PANTOMIME: Baldoyle Musical Society proudly presents its magical production of the pantomime 'Beauty and the Beast' on Friday January 8 and 15 at 8pm, Saturday January 9 and 16 at 3pm and 8pm, and Sunday January 10 and 17 at 3pm in St Mary's Secondary School, Baldoyle. Great panto entertainment is guaranteed for young and old alike, with plenty of laughs, great dancing, ad-libs, jokes, and sing-a-longs, not to mention stunning costumes and stage scenery. The ticket price is e15 (e12 for OAPs and children). To reserve tickets please phone 085-1378329.

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.

TRADITIONAL MUSIC: The Craobh Seán Treacy branch of Comhaltas Ceolteori Éireann host a traditional music, song and dance session every Tuesday night in Clasac, Alfie Byrne Road, Clontarf. Musicians of all ages welcome. Contact 8393093 or 8363059 for further details. Craobh Sean Treacy CCE host their monthly ceili in Naomh Mearnog GAA Club, Blackwood Lane, on Friday, December 18. Music by Brian Boru Ceili Band.

NATIVITY: Clontarf Methodist Church is hosting a ‘Live Nativity’ outside the church (corner of St Lawrence Road and Coast Road) on Tuesday December 15 from 4pm. The Nativity will be made up of gazebos, bales of straw, animals, lighting, music and members of the church in full costume. Tea, coffee and mince pies will be offered to passers-by at the 130 bus stop, which is outside the church. A candlelight carol service will follow the live nativity at 7.30pm with the St George’s Brass Band. The Live Nativity is all about portraying the true meaning of Christmas through a fun and alternative way.

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 8314 078 or 086-308 3177.

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.

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.

THANKS: St Joseph's Association for the Intellectually Disabled, Portrane, would like to congratulate and thank the residents and staff of St Joseph's Service, St Ita's hospital, Portrane, for the staging of their annual Christmas Show, ‘Our Sound of Music’. It proved to be a fantastic night and the organisers are looking forward to holding another successful event next year. 
 
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.

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.      

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 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

COOKERY: Rachel Allen in association with Pact (voluntary agency for domestic and inter-country adoption, pregnancy related counselling and schools education) will present a cookery demonstration at The High School, Rathgar, Dublin 6 on Friday, February 26, 2010 at 7.30pm. Tickets e35 (limited number available) are available on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone 216 4208. Cheques to be made payable to ‘Friends of Pact’.

SLEEPOVER: The glamorous ‘Mac girls’ will endure the winter chill in their jim-jams in aid of Open Heart House, the Dublin AIDs charity in conjunction with the Mac AIDs fund. All support welcome. Contact Orna or Dee on 0863719097.

APPEAL: The Taney Parish Refugee Families of Bethlehem & Gaza are hosting a Christmas event on Sunday, December 20 at 8.15pm after Carols by Candlelight at 7pm in the Taney Parish Centre, Taney Road, Dundrum, Dublin 14. Traditional Middle Eastern and seasonal fare will be accomncied by a photograph exhibiton of Bethlehem and Gaza. Subscription e10 per adult/e5. All proceeds go directly to meet specific needs.

EXHIBITION: ‘From Rags to Riches’ is the theme of this year’s arts exhibition that will be held in the Concourse in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council buildings from December 16 to Tuesday, December 22 organised by The Artisans, St John of God’s Carmona Services. For further information contact 2823333 or 2855888.

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.

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 086 2650419.

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 Greenhillsvg@ gmail.com or 0857873174.
CAROL: The Pieta House Annual Carol Services will be held in Lucan at St Mary’s Parish Church at 7.30pm on Thursday, December 17. Contact Pieta House on 6010000.

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.
 
SUE RYDER: The Sue Ryder Shop is Blackrock's only charity shop and they are looking for donations, particularly of used or unwanted bridal, communion and debs wear. The shop is now open six days a week from Monday to Saturday from 10-5pm. It is located a few doors from Tonic pub and stocks clothes, books and bric-a-brac which raise funds to help maintain shelters for those in need. If you would like to volunteer some time, or make a donation contact Mandy on 0864001814 or find out more at www.sueryderfoundation.ie

CLUB: A bridge club meets at Leopardstown Park Hospital on Thursday nights from 7.30pm. A and B grade players welcome. Tel 2896496.

BRIDGE: Absolute beginners are welcome to join new classes for Bridge in Inchicore and Kilnamanagh. Expert tutoring available. Tel Brian or Liz on 4501541.

CANCER SUPPORT: Yoga and relaxation classes are held in St Laurence Community Centre, Kilmacud, Stillorgan from 1.30 to 2.30pm each Thursday. Tel 2885725.

BADMINTON: A friendly game of badminton is held in St Laurence Community Centre every Thursday from 10 to 11am.
 
OVEREATING: Do you obsess about food and weight all the time? Do you try to control food and weight constantly? Do you throw up, starve yourself, binge on a regular basis? Do you feel isolated, scared and think no one else acts and feels around food the way you do? If so tel 2891599/mob 087 2390595 or go to www.obsessiveeatersanonymous.org

BARBERSHOP: A new barbershop choir has started in St Tiernan’s Community School, Parkvale, Balally, Dundrum. Membership is open to those aged 14 and upwards (adults particularly welcome) and no previous experience is needed - just a love of singing. Rehearsals are held every Wednesday from 7 to 9pm in the school library. For more information, contact Paula at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or on 0871208085 (after school hours) on any day.

FIRST AID: The St John Ambulance hosts a First Aid course at Brigade HQ, 29 Upper Leeson Street. Tel 6688077 for further details.

CAR BOOT SALE:
A car boot sale in aid of St Canice’s Summer Project takes place on Sunday December 20 at St Canice’s Boy’s School, Glasanaon Road, Finglas East, Dublin 11 from 9am-3pm. Prices for sellers: cars e15, vans e20. To book a space call 086-4013376.

WRITERS:
Cabra Writers’ Group meets every Friday from 11am-12.30pm in Cabra Library (Navan Road, beside McDonalds). All welcome. Just drop in or call Orla on 085-1609906 for more details.

WORSHIP:
Gospel Hope Gospel Ministries have an exciting worship and praise meeting every Sunday at 6.30pm in the meeting room at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown. Everybody welcome. Phone 086-3207192 for details.

IRISH:
The Irish language volunteer centre and café - An Caifé Gaelach – which opens on Saturdays 2-4pm at 107 Amiens Street, Dublin 1 is taking names now for volunteer tutors for Irish language training in the New Year. All activities as Gaeilge - Fáilte roimh chách. If you’re interested call 087-6662903 email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.ionad.org.

VOLUNTEERS:
Women's Aid, which provides support, information and referral to accommodation to women and their children who are being physically, emotionally and sexually abused in their own homes is currently seeking volunteers to work on its Dublin based national Freephone helpline. The helpline is open seven days a week 10am-10pm on 1800-341900. If you are warm, a good listener and interested in women’s issues, contact Gisela Boehnisch for an application form on 8684721 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Full training will be provided in January and February 2010.

TALKING:
Castleknock Toastmasters Club meets upstairs in Myo's pub in Castleknock on the first and third Thursday of each month. It’s a lively and active club providing an opportunity for overcoming shyness in speaking to an audience and improving existing skills in a comfortable and stimulating environment. Members are welcoming, friendly and sociable. Anyone over 18 is invited to come along to a meeting and observe before deciding to join. For further information ring Jenny O'Halloran on 087-7605422.

LOCAL HISTORY:
A new local history society entitled Fingal South Heritage Society has been set up in Blanchardstown Library. It runs on Saturdays from 2pm to 3.30pm. Anyone interested in may enquire to Aingeal on 086-8438812.

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

POKER:
A poker classic takes place at Fr Maloney Hall, Drapier Road, behind Ballygall Church off Ballymun road on Saturdays from 9pm. All welcome. Entry fee $12.

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.

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.