The Galway Film Society 's Autumn /Winter Season has commenced offering cinema enthusiasts once again the opportunity to see recent top quality releases from around the world. Highlights include 'Transylvania' (France) on Sunday next in which director Tony Gatlif explores the strange , forbidding foreignness of the mythic territory of Transylvania in the heart of Romania. On Oct 14th., - 'Water' (Canada/India) will be screened . Directed by Deepa Mehta it tells the story of women who because of being widowed are rendered virtual outcasts, consigned to white robes and forbidden to remarry. The film is a moving portrait of the unjust treatment of widows in India's Hindu communities. Other films of note : 'La Vie en Rose' (Oct 21st) the story of Edith Piaf 'Paris Je t'Aime (Nov 11th) - a charming collection of vignettes about this wonderful city.
'Night of the Sunflowers' (Nov 18th) - an engrossing thriller set in Northern Spain. Towards the end of the Season the special Christmas screening (always a popular event) will this year be 'Meet Me In St.Louis' (1944) It will take place on Sunday December 9th at 4pm. Before the screening there will be refreshments and carol singing.
All the Society screenings take place in the Town Hall on Sunday evenings at 8-15pm. Season tickets are now available or guest tickets may be purchased for individual screenings. Full details from the Town Hall Theatre tel 091 569777. Galway Film Society is a member of Access Cinema.
Christmas Market in Ballyvaughan
Although still some time away plans are already well advanced for the annual Ballyvaughan Christmas Market which will be held on the four weekends leading up to Christmas , at St.John's Hall in the village. The organising committee tell me the market will be bigger and better this year with a selection of fine food and wine, Christmas decorations, hand crafted soaps and candles, jewellery, wooden products, textiles, aromatherapy oils, and Christmas logs and wreaths, - just some of the goods on offer. The successful children's and adult workshops, on subjects such as cooking and making floral arrangements, will take place again this year. Further information tel 065 7077377.
Music In Galway
Interesting concerts scheduled to take place in the coming weeks include: Formosa Quartet (USA) winners of the London International String Quartet competition 2006 will perform at NUI Galway on Tues 16th Oct at 8pm. Songs of Songs with Mary O'Malley (writer) Resurgam (choir) and conductor Mark Duley takes place in St.Nicholas' Collegiate Church on Sun Oct 21st with a starting time of 5-00pm. At NUI on Thurs Nov 8th., commencing at 8pm, a concert given by Carol McGonnell (clarinet) and Hugh Tinney (piano). Full details on www.musicforgalway.ie
Trad 4 Teens Back
The popular Trad 4 Teens sessions have recommenced in Glor, Ennis , and Tulla. The sessions are organised by musician and singer Claire Watts in conjunction with the Arts office of Co. Clare.
Dates are as follows:
Glor - Saturdays, Oct 6th, Nov 3rd, and Nov 10th.
Tulla - Sundays , 21st October and 18th November.
Cruinniu 2007
Plans are well advanced for Crinniu which is a gathering of people involved in making a living in the Traditional Arts. This year's event which will be held on Nov 9th and 10th at Glor in Ennis , will include workshops and discussions on a variety of subjects. Among others taking part will be Paddy Moloney of the Chieftains, fiddler Martin Hayes, and music attorney Mr. Bob Donnelly.
Children' Book Festival
The Children's book festival takes place during October at a library near you. Special events and readings by visiting authors throughout the county , too many to list here. Check with your local library. It was announced in the past few days that The 2008 Ennis Book Festival will be held from 29th February - 2nd March . Already confirmed to take part are writers Roddy Doyle, and Louis de Bernieres who wrote Captain Corelli's Mandolin.
International Arts Festival
The Baboro Arts Festival for children takes place in Galway from 15th -22nd October. Check www.baboro.ie
Visual Arts
The Tulca Season of Visual Arts takes place in Galway city and county during November . Log on to www.tulca.ie
School Building Fund
Ballyvaughan National School building fund committee have arranged what promises to be a great evening out as part of their fund raising campaign. Its called 'Who Wants To Be A Thousandaire' , and is set along the lines of a certain popular television quiz show. Contestants can use 50/50 , phone a friend , or ask the audience. The night of fun for a good cause will take place on Saturday 13th October at 8-30pm at the recently opened hotel on the village sea front. All welcome.
New Catering manager
Glor, Ennis , has announced the appointment of Henry Benagh as catering Manager at the Centre. Formerly of Henry's Deli in the town Henry is expected to bring his own personal touch to the Glor café. The café is open Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm.
Gallery News
At Kenny's Art Gallery in Lahinch a solo exhibition by James Brennan is currently on view (until Oct 14th) followed by artist Peg Quinlin (27th- 12th Nov) At Bold in Galway works by Tony Kew opens Oct 18th to be followed by Ronan Walsh 'Horses at Down by the Atlantic Ocean' on Nov 8th. The Russell Gallery in New Quay is currently showing works by 34 leading artists. This excellent gallery also contains fine Raku ceramics, cards, books, limited edition prints and even quality organic wine and olive oil from Tuscany.
Willie Keane memorial Weekend
Music, singing and dancing sessions, ceilthe, workshops and a special concert, just some of the events lined up for the Willie Keane Memorial weekend in Doonbeg from 26th-29th October. The weekend celebrates the life of one of the country's most gifted traditional dancers.
Cancer fund
An evening of 'painting your own pottery' a themed ladies night to raise funds in aid of breast cancer, will be held at the West County hotel, Ennis, on October 5th at 8pm.
Tea dances
Sunday afternoon 'Tea Dances' continue at the Claregalway hotel from 3pm-6pm. All over 50s welcome. All proceeds go towards running costs and the dances are supported by Health Promotion, HSE, and other local community groups.
Telethon Time
The annual Telethon takes place this year on Friday October 26th., Over 35 million has been raised in this event since it first began back in 1988. The People in Need Trust are encouraging those intending to take part to log on to register their events- www.telehon.ie
Archaeological & Historical Society
The Clare Society has announced its Autumn/Winter lecture series which begins on October 8th at the Clare Museum. The opening lecture will be on the subject of the 'Vandeleur Photographic Collection' exhibition which moves to the Clare museum after a successful run at the gardens in Kilrush. This exhibition contains over 300 images of different members of the famous Kilrush based Vandeleur family and their friends from 1857-1871. The second lecture on November 12th will be given by Fr. Joe McMahon OFM on ' The Perfidious Machiavellian Friars'.
RTE Orchestra In Kilkee
The Clare Arts office and Glor will present the RTE Symphony Orchestra in Kilkee Church on Tues October 23rd at 8pm. The conductor will be Gavin Maloney
Tractor For Africa
A concert in aid of the Kasama School Project, Zambia will be held in St.Colman's Church, Gort, on October 6th., at 8-30pm. Music will be provided by the Lismorahaun Singers who will be joined by Coole Voices.
Fashion Show
A fashion show featuring models form a top model agency will take place at Burren House in Ballyvaughan on Friday 9th November. All welcome.
NB Always check with venue BEFORE leaving home.
Roolaboola Children's Art Festival
Adidas Dublin Marathon
