PANTO: O’Connell Musical Society presents their pantomime ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ at St Brigid’s Boys’ National School, Howth Road, Killester, on Friday, January 15, at 8pm; Saturday, January 16, at 3pm and 8pm; Sunday, January 17, at 3pm; Friday, January 22, at 8pm; Saturday, January 23, at 3pm and 8pm; and Sunday, January 24, at 3pm;
The cost is e10 for adults and e7 for children. Book now on 8314078 or 086-308 3177.

BOOK LAUNCH: The launch of Migrating Minds, a book of poetry and prose, will take place at the Community Centre Bayside on December 12 at 7.30pm. All are welcome to hear the writers read from their work. Wine and cheese reception. Sponsored by McHugh’s Wine and Dine.

Christmas Fair: Clontarf Christmas fair will take place at St Anthony’s Hall on Sunday, December 13 from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Twenty-four stalls to include jewellery, paintings, cards, knitting, handbags, wood turning, candles, jams, homebaking glass and much more. Complimentary mulled wine and mince pies.

ROBINSON CRUSOE: The Workshop Theatre Co presents a pantomime for all the family, Robinson Crusoe, at the Portmarnock Sports and Leisure Centre, Martello Room, on January 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 4pm. This seafaring panto is a barrel of laughs and is suitable for all ages. Robinson comes across a treasure map and sets sail for Treasure Island, but will Captain Cutlass and his evil pirates stop him? All tickets cost e12, phone 086-8971708. 

CHRISTMAS LUNCH: The organisers of the Dun Laoghaire Christmas Day lunch are pleased to announce that despite the current economic climate the 23rd Annual Gala Christmas Day Lunch, for people living alone or in hard financial circumstances, will be going ahead as usual at Blackrock Rugby Club, Stradbrook Road, on December 25 between 10.30am and 2.30pm. The lunch is a dignified event in a warm atmosphere offering the highest quality traditional fare, with music and a visit from Santa. For further information and transport options please contact Margaret Brown on 2804776.

FLOWER DEMONSTRATION: A flower demonstration for Christmas will take place at Our Lady of Mercy Church Parish Centre, Gracefield Road, Artane, on Friday, December 11, at 8pm. Tickets cost e10 (includes wine and mince pies). This is in aid of Kare Social Services Meals on Wheels.

BOOKS: A bric-a-brac and book sale will take place at the Old Courthouse, Howth, on Sunday, December 13, from 10am to 6pm.

CAROL SERVICE: St Doulagh’s Church, Malahide Road, Balgriffin, invites you to its annual service of carols old, and new and readings by candlelight, on Sunday, December 13, at 4pm. Music by 1st Coy Boys’ Brigade. There will be a collection at Service for charities. All are welcome. Don’t miss it! For further information, phone 087-6711547.

CHRISTMAS SALE: A Christmas sale of work will take place at Blessed Sacrament Church Hall on Saturday, December 12, from 11.30am to 3pm at 20 Bachelors Walk, Dublin 1.        

ART EXHIBITION: Coolock Library Art Group’s 18th annual art exhibition at Coolock Library will run until Friday, December 11. All are welcome.

SINGERS: The Dublin Airport Singers present ‘Carols Rich & Rare’ at All Hallows Chapel, Grace Park Road, Drumcondra, on Wednesday, December 16, at 8pm. Tickets cost e15 (concessions e12). Bookings to 087-9592703 or 087-6202173.

IRISH: Irish language volunteer centre and café - An Caifé Gaelach, Saturdays 2-4pm, at 107 Amiens Street. Taking names now for volunteer tutors for Irish language training in the new year. All activities as Gaeilge - Fáilte roimh chách. Phone 087-6662903 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

PANTO: Tempus Drama Company presents Aladdin, the Christmas Pantomime in Mount Temple School, Malahide Road, from December 9-12 nightly at 2pm and also a matinee on December 12 at 2pm. Tickets cost e15. Family tickets, two adults and two children cost e55 and also group rates available. Advance bookings on 087-1269270.

SHOW: Howth Community Group presents 'Scrooge - The Musical' at Scoil Mhuire school hall, Howth, from Wednesday to Sunday, December 16-20, at 8pm nightly. Phone 8391538 for tickets. Admission is e12 and e10, family tickets available.

BIBLE TALKS: A series of talks from the Bible are being given at Balbriggan Combined Clubs Community Centre Dublin Street, Balbriggan, on Tuesdays from 8-9pm. These talks are free.

TOASTMASTERS: Malahide Toastmasters meet at the Grand Hotel, Malahide, at 8pm, on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Phone Liam on 087-2696260 for more details.
CHRISTMAS SALE: Lourdes Youth and Community Services (LYCS) will host a Christmas sale at LYCS Creche, Rutland Street, Dublin 1 on Saturday December 12, from 12noon to 4pm. Stalls will include cakes, books, DVDs and CDs, crafts, clothes, toys and bric-a-brac. Also, there will be a Santa's grotto. Tea and coffee and raffle. For more information, phone 8230860 or visit www.lycs.ie

CHRISTMAS CONCERT: The Seafield Singers’ Christmas concert will take place at St John the Baptist Church, Seafield Road, Clontarf, at 8pm on Friday, December 18. Niamh Murray (soprano), Jamie Rock (baritone) and David Bremner (accompanist) are this year’s guest artists. The proceeds of the concert will go to the Coombe Women’s and Infants’ University Hospital. Tickets cost e15 and can be purchased at the door.

EMPLOYMENT: North Dublin Supported Employment. Do you have a disability/impairment? Would you like support in finding employment? If you have training, work experience or previous work history, we can support you. Please contact Work4U on 8442700 for further information.      

EXPECTANT MOTHERS: A special blessing for expectant mothers will take place at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Artane, on Wednesday, December 9, at 8pm. All are welcome. Refreshments will be served afterwards. For further information, phone Kathleen on 8310917 or Eileen on 8319617. 

THEATRE: Rush Dramatic Society presents ‘Allo Allo’ at the Millbank Theatre, Chapel Lane, Rush, until December 12 (Wednesday to Saturday inclusive, 8.30pm nightly). Tickets cost e12 (e10 concessions). For bookings, phone 8437475. Annmarie Wolohan directs Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft’s hilarious stage adaptation of BBC’s hit comedy and has an excellent comic cast of the society’s stalwarts.

SCHOOL REUNION: Calling all girls who left Santa Sabina in 1980. There’s a 30-year school reunion being organised for January 9, 2010, for pupils who left Santa Sabina in 1980. Phone Paula on 086-2643569 for further details or check out Facebook ‘Santa Sabina Class of 1980’.  

BEREAVEMENT: Are you interested in supporting those who have been bereaved? If you would like to become a member of St Colmcille’s Parish Swords Bethany Bereavement Support Group, would like further details about Bethany volunteers and training or would like to avail of this free, confidential service, phone 8403243 or 8402652. Also, visit www.bethany.ie

MEALS ON WHEELS: Volunteer drivers are urgently needed to deliver meals in the Swords area around midday. This should take no more than an hour of your time and can be done on a fortnightly basis. It is an invaluable service in the community. Please call Joan on 087-6963813 for more information.
COUNSELLING: TARGET in Donaghmede offers a one-to-one non-directive counselling service on Monday to Friday from 9.30am-1.30pm and Monday to Thursday from 7pm-9pm. For an appointment, phone 8670279. Childcare services are available for morning appointments by arrangement with receptionist.

DREAMS: Dreams have long been a source of fascination. What are dreams and what is their purpose? These are just some of the questions that will be discussed at a Dream Discussion Group (non-profit making). If you are interested in Dreams or would like more information, contact Declan on 087-9957277 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

TOASTMASTERS: Clontarf/Marino Toastmasters Club is a non-profit club affiliated to Toastmasters International. The club holds regular meetings.  Guests are always welcome with the first night free. Contact Patricia Murphy on 085-1165571 or email frogdragon1@ hotmail.com if you require further details.
BADMINTON: A badminton club (mixed), based at 1 Commons Street, International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), is recruiting new members for Fridays from 8.30pm to 11pm. Three-court facility. For more information, phone Catherine on 086-2730399.
 
CHOIR: Would you like to join a mixed choir? Seafield Singers always welcomes good singers, particularly men. Sight-reading is not a priority. Rehearsals take place on Thursdays from 7.30-9.30pm in Clontarf. If you are interested, please contact Alison Young on 4904226.

VOLUNTEERS: The ABACAS School in Kilbarrack is looking for volunteers to drive the school minibus for school activities like swimming and horse riding during school hours. Volunteers will have to have a clean D1 driving licence, be willing to fill out a Garda Vetting form and must have at least two references. Please call Mandy Daly on 8396705 from 9am to 3pm or email
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

BADMINTON: A badminton club is looking for ladies to play the sport at Portmarnock Community School every Tuesday from 8.30pm to 10.30pm. For more information, phone Eileen at 8461474.

MUSICAL SOCIETY: Are you looking for a fun pastime with a great social life? New members are invited to join Baldoyle Musical Society. They stage a pantomime and musical production annually and have openings for male and female chorus members over 16-years-of-age. Don't fancy going on stage? You might be interested in joining the back stage staff or helping out 'front of house'. Rehearsals for the pantomime 'Beauty and the Beast', to be held in January 2010, have commenced. Contact Karl on 086-8146531 or email baldoylemusicalsociety79 @gmail.com for further information.

CHESS: Portmarnock Chess Club is seeking new members (juniors 7.30pm and adults 8.30pm) for their meetings every Thursday. The club caters for all types of players from casual and social to highly competitive, and competes in Dublin Community Games and the Leinster Chess Leagues. For further details, contact Denis Kelleher on 085-1690101.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS: Is food a problem for you? Do you eat when you’re not hungry? Do you go on eating binges for no apparent reason? Is your weight affecting the way you live your life? Phone Overeaters Anonymous on 2788106 or visit
www.oa.org

WANTED: Collector seeks Irish picture postcards, old and not so old, used or unused. Also, Irish aviation picture postcards and Aer Lingus memorabilia. Please contact John on 8378898.

WANTED: Old spectacles or sunglasses to help those less fortunate than ourselves in the developing countries to see better. Please post or drop in your unwanted spectacles or sunglasses to Supersavers Opticians in Talbot Street (8363051) or Raheny Shopping Centre (8187918).
 
BRIDGE: Afternoon Bridge in aid of the Little Sisters of the Poor, Sybil Hill, Raheny, takes place every Monday from 2pm to 4.30pm. All grades welcome. Novice and Improvers’ section is separate. For more information, phone Peter on 8339797 or 087-9344795.

WEBSITE: Struggling to find out where kids’ classes are on or to think of things to do with the kids at the weekend in North Dublin? Visit www.mykidstime.ie for more information.

WOMEN’S GROUP: A new intercultural women’s group is being established in the Swords area, which will initially meet on a monthly basis. The group is open to women from all backgrounds. For further information, contact Atinuke Diya on 085-7065797 or Sara McIntyre, Fingal LEADER Partnership on 8951070/086-1718002 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

VOLUNTEERING: Are you interested in helping your community to improve services and opportunities? Lá go Bhrí is a community childcare service based in the Mourne View Estate, Skerries. The management committee is seeking new members to become involved in the running of the service. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Helen on 8020484 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

PLAYERS REQUIRED: Killester Basketball Club seeks boys and girls born between 1999 and 2002 to play on its youngest teams. For more information phone Mark on 086-0314465, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.killester.com

INVITATION: Girls who want to have fun should join Scoil Uí Chonaill GAA Club, 95 Clontarf Road (opposite the old baths). There are teams for every age from nursery to ladies, and girls are particularly required for Under 11 and 14 teams. It’s a great way to make new friends and develop a new skill. Boys and men are also catered for in hurling and football and new members are very welcome. For further information contact PRO Niamh Crowe at 8333599.

CHILDCARE: The Childcare Bureau is a local childcare resource centre providing support and training to childcare workers, childminders, parent and toddler groups and parents. If you are interested in availing of childcare training or require support and information, please contact Alison on 8675244 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Advice and training is provided free of charge.
 
CHOIR: The Dublin City Council Choir is a mixed choir drawn from all over the city. They rehearse from 5.30pm to 7.30pm every Thursday at the Civic Offices, Wood Quay, and would welcome people who enjoy raising their voices in song and meeting likeminded people.

UNEXPECTED PREGNANCY: Unexpected Pregnancy is hard to face. If you need help or support, contact CURA. Phone in confidence. All services are free.
Phone 1850 622 626 or 6710598 or visit www.cura.ie for more information.

ARTISTS: Original art from local artists is on show at St Sylvester’s GAA Hall, Malahide, every Sunday, from 12 noon to 6pm and in Café Provence. For more information, visit www.irish-art.com/artalley

STROKE SCHEME: The Volunteer Stroke Scheme Northside is appealing for volunteer drivers and helpers for their stroke clubs held in Kilbarron Court every Monday and Wednesday from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Please send your applications to: The Volunteer Stroke Scheme 249, Crumlin Road, Dublin 12, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Phone 4559036.

WRITERS: Trinity Writers’ Group is currently looking for new members. The group has been in existence since 1991 and have produced several collections of poetry and short stories. It is a friendly group where members meet and chat, read poetry, short stories or a section of a novel they may be working on. It’s optional to read or not. The group meets at 6.30pm on the first Thursday of the month in the back room of Donaghmede Library.

TOASTMASTERS: Fingal Toastmasters Club meets at the Marine Hotel Sutton on alternate Mondays at 8.15pm. For more details, phone 8451840.

AL-ANON: If you are troubled by someone else's drinking, there are weekly meetings taking place throughout Dublin, including Abbey Street, Gardiner Street, Stanhope Street, Ballymun, Blakestown, Cabra, Coolock, Finglas, Killester, Malahide, Raheny, Sutton and Swords. For details of the meeting nearest you, contact Al-Anon Family Groups Information Centre, 5 Capel Street, Dublin, on 8732699. Alternatively, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.al-anon-ireland.org

NEW GROUP: A new group for mature single people has been formed in north county Dublin. The group is for people in their 30s or 40s who want to meet new people for dining, cinema, nights out and maybe even daytrips or weekends away. You must be single/divorced/separated, with or without kids. The group meets once a month for drinks on a Saturday night at various venues on the Northside, where the setting up of other events is discussed. For more information, visit www.meetup.com/NSSN35/

HISTORY: Are you interested in the history of Coolock and surrounding areas? You are invited to join a new local history group in Coolock Library. Meetings take place on the first Tuesday of every month at 6.30pm in the library. No particular skills are needed and all are welcome. For further details phone 8477781 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

TODDLERS: A Parent & Toddler Group meets at St Gabriel's Parish Centre, Clontarf, every Monday from 10.30am to 12 noon except during school holidays. Open to pre school children. Parents and childminders are welcome. Enquiries to 087-9383772.

COUNSELLING: Baldoyle Family Resource Services provides confidential counselling for anyone experiencing difficulties in life. Counselling is offered in marital/relationship difficulties, adolescent/child counselling, bereavement and other general issues. For more information/ appointment, phone Lilian on 8326115.

BEREAVEMENT: A Bereavement Support Group meet in the Donnycarney Community and Youth Centre on Thursdays from 8pm to 9.30pm. This counsellor-facilitated group is suitable for individuals who are affected by the death of a family member, friend or companion. The service is free of charge. For further information phone Tina on 8187180.

WRITERS: The Donnycarney Community and Youth Centre Monday Writers’ Group welcomes new members. Sessions take place from 10.30am to 1pm. Free of charge. For further information phone Liz on 8314494. 

BALDOYLE: Baldoyle Badminton Centre is now open every Saturday and Sunday from 2pm-11pm. Try out the fastest sport in the world. To hire a court, phone 8393355/8393074.

CHOIR: Dublin City Council Choir is looking for new members. They meet from 5.30pm to 7.30pm every Thursday at the Civic Offices on Wood Quay and welcome people who wish to sing with them.

LADIES: Ladies’ Club meet at St Laurence O’Toole’s GAA Club on Blunden Drive, Ayrfield, every second Tuesday. All are welcome. Phone 087-7820583.

CHESS: New members are welcome to Portmarnock Chess Club on Thursdays, juniors (7.30pm) and adults (8.30pm. The club, which has been in existence since 1971, caters for all types of players, from casual to highly competitive. They compete in the Dublin Community Games, Irish and Leinster tournaments, Leinster Chess Union leagues and weekend tournaments. Phone Denis Kelleher, club president, on 085-1690101 for further information.

YOUTH CLUB: Clontarf Foróige Youth Club urgently needs adult volunteers to help out. If you are aged 18 or over, and would like to give something back to the community, then the club needs you. It caters for young people aged 12 and over. Members get involved in fun activities and games that they are interested in. This is a great opportunity to engage with and meet new people. If you have an hour to spare and would be interested, please contact Bryan Gavin, Foróige Regional Youth Officer on 086-8519639 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

READING AND WRITING: Life can be hard when you have a problem with reading and writing. Can you spare two hours a week, morning or evening, to help someone improve their skills? Training will commence in October. Phone Marie Casey on 8171990 for more information.

CARERS: Are you a family carer? Caring for a child with special needs, a family member with a long-term illness or a frail older person? The Crosscare Carer-Support Programme offers a variety of services in North Dublin. To find out what’s happening in your area, contact Nora or Rosemary at Crosscare Carer-Support Programme on 8360011.

CHOIR: The Cantible Choir is now recruiting new members. The choir meets every Tuesday at 8pm in a city centre venue. If you would like to join a choir and are in good voice, please contact Phyl on 2854674 or Phil on 087-2161182.

TUITION: An adult reading and writing service is available to all persons who have difficulty with basic reading and writing, spelling and sums, and who left school before Leaving Cert. The service is free and is available to all persons on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9.30am to 1pm, and Monday nights from 7pm to 9pm. Contact Brenda on 8671967 (mornings) or 087-9047230 (afternoons and evenings) for further information.

LONE PARENTS: Doras Bui, a parents’ alone resource centre based in Coolock, offers lone parents accurate information on their rights and entitlements, support with family life, supports for teen parents, courses on health, parenting, art activities and other topics identified by lone parents themselves. A staff member is available to talk to you by phone or in person from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Fridays. For further information phone 8484811/8481872 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Also, you can visit www.dorasbui.org for more information.

BREASTFEEDING: A Breastfeeding Support Group meets at the Community Mothers’ Room in the Coolock Development Centre, Bunratty Drive, every Thursday from 11.30am to 12.30pm. Come along and meet other breastfeeding mothers. Phone Marie on 8482956 for more information.

WEBSITE: Unmarried and Separated Parents of Ireland (USPI) provides information on weekly meetings and assists parents who are experiencing marriage/relationship difficulties. Visit www.uspi.ie

POKER: A poker classic takes place every Thursday and Sunday in Cara Hall (opposite Raheny Garda Station) at 9pm sharp. All are welcome.

BRIDGE: Baldoyle Bridge Club plays every Monday at 7.30pm in the local badminton centre in Baldoyle Industrial Estate. Now open to non-members for the summer. All are welcome.

CEILI: Swords Ceili Club holds classes for all levels on Wednesdays from 8.30pm to 10pm at Scoil an Duinnigh, Kinsealy, Swords. Beginners are welcome. There are also classes for children from three-years-of-age at Colmcille’s GAA Club on Wednesdays and Fridays. Phone Grace on 087-9549066 for further information.

DANCING: Old-Time Sequence Dancing takes place every Tuesday from 8.30 to 10.30pm at St John Vianney Hall, Ardlea Road, Artane. Admission is e6 and includes break for tea and cakes. It also takes place every Wednesday from 8pm-10.30pm at 54 Parnell Square West. Admission is e7. Phone 085-1263993 for further information.   

KNITTING: Knitting classes are available at Donnycarney Community Centre, on Thursdays from 2 to 4pm. For details contact the centre on 8329676. Beginners and knitters are welcome.

ADHD: Dublin North East ADHD is a Northside awareness group that meets every three to four weeks at Northside Partnership, Bunratty Drive, Coolock. Parents/guardians, special needs assistants and teachers are all welcome. For further information, phone 8512289.

BOXING: Bay City Boxing Club training takes place at Kilbarrack Community Hall, Greendale Road, every Sunday from 11am-12.30pm and Wednesday from 6.30pm-8pm. New members are welcome. For further information contact Pat on 8471863.

PARENTS: Are you expecting a child? Preparing for Life would like to hear from you. Preparing for Life invites all parents expecting a baby in the communities of Darndale, Belcamp, Moatview, Traveller communities and Newtown Court to join the programme. Drop into the Preparing for Life office in the Darndale/Belcamp Village Centre (Bell Building) or phone 8771509.

ART ALLEY: Local artists exhibit every Sunday from 12 to 6pm in St Sylvester's GAA Hall, Malahide, and permanently in Cafe Province. Paintings changed fortnightly. Admission free. Visit www.irish-art.com/artalley

PAINTING: A Drawing and Painting Group in Donnycarney Community and Youth Centre is welcoming new participants on Mondays from 10am to 12noon. All are welcome. A nominal fee of e3 per session is charged. Phone 8329676 for further details.

BROWNIES: Info Centre for Immigrants is currently building up a team of Brownies, aged six and a half to 11 years in Skerries and its environs under the Irish Girl Guides and are looking for volunteers to help as leaders. All training and supports for the programme will be provided. Names for new Brownie members are also being taken. Phone Areola on 085-7329472 or Ruth on 086-3663683 for further information.

WALKING: Those who enjoy a stroll and a chat are invited to join a group every Wednesday at 2pm outside Raheny DART Station for a walk through St Anne’s Park to Dollymount Strand or surrounding areas. The walks are free and last approximately 90 minutes. Contact Ronan at Dublin City Council on 2223726 for further information.

PITCH & PUTT: St Mary’s Ladies’ Pitch and Putt Club play at Inisfails GAA Club, Balgriffin, every Saturday at 10am. New members are welcome.

TODDLERS: Fun For Toddlers (things to do for children over two) takes places in Coolock Library every Thursday from 10.15am to 11.15am. This is a facility for mother and toddler to meet in the library. Books and toys for children aged 3-5 will be provided. Phone 8477781 for further information.

FOOD ADDICTS: Having problems with overeating, constant dieting, binging or purging? Food Addicts Anonymous can help. Meetings take place every Wednesday at 8pm at the Central Mission on 9C Lower Abbey Street. This is a 12-step meeting and there is no charge. 

YOUTH: Are you aged over 18? Are you living in the Clontarf area? Would you like to give something back to the community? Would you like to work in partnership with young people and help them to learn new skills and organise activities? If you are this person and you can spare an hour on Thursday evenings, then please contact Bryan Gavin, Foróige Regional Youth Officer, on 086-8519639 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

SOCIAL CLUB: New Beginnings Social Club for widowed, divorced and separated people continues to meet on the first Tuesday of each month upstairs in Smyth’s of Fairview at 9pm. Phone 087-9603833 for further information. 

URGENT APPEAL: KARE Social Services delivers meals to hundreds of people in their homes each week. There is a growing demand for this service and to ensure that everyone who needs a meal receives one, an urgent appeal is being made for more volunteer drivers. If you can spare approximately one hour a week between 12 and 1pm either Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday or are interested in finding out more, phone Sheila or Mary at KARE, 2 Sybil Hill Road, Raheny, phone 8058574 or 8058433.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Do you or someone you know have a problem with alcohol? The Killester Group Social Services Care Centre on Sybil Hill holds an open public meeting on the last Monday of every month, except bank holidays. 

GUIDES: The Coolock Girl Guide Unit - Cygnets (5 and 6 years of age), Brigine (7-10), Guides (10–14) and Rangers (15-18) have recommenced meetings. New members are welcome in all sections. Visit St Brendan's Parish Centre, Coolock Village, any Friday between 7 and 10pm or contact Mairead Quinn, unit leader, on 087-2479820 for further information.

WRITERS: The last in the series of Autumn Benefit Readings at the Irish Writers’ Centre will take place on Thursday, December 10 at 7.30pm. The final event will include readings by Peter Sirr, Enda Wyley and Hugo Hamilton. The subscription is e10. Tel 8721302.

FLOWERS: Dundrum Flower Club is having a Christmas flower arranging demonstration entitled 'Creative Christmas' by Mary Flynn on Tuesday, December 8 at 7.45pm in Gort Muire, Ballinteer Road. Plenty of parking and all welcome.

TREASURE: At 8pm on Wednesday, December 9 the Dun Laoghaire Borough Historical Society will hold its annual ‘Treasure/Collectors’ Night’ in the Kingston Hotel, Adelaide Street, Dun Laoghaire. And on Thursday, December 10 Jimmy Mullins will present his lecture ‘A History of Guinness Brewery’ to the Kilmacud - Stillorgan Historical Society in the Function Room of Glenalbyn, Kilmacud Road, Stillorgan. Admission e3. Tel 2840524.

CEILI:  Donnybrook Ceili Club will hold their next monthly Ceili on Saturday, December 12 from 9.30pm to 12.30am at Donnybrook Youth Club Hall, Belmont Avenue, Donnybrook. Beginners welcome.
 
TOYS: A toy fair for collectors/enthusiasts will take place on Sunday, December 13 from 10.30am to 3.30pm in Bray Wheelers Clubhouse, off Boghall Road. Tel 0876303878.

HISTORY: The Foxrock Local History Club will hold a special December meeting called 'Christmas Long Ago' on Monday, December 14 at 8pm in the Church of Ireland Parish Hall, Kill o' the Grange (behind Supervalu Deansgrange). This will be a series of presentations dealing with food and festivities, customs and celebrations with perhaps a little sample of seasonal fare. All are welcome. Admission e4.

GIG: The local Comhaltas Ceoltoirí branch of ‘Craobh Piarais Uí Greagáin’ will play with Moya Brennan on December 17 in the Monkstown Parish Church. Tickets are available from the Spar supermarket or Hewett’s Newsagents in Monkstown.

EXHIBITION: The Three Rock Art Group hosts an exhibition of work celebrating the human form in the No Grants Gallery, Temple Bar, until Wednesday, December 9 from 6 to 8pm.

FAIR: The Harold School, Glasthule, Xmas Fair takes place on Sunday, December 13 from 1-4pm. The Garda Band will entertain while crafts, books, toys, chocolate fountain and refreshments are made available.

BAND: Mama Mia, the international Abba Tribute Band play at St Anne’s GAA Club, Bohernabreena, Dublin 24 on Friday, December 18. Admission e5 includes finger food and disco. All welcome. Tickets at bar or from Leo on 0862650419.

REHEARSALS: Greenhills Panto is urgently looking for two players to play two parts in their version of the ‘Artful Dodger to be staged in the Greenhills Community Centre from January 4 to 9, 2010. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 0857873174.

CAROL: The Pieta House Annual Carol Services will be held in the Leixlip Parish of Our Lady’s Nativity at 8pm on Thursday, December 10 and in Lucan at St Mary’s Parish Church at 7.30pm on Thursday, December 17. Contact Pieta House on 6010000.

DANCE: A Christmas Dinner Dance will take place in the Perrystown/Manor Estate Community Centre, Dublin 12 on December 11. Featuring music by the Good Times dinner is at 8.30pm with dancing until 1am. Tickets e32 are available on  4562373/4552761.

BIBLE TALKS: Are given in Kingswood Community Centre every Thursday from 8.30 to 9.30pm and in the Scouts Den, St Killians Hall, Watery Lane, Clondalkin every Sunday from 7 to 8pm. All welcome.  

OLD COINS: Irish coins or notes and small euro cents are needed for three charities including Haven (that build houses in Haiti); Children of Andes (for the street kids of Colombia) and Street league, the homeless Irish world cup soccer team. Collections can be arranged. Contact Brendan Flynn on 0868189888 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

CAR BOOT SALE: The Glasthule Car Boot Sale (formerly Pres Car Boot Sale) will take place on the first and third Sunday of every month. A hall will be available for indoor stalls. Tea, coffee, refreshments and lunches served. No food vans. Contact Liz on 0876308072 for further details.

GLASSES: Supersavers Opticians are appealing for old, unwanted spectacles or sunglasses to help those in the developing countries. Post all donations or drop them into Supersavers Opticians on Talbot Street at the (corner of Talbot Street and Gardiner Street (beside O’Shea’s Hotel) or into the branch in Raheny Shopping Centre.

BOOKS:
Ballymun Book Exchange runs on the first Thursday of every month in Ballymun Civic Centre between 9.30am and 1.30pm. The idea is to bring a book and exchange it for another, free of charge. The aim is to help and encourage more people to read. Since February, Book Exchange has just grown bigger and better, and the extensive collection of adult and children’s books makes finding a book easy. For more information, or to make book donations, contact the Education Section of Ballymun Whitehall Area Partnership on 8423612 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

PHOTOGRAPHY:
St Brigid’s Photography Group meet every Wednesday in Blanchardstown Library at 7pm. New members welcome.

LANGUAGES:
An Irish Conversation group meets at Blanchardstown Library every Saturday at 12 noon and an English Conversation Group meets on Wednesdays at 7pm. These are informal gatherings for those who wish to practice English or Irish. All are welcome.

YOGA:
Sahaja Yoga and meditation takes place on Mondays at 7pm at Blanchardstown Library. Sahaja Yoga is a simple method of finding inner peace, it’s easy to learn and always Free. For more information phone 086-2520765 or visit www.sahajayoga.ie

SPECIAL NEEDS CLUB:
The Rainbow Junior Arch Club offers fun and friendship for children under 12 with special needs, and their siblings. The club is run by parents, and is based at Scoil Chiaran, St Canice’s Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 11. It takes place on term time Saturdays from 3-5pm. Ring 085-1289342 for more details, or check out www.rainbowjuniorarchclub.
com.

FOOD PROBLEMS:
Is food a problem for you? Do you eat when you’re not hungry? Do you go on eating binges for no apparent reason? Is your weight affecting the way you live your life? Call Overeaters Anonymous on 2788106 or visit www.oa.org.

SPECS WANTED:
Old spectacles or sunglasses that can help those less fortunate than ourselves see better are needed in the developing world. Please post or drop in your unwanted spectacles or sunglasses to Supersavers Opticians in Talbot Street (corner of Talbot Street and Gardiner Street) or in Raheny Shopping Centre.

VOLUNTEERS:
An Irish development agency is looking for participants from Dublin to join a fundraising field trip to the heart of Africa this autumn. Self Help has been organising field visits for its supporters to Africa for the past decade. The trips require participants to fundraise to support the charity’s work, and enables them to see at first hand the work that is taking place, and the lasting impact that it has on the lives of Africa’s rural poor. To find out more about this year’s trips to Uganda, visit www.selfhel pafrica.com

SPECIAL NEEDS ATHLETICS: North City Striders Special Olympics Athletics Club is inviting anybody with special needs to train with them. The club currently trains one evening a week. Volunteers are also needed, particularly anybody with experience in athletics, but enthusiasm and patience are the main requirements. For further information contact Kieran on 086-4059142.

PITCH AND PUTT:
Our Lady of Victories Pitch and Putt Club have an opening for new members, male and female. For further information contact Pat on 086-8882853.
NORDIC WALKING:
A new Nordic Walking group is holding walks in the Phoenix Park every Saturday and Tuesday evening. Originating from summer training for cross-country skiers, Nordic Walking works the upper and lower body at the same time, strengthening back, legs and arms, and reducing neck and shoulder tension. Exercise intensity is determined by upper body effort so people of differing fitness levels can walk and talk together, while working to their own level. Full training available. For further information contact Kathleen on 086-0427989 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

SINGERS WANTED:
Dublin City Council Choir are a mixed choir drawn from all over the city. They rehearse from 5.30pm-7.30pm every Thursday evening in Civic Offices, Wood Quay, and would welcome those who enjoy raising their voices (especially tenors) in song and meeting like-minded people.

INDEPENDENT LIVING:
Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL) provides support for people with disabilities to live and work in the community. It provides a forum for people with disabilities to realise their human, civil, social political and economic rights. Its aim is to empower and enable disabled people to achieve independent living choice and control over their lives and achieve full and active participation as equal citizens. If anybody you know is interested in issues around disability and wish to become a member of BCIL, phone 8270609 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it