Pictured Above: Nora Kingston-Walker and Treacle the dog. Image by Steve Kingston.
St Bartholomew’s Church in the heart of Ballsbridge is in the process of getting a much-needed makeover. Everything from the grounds to the beautifully ornate stone carvings is receiving attention. This is expensive work and the church and parishioners have been working hard to raise the funds to continue and complete the project.
They held Bartfest, a fete that took place on August 29th. There were the obligatory cake stalls, a great array of plants, books and antiques, a mystery object competition and the highlight, for this reporter anyway, was a best-dressed dog competition. It was a great day for NewsFour as our news hound, Treacle, won by a comfortable margin having come dressed as a flamenco dancer. Perhaps the only anti-climax was the unfortunate withdrawal of Rev Andrew McCroskery from the wet sponge throwing event, understandable however, as he was to be the target.
To raise funds for the continuation of work, a series of lectures on the history of the building, its tradition and maintenance has been organised for this autumn. The lectures will take place in the Litton Hall of Christ Church, Leeson Park weekly from Wednesday October 7th to Wednesday November 4th. The speakers are Alistair Rowan on the story of the building; James Howley, architect for the restoration, on church restoration principles; Tristan Russcher on the choir and its musical traditions; Alistair Rowan on the church interior – its paintings, stained glass and mosaics and Silvia Mambriani on what has been done so far.
The cost for attending the lectures will be €40 for the five nights or €12 for individual lectures. They will take place on Wednesdays at 8pm. Registration will take place on the first Wednesday between 7.30 and 8pm. It would be helpful if members could indicate their interest in attending the lectures and supporting the parish by giving their names to one of the church wardens after the services on Sundays.
Further details are available from berginba@gmail.com
By Steve Kingston
