2018/2019

At the end of the July meeting, Phyllis Davis took on the presidency, for the second time. Des Power and Dermot Arnold continued as Secretary and Treasurer once more. There were suitable words from outgoing President John Lawless and Phyllis, who spoke about her hopes for the year ahead.

Before July was over we had a very successful film premiere of Mamma Mia 2, the Cunnigar Crossing, organised by the Dungarvan Hillwalking Club, and our, by now, annual Diabetes Screening at the local Show.

On a sad note, the year saw the deaths of two respected members. Brian McNally had joined in the Club’s early years but had been ill for some time. On the other hand, Ned Phelan had joined relatively recently, at the age of 83, and had been an enthusiastic member in his short time with us. Guards of honour were provided for both.

A most enjoyable members’ social event was held in Whitehorses, Ardmore in September, at which Liam Suipéil gave a very interesting talk about the local area.

It was agreed to increase the Club draw from €2 to €5 and to make the excess available to LCIF. This continued for the year but the decision was reversed at year end due to the fact that (a) only those who attended meetings were contributing and (b) the Club was in a position to meet its obligations to LCIF without this money anyway.

A new issue arose this year, namely General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which was now in force. A policy document was put together, in line with requirements, and was posted on the Club’s website. A consequence of GDPR meant that we were unable to share information with SVP, as had been customary in recent years. While this may have led to some duplication at Christmas time, there were no major problems encountered.

An open meeting on addiction was hosted by vice-president John Hanlon, who reported on a successful evening.

The Christmas Appeal was again a resounding success, on the back of a huge workload from members. The most significant contributors in terms of money were Collections, Raffle, Schools, Clubs, Firemen and Remembrance Tree, which, between them accounted for 80% of funds raised.

Initial difficulties in recruiting for Jigs & Reels were overcome and a tenth holding of the event took place. A move back to the Park Hotel and some excellent fundraising by celebrities led to a record financial outcome. The standard of entertainment was also of an exceptionally high quality.

Our mobile unit had been acquired in 2005. In recent years it had been housed indoors by a benefactor, thereby keeping it in excellent condition. As the premises were being let to a third party and due to the fact that we no longer had the same need for it as we no longer had the Christmas auction, members reluctantly agreed to its sale. Its retention would have led to rental costs for alternative premises or deterioration of the unit if kept outdoors. A sale was achieved satisfactorily.

The East meets West Cycle was held for a third year. The sum raised by Waterford and Dungarvan clubs in this period came to €65,000 for Waterford Hospice.

A new event under the guidance of Ger O’Donovan was held in the magnificent surroundings of Woodhouse in Stradbally. Called Midsummer Soiree, it involved music, a little theatre, some refreshments and was a resounding success.

Service activities continued through the Trabolgan holiday, which had 20 guests from our Club, regular Nursing Home visits and the annual Carriglea Tea Party, as well as Diabetes Screening referred to above. Two of our newer members, Eilís O’Grady and Rena Landers, played a major role around Trabolgan and NH visits.

Our District, 133I, undertook to contribute €125,000 over five years to the Forgotten Children project in Lebanon. That equates to €10 per member per year. With our membership of 42 that would mean a commitment of €420 annually. In the event, a sum of €1,260 was paid, equating to three years’ contribution.

At the conclusion of the July meeting President Phyllis handed over the chain of office to John Hanlon, taking on the role 23 years after he had previously done it.