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The Irish Press
Molann an obair an fear.
(The work praises the man.)
April 2023
ST PATRICK’S “IRISH FESTIVAL, 2023”
The Parade once again had great weather.
ST PATRICK’S DAY
A day given over to celebrating IRISHNESS, in all its variety.
First up was the annual Golf Tournament, held at Judgeford Course. HVIS again struck ‘gold’, with long-time supporter Mike Moloney winning the Wellington Cup, and our own irrepressible Brian Gahan winning the HVIS Cup. Well done to both of them.
We opened as planned about 3pm, although the weather wasn’t at its kindest, so the canopies weren’t as helpful as we hoped.
Nonetheless, the traditional fare served by our Kitchen Crew were a very popular hit.
We were joined by Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue and entourage about 5.30pm, and it seemed to me that they all enjoyed the chance to relax somewhat at the end of busy working trip to New Zealand. And they had to be back in Europe for a meeting on Monday!
Our youngsters and the Dancers once again delighted the audience. And thanks to the quick-thinking of Margaret Ricketts, Georgia, Tessa and Claire took away $300 towards their trip to the World Dancing Championships! I’m told they were “super grateful” for the help!
And then “The band played on”, and their fans Shindigged until very late!
An event like that doesn’t just ‘happen’, however. It is the result of the work of a large number of people, so our thanks to those who helped – Mel, Bridget, Anita, Will, Nicholas, Desiree, Lynn, Shirley, Catriona, Darren, Shindig, Isabel, Alice (& probably others I have missed!).
ROSE OF TRALEE
NZ has not had a Rose of Tralee since 2019 with the rotational policy at Tralee for International Centres and Covid-19.
However, I am delighted to be able to introduce you to our Hutt Valley Rose for 2023 – Tiarna Sands. She is a 26 year old Physiotherapist who currently works at Kimi Ora School in Lower Hutt. Originally from Blarney, Co Cork, she also has ties to both Counties Down and Wexford. She is an avid sea swimmer, enjoys running and has recently begun sea diving. And if that wasn’t enough she is also a Trad fiddler!
If all goes according to plan, you’ll be able to meet Tiarna in person at the April Pot Luck Dinner, and wish her well for the National Selection even in Auckland in early May.
FILM CLUB
Continuing the documentary approach, our next screening will be of Keepers of the Flame, which examines how the Irish remember those who fought in the 1916 Easter Rising and the ensuing civil war.
The next screening will be on Thursday 27 April at 7.30pm. As usual the Bar will be open, there is no cover charge, and all members and their guests are welcome.
BOOK CLUB
“Reading is an exercise in empathy; an exercise in walking in someone else’s shoes for a while.” - Malorie Blackman
The Book Club is holding its next meeting on Thursday 11 May, from 7.30 pm. Their selection is The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel. If you’re interested in joining the group, or maybe starting your own, get a copy of the book to read, and just turn up to their session.
TELLING FAMILY STORIES
We’ve had our first session about capturing and storing “family stories”. I was asked to share the tips and advice I passed on, so you can see them all on the HVIS website.
But we have 2 more sessions to go. The second is scheduled for Wednesday 10 May, and deals with how to “publish” or share what you have found out. Hear from those who’ve done it.
The third session, on 14 June, is a little different. Rather than listen to me ramble on, I’m inviting anyone else to bring along THEIR own story or stories and share them – “Show and Tell” as it were.
DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN …?
I was looking back through our archive of photos recently, and came across a collection of one of our Road Bowling events.
Were you there? Do you remember the occasion? Try going through the photos to see who you can spot!
And then have a look at those from 2003 and 2004!
DARKNESS INTO LIGHT
Join the Wellington/Hutt Valley GFHA on Saturday 6 May for the official Darkness into Light Wellington walk and help raise awareness and much-needed funds for suicide and self-harm prevention.
The walk will begin at Circa Plaza, Cable Street, Te Aro at 6.15am. You should register for the walk.
Mark Your Diaries
NOW !
| Thursday 27 April | Film Club |
| Friday 28 April | Music / Cards night |
| Sunday 30 April | Pot Luck Dinner |
| Friday 5 May | Darts night |
| Wednesday 10 May | Family Stories #2 |
| Thursday 11 May | Book Club |
COMINGS & GOINGS
It was great to see Willie & Maree Cassidy (& Tara!) again for St Patrick’s Day. If you enjoyed the photos, and the performances, have another look at our Playlist!
TRAD SESSIONS
We have been in touch with a few of the “Trad” musicians in the area who have difficulty making the regular Sessions at The Welsh Bar in Wellington and have raised with them the idea of using the Club for Sunday afternoon Sessions. Nothing is confirmed yet, but keep an eye on your email for more details.
MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS 2022!
Our thanks to those who’ve already paid their Subscription. For everyone else:
1. See the website for Subscription rates
2. Make payments by DIRECT CREDIT to account number 06-0529-0416815-00. (Use your family name as the reference (or your phone number if you have to use numbers)
3. Tell us you’ve paid by completing the Renewal Form.
You’re of course welcome to invite friends to the Club, but when you do, why not suggest they join up? Especially if they are more or less ‘regular’ visitors. We have forms at the Club for new members, and the subscription rates are LOW!
COOK’S CORNER
The first ingredient of any recipe has to be: “find a man who can cook it” (Kay Braid)
Old-fashioned Fish Bake
Ingredients:
| 2 leeks, white and pale green parts only, thoroughly washed and sliced | 1-1 1/2 pounds thick, white fish, boned and cut into 2-inch chunks |
| 2 tablespoons butter | 2 tablespoons flour |
| 1 1/4 cups milk | 2 tablespoons of cream |
| Salt and pepper, to taste | 1 bay leaf |
| 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley | 2 tablespoons grated Irish cheddar cheese |
| Fresh parsley, for garnish | Serves 4 |
Method:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously grease an ovenproof casserole dish with 1 tablespoon of the butter. Lay in the fish, skin side down.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the remaining butter, add leeks and cook gently until the leeks begin to soften, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook until smooth, another 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk and cream, add the bay leaf and parsley, and bring to a boil, stirring continuously. When sauce is smooth, remove from heat and spoon over the fish. Cover with aluminium foil and bake for about 25 minutes.
Remove from oven, sprinkle cheese over the fish and place under the broiler until browned. Garnish with parsley sprigs. Serve with boiled potatoes and a fresh green vegetable or salad.
POT LUCK DINNERS
We have a full roster of Hosts for this year’s Pot Luck Dinners. But if you’d like to get involved, volunteer.
REMINDER
If you’re meeting friends or guests at the Club, they need to sign the Visitors’ Book when they arrive.
Notices:
You've found us at:
http://www.huttirish.org.nz
Keep in touch at:
: look for @huttirish.
: look for huttirish.
: www.facebook.com/huttvalleyirish
Remember the Hall is available for Hire to members. All this helps your Club financially, so recommend us to your friends.
Don’t forget the Club is open every Friday 7.30 p.m. to 1 am, and at other times by request.
Published by: Hutt Valley Irish Society.
12 Raroa Rd, Lower Hutt, Phone: (04) 569-6139
info@huttirish.org.nz
