January 2011 Monthly meeting: Genealogy:

P Callery, a member of the Genealogy Society of Ireland (see http://www.familyhistory.ie/) talked us through his research and journey on the Royal Irish Constabulary. He followed records of the Royal Irish Constabulary at the Public Record Office in Kew Surrey and showed us some of these records dating back to 1837.

If you are interesting in discovering more you will find a presentation on Researching your Family on the Dublin City University (ILP)

website that should help you get started;

https://sites.google.com/site/dcuyahs/genealogy/your-family-tree-with-tribal-pages

https://sites.google.com/site/dcuyahs/genealogy/using-ict-to-build-your-family-tree

February’s Meeting – Laughter Yoga

There was a great turn out for this month’s event. After the long and harsh winter laughter was in the air. A Coleman lifted all our spirits with laughter. The session was described as ‘brilliant’ ending with everyone chatting and being uplifted at the end of the meeting. It is said that one minute of laughter is equal to 10 minutes on a rowing machine. Aisling circulated a page which briefly describes Laughter Yoga. If you want to contact Aisling you can email her ragcoleman@eircom.net

February Visit to NUI Maynooth:

During the month the U3A National Coordinator organised a visit for a number of U3A groups to NUI Maynooth. The purpose of the visit was to explore and learn a little more about how NUI Maynooth or another university might serve a U3A group or individual.

March’s Meeting – Writing in Action

N Smith, who is a teacher and has contributed to Sunday Miscellany over the years, engaged us in very enjoyable short writing exercises. These practical writing exercises ignited our awareness of our writing skills and great sparks of creativity were unleashed.

April’s monthly meeting – Demonstration of different Recorder Musical Instrument.

A Pories, a professional recorder player and teacher brought along a wide range of Recorders and demonstrated the different

sounds made. The Recorder is the most highly developed member of the ancient family of internal duct flutes, flutes with a fixed

windway formed by a wooden plug or block. Group and Individual tuition is provided by Anna.

May’s Monthly meeting - The Middle East - The Identity and Role of the Arabs.

S Duffy gave us a fascinating and exhilarating talk on the Role of the Arabs, which covered an appreciation of the history of the Arabs,

the extent to which their identify has changed, the Ottaman Empire, their influences in lots of areas of science and mathematics and

other areas up to the 21st century.

June’s 2011 Monthly meeting - ‘Entitlements for Older Persons – 2011’

S Hayes, a volunteer with the Citizens Information Bureau updated us on Entitlements for Older Persons. The topics covered included

the different rules and regulations relating to State Pensions, Household Benefits/Fuel Allowance, Medical Card, Nursing Home

Support Scheme and other entitlements. The Q & A session was lively and informative.

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