GOREY & DISTRICT NEWS ROUND-UP
ICA meeting
The next meeting of Ballyoughter ICA will be held on Tuesday, December 12, at 8 p.m. in Leskinfere Hall, Clogh. New members welcome.
La Bohème
The Opera de Paris production of Puccini’s ‘La Bohème’ will be broadcast live to Movies@Gorey on Tuesday, December 12, at 6.30 p.m. This heart-breaking love story features some of the most beautiful music in the history of opera.
Gorey ICA
Gorey ICA’s next meeting is on Tuesday, December 12, in the Loch Garman Arms at 8 p.m. New members welcome.
Raphael film
‘Raphael: The Lord of the Arts’ will be screened in Movies@Gorey on Wednesday, December 13, at 8.30 p.m. and on Saturday, December 16, at 3 p.m. This is the first film adaptation of the life and work of one of the most famous artists in the world - Raphael Sanzio. He died aged just 37 and yet managed to leave an indelible mark on art.
High Hopes
The Dublin based High Hopes Choir will perform at a special charity concert in Christ Church, Gorey, on Thursday, December 14, at 7 p.m.
The concert is hosted by the VTOS Adult Learning Centre, Gorey, and funds raised will go to Focus Ireland. Tickets are €7 and can be purchased on the door.
Lions Club
Gorey Lions Club’s Christmas food appeal will be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, December 15, 16, and 17, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Pettitt’s SuperValu and Dunnes Stores, Gorey.
Donations of non-perishable food items are most welcome. As well as staple food items, Christmas treats are also welcome. Every donation is appreciated, and the food will be distributed to recipient families in the Gorey district in time for Christmas.
Thanks for your support.
SVP collection
St Vincent de Paul, Gorey, will hold its next church door collection at St Michael’s Church, Gorey, on Saturday and Sunday, December 16 and 17, and surrounding parishes.
All donations are gratefully received and will be used locally to help those in need. Sincere thanks to all for their continued support.
SOCGA party
Special Olympics Club Gorey Area will hold its Christmas party on Sunday, December 17, in the Loch Garman Arms Hotel from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
It will include a disco, tasty food and of course a very special visitor. Come along and join in the fun and wear a Christmas jumper if you have one.
Chenier opera
The OperAfternoons season continues at Movies@Gorey on Saturday, December 30, at 3 p.m. with a screening of ‘Andrea Chenier’ from Teatro alla Scala, Milan.
Chess Club
Gorey Chess Club will hold its annual Christmas rapid tournament in the Loch Carman Arms, Gorey, on Monday, December 18, at 7 p.m. sharp.
Players are invited to make a donation to St.Aidan’s Day Care Centre in lieu of an entrance fee. Players of all standards are welcome.
The event will be full of fun with lots of prizes. There is no need to bring a set as these will be provided. If interested, please phone Seamus at 087 3699824.
eServices at the libary
Gorey Library staff will hold an eServices registration clinic on Thursday, December 21, from 10.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help members sign up to the range of new eServices.
They will show you how to borrow free eBooks, eMagazines and Audio books on your smartphone or tablet, or you might want to try a free eLearning course or learn a language.
Bring your smartphone or tablet, your library card and your email login details to register. If you aren’t a member, you can join the library for free with photographic ID and proof of address.
Library hours
Gorey Library will close for the holiday on Friday, December 22, at 5.30 p.m. ande will reopen on Tuesday, January 2, at 10.30 a.m.
The library staff wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The also remind borrowers not to forget to stock up with plenty of books before the Christmas closure.
Your library membership allows you to borrow up to twelve items on your card. Your library membership also entitles you to free eResources such as eBooks and audio books with the Borrowbox app.
For more information on the full range of eResources, contact Gorey Library.
Poker Classic
This year’s Buffers Alley Poker Classic will take place Wednesday, December 27, at 8 p.m. in the Buffers Alley clubhouse.
Tickets at €20 are now on sale from club members and can also be purchased at the door.
Refreshments will be served on the night and the bar will be running promotions for the players. The door prize is kindly sponsored by Hammell’s Centra, Kilmuckridge.
Nearly 80 players took part last year with a prize pot of over €1,500. Mick Lacey was the overall winner and all the players who made the final table will receive complimentary entry. The final placings were: Mick Lacey, Tom Byrne, Jack Kavanagh, Larry Murphy, Gavin O’Donovan and David Hughes Snr. Other prize winners were: Jim Conroy, first poker, and Ciarán Fortune had the first straight flush.
A great night of cards is guaranteed and your support is very much appreciated.
Library events
Regular events at Gorey Library this months include: Every Tuesday at 11 a.m., Toddler storytime and art and craft; Thursday, December 14, at 7.15 p.m. Gorey Writers Group;
Ashdown fair
The Christmas Courtyard Market which is running this month at the Ashdown Park Hotel in Gorey is open to new stall holders. Crafters of handmade quality goods and traders interested in participating in the market, are invited to contact Liz McGonigal on 087 3777335 or email marketing@ AshdownParkhotel.com
The market is open on Saturday and Sunday, December 16 and 17, and daily from the Wednesday, December 20, to Saturday, December 23, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. It offers Christmas gifts and tasty treats to enjoy and a chance to see Wexford craft, vintage and food traders in a festive atmosphere.
Church times
A busy few weeks lie ahead at Gorey Methodist Church. Advent reflections will be held on Wednesday, December 13 and 20, at 7.30 p.m. Advent Worship is on Sunday, December 17 and 24, at 10.30 a.m. The Family Christmas Worship Service is on Sunday, December 17, at 10.30 a.m.
Carols by Candlelight will be held on Sunday, December 17, at 7.30 p.m. The Christmas Morning celebration is on Monday, December 25, at 8 a.m. while the Watchnight Service will be held on Sunday, December 31, at 11.15 p.m.
Bridge news
SEÁN ÓG’S BRIDGE: Play bridge at Sean Og’s Bridge Club, Upton Court Hotel, Kilmuckridge, on Thursday mornings from January 4 at 10 a.m. sharp. New members welcome. No partner required. Joker system in operation. The results for Thursday, November 30 were: 1, Jo and Podge Ussher; 2, Gloria and Alan Proby. Wishing all members past and present the peace and joy of the season and all the best for 2018.
DIAMOND BRIDGE: The results for November 29 were: 1, Kay Dunne and Laura Grimes; 2, Stasia Gahan and Honor Redmond; 3, Carmel Roice and James Geoghegan; Best Gross, Meg Doyle and Hilda Ring. Members are asked to be at the Ashdown Park Hotel by 7.30 p.m. for the Christmas Dinner tomorrow, Wednesday.
Peripheries
The Peripheries Open exhibition, featuring 33 artists from around the country, is open in the newly refurbished gallery space at Gorey School of Art on the Mary Ward Lane. until Wednesday, January 3.
Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be closed December 25, 26, and January 1.
Old Folks Club
St Columba’s Gorey Old Folks Club will hold its Christmas party in the hall in Sean O’Byrne Park, at 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 13. The night will include a joint celebration for Hannah Kinsella who turns 90, and Jack Doran who turns 70. The club will then close for Christmas, and will reopen on Tuesday, January 16, for the Tuesday Club from 12 midday to 3 p.m. and on Wednesday, January 17, at 7.30 p.m.
The Gorey Old Folks Christmas dinner party will be held in the Loch Garman Arms, Gorey, on Wednesday, January 24, at 6.30 p.m. with music by Tommy Carroll.
The club will hold its AGM on Wednesday, January 31, in the club at 7.30 p.m. New members are most welcome. Sincere thanks to Pat Jordan, Fintan Duggan, Mick Doyle, and Colin Brennan for providing the music each Wednesday during the year, free of charge.
Active Retired
Gorey Active Retirement Association’s Monday bowls are finished for the holidays, and will finish on start again on January 8. Tuesday Darts and Go For Life resume on January 9.
The Wednesday Walk in Courtown will continue over Christmas. Thursday Art will finish on December 14, and starts again on January 4.
The Friday coffee morning will continue for members who want to meet for a coffee. Collections and membership renewal will finish on December 15 and start again on January 5.
SVP shop
The St Vincent de Paul furniture shop on McDermott Street, Gorey, welcomes donations of clean saleable furniture, including rugs, lamps, etc. Contact 089 4439667 or 086 3962260. Open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.