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The Church of Ireland Diocese of Dublin |
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Other NewsFarewell | An Evening of Thanksgiving for Health and Health Workers | The Ring of Kerry | Communicating Effectively with people from Africa | Letter from the Curate | Summer Bible Club | For those born before 1986 | Karen Cadoo's Trip to Pemba FarewellIt is with sadness that we say farewell to three former Clonsilla Select Vestry/ Clonsilla Project Steering Committee members. We wish Pam Ellis all the best as she moves to Kildalkey; and send Ivor and Melissa Cherry our best wishes and they move to a new area. Thanks to them for all the work they have done for us over the years.
An Evening of Thanksgiving for Health and Health WorkersAn evening of thanksgiving for health and health workers was held on Tuesday 24th May in “Creggan” the former home of the late Alice and Robert Connor and by kind permission of Philip Godden. The evening was organised by Dr. Janet Craven who devoted many years to care of the sick while serving as medical doctor in Tanzania from 1960 to 2003. Janet has made a marvellous recovery from a recent hip operation and in light of her recent hospital experience she felt the need to set up this evening. The evening was chaired by Mr. David Faulkner, a nephew of Janet. The house was packed with many of Janet’s friends and people from the parishes of Clonsilla and Castleknock. Linda Chambers from USPG was also in attendance and gave a very interesting talk on the work of USPG and the parishes link project with St. Anne’s Hospital, Liuli in Tanzania. Also, Nam Tshishiki spoke of her country. Interviewed by Linda Chambers, Janet compared her Irish hospital experience to that of her own experience working in Tanzania. She outlined the shortages of materials, working often in unhygienic conditions and the constant shortage of drug supplies. Janet also displayed an ebony plaque which represents the Tanzania Christian Medical Association of which she was secretary for a time. An evening of praise and prayer was led by Rev. Andrew in prayer, Nam reading from scripture in Swahili and Lennon Neary reading the same passage “as gaeilge”. Singing was accompanied by Hazel Bridcut on piano. The evening concluded with wonderful tea hosted by Margaret Tutty, Pat Strong and Dorothy Robinson. A retiring collection was in aid of St. Anne’s, hospital in Liuli. We wish Janet all the very best as she moves to Sandymount. Her presence will be missed in St. Mary’s but no matter where Janet will be she will inspire all those around her.
The Ring of Kerryby Dave Garrett and Brian Hayes Over the weekend of the 12th to 15th of May, the intrepid cyclists of The Barony Castleknock again took to the roads. This trip consisted of our stiffest test yet and included 2 days of cycling in Kerry. Eight cyclists comprising Dave Garrett, Eddie Greene, Gordon Kellett, Syd Nagel, David Dobson, Brian Hayes, Gerry Jameson and Hal McGuckin, with George Chambers in support, were able to make the trip. Unfortunately Lawrence O’Reilly, Robert Lawson and Eddie Colton could not make the weekend but they were there in spirit. Thursday evening saw us gather in Killarney where we fed and watered ourselves and got the heads down for an early night before the challenge ahead on day 1. Day 1 consisted of a cycle around the Ring of Kerry, a distance of some 170 km. We breakfasted early and were on the road by 8.40 a.m. The route took us from Killarney in a clockwise direction around The Ring via Moll’s Gap, Sneem, Waterville, Cahersiveen, Kells and Killorglin. The weather was reasonable (unlike some of the roads encountered) and all in all good progress was made. Moll’s Gap was cycled with ease (these rally boys must make it look difficult). After Moll’s Gap the downhill descent into Kenmare saw some of the group take their life in their hands by going through a red light at road works, where a local in an Astra forced some to take to the ditch in order to avoid an accident. The stretch from Kenmare to Sneem (where we passed the stone outside Dan Murphy’s door) to Cahirdaniel proved uneventful apart from Dave Garrett’s bike throwing its chain off at every gear change (some said he was only using it as an excuse to take a break). The half way point was Waterville which was reached at lunch time. It was on the way into Waterville that one of the team tried to lighten their bicycle by getting rid of the saddle on the quick descent into the town. This kind of behaviour was frowned upon by the other cyclists and nearly proved to be the demise of the cyclist concerned! Costly repairs (12 cent) were then made to the damaged saddle with the help of locals and other cyclists, and we all gathered for lunch to give our tiring limbs a rest. Cahersiveen was the next town en route and it was here that we turned into the easterly wind that was blowing that day. The last 55 km was cycled into the wind which was great for morale on such a long cycle. If you want a boring and uninspiring cycle then try the stretch of road between Cahersiveen and Kells: it was with great relief to some of us that Gordon had a puncture to break the boredom of this particular section. After Kells and Glenbeigh we gathered at Killorglin to group for the final 21 km push into Killarney. Here Dave Dobson decide to take a nap (Syd has the photos), and while some of the group wanted to sneak off and leave him, the general consensus was that it was better to keep the group together and, anyway, Valerie would have complained. The last section was covered without incident and all were glad to make it back to the B&B in Killarney. Sitting down at the end of such a distance proved to be difficult for some, but after showers and a rest, a few well deserved beers were consumed and the evening meal was eaten with great relish. Some of the more sensible and exhausted people then headed off for a good night’s rest whereas some of the more ornithologically minded members headed out to sample the wilds of Killarney night life. Reports vary on the goings on, however it is safe to say that all appeared in one piece for breakfast on day 2. Day 2 started with Brian having a puncture before we had even started to cycle. The route saw us tackle a shorter distance of 55 km however this took us from Killarney via Kate Kearney’s cottage through the Gap of Dunloe to the Black Valley and then on up the category 1 climb to Moll’s Gap. With reasonable weather, this trip proved to be fantastic with spectacular views and challenging climbs. Some people reckon, on the evidence of the cycling feats performed, that some members of the group are more mountain goat than human judging by the ease with which the climbs were accomplished! Lunch was taken at Moll’s Gap and then it was no holds barred for the downhill run back into Killarney. After a quick change, it was off to a pub to see Munster win the Celtic Cup. Dinner was consumed with gusto and most of the group, apart from those with what could be described as the early symptoms of trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness, good quiz question!), headed out to sample Killarney’s night life (yet again in some cases). On the Sunday morning (after 8.30 a.m. communion, of course) it was all off to view Muckross House. At least that’s what was planned, drive to the house, short 200m stroll followed by coffee and scones and then back to Dublin. Things however took a turn for the worse when Syd suggested we have a look at a cave he knew on the grounds of Muckross House. Off we set with Syd and the one torch we had between us, and 4 km later we reached the cave. Dave Garrett and Gerry have the lumps on their heads to this day to prove that nine people going into a low cave with one torch does not work. After the cave, Syd suggested we take the stroll to the meeting of the waters bridge, which we did. It was only on returning to Muckross House that we realised we had walked 15 km in total: the cycling was easier. It was felt by most people that Syd should never be allowed to pick the route for future cycling events after this escapade. Eventually we got our well deserved coffee and scones and headed back to Dublin where we all arrived safely. The group would like particularly to thank George for being there in support with the van which is vital on these cycle rides. We would also just like to say that the next time we see a Nutrigrain bar it will be too soon. Well done to all and here’s to the next adventure, whoever organises it.
Communicating Effectively with people from Africaby Robert Lawson Most people think that Africa is a big country, forgetting or knowing that it is a huge continent with more that 50 independent countries and an estimated population of 700 million. Each country has its own distinctive cultural norms and values. Among the independent countries in Africa is Nigeria. With an estimated population of 150 million, is the most populous country in Africa and in fact the largest black immigrant community in Ireland today. Nigeria attained her independence from the British in 1960. Nigeria is a country of huge cultural diversity: it is estimated for instance that 250 ethnic languages are spoken in the country. The three major tribes in Nigeria are the Yorubas, the Hausas and the Ibos. Each has its own culture and unique identity. No two people behave in precisely the same way. Nor do people from the same culture all perform exactly the same gestures and communicate uniformly. For almost any gesture, there will be a minority within a given nationality who might say “Well, some might attach that meaning to it, but to me it means…” and then they will provide a different interpretation. To communicate effectively with people from other cultures, the best single piece of advice is to remember the two A’s – “ask” and be “aware.” If you see a motion or gesture that is new or confusing, ask what it signifies. Then, be aware of the many body signs and customs around you. Source: Axtell, Roger E. Gestures: The Do’s and Taboos of Body Language Around the World. John Wiley & Sons, 1991 African communication style, in general terms:
Some cultural norms and values which are relevant:
Letter from the CurateDear Friends I would like to thank all of you who came to support me on the occasion of my ordination to the diaconate in Christ Church Cathedral on Sunday 19th June. I would also like to thank you all for the very warm welcome you have given to me. I am settling in very well and am very much looking forward to getting to know all of you, but I think that it may take me some time to get to know all of your names! I feel very fortunate to be joining the ministry team in the parishes of Castleknock and Mulhuddart with Clonsilla. I hope and pray that, working alongside all of you, I will be able to continue and build on the good work that has been done here by my predecessor, the Rev. Sandra Pragnell, and those before her. Please keep me in your prayers over the coming weeks and months. God Bless Elaine
Summer Bible ClubJoin our annual Bible Holiday Club for a week of activities, Bible fun and learning, games, puzzles and adventure. A Week not to be Missed!! Surprise Theme……………Dates: Monday 22nd – Friday 26th August Places in each group are limited in line with the number of leaders and helpers. Booking forms will be available from Castleknock National School or the Parish Office from June 7th and should be returned as soon as possible and certainly before the end of July.
For those born before 1986According to today's regulators and bureaucrats, those of us who were kids in the 60's, 70's and early 80's probably shouldn't have survived because… Our baby cots were covered with brightly coloured lead-based paint which was promptly chewed and licked. We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, or latches on doors or cabinets and it was fine to play with pans When we rode our bikes, we wore no helmets, just flip-flops and fluorescent 'spokey dokey's' on our wheels. As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or airbags - riding in the passenger seat was a treat. We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle and it tasted the same We ate chips, bread and butter pudding and drank fizzy juice with sugar in it, but we were never overweight because we were always outside playing We shared one drink with four friends, from one bottle or can and no-one actually died from this We would spend hours building go-carts out of scraps and then went top speed down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into stinging nettles a few times, we learned to solve the problem We would leave home in the morning and could play all day, as long as we were back before it got dark. No one was able to reach us and no one minded We did not have Play stations or X-Boxes, no video games at all. No 99 channels on TV, no videotape movies, no surround sound, no mobile phones, no personal computers, no DVDs, no Internet chat rooms. We played elastics and rounders, and sometimes that ball really hurt We fell out of trees, got cut, and broke bones but there were no lawsuits We walked to friends' homes. We also, believe it or not, WALKED to school; we didn't rely on mummy or daddy to drive us to school, which was just round the corner This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers and problem solvers and inventors, ever. The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all. Congratulations! Pass this on to others who have had the luck to grow as real kids, before lawyers and government regulated our lives, for our own good! For those of you who aren't old enough, thought you might like to read about us.
Karen Cadoo's Trip to PembaLast summer I was a final year medical student in UCD, based in the Mater Hospital and I went to Pemba, a small island off the coast of Tanzania.I was undertaking a medical elective with two of my classmates. We were based in Wete, a small town which up to twenty years ago was a major clove exporting port on the northern coast of the island. The population of mainland Tanzania is approximately 50/50 Muslim/Christian; however, 99% of Pembans are Muslim.Christians in Pemba have a difficult time and have problems getting jobs and houses. We realised before going that we would have to dress modestly but we were unprepared for the political and cultural implications of living in a conservative Muslim society (and didn't anticipate the 4 a.m. rayer call, not easily ignored when there is no glass in the windows). The people of Pemba are extremely poor - they earn $2/$3 a day, if they have a job - and there is a lot of political unhappiness as they feel ignored by the mainland government.They are also very badly educated - the local language is Swahili but secondary schooling is through English: as most people have little English, they can't keep up. Most people don't read newspapers or books and the only television available comes from the Middle East and as a result there is some anti-western sentiment. Wete has no tourist industry and is not used to foreigners and, as three white women, we were quite the spectacle! Our elective was organised by C.V.M., an Italian Non Governmental Organisation which runs HIV education programmes.They have been working in Ethiopia for 15 There were also few doctors, the majority of whom were Cubans who were sent to Pemba by their government and were not exactly enthusiastic or motivated.However, the nurses were very good and they fulfil the role of junior doctors.They are trained mainly by the UN and follow really excellent flow charts for their protocols.I'm not sure exactly what happens when events don't follow the flow chart but as most patients seemed to have malaria, pneumonia or a combination of the two, they were able to cope. It was really interesting to see the major role the UN, UNICEF and voluntary organisations e.g. Save the Children, play - without them, the hospital would have nothing.Everything had a sticker designating who had donated it even down to the bed linen which was provided by a Dutch branch of The Lions Club. While we were in Pemba, we also visited another hospital in Chake Chake which is the main town on the island.was only an hour away as the road was excellent and had been built by the EU.The hospital was run by the Swedish Government and was far better equipped than Wete and also much more efficiently run.was probably the place to be if you had anything seriously wrong with you! We were also taken to visit a nearby leprosy village. The majority of people there had leprosy before treatment was available and while they didn't have active leprosy they were severely deformed from the disease.is extremely difficult for them to make a living and they rely on the generosity of the local people.Unfortunately the government organisation which is meant to provide for them is quite corrupt and the administrators of the fund benefit most from it. The good news though is that people who get leprosy these days are provided with drugs by the UN and it is a much more benign disease than previously. We had a very interesting time in Pemba and really enjoyed it. It was an entirely different culture and quite an experience. We were staying in a nice house which belonged to a government official - he was rich enough to have two. It was luxurious by local standards as it was made of concrete (as opposed to mud and wood) and had running water on Tuesday and Saturday!It was an eye opener to see how Westerners are perceived in an Islamic society and to have pictures of Osama Bin Laden adorning the local video shop. It was also interesting to see the role of women in society, who exist solely to produce children and keep their men happy, not quite what we are used to! Thank you to everyone in the Parish who gave me so much help. I really appreciate the financial support, good wishes and prayers.I had a truly memorable experience.
Farewell | An Evening of Thanksgiving for Health and Health Workers | The Ring of Kerry | Communicating Effectively with people from Africa | Letter from the Curate | Summer Bible Club | For those born before 1986 | Karen Cadoo's Trip to Pemba |
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Parishes of Castleknock and Mulhuddart with Clonsilla |
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