NEWS ROUND-UP
History talks
Bray Library, Eglinton Road,, in association with Sunbeam House, will conclude their weekly series of 60-minute local history talks on aspects of Bray and County Wicklow history at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 3.
James Scannell, vice-chairperson of the Bray Cualann Historical Society, will present his lecture ‘From Grand Jury to County Council: Local Government in County Wicklow’. All are welcome and admission is free.
Changes to Dart services
Due to essential engineering works as part of the City Centre Resignalling Project, there will be major disruption to Dart and Commuter services. This includes No Dart services between Connolly and Dun Laoghaire on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, June 4, 5 and 6.
Dart services will operate between Howth or Malahide and Dublin Connolly, and between Dun Laoghaire and Bray or Greystones only.
Dublin Bus will accept rail tickets on scheduled services between Dun Laoghaire and the city centre. Rosslare services will operate to and from Bray. A direct bus transfer will operate to and from Dublin Connolly and Bray to connect with Rosslare service. Bus transfer will depart at the scheduled train departure time.
Computer classes
Age Action hopes to expand its free, one-to-one, training in computers, smartphones and new technology for older people to Bray next month and is looking for volunteers and learners across north Wicklow.
Justin Moran, Head of Advocacy and Communications at Age Action, said: ‘We’re looking to let people know these courses are available and also that we are urgently seeking volunteers who would be interested in helping our senior citizens master new technology.
‘For many older people the biggest challenge to learning these new skills is fear. That is why Age Action set up its enormously successful Getting Started programme which provides one-to-one computer training for those over 55.’
Anyone interested in the class or volunteering can call 01 4756989 or email gettingstarted@ageaction.ie.
Bray Active Retirement
The next Bray Active Retirement meeting takes place on Friday, June 10.
Congratulations to Gloria Marsh whose painting Gone Fishing received honourable mention at the Active Retirement AGM in Cavan in April.
The 1916 Freedom Tour has been rearranged. It will now take place on Wednesday, July 6. They will meet at the Dart Station at 10.30 a.m. The tour starts at Merrion Square at midday.
The Networking for Older People Meeting at the Brockagh Centre on Friday, May 13, was a great success. It was chaired by May Quaid of Active Retirement Ireland.
There were very good contributions from TDs Pat Casey, Andrew Doyle and John Brady which prompted a lively question and answer session.
An Bothán men’s group
An Bothán, a men’s group, meets every thursday between 9.30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Sparktech, St Kevin’s Square, Bray. They will be starting a new programme of ornamental glass cutting and joining.
They invite anyone interested to come and join them. Contact Jim at 086 8030445.
Spike Milligan’s Puckoon
On Friday, June 3, Puckoon comes to Mermaid. Based on the book by Spike Milligan, this show has had audiences all across Ireland screaming with laughter at its goonish blend of theatrical anarchy, musical wit, and impossible plot.
Ireland 1922, and the Ulster Boundary Commission has drawn the new border straight through the small town of Puckoon. With the church separated from its own graveyard and drink now 30 per cent cheaper in one corner of the pub, life in the newly divided village will never be the same again.
Tickets are €20 or €18 concession.
Brian Kennedy
On Saturday, June 4, Brian Kennedy returns to Mermaid. A multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter and highly regarded radio/television presenter, he is a Doctor of Letters from the University of Ulster, a published author of two successful novels – not surprisingly, for a lyricist of his calibre.
Brian maintains a firm belief that ‘music is the language of emotion,’ and he prizes the live gig above all else. Seeing and hearing him is the only way to experience this national treasure of a man.
For tickets or more information call Mermaid Arts Centre on 01 2724030 or go to mermaidartscentre.ie.
Mini Marathon comingsoon
The 2016 VHI Women’s Mini Marathon takes place on Bank Holiday Monday, June 6.
Open Door is appealing to women to support the centre by taking part.
Open Door will provide transport from Bray to the event and returning to the centre after the race for a reception with strawberries and cream and a glass of bubbly.
Register at vhiwomen’sminimarathon.ie and then contact Suzanne on 01 2867123 to book your Open Door charity pack with sponsorship card and t-shirt.
Your support will help provide activities for adults with physical and sensory disabilities. Find out more about Open Door at opendoor.ie.
Vintage Car Club picninc
Bray Vintage Car Club will have a show and picnic on Bray seafront on Sunday, June 5, from midday till 4 p.m.
The event will include a French classic car gathering and a teddy bear’s picnic. There will be music, face painting and more.
All funds raised on the day will go to Purple House Cancer Support.
Sunbeam seeks hosts
Sunbeam House Services is seeking hosts in the community to provide short breaks for adults with an intellectual disability.
The organisation has headquarters in Bray and serves County Wicklow.
They provide services to clients and now offer short break opportunities.
Hosts can provide clients with a short break in your own home of one to two nights per month.
The guest is treated as a member of your own family who joins in all the regular activities that the hosts are involved in.
Applicants are welcome whether they are married, single, cohabiting or retired. To find out more contact Home Share coordinator Helana Healy at 086 1302170.
Kids’ yoga
A new term of yoga classes is under way at Common Ground, Beverly Studios, Church Terrace, on Wednesdays.
Classes for those aged four to seven will be from 3 p.m. and for eight to 12 from 4 p.m. to 4.50 p.m. To find out more call 01 9033538 or 086 195750.
Book clubs
There are two book clubs at Bray Library. The Family Book Club is for ages eight to 12 and parents and meets on a Saturday at 2.45 p.m.
The Adult Book Club meets on a Wednesday at 11 a.m.
The library on Eglinton Road is open today (Wednesday) and tomorrow.
The usual opening hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; and 1 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. For more information call 01 2862600.
Cocaine Anonymous
If you think you have a problem with cocaine, alcohol, or any other mind altering substance, there is a Cocaine Anonymous meeting every week in Bray. The meeting takes place from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays at one Castle Street. For more information call 089 2442845.
Beetle drive for Home Link
A beetle drive game in aid of Home Link takes place on the second Wednesday of each month at the Little Flower Hall. The next event will take place on June 8. The game takes place at 2 p.m. and admission is €5 per person.