February 2009
Transcription
February 2009
Irish/Basque Community Network (IBCON) Spring 2009 Newsletter IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE IRISH CONSULATE (BILBAO) and the Irish/Basque Association Cara including report on Family Christmas Get-Together, Astrabudua, Bilbao 14th December, 2008 SUMMARY In this Spring edition of the Irish/Basque Community Network (IBCON) newsletter, we report on the celebration of the 2008 Irish/Basque Family Christmas Get-Together, including plenty of photos which convey the great fun that was had by all, young and old, on the day. We also include some of the correspondence sent to us by members and report on some activities in which we have participated recently (the Ronnie Drew In Memoriam Concert, First Friday GetTogethers, etc.). Importantly, we warmly invite all recipients of this newsletter to consider joining the Irish/Basque Association CARA, which will celebrate its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 3rd March, in the Sheraton Hotel, Bilbao. During this meeting, a new Executive Committee will be voted in to oversee the successful evolution of the activities of CARA for a period of 2 years. Only members of CARA are entitled to participate and vote, so you are warmly and enthusiastically encouraged to join now before **20th Feburary 2009 ** to qualify to participate in the 2009 AGM. Finally, we include news about ambitious projects which are underway and invite anyone who is interested to join in. Please do feel free to send news, correspondence etc. for our next Newsletter to [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you all in the Sheraton on 3rd March! On 14th December last, the IBCON network celebrated its first Family Christmas Get-Together in the Josu Murueta Cultural Centre in Astrabudua. The seed of this project was provided by Rocco Caira (also father of the CARA association) at the September Fig. 1. The 2008 Christmas Key Get-Together of the Irish/Basque Community Network. The protagonists of the evening were undoubtedly the younger ones, many of whom have made some new friends. 2008 Key Meal in which he suggested that we organize kidfocused entertainment, so that no-one had to stay behind at home to look after the younger ones. And so it was! Thanks to a patient, warm and generous gestation provided by Bríd Walsh accompanied by some other volunteers, the seed quickly passed through the critical embryonic and fetal stages of organization and our Get-Together came to life as per schedule. There was a fabulous turn out, 65 adults and 35 children, despite the miserable weather; it was extremely cold with scattered showers and many people from outside the Bilbao region, for example Burgos, couldn’t make it due to the very heavy snow storms. Nevertheless, all guests were welcomed by Asier Bilbao on the bag pipes (see Fig. 2). It was more like being in the highlands in Scotland than in the Astrabudua Cultural Centre. Asier's presence made an impact and let the locality know than the Irish were in town, kontuz as they say! By the way, congratulations to Asier who is (re)productive with more than just his pipes, having this January fathered his first son Aitzol. Zorionak! The “Sala Azul” in the Josu Murueta Cultural Centre in Astrabadua was the back drop for the event. The hall was very spacious with a stage for the musicians (Fig. 3) and the puppet show (Fig. 4). There was plenty of room for the catering, the tables were placed along the wings of the stage so that people could eat and drink comfortably without the hindrance of the columns etc. There was no shortage of food: Spanish omelettes, pintxos of various types, jamón, cheese, croquetas, red and rosé wines and Correspondence or inquiries to: David J. Fogarty or Bríd Walsh. e-mail: [email protected] Web of CARA association: http://www.caralagun.com/ Declaration of interest: The authors declare that they have no commercial interests in elaborating this document or in establishing the network. Note: Any ideas contained within this Newsletter represent the opinions of its individual authors. Statements made on behalf of the Irish Basque Association CARA will be made by unanimous resolution of its Board of Management (Junta Directiva). Distributed Online: 2 February 2009. Fig. 2. A warm welcome to the Josu Murueta Cultural Centre in Astrabudua. Provided by Asier Bilbao, who kindly offered to set the festive atmosphere with his bagpipes. Thanks also to Mikel Arrieta, Lord Mayor of Erandio who offered us this excellent venue for the get-together. two kegs of Guinness were provided and heartily consumed (one of which was generously sponsored by Mike Moulton of The Wicklow Arms ). Soft drinks were also available. Some tea biscuits or pastas were provided in case anyone still had some space for more food. Macrea did the honours of being the presenter and presented the different acts, starting with the Musicians Arantxa Barcelona, John Breen, Manu Falagan, Manu Iturregui, Felix Kortazar and Mike Murphy; this was followed up by the puppeteers (involving Joseph Callanan, David Henderson, Seamus Macquaid, Kieran Mallone, Igoa, Edurne and others). John Kinnaird started to wrap up the session with some solos (Fig. 6) and Mike Murphy joined in with him for some duos bringing the event to a close. In between the entertainment acts, a draw took place; there were plenty of spot prizes, bottles of whiskey, wine, sets of beer glasses, watches, Guinness publicity products and the star prize the Aer lingus Ticket for two to Ireland! Towards the end of the evening, a lucky bag was handed out to each child (Fig. 7), which satisfied and pacified the little ones for a while to the cheer of their parents. A very sincere thanks must be extended to all who took part in the entertainment and organizational side of things. A lot of effort, work and time were quietly and often anonymously put into making the evening a pleasant, enjoyable and memorable one for all. Looking to the future, we aim to organize an even better event for next Christmas, with an even larger turnout. This event has involved quite a steep learning curve for those of us who had volunteered to participate actively, despite having little or no experience in the organisation of such events, particularly where kids are involved. We have taken notes in order to produce an even better event next year and hopefully with more participation from other volunteers especially from the organisation point of view (many hands do make light work!). There is always room for improvement and definitely our aim is to make the hoolie next year “a right auld hoolie”. Contribution by Bríd W. and David F. Fig. 3. Lively, animated entertainment courtesy of our best musicians. (Left) From left to right: Felix Kortazar (bodhrán), John Breen (guitar), Mike Murphy, Manu Falagan, Arantxa Barcelona and, last but not least, Manu Iturregui. (Right) The kids were the main protagonists of the evening and enjoyed relaxed and informal proximity to the musicians. Fig. 4. The bilingual puppet show was the climax of the day for the little ones. The show is currently being prepared for more extensive broadcasting. Thanks to all involved, especially Kieran Mallone and David Henderson for having volunteered to organize this entertainment. Fig. 5 (Left and above). Spot the difference?? Striking similarities, homologies and analogies began to be percieved as the evening progressed. Known to biologists as "The G(uinness) Effect" Fig. 6 (Right). Johnnie Kinnard, beginning to wrap up the evening. Johnnie successfully managed to rouse the house into a nostalgic and at times passionate singalong with familiar Irish songs and some of his own jewel compositions. Johnnie, you deserve another kebab! Fig. 7. Kids, young and old. Lucky bags filled with goodies were provided by "the Pied Piper" to the kids (photo courtesy of Pat Mulroy). Mum's and Dad's wondered if they would get any! A senior member of the group (who will remain anonymous) was reported to have taken the law into his own hands and to have snuck off with a bag for himself (orange arrow). Later reports confirmed that a grey-haired man had been seen on the Metro to Bilbao happily stuffing himself with "gusanitos". MEMORIES FROM THE CHRISTMAS GET TOGETHER Fig. 8. A selection of scenes from the evening. Spot yourself? Old and young alike were entertained on the day and a pint or two of "liquid chipiron" as Macrea has baptized it, was heartily consumed, thanks to a keg generously provided by Mike of "The Wicklow Arms". CORRESPONDENCE CORNER From David Henderson I'd like us to consider sending a message of support in the name of Cara to Kafeantzokia in view of the fact that it has been tempoarily closed down. I' m sure they would appreciate it. You can check it out on their webpage at www.kafeantzokia.om or send the email to [email protected]. Regarding the Korrika I'll keep you updated but in previous years we (CARA) ran half a kilometre in Erandio (we shared the kilometre with ESAIT and this year it`ll be going through Astrubudua on 3rd April, a Friday afternoon/ early evening). If anyone is interested in supporting this initiative, please contact me at: [email protected] From Kieran Mallone I'm out of the country at the moment so I shant be able to meet you guys on this First Friday. The networking sounds interesting though. I have an idea to start some proffesional training sessions related to sales, presentations, design and innovation and marketing so if there is anybody intested then it would be good to hear from them. I currently work as product and marketing manager for Fagor Automation. If anyone is interested contact me at the following: Mob: 61921008. e-mail: [email protected] From Dublin to Bilbao - Ronnie Drew In Memoriam On 5th November last, a very enjoyable Ronnie Drew In Memoriam concert entitled "From Dublin to Bilbao" was celebrated in the Kafe Antzokia (Bilbao). Participants included Phelim Drew (Ronnie's son), Benito Lertxundi and Antoni Breschi (Italy) accompanied by his delightful daughter Consuelo Nerea on the violin and bodhrán. The truly plural atmosphere was consolidated by the presence of Gabin Dabiré (Burkina Faso) who treated us to a magnificent percussion performance. A number of us were welcomed backstage to participate in the celebrations afterwards, which ended around 03.00 h in lively interchanges about everything from politics to mathematics! A warm thanks to José-Angel Irigaray and Teo for their welcoming us into the celebration. FAQ: What is IBCON and how does it differ from CARA? The IBCON is an apolitical, non-denominational, plural, heterogeneous, organic group of people, which is open to anyone with an interest Irish/Basque themes. The network began with 11 participants over a meal in a hotel on 3rd July 2008 and has a primarily social character, its fundamental objectve being to bring together people interested in Irish/ Basque themes at four Key Meals during the year (Christmas, Easter, Summer and Autumn). The Network (with currently over 70 members) functions as a “think-tank”, providing a welcoming, supporting and encouraging medium for the exchange of ideas and initiatives of a social, cultural, political and/or business nature. Projects of interest can be proposed by anyone who is looking for support to get her/his project off the ground. The IBCON Newsletter which is produced around 4 times a year informs about new initiatives and reports on projects which have been celebrated, thus serving as a medium to coalesce members of the Network. The IBCON also informally meets for a pint on the First Friday of every month, rotating its venue among a multitude of Irish/Basque bars. CARA, an officially registered association, is the legal, institutional arm of IBCON which is organized with the objective of addressing all the varied wants, needs and aspirations of its members. The maximal governing body of CARA is its General Assembly, celebrated once a year, in which all CARA members have an equal vote. Formal membership is open to anyone who is motivated to actively participate in achieving the objectives of the Association Fig. 9. First Friday enjoyment of a pint after a hard week. This was our December First Friday where we got together in "The Wicklow Arms" and were treated to sandwiches and sausage rolls on the house. From left to right: Manu Falagan, Bríd Walsh, Éamon Roche, Alvaro Arrizabalaga and John Kinnard. FORTHCOMING ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF CARA On 25th February 2009, at 20.00 h in the Sheraton Hotel, Bilbao, the Executive Committee (Junta Directiva) of the Irish/ Basque Association CARA will be meeting to plan its forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM or Asamblea General ). All present members of the Junta Directiva are called to attend. The CARA 2009 AGM will subsequently be celebrated on Tuesday 3rd March in the same place, same time (Hotel Sheraton, 20.00 h) to elect its new Junta Direcitva and plan activities for the next 2 years. All registered and paid members of CARA are invited to attend and participate. CARA PROJECT PROPOSAL "A Peace Seed / Bake Hazi Bat / Una Semilla de Paz" by Macrea Clarke I would like to propose to the Irish Department of Foriegn Affairs (supporting emigrant services), the Basque Govt. and ALL Basque town councils that they support my initiative to present this Project throughout the Basque territory as a trilingual cultural offering to colleges, old peoples residences and local theatre. As an Irish peace loving father of two girls, I feel that making an attempt to kickstart some sort of political accord is our duty to the future. I live in Urretxu (Gipuzkoa) and after ten years here in the heart of The Basque Country, I’ve experienced a range of feelings: hope, hopelessness, disgust, euphoria and uncertainty. Feelings felt during my intergration while learning a new language and understanding a new culture. I must add that I have never felt fear! The people here are very similar to the Celts; they are trustworthy, stern, humble, hardworking, nobel and tolerant. Euskadi is enchanting. Of course, you need to live here with them to know this! This presentation to be offered openly to every Basque town big and small, consists in my relating an account of the real family life situation in Creggan estate, Derry, Northern Ireland, during the political turmoil and “the Troubles” using photography, music and three languages. With wit and pithy, the stories relate to our home, our street, it’s characters, my friends, our school life and the unforgettable moments growing up among our 13 family RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF CARA MEMBERS Extracts from CARA statutes If you would like to offer yourself as a candidate for President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer or Vocal, send us an e-mail with your CV and a statement of motivation to: [email protected]. Please note that only members of CARA can run for election to its Junta Directiva. More importantly, only members of CARA can participate and vote in the AGM, so do join now (a mere 20 Euro) and don't be left out! Remember, if you're not in, you can't win. To apply for CARA membership, please transfer 20 Euro to the following bank account, indicating your surname and name on the transfer, e.g. "Roche, Eamon". You should send an e-mail stating that you have made the transfer to: [email protected] Bank Account: 3035-0122-86-1220-0213-58 (Caja Laboral Popular) Deadline for transfer: 20th February. Members who apply after this date are not entitled to participate in the 2009 AGM. Artículo 30. Toda persona asociada tiene derecho a: * Conocer, en cualquier momento, la identidad de los/las demás miembros de la Asociación, el estado de cuentas de ingresos y gastos, y el desarrollo de la actividad de ésta. * Ejercitar el derecho de voz y voto en las Asambleas Generales, pudiendo conferir, a tal efecto, su representación a otros/as miembros. * Participar, de acuerdo con los presentes Estatutos, en los órganos de dirección de la Asociación, siendo elector/a y elegible para los mismos. * Figurar en el fichero de Socios/as previsto en la legislación vigente, y hacer uso del emblema de la Asociación, si lo hubiere. * Poseer un ejemplar de los Estatutos y del Reglamento de Régimen Interior si lo hubiere, y presentar solicitudes y quejas ante los órganos directivos. * Participar en los actos sociales colectivos, y disfrutar de los elementos destinados a uso común de los/as socios/as (local social, bibliotecas, etc.) en la forma que, en cada caso, disponga la Junta Directiva. Artículo 31. Son deberes de los socios/as: * Prestar su concurso activo para la consecución de los fines de la Asociación. * Contribuir al sostenimiento de los gastos con el pago de las cuotas que establezca la Junta Directiva. * Acatar y cumplir los presentes Estatutos, y los acuerdos válidamente adoptados por los órganos rectores de la Asociación. members. (parents included). The second half of the presentation is about my time living inside this most complex and unique European society with our new dual nationality family. This is quite unusual in the village where we live. I felt personally compelled to learn as quick as possible and now ten years down the road I find myself on the verge of being trilingue !! My intention with this project is to point out as an outsider living within the community, how I percieve them, what makes me laugh about the way they live, but perhaps the most important point which cannot be overlooked is the existing potencial of a young and well educated generation to create a future peace and harmony without exclusión. I Intend to achieve this using humour and laughter as the stepping stone to unity. The Project is trilingual in an attempt to unify in one entity, i.e. the Presentation, the sense of humour which bonds us as beings, apart from the cultural and linguistic differences which exist between us. Laughter is what unifies, without any shadow of a doubt. Laughing is contageous! Our greatest natural quality. It’s benefits are unquestionable to man! “Laughter” They laugh at me, I laugh at them! They laugh with me, I laugh with them! Those who laugh together, laugh at each other! Let’s laugh together, lets laugh forever! This orative offering is an open ended analysis of Euskal Herria and Ireland. An opportunity for the general public to understand and question, if they feel the need to do so, thus opening up to them the possiblity to take part and add to the orators accounts on both topics. I propose as an offshoot of the project a Basque/Irish Govt financed, hour long documentary with editions in four languages (Gaellic, Euskera, English and Spanish) without taboos offering intercommunity opinion,highlighting the Basque sense of humour with sketches and informing the viewer as to how life is, for ex-pats living here! The Irish community here deserve the opportunity to voice their support to achieve a more stable future. While presenting the show in each locality, we record the documentary talking to cross- community families who can tell us about their lives and their thoughts about this country. With this means to an end, I know we can get our message across! We are a team of professionals with years of experience in our fields. We will write, produce, direct and edit this documentary and with the colaboration of various language experts and the Irish Basque association CARA, the production of the four language finished product should take a little over 12 months. As a gesture of belief in ourselves, we should think about the immediate future of soon to be teenage girls and boys and their entire generation. As an association concerned about this issue,we wish to offer this as a seed for a new social flower bed, and to see if by uniting the people of the Basque Country, Ireland, Spain and many others farther afield in laughter, we can nurture this and socially, politically and conscientously help the flower grow, prosper and continue. Anyone interested in discussing or participating in this project should contact Macrea at: [email protected] Websites of General Interest www.europeanirish.com www.irishabroad.com www.expatria.com Call for Paddie’s Day initiatives Anyone interested in participating in a St. Patrick's Day initiative, such as a Fleadh Ceoil (Music Festival) or designing a PubCrawl (offers open for volunteering venues) should contact John Kinnard who has offered to coordinate suggestions at: [email protected] DATES TO REMEMBER 6th February (Friday) FIRST FRIDAY at The ResidenceCafe, c/Barraincua s/n, Bilbao. www.residencecafe.com All welcome for a welcome end-of-week drink. 20th February (Friday) Deadline for application for CARA membership. 25th February (Wednesday) Meeting of Junta Directiva of CARA to plan the forthcoming AGM. Hotel Sheraton, 20.00 h - 21.30 h. 3rd March (Tuesday) (20.00-22.00) Annual General Meeting of CARA. All members are invited to participate to plan activities of the Association. 3rd April (Friday) Korrika passing through Astrabudua. Anyone interested in supporting this project should mail David Henderson (coordinator) at: [email protected] PLEASE FEEL FREE TO DISTRIBUTE THIS NEWSLETTER TO PEOPLE WHOM YOU THINK WOULD BE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN ANY OF OUR ACTIVITIES IF YOU WANT TO RECEIVE FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT IRISH/BASQUE ACTIVITIES, OR ARE NOT ON THE IBCON MAILING LIST, SIMPLY SEND AN E-MAIL WITH YOUR FULL CONTACT DETAILS (telephone, postal address, e-mail, web, etc.) TO: [email protected] MORE MEMORIES FROM THE CHRISTMAS GET TOGETHER A final word of thanks to the commercial sponsors of the Christmas Get-Together, including the Ayuntamiento de Erandio, Aer Lingus, Bizkaia Energia and ESB International. We look forward to your continuing support and collaboration. Anna and Aidan's take home message: Come again next Christmas! r! ipa c i t ar a p en e t íma .com tate ¡An Apún gmail @ sco a V a Car