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Slaney Arts & Heritage
1 February 2017
Exciting times for the “Reader in Residence” Programme irish times bestselling author and vice Chair of Wexford literary festival, Caroline Busher is the recently appointed “reader in residence” with Wexford Public library services. Caroline has just penned her debut novel for young adults The Ghosts of Magnificent Children to major acclaim, and her new role as “Reader in Residence” involves engagement with children and young people through c o m m u n i t y g ro u p s a n d schools, centred in their local library. The residency will provide opportunities for parents and children to explore and enjoy reading and other family literacy activities together, and Caroline has lots of exciting events scheduled for 2017 in Wexford Public Libraries. get uP anD reaD: Caroline wants to kick-start the year by encouraging children to read more. The Get Up and Read Programme will target
children who may be reluctant readers or may be falling a little behind at school. It is also an ideal opportunity to introduce pre-school children to the magical world of reading and encourage them to develop their language skills. Over the next couple of months, Caroline as Reader in Residence will facilitate free parent information sessions across the libraries in County Wexford. She will be recommending books and will answer any questions that you have on encouraging children to read. The first "Get Up and Read" session took place in Enniscorthy Library on Thursday 19th January and will be followed by a session at Wexford Library on Thursday 23rd February at 7pm. You know the old Irish adage, Tosach maith, leath na hoibre, translated as ‘A good beginning is half the work’ so get your child started early, neither you, nor they, will regret it.
books. The monthly book club will allow young adults to link up with like-minded peers and give them a forum to practise expressing themselves and their opinions. To book a place phone 053 92 36055. south east raDio: On the first Saturday of each month Caroline will be the guest on South East Radio's Saturday Show with Alan McGuire reviewing children's books and talking about the Reader in Residence Programme. The next show will be aired on Saturday 4th February, tune in to find out m o re a b o u t t h e e x c i t i n g “Reading Together” Festival.
Reader in Residence – Caroline Busher.
neW young aDult Book CluB: Caroline has initiated an exciting new monthly book club for Young Adults (age 13-16) which commenced in
Enniscorthy Library on 25th January 2017. Those attending were introduced to some of Ireland’s best known Young Adult authors and were given the opportunity to discuss their
Creating memories at the Presentation
reaDing together f e s t i va l f o r P r e sChool ChilDren: In the month of February Caroline plans to bring the libraries in County Wexford to life with fun events aimed at pre-school children and their families. There will be workshops, puppet shows, visits
from children’s authors and illustrators, there will be something for everyone in each of the libraries. The festival opens on Saturday 4th February in Bunclody Library, when Shine Bright Theatre will entertain children with a fantastic puppet show. There will also be a family day packed with fun events on Saturday 18th February in Wexford Library. The Reading Together Festival is not to be missed! For more information check o u t h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e book.com/wexfordreader/ or https://wexfordreader. wordpress.com/ What an extensive, imaginative and exciting schedule of events to look forward to. Caroline is already bringing some of her effervescence and energy to the job and is going to be a very busy lady indeed, we wish her well and compliment the Wexford Library Service for the remarkable work they are doing in the county. – maria nolan
Supporting the ArtS
Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764. the presentation Centre, enniscorthy: 053-9233000. the Courthouse Arts Centre, tinahely: (0402) 38529.
liBrary neWs
www.wexford.ie/wex/Departments/library/ Whatson/ for details of what’s on. check your local library on facebook.
Left: Artist Caroline Jacobsz is presented with flowers by Julie Makiese. Above: Lisa Byrne with Minister Paul Kehoe. Pics: Maria Nolan.
it was a night of celebration for local artist Caroline Jacobsz at the Presentation Centre on friday 13th January as her exquisite collection episodic memory was launched by elizabeth Whyte. Introduced by Lisa Byrne, Elizabeth complimented the unusual work of the Artist, marrying the traditional with the contemporary, capturing past, present and future, with Impressionists similarities, particularly in the London piece, one of Elizabeth’s favourites. Caroline’s stunning pieces are worked on old sheets that have been in her family for up to 50 years, some of them belonging to her grandmother. Imaginatively employing the use of mixed media such as drawing, tracing, rubbing, sewing and machine embroidery, Caroline’s work evokes
memory and tell stories of emigration, travel and life choices. This is Caroline’s first solo exhibition at The Presentation
Centre but her work was also part of the Open Call Exhibition there in 2016. Inspiring and intricate, these thought-provoking pieces are
L-R: Caroline Jacobsz, artist, Elizabeth Whyte, The Presentation Centre, and Cllr Johnny Mythen. Pic: Maria Nolan.
beautifully executed and wonderfully creative and available to view until 20th February. – maria nolan
Local history New book now Slaney Writing… available
uí Cinsealaigh historical society recently launched thE lAmEnt their 32nd Journal, ‘the Past’. by Jer Ennis it is edited by séamus s. de vál. O Choin no choin It is the official organ of the We feel your pain Society and contains very in unsaid words interesting contributions from Our hearts sweet tears Very Rev. William Cosgrave, Souls aching together Daniel Gahan, Nicholas We are a single thing Furlong, Tom McDonald, in this singing sadness Conchubhar Ó Crualaoich, A realness demanded Séamus s. de Vál, Bernard A grief recognized Browne and items dealing Disturbing with the 1916 Rising in County Emotional Wexford. An aching thrumm shared It sustains the high stanFalling blindly in to sounds dard set by the first edition Enveloped in a song published in 1920 and mainwithout so many words tained during the ensuing 97 Sounds to bring us years. through the veil It was launched by Mr. To show respect and empathy Eddie Breen, formerly This loss unites us Wexford’s County Manager. A feeling that will come It is on sale in Byrne’s to us one and all Bookshop, Court Street – price This mildly cacophonous cloud €20. – sean Doyle This blanket wraps our souls n