Our May General Assembly was a real test of our adaptability as an organisation when we learned at short notice that, for reasons outside our control, the Maskeraid drama group would be unable to entertain us as planned and that the best alternative they could offer us was a YouTube video of past performances. I am pleased to report that we passed this test with flying colours!
Immediately, and not for the first time, Paula began to work her magic on the phone. Before long Jacintha Hoogewerf had kindly agreed to deliver another of her popular ChairFit sessions and Paul and Judy Corazzo had offered to perform a few songs for us. In addition, Brigid Redmond was happy to introduce selected clips from the Maskeraid video in a rapidly improvised ´meet a member´ session. The result of all this effort was a memorable day for the 81 people in the room.
Once we had completed our formal meeting everyone joined in enthusiastically with Jacintha’s exercises, although a few (yes, yours truly!) struggled with the coordination. Next it was an absolute pleasure to see Paul and Judy performing together for the first time in well over a year because of Paul’s serious illness and long treatment. They were worried that they might be a bit ‘rusty’ but the audience loved it and showed their appreciation. Finally, Brigid communicated very clearly her great enthusiasm for Maskeraid and her understandable pride in the substantial sums that the group raises for Cancer Care and other charities.
Many thanks not only to all the above but also the committee members and other volunteers who regularly help us to prepare for all our different events. A special mention also to Graham Higginson, who handed over €170 from the sale of books, to be added to our Goodwill funds.
Best wishes
Chris