Newsletters
The Irish Press
Is teann gach madra gearr i ndoras a thí féin.
(Every terrier is bold in the door of its house)
May 2026
PERFORMING FOR AN ATTENTIVE AUDIENCE
Alice is taking an enforced break from shepherding our youngsters into ‘natural’ performers. But that doesn’t mean they are leaderless. Far from it!
I’m delighted to report that Aislinn Ryan has stepped into the breach, and is making a fine fist of it as well.
This is Aislinn with a group of youngsters at the Bob Scott Home in Alicetown. And beaming in the background is the redoubtable Dora Murphy.
In fact there were a few others at the performance:
You can look at larger versions of the pictures (& a few others) if you’re keen to put names to faces.
Go to the Album on our Photo store.
VOLUNTEERS
YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOU!
HVIS is run by Volunteers, and we all benefit from their efforts. But we are always in need of fresh volunteers to help with a myriad of tasks.
Could you help out on the Management Committee? All positions from President to Committee Members are up for election at the AGM in June. The Committee generally meets one evening a month, or as required. And within the Committee there are various ‘roles’ – the obvious ones of President, Secretary, & Treasurer, but also a Bar sub-Committee, Welfare, Kitchen, Events management, or Maintenance. Oh, and “publicity”! What about taking over the Newsletters, or social media, or publicising events like Quiz Nights?
What about helping behind the Bar? We have a small group of regular volunteers, but “the more the merrier”! There is plenty of scope to help at Pot Lucks, or Fridays.
Give it some thought! And then GET IN TOUCH.
DON’T FORGET: AGM
NB: This is NOT your official notice, just a gentle nudge (reminder): The Annual General Meeting will be, as usual, on the last Sunday of June, and followed by the monthly Pot Luck, so MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!
IRISH FESTIVAL @ BREWTOWN
I’m sure you recall last year’s Irish Festival at Brewtown. Well, we’re going to do it all again!
The plan was always that, if the first one was successful (achieved!) we would repeat it, and try to ‘grow’ the event.
And if we’re to grow it, we need your suggestions for what else we could do, and your help in various ways, whether that’s putting up posters & hoardings, to running an activity (baking bread?), to setting up or packing up, to leading a Ceilidh.
So GET IN TOUCH and let us know what you can do for it.
ANZAC DAY
On Anzac Day HVIS was ably represented by Dave & Leanna Rynne's young lads, resplendent in their bright GREEN t-shirts, who placed Margaret Rickett's beautiful wreath with suitable solemnity. Have a look at the pictures for yourself.
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 june, from 7.30 pm. Their selection is The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn. 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.
CENSUS RECORDS
One of the key research tools used by Family History researchers looking into their Irish families are the Census records.
What makes the Irish records special (& valuable to researchers) is that they are digital versions of the actual returns completed for every household and individual in Ireland. The key sets have been those from 1901 and 1911.
While there are gaps arising from the Four Courts attack in 1923, there are some earlier sets. For example, I have come across a whole set of cousins alive in Co Cavan in 1821 about whom I knew nothing. That’s over 200 years ago! So I now have new puzzles to solve!
Now, the Government has added those from 1926 to the searchable set. Have a look – you might find it fun to look for your own relations!
ONLINE PHOTOGRAPH COLLECTION
Just in case you’ve lost the address of the online photo exhibition from the National Library of Ireland, I thought I’d repeat it for you. Have a look – it’s brilliant!
Their online collection is called “National Library of Ireland on The Commons” and you can subscribe to it yourself.
Mark Your Diaries
NOW !
| Friday 15 May | Music night |
| Friday 29 May | Family History evening |
| Sunday 31 May | Pot Luck Dinner |
| Friday 5 June | Darts night |
| Thursday 11 June | Book Club |
COMINGS & GOINGS
A special call out to two special members: Anne O’Carroll and Alice Paul have both been having some health challenges in recent times. We wish them both a swift return to good health, and we look forward to seeing them at the Club again soon.
MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS 2024-2025
Membership subscriptions are now due. Our thanks to those who’ve already paid their Subscription. If you haven’t paid yet, NOW is a good time to renew your membership for the financial year beginning 1 April 2026:
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.
Have you thought about making your payment by AUTOMATIC PAYMENT? Save yourself the bother of wondering “Have we paid our Subs yet?” Setting up a one-time auto-payment gives you certainty, and provides the Club with a better view of the likely income stream.
In the past, we tended to turn a blind eye to the occasional missed annual payment. But the legislation governing Incorporated Societies (such as HVIS) means that if a member fails to pay their subscription for a couple of years, they CEASE TO BE A MEMBER. And that means, if you want to be a member, you have to apply and be approved all over again.
MEMBERSHIP REGISTER
We have begun a process to improve our Membership Records, so don’t be surprised if we get in touch to check on the status of your Subscription (Have you paid THIS YEAR?) and other details like address, phone number, or the ages of children.
REMINDER
If you’re meeting friends or guests at the Club, they need to sign the Visitors’ Book when they arrive.
POT LUCK ORGANISERS 2026
Our thanks to those who have volunteered to ‘host’ one of monthly Pot Luck Dinners. These remain one of our most popular events. If it’s your ‘turn’, you can download the Hosts’ CHECKLIST
GUESTS
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!
COUNTY GAZETTEER
Vital stats for each Irish County
County: Roscommon / Contae Ros Comáin
Province: Connacht
County town: Roscommon
Area: 984 sq mi (2,548 km2) (Rank: 11th)
Highest elevation (Seltannasaggart): 1,404 ft (428 m)
Population (2022): 70,259 (Rank: 26th)
Nickname: (The Sheepstealers; The Rossies (GAA))
Motto:Constans Hiberniae Cor "Steadfast Irish heart"
Website: Roscommon County Council; Visit Roscommon
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
