We had a great AGM and Christmas Lunch on the 1st December. 61 people sat down to a delicious dinner served efficiently by Langton’s staff and this was followed by a bit of a music session and even a couple of dances. This session was so enjoyable that we plan on having another one in the Club House on the last Monday in January, the 29th, after our monthly lunch.


For those who retired since the 1st March 2012 ,the good news from Mr. Billy Sheehan, was that they will receive pension increases in line with pay increases for serving teachers i.e. parity maintained. It has been 10 years since there was an increase in pension. Those who retired before that date, retired on a higher pension and so have to wait longer for an increase.There will also be a decrease in the pension levy for all.
You probably saw in Comhnasc that the closing date for applications for the Solidarity Fund is next Friday the 15th December and for the RTAI Bursaries is the 8th January.
 
Next Monday the 18th, for those who are interested , we will meet in the Club House for lunch and mince pies and swap a book for Christmas reading if you have one or even a recommendation of a good Christmas read.
 
Last year we marked Nollaig na mBan (6th Jan.) with afternoon tea and it was a lovely event. I think we had about 18 and it was a lovely relaxed end to the christmas season. We are going to repeat it this year with a visit to Butler House. We have booked for 2.30 p.m. so it can be a late lunch /afternoon tea. Cost €25 per person and all are welcome-spouses,friends and its not confined to the ladies!!!! I will have to have numbers though so confirm with me by the 3rd January please.
 
I am adding on a couple of notices I got from the retired secondary teachers extending an invitation to us to join them if we so wish so mark the dates in your diary if your interested.
 
Wishing you and yours a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful and healthy 2018. Mind yourself in this cold weather.
 
Marian. ( 087-6742884)
1. Thursday January 18th 2018 at 11am meeting in the chapter rooms in St Mary's cathedral. Speaker Teresa Hennessey HSE on the topic"5 ways to wellbeing in retirement"




2. Thursday February 15th 2018 at 11am meeting in Altamount gardens Carlow to celebrate snowdrop week. 

Informal walk and coffee.

3. Dear Members,


We plan to run a Pop-Up shop in aid of Focus Ireland for 2 day’s in mid- January (prob 12-13 JAN) - date, place to be confirmed this week.

We would like donations of adult/teenager/children’s clothes,shoes in good condition:

Books, CDs, DVDs, bric à brac, toys, games etc ( no electrical goods please)

Please let us know if you will have any donations, and if you would like us to collect.

We are also looking for help on both days.

Please contact Joan Murphy at 087-6804734   joan@murphykk.com

                           Mary Durkin at  086-0403204