Pictured Above: Chloe Rimmer Ryan and Amber Bewley at the Science Gallery.
NewsFour attended a 1916 arts workshop for children on Tuesday, March 21st. This is part of an annual series of events run in conjunction with the RCSF and facilitated by the Spellman Centre in Irishtown.
This year, the events featured a 1916 historical theme with a week of arts and crafts, science, nature and educational events for the local children of Irishtown and Ringsend.
It was an encouraging sight to see the rooms filled with children engaged in drawing pictures and working with carers and volunteers alike.
NewsFour spoke with Sueann Moore, the facilitator of the events, about the importance of this week for both the children and the community at large.
“Easter is a very personal time for people and especially for people from Ringsend, as so many of the characters from the area play a part in the rising. Today the children are discussing people they are learning about in school and imagining how they looked and dressed.
“During community week we will exhibit the children’s pictures along with memorabilia, artefacts and artworks from locals in Ringsend.”
Moore also elaborated on the benefits of this week for children and parents alike. “Its great for the children as it engages them in artistic activities and gives time off for the parents, while promoting an interest in historical and cultural matters.”
Pictured Above: Jessica and her twin Emmet O’Driscoll at the Science Gallery.
Children were also given paper, colouring pencils and pastels to draw a portrait of themselves, capturing some quintessence of their own identity. They were invited to go to the writer’s corner, where they wrote short pieces and poems about who they are and who they would like to grow up to become.
On the Wednesday, the children attended the Trinity College Science Gallery with a specific exhibition on the “farming of the future” and alternatives to our present food source, examining the genetics of growing food and the future technology involved. The children saw displays featuring all sorts of insects, including maggots, mealworms and crickets.
“It’s all disgusting,” said local boy Ryan Lynch on the thought of eating an insect buffet!
Pictured: Children working on their pictures at 1916 craft day at the Spellman Centre.
There was a treasure hunt for the children on Thursday, March 24th, taking them around historic sites in the area of Ringsend and around Grand Canal Street in the spirit of 1916. The children searched for chocolate around Boland’s Mills, Mount Street, Beggars Bush, York St and Stella Gardens where they also visited the house of Margaret Keogh, who was a civilian killed in the War of Independence (see page 28).
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Alice Wood, also volunteered to assist in organizing this event. It culminated with dancing and music provided by local DJ, Craig Moore. The week has offered great entertainment and education in one package, all in the spirit of the community that cares to give the children a bright and meaningful future.
By Robert Fullarton
