UNDER THE SEA WITH BEATRICE Quilters’ work on show at Signal
AUTHOR Beatrice Aird O’Hanlon launched her book ‘The Treacle Sea and Other Stories’ recently at Greystones Library. All proceeds from the children’s book will go to the Children’s Medical and Research Foundation, Crumlin.
This is a collection of beautifully illustrated short stories featuring Henrietta a clever herring, Mabel, a greedy crab, and Olivia to name but a few. The stories would be suitable for children between the ages of five and eight years of age.
‘Each day as I go swimming in the South Beach in Greystones, I marvel at the rich plant and sea life which lie at the bottom of the ocean and try to imagine all kinds of underwater scenarios; the search for territory and food etc,’ said Beatrice.
‘Recently I came across a beautiful porpoise washed up on beach just at the furling of the waves.
‘I started to think of the treasures strewn around the coast of Ireland from the Spanish Armada and the character of Mabel the crab was realised. I asked my sister Jane Langwell if she would do the illustrations and she was very happy to help out, as her own granddaughter, Lauren, my grandniece, is now four years of age.’
Mabel is a greedy selfish crab who loves to sleep on her nest of shimmering jewels in a chest on the sea bed. One day tragedy strikes. Dirty black oil, like treacle, is spilled all over the ocean and the sea creatures set out on a dangerous journey to find clearer waters.
Thrown together by chance and disaster, these courageous creatures will soon discover that their fates are all linked together
The book may be obtained from the author Beatrice Aird O’Hanlon at 086 8288112 and will cost €11.50. WICKLOW Patchwork Group is presenting ‘Look What I Made’ at Signal Arts Centre from Monday, July 9, until Sunday, July 22.
Wicklow Patchwork Group first met in the spring of 2014 and has been meeting every month since then.
Today, the group has more than 100 members largely from Wicklow, south Dublin and Wexford. Their aim is to share their love of patchwork and quilting. The group welcomes members of all standards, from the interested beginner to those who have many years of experience and are more than happy and willing to share their knowledge and wisdom.
At their meetings we have guest speakers and demonstrations given by members. They also hold regular workshops for members to improve their skills and learn new techniques.
Meetings are held in the community hall, Newtownmountkennedy on the third Saturday of each month.
‘Look What I Made’ represents the diversity of work of the members of the group from the enthusiastic beginner to the very experienced quilter. WPG will be known in the area for the Quilt Fest which is held in Newtownmountkennedy, in conjunction with Appletree Crafts, every second year.