Look out Number 11 at Cahore Point, Co Wexford
LOOK OUT POST number 11
Category: NEWS
Something to do first weekend July
JUNE MEETING 2023
Great seeing everyone on Tuesday – I think the few weeks of fine weather lifted all our spirits. The meeting was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with friends as well being informative. Thanks to the committee, Carmel, Mary and Michael.
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The meeting commenced with presentation of vouchers to our Golf team, Mary Mahon, Ann Fenelon, Ted Rooney and Mick Deeley who ably represented us in RTAI All Ireland Golf Classic in Mountrath .
1st Dublin South – Matt Reville, Marty Nevin, Emily Nevin,Susan Maher.
2nd Tipperary Tearaways – Paudie Butler, Christy Clancy, Fionnuala Corcoran, Marian Ryan.
3rd Kildare – Mary Mahon, Ann Fenelon, Ted Rooney, Mick Deely
4th Donegal North – Brighidín Hawke, Cliona Murphy, Paul Dooley, Patrick Hanley.
5th Laois – William Carroll, Paud O’Reilly, Mary McCarthy, Dinah Kingsley
6th Kerry – Kieran Coffey, Michael Burke, John O’ Connor, Billy Daly.
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Mary Kennedy read minutes from December Meeting and gave a heartening financial report – our money is in capable hands!!! Mary brought the ARTI Autumn outing to Kilkenny to our attention. Rena McAllen’s retirement as branch travel/tour organiser leaves a job opening. Noone jumped at the position but maybe a small sub-committee could step into the breach. Two venues were suggested on Tuesday: a day trip to eats country where Rena at Thoor Ballylee would be delighted to welcome us or perhaps a few days further afield in Scotland???
ACTIVITIES
The Committee is anxious to support branch social activities – they are already supporting golf and dancing. Any suggestion for further activities would be welcome. Carmel suggested that a WhatsApp group might be beneficial in spreading news about events; if you wish to be part of a whatsApp group send your name and ph no to Breda Fay @ 087 2417226. Breda also encouraged members to make better use of website/blog by scrolling down on home page, adding email and subscribing (free). You will then receive an email every time a new post is added.
Carmel Gleeson welcomed Gen Sec ARTI, John O’Brien for his first official visit to Kildare Branch.
JOHN’S REPORT
John was glad to report that all ARTI activity levels are back to normal. The final increase of the Building Momentum agreement will hit our accounts in October and already work is underway for the next pay agreement. While ARTI do not have a voice at the bargaining table, the INTO remains staunch in its view that pension parity is a priority. John also advised that retired teachers could join movements that do have a voice i.e. Retired Civil and Public Servants Association and of course we can always write to local politicians or make suggestions to ARTI to forward our views to pressure organisations.
A number of retired teachers are being surveyed – John advises ignoring the veiled threat that pension could be cancelled if you fail to reply – but also advises that you complete survey.
There were some queries at our table about the increase to Winter fuel allowance for over 70’s. This should not be confused with the Household benefits package (free TV Licence- €160 and electricity /gas allowance- up to €35 credit per month IF YOU’RE OVER 70). Siobhan or Patricia in ARTI 01-245 4130 will answer any queries you have – best to ring them in the morning.
There is still no bar on retirees subbing – schools are supposed to explore availablity of not retired trained teachers – but as subs are few and far between, retirees are in demand.
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Here are some events that might interest you.
POETRY COMPETITION
Rena McAllen is encouraging members to put pen to paper in honour of the 100th anniversary of W.B. Yeats being awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. The Yeats Thoor Ballylee Society is launching the Yeats Thoor Ballylee International Poetry Prize. The award will take place at Thoor Ballylee, the former home of W.B. Yeats, located in Gort, Co Galway, Ireland. Rena sent this lovely poster but I can’t enlarge it. Follow the link however for all the information.
MUSIC IN LEIXLIP
Kathleen O’Connor asks you to check out “The Heart Sings – Claire Crehan in Concert” on Eventbrite!
Date: Sat, Jun 24 • 19:30 GMT+01:00
Location: Main Street, Leixlip
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/
NAAS LIBRARY HOSTS LOCAL AUTHOR
Naas library invites you to their special Hazel Gaynor event on Thursday, 13thJuly at 7pm. Refreshments on the night. Hazel is an English author but is now living out around Kilcullen. She wites historical fiction (The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter, The Girl who Came Home… and more)
Here is the link to book but as I think you need your library card number; it might be better to call Carl on 045 87911 and he’ll give you a hand with booking (tell him “Breda sent you!”)
Baltinglass Outdoor Education and Training Centre
| TO KILDARE RETIRED TEACHERS:
Greetings from Baltinglass Outdoor Education and Training Centre, which is operated as a part of Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board. Over the past number of winters, we have organised an adult education programme which I feel may be of interest to some of your members. The programme is titled ‘Track and Trail Guide Traineeship’, it is based in Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow, and starts in November each year. This free traineeship makes use of the many hill, valley, and forest walks throughout the region, the programme is delivered primarily outdoors, where participants will develop and practice the skills and knowledge required to plan and lead group walks on these tracks and trails. Training takes place from Tuesday to Thursday each week, with our minibuses transporting participants to a different location each day. I’m hoping that you can forward the attached flyer onto potentially interested parties, we have met some groups from your organisation over the years and I really think this training programme might suit some of them. Please contact me for further information. Many thanks, Mick Farrell Ionad Oideachais & Allamuigh Belach Chonglais, Cearnóg Fíodóra, Belach Chonglais, Chill Mhantáin, W91 F3CH. Baltinglass Outdoor Education & Training Centre, Weaver Square, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow, W91 F3CH. M: 0860430064 |
SUMMER 2023 Meeting
Kildare RTA Summer meeting
KILLASHEE HOTEL
TUESDAY 20th JUNE
Looking forward to seeing you all
See you all at 10.30 for chat/tea/coffee
Meeting at 11am
Followed by Lunch for those who wish
Please reply to Secretary Mary’s msg ASAP to book lunch
DECEMBER AGM REPORT
A WARM WELCOME TO OUR NEW COMMITTEE
Chairperson: Carmel Gleeson
Vice Chair: Michael Minogue
Secretary: Mary Kennedy
Míle buíochas to out-going officers, Martin Hoban and Fidelma Farrell for their wonderful service. We appreciate all the time and effort you have put in on our behalf.
DELEGATES TO ANNUAL CONVENTION:
Carmel Gleeson, Michael Minogue, Mary Kennedy and Geraldine McHugh will attend Convention in Croke Park on 28th March. Our branch nomination for President is Mary McCarthy and for Vice President is Charlotte May.
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
TRIPS AND OUTINGS:
After 8 years of organising tours and trips for us, Rena McAllen is resigning as chief organizer – you’ll be sadly missed, Rena, but I’m sure you will share your expertise with next organizer. Many branches join together to make up numbers for outings and Mary McCarthy, our new President, is assured that members from ARTI Laois Branch would be happy to join with us if numbers were required. Some of the small branches joined together in September 2022 for a few days in Westport – a great time was had by the 80 attendants and there were lots of activities over the few days. This year an Autumn break (8th – 11th October) to Kilkenny is planned. it is open to members from all branches. Please see www.rtaireland.ie for booking details.
GOLF OUTING:
RTAI GOLF CLASSIC 2023 – Mon 22nd May
VENUE: Mountrath Golf Club, Co Laois.
ACCOMMODATION: Midland Park Hotel, Portlaoise.
To ensure our branch gets an opportunity to enter a team, please book through Mary Kennedy, Branch Secretary – booking accepted till 7th May
NATIONAL BRIDGE CONGRESS
A Bridge congress is being planned for 2023 – more news to follow
DANCE CLASS
Our Dance Class continues every second Wednesday in the Town House Hotel. Check it out!
WANTED: VOLUNTEERS FOR READING PROGRAMME
Would you like to support children with reading?
We are recruiting volunteers to the
BETTER BASICS BOOSTING READING PROGRAMME
Training will take place over 2 Wednesdays – 30th Nov and 7th Dec
Contact: aine@countykildarelp.ie or 045 895450 to register
SOME NEWS FROM RTAI
Branch Secretaries Conference Wednesday October 26th 2022
Brief summary of the happenings – I’ll be brief as Billy will brief us all at AGM and it will also appear in the next CONÁSC
- Firstly, Money Matters
BUDGET 2023
- 20% tax band expanded by €3200 (should be worth about €640)
- Slight adjustment to USC (worth about €40)
- PAYE and Personal Credits both up by about €75 (worth €150)
- TOTAL SAVING worth about €830 p.a.
- PENSION ISSUES – abatement while subbing continues; Retention of age 66 as age for State Pension (higher pension for those working on after 66 to max 70); increases in PRSI to follow; Coordinated Pension – ask Billy about this?
2. Billy’s retirement – his post was advertised in the Times 27th October. but he assured he’s not disappearing immediately. he will be working with his replacement as soon as possible.
3. Three short workshop presentations by members
- Organising activities for members and connecting with local organisations: Cavan Branch have a committee who link with outside agencies to provide activities and information.
- Organising Prayer/Remembrance service: Wicklow Branch organised an Ecumenical service after Covid
- Organising National Events – a very successful outing to Westport was organised by the Kilkenny Branch for small branches as a pilot. There were very positive reports and so it will be extended next year to all branches on a first come first served basis. Vice President Mary McCarthy also organised a very successful Golf Tournament with reps from all branches invited.
If you need to contact RTAI, it’s best done by email
info @ taireland.ie
generalsecretary@rtaireland.ie
Also keep an eye on their web page, for all updates.