward) I'd love a house in the city. Its free. Ill take it!

Thomas:

Emily:

Mrs. Mitchell: (turning to Howard): Well Howard? Howard: Another mill! How can I think about another mill? I'm due in court later..a matter of a small gambling debt. Don't worry Ma, Mr. Ruxton is making a good case for me. I'm sure hell see me right, but I need to show up in Court. (he stands up) I must be off. The judge likes to see some respect...(heads for the door)

Enter Peggy, who goes to the table to stand beside Mrs. Mitchell.. Peggy: Will I clear away M'am? Them Claddagh women, they said theyd be back to-day.

Mrs. Mitchell: Yes, please clear the table Peggy. Ill deal with those Claddagh women later. Howard: (turns back at the door to say): "I won't be here for lunch. After Court I have a meeting with Mrs OConnell, the midwife at the Lying-In Hospital. To do with sending a woman to Dublin to train as a midwife...
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Peggy:

(about to carry things from the table) If you believe that M'am, youll believe anything!

Mrs. Mitchell: Thats enough Peggy. And remember, Mrs. Ruxton will be here at three. Have the front parlour fire lighting and a tea-tray set. Peggy: But Mam, I saw Howard and Mrs. OConnell, the midwife

Mrs. Mitchell: I said thats enough, Peggy! Please leave us! David: (standing up) I agree with Thomas. We should buy another mill. We need to expand now, while we can. There are five of us to think about! Six, and more, if you count Emily.(he smiles at her). (looks at his mother) You promised Ma. You said the next place would have enough space for me to play football!

Patrick:

Mrs.Mitchell: Patrick. Youre a bright boy. I have great hopes for you. I wish you to study law. With Mrs. Ruxtons help in Dublin I hope to get you into Trinity College. There you can play all the football you like. Just have some patience. Edward: (looking at his mother)Ma, youd better have a word with Mr. Ruxton this evening. I got in a bit of a fight last night. Nothing serious. But I owe one of the Blakes a hundred guineas - a little matter of a filly... (gasps) Oh Edward!... (smiling at Emily) The four legged kind of course, my dear.
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Emily: Edward:

Mrs. Mitchell: Thats enough! All of you! I expect you to be on your best behaviour today. Thomas, you'll be here when Mrs. Ruxton comes for tea. She likes to be greeted properly. You too, Emily. Patrick, I dont think we need you for tea. Or the rest of you. But you must all be here for dinner. Eight oclock sharp. And Emily, would you see to it that Peggy sets enough places for dinner. Eleven. Mr. and Mrs. Ruxton may have someone with them. And Aunt Beatrice will be with us I think. Scene II: *********** Later that afternoon, we join Mrs. Mitchell, Emily and Thomas in the Front Parlour. They are waiting for Mrs. Ruxton to arrive. Oh, Mam, the house in the city would be lovely.

Emily:

Mrs. Mitchell: And you will have it my dear. That Edward is a handful, but between us well manage him. (She looks closely at Emily)You are feeling quite well? Emily: Oh yes. But it would be wonderful to have fresh air and space for this baby. And maybe others...With the mill here, theres so much dust in the air (rushing in). Excuse me Mam, Miss Beatrice to see you...I told her you were expecting an important person. ...but Oh. That sister of mine. Yes, Bea, what is it?

Peggy:

Mrs. Mitchell:

Enter Auntie Beatrice, somewhat puffed, fanning herself.

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Aunt Beatrice: Its hot in here. I can see this isnt a good time. I'm not staying. I know youre expecting very important visitors. I just wanted a word with Emily.(she turns to Emily) Emily dear, Mrs. OConnell, the Midwife, would like to come and see you. To check on this baby, as much as you. I just met herself and Howard outside the door. Theyre doing great work setting up this midwife training. Mrs. OConnell knows such a lot about babies. Emily: (turning to the audience) Ah, she would, wouldnt she... Howard better watch out...

Beatrice and Emily move to one side of stage and talk quietly between themselves.. Peggie: (Entering again) : Mrs. Ruxton is here, M'am.

All turn to look as Mrs. Ruxton enters, and greets everyone. They all bow in return. Mrs. Mitchell: Youre very welcome, Mrs. Ruxton. (She gets to her feet, but waits for Mrs. R. to come to her.) Please excuse my slowness. The rheumatics are very bad these days. (She takes Mrs. Rs arm and turns towards Emily). Id like you to meet my new daughter-in-law Emily. She and Edward married last autumn. (Emily and Mrs. Ruxton smile at each other). And you have met my son Thomas before, of course. (Thomas bows, and moves to hold a chair for Mrs. Ruxton)
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Mrs. Ruxton: Emily:

Thank you Thomas. (She sits down, settles herself) I hope you had a good trip, Mrs. Ruxton. Ive heard the road from Loughrea is much improved. Well, it is still an uncomfortable journey. However, we are here two days. So I am well rested. (Moving to the tea tray) May I pour you some tea, Mrs. Ruxton? Yes, tea would be lovely. (She smiles at Emily, who goes to pour tea).

Lady Ruxton:

Emily: Mrs. Ruxton: Peggy

(running in again). More visitors M'am. The Claddagh women. I told them you didn't want to be disturbed, but... Two women storm in. Walk straight over to Mrs Mitchell. Bean Ui Mairtin: We won't wait any longer. You owe us five pounds for the herrings, ten for the salmon and prawns... Ive told you ladies before, you will be paid when I get paid for my flour. Not before. Fine for you, but I have ten mouths to feed Its the likes of you that has us how we are, living hand to mouth. (looking at Emily) This one isnt the only one carrying a child. And I wont be able to go to the Lying-In, will I? Who would put in a good word for me?
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Mrs Mitchell: Bean Ui Mairtin: Delia:

(The door opens, and in come Howard and Mrs. OConnell) Howard: Good afternoon everyone. Mrs. Ruxton. (he bows to her). I have brought someone for you all to meet. Mrs. OConnell, the citys first official mid-wife. (He takes Mrs. OConnells hand and draws her forward). And soon to be my wife. (H. smiles at Mrs. OC and puts his arm around her. Gasps from everyone. Mrs. Mitchell collapses in her chair. Auntie Bea and Emily grin at each other.The Claddagh women stand looking on, and whispering to themselves.Martha, Auntie Beas friend is agog at the goings-on. Mrs. Ruxton gets up and gathers herself to leave.)

Mrs. Ruxton: I will see you later this evening Mrs. Mitchell. (moves towards the door) You people! (She looks around from one to the other) This would never happen in Dublin. Emily: Ah, now. This is Galway! Its the city of the Tribes!

The End

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