The Rector writes……
During the summer, our rural dean, Revd Canon Dr Daniel Nuzum and his assistant, Roger Flack spent the morning travelling around the churches and other properties in this parish. We are not unique in the Diocese in having a considerable portfolio of buildings to maintain and it remains a constant challenge and priority for the Select Vestry of Douglas Union and the trustees of Holy Trinity Church in Frankfield. Their reports have now been received and distributed. We are glad to note that in the main our buildings are in good repair and this is thanks to the generosity and hard work of many parishioners. Some important work is necessary on the spire of St Michael’s and you can read a report about this, by Stephen Daunt, in this issue. I am grateful to him for keeping on top of this particular restoration project. However, one building that has raised concern is the parish hall in Marmullane where a problem with dry rot has been detected and reported to our rural dean during his inspection. As a result, this hall will be out of commission until a full report as to the extent of the problem has been presented to the vestry and the cost of possible solutions been determined.
On a happier note, I want to take this opportunity to thank all those who donated so generously to our ‘sponsor a minute’ appeal which raised money towards the cost of the restoration of the Potts Clock in the tower of St Luke’s Church. The mechanism has never been altered or electrified since it was installed in 1889 and so was in its original condition. The restoration involved the repair and replacement of some vital parts which had to be made specially. Each week it is faithfully wound by Leslie Deane and other volunteers and from the emails and comments I receive, its regular chime on the hour is appreciated by many local residents. The final phase of work involves the painting of the clock face and hands on the exterior of the tower. We hope this will be done in the next few weeks. Our parish treasurer, John Kershaw, has received all the donations which so far has totalled €4500. This includes money from individuals as well as from some local businesses. We are very grateful for this generous response to the appeal. While there is still a modest shortfall in terms of the total cost of this project, what has been given to date has ensured that the clock has been fully restored so that it can be enjoyed by both parishioners and members of the wider community for many decades to come.
Yours in Christ, Adrian.
St. Michael’s National School News. With the increase in pupil numbers in St Michael’s National School, a new permanent classroom has been sanctioned by the Department of Education. The school Board of Management is progressing this through the various stages required before building work can begin. A temporary portacabin will have to be erected on site for this school year. At the time of writing it is hoped that this will be up and running for the start of term, however if not, the Old Schoolhouse will be used as an interim classroom for the first few weeks of September. This may cause some temporary disruption but it is in a good cause and for the welfare of the increased staff and pupil numbers at our parish school.
The Parents’ Association did a brilliant job last term organising and running the school fete assisted by some very helpful pupils. It was a lovely occasion complete with music, festival food, stalls and games. Thank you to everyone who organised, helped on the day, attended and enjoyed. Over €1180 was raised for the school. Senior Room pupils developed their debating skills last term and took part in the Concern Debating Competition as well as in ‘friendlies’ with other schools. Last term 5th & 6th class were presented with a certificate at the Concern Awards event in the Vienna Woods Hotel. Last June the junior room had a great time in Fota with their own animal expert to show them around. The senior room visited the Titanic Experience in Cobh followed by a day of outdoor fun and survival skills at Cuskinny Adventure Centre. At the end of the last academic year St Michael’s achieved a special commendation for the water Explorers Conservation Project – we were in the top five schools in Ireland. The entire senior room won a trip to Dublin to present their work in the Axis theatre. Our pupils have received an award of excellence for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) from the Discover Primary Science and Maths Programme. Last term we were also awarded a Digital School of Distinction Flag. We said goodbye to 6th class at our end of term service in St Michael’s Church. We wish Lena, Beni, Finn, Alisha and Rebekah all the best as they begin in Ashton School.
St Luke’s School News – St Luke’s School continue to take part in many activities “in the classroom and beyond”. This past year saw the development and opening of our new soft surface play area ‘Inis Beag’. It was blessed by Bishop Colton and officially opened by John Jermyn, an Irish Olympic hockey team member – both past pupils of St Luke’s School. It is now being enjoyed by all our pupils every day.
Our Active Flag Committee under the guidance of Ms Guinane worked really hard this year and we were awarded an Active Flag in June. As well as our usual sports and Physical Education the pupils and teachers took part in many extra activities which maintained and improved the high level of physical activity in the school. We had an Active School Week which involved a ‘wake up, shake up’ routine every morning, visits from Sinead Kane and Rob Heffernan, pupils tasting new sports, the whole school going for a walk through Ballybrack Woods and a dance workshop.
We had full houses on both nights of our school performance ‘Destination Imagination’ in April. There was plenty of talent on stage. Drama, poetry, choral verse, dance and song was enjoyed by all. Debating was a new a new initiative introduced to our pupils this year. Our 6th class took part in their first formal debate with Carrignavar NS. STEAM education hasn’t been forgotten. 4th class were involved in ‘Engineering in a Box’ classes under the direction of Wesley Bateman.
We had many visitors to the school during the year. The Lord Mayor, Bobby Tambling, the Bumbulance and the Ortus Ensemble all came to see us.
All our classes have been on various trips to such places as Rumley’s Farm, Charles Fort, Cappanalea, the Lifetime Lab, Crafty Hands, Nemo Rangers, Chuckies Play Centre and Ballyhass Lakes.
Teacher Twin Day was a great success when pupils dressed up as staff members and some teachers dressed up as pupils! We raised over €300 at this event for “Time for Tilara”.
Look out for Book Reviews published in the Evening Echo every Friday over the coming weeks. St Luke’s pupils have been busy giving their opinions and advice on recent books they have read.
Chess, cycling classes, golf, spelling competitions, quizzes, cricket, Teddy Bears’ Picnic, choir visits to St Luke’s Home and participation in Feis Maitiu were some of the other activities included in life in St Luke’s.
Our PA contribute a huge amount to the life of the school. This year they organised bag packing, coffee mornings, a disco, the annual Christmas Fair, Christmas Cards and a barbecue as well as all the after-school sports. Many thanks to all involved.
We wish our 6th Class every success as they progress to their various secondary schools and we look forward to welcoming our new Junior Infants in September.
Parish Bowls Club: The Bowls Club reopens on Wednesday 6 September at 7.45pm. They meet on Wednesday evenings in the Canon Packham Hall. The play is competitive but very good humoured! Parishioners who are interested in playing bowls are always welcome. Please contact the club secretary Jack Forde (Tel. 4291299).
Harvest Thanksgivings: This year we begin our harvest celebrations in St Mary’s Church in Marmullane on Sunday 24 September at 7.00pm when the guest preacher will be our former rector, Archdeacon Robin Bantry White. Robin is widely known for many things, in particular his interest in church music. Now that we have a new and restored organ in the church, it will be a particular delight to have him with us to hear the new instrument in action.
The following Sunday we look forward to having Revd Kingsley Sutton (Rector of Kilgariffe Union) with us as guest preacher at services in Frankfield at 10.00 and Douglas at 11.15. Kingsley spent the early part of his life working on the family farm in Co. Wicklow and so he is well equipped to talk about the land and God’s creation.
Finally, advance notice is given of our harvest thanksgiving service in St Michael’s in Blackrock which will be held on Sunday 15 October. On this occasion, we are delighted to welcome Bishop Michael Mayes as preacher. As a former rector and also regular worshipper with us at the early communion service, it will be good to have him at our 11.30 service that day.
Parish Book Club. The Book Club restarts on 12 September with coffee and chat in the Maryborough House Hotel at 8pm. It will be a chance to compare summer reading and choose the books for the autumn. The Book Club meets in the Rectory every second Tuesday in the month and new members are always welcome. Contact Jacqui Wilkinson (4891539).
Culture Night – Friday 22 September. This year, again as a parish we are participating in Culture Night when Marmullane Church will be open for an evening of heritage and music. Visitors can join a guided tour of the graveyard, learn about the history of the church and enjoy music performed on the new church organ.
From its position on Church Hill, St Mary’s, Marmullane, overlooks the village of Passage West. When the congregation grew in the 19th century, the small 17th century church was extended before being eventually replaced by today’s building in 1839. The surrounding graveyard also grew.
Captain Roberts, who captained the Sirius on the first Cork-New York sailing done entirely under steam, is remembered here. Also buried in the churchyard is Major Richard Hingston, the famous physician, explorer and naturalist who in 1924 was appointed medical officer and naturalist to the famous Mount Everest expedition during which George Mallory and Andrew “Sandy” Irvine disappeared. The history of the parishioners reflects the local history of Passage West: the rise and decline of wealthy gentry families, the seafaring exploits of its inhabitants and the shipbuilding trade in the town. The windows and memorial tablets remember men and women who lived in Passage West in the last two centuries.
For Culture Night 2017, the Church will be open for an evening of heritage and music. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the graveyard, and listen to music performed on the new church organ. This Henry Speechley & Sons instrument began its life in Romsey Methodist Church in Southampton. A generous local donor brought it to Marmullane in 2016 and financial support from parishioners and the local community has insured its repair and restoration. The organist, Roger Ellis, will perform a mix of popular and classical music, and accompany the parish choir.
All are welcome to come to this special evening between 7.30 and 9.30pm on Friday 22 September, which like all events on Culture Night is free of charge.
Anam Cara, the organisation that supports bereaved parents, is holding its next monthly Parent Evening on Wednesday 6th of September from 19:30 to 21:00 in the Clayton Hotel, Silver Springs, Tivoli, Cork. This event is open to all bereaved parents. For more information see anamcara.ie or call our Information Line on 085 2888 888.
Sunday Schools. Now that summer is over, Sunday School will restart in St Luke’s Church on 10 September and in Frankfield also in September. It is good to note that two of our younger parishioners Lucy de Montfort and Allanah Davitt, who have just completed their Leaving Certificate, will be doing Safeguarding Trust training later this month so that they can take on a leadership role in Frankfield. Forms are included in this newsletter and will be available in the churches and through our two parish primary schools so that parents can enrol their children for the forthcoming year.
St Luke’s Church Choir: No doubt many readers will have seen the TV service featuring our parish choir which was broadcast in July. This autumn, St Luke’s Choir has been asked to sing in St Fin Barre’s Cathedral. Members will also be preparing to sing something special at the harvest thanksgiving in Douglas. Choir Practice will resume on Friday September 1st at 19.30 in the choir room at St. Luke’s. New members always welcome. Please contact Mark Slade or any choir member for further information.
Come and bring your family and friends to a Harvest Service this autumn.
St Mary’s Church, Marmullane (Passage West) 7pm Sunday 24 September
Holy Trinity Church, Frankfield 10am Sunday 1 October
St Luke’s Church, Douglas 11.15 am Sunday 1 October
St Michael’s Church, Blackrock, 11.30am Sunday 15 October
Harvest Hymns Decorated Church Visiting preachers
‘Come ye thankful people come, Raise the song of harvest home’
Update on St. Michael’s Conservation Project: Over some weeks in early autumn, conservation work will be carried out on the spire and tower of St Michael’s with the aim of waterproofing the “envelope” at the west end of the building. Years of water penetration of spire and tower have compromised metal fixings supporting the lath and plaster internal West wall – parishioners will be well aware that in 2016 it was felt necessary to secure the massive Haines memorial with resin anchors. The Select Vestry has decided to address the issue of water ingress, drawing on generous grants from the Built Heritage Investment and Architectural Conservation Area Schemes. Under the guidance of Paul Hegarty (Fourem), the spire and crenellated parapet walls and finials of the tower will be reprinted, the roof of the tower will be renewed, and leadwork where nave roof meets tower will be reconfigured. Raineys, who have been awarded the contract for this work, propose to start on Monday 4 September and the duration (weather dependent) is six weeks. It is not envisaged that the works will disrupt the normal pattern of use. Stephen Daunt
Seafarers – A Call to all Knitters On Sunday 9th July we celebrated Sea Sunday in Marmullane with a united service of appreciation for all seafarers and for the work of the Coastguard, RNLI and Mission to Seafarers. Thank you to the Marmullane congregation who went to a lot of trouble to make this a special occasion, as they always do, to David for a thoughtful sermon, and to those who provided welcoming coffee before the service.
We also launched a knitting campaign. Mission to Seafarers Ireland work on behalf of all seafarers. www.missiontoseafarersireland.ie shows the many facilities of their Dublin centre. In addition, they gift beanie hats to sailors who greatly appreciate them, especially when their journeys take them far north in freezing weather.
Several parishioners have already started knitting, and we would like more to join. A knitting pattern is available from me or at the back of the church. A collection of finished hats will be made towards the end of November. Rev. H. Minion
Parish Bible Studies. Come and join us for a new series of Bible studies, as we take a tour through the books of the Old Testament. Look at some of the major characters and events in their own right, while also understanding them in terms of the whole Bible. All welcome.
Venue: Joan Miller’s home, Ballintemple
Dates: Wednesdays, 20th September, 4th, 18th October, 1st, 15th, 29th November, 13th December
Time: 2.30 – 4.00 p.m.
Bible Studies will be resuming in Carol Boylan’s home, Moneygourney in late September. Dates to be confirmed.
Further information: Florence Binions 0861604544 or any of the clergy
A Fishy Business/Gosforth’s Fete (Theatre Supper Evening)
We will be holding a Theatre Supper night in conjunction with Carrigaline Union on the 9th, 10th and 11th of November. We are delighted to have cast both plays and a team in place building the set and we have a prompter. We also have teams of people to help with serving of the supper (although we can always do with more!) and front of house. As you can imagine, a lot of work goes into making a this a success and if anyone is interested in helping out in any way, please contact the curate. Early in 2018, we are planning to form a committee so that we can have an Amateur Dramatic Society in Douglas Union with Frankfield for the foreseeable future, but this can only happen if we have a team of people to make it work. We will also need a team of people, preferably at least one from each church and from each primary school to help sell tickets. Again, please can you contact the curate if you can help.
Facebook Page – As many of you may be aware we have a parish Facebook page. The address is https://www.facebook.com/douglasunionfrankfield If you are on Facebook and have not done already, please ‘like’ our page. Keep an eye on it over the winter and we will try and make it interesting!
Service and Sausages – We will be resuming our Service with Sausages on the 8th of October in St. Luke’s Church in Douglas at 6pm. This is a fun service, mainly for primary school children. Many parents have helped out preparing delicious juice and hot dogs for hungry worshipers following the service, served in the Canon Packham Hall. It is always nice to see new faces helping out and if anyone is interested in testing out their culinary skills, please contact the curate. Otherwise, it will be great to see as many there as possible on the 8th. Rev. D. Bowles
