Lifestyle

Vonnie Reynolds, one of Ireland’s great fashion designers, who hit the world stage, sadly died recently in Maryland US. In the 1970s and 1980s, Vonnie rose to prominence with her ‘once-off’ fashion clothing from her Bunratty Cottage design centre under the shadow of the famous castle. It was a romantic setting, which suited this famous Irish designer, who helped to put Bunratty Castle on the international stage. Many people in Clare and surrounding regions will remember this warm, friendly and creative woman. Vonnie was unique, talented, unconventional and her designs attracted women such as Vanessa Redgrave, Katherine Hepburn, Diana Ross and many other famous women. Two of her ball gowns were worn at President Regan’s inaugural ball. Her designs were purchased by the J Paul Getty family in San Francisco, and UN Ambassador Jeanne Kirkpatrick. Her clothes have been considered collectors’ pieces and have always been valued for their timeless quality. Irish women, who wanted something special, something wearable and …

STUDENTS of a supervisory management programme featured prominently in the annual award of certificates in Ennis Adult and Community Education Centre.The programme was at Level 6 of the Further Education & Training Awards Council of Ireland (FETAC), meaning that the Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) delivered at the Clonroad Business Park centre was given the green light to run a third-level course for the first time.The BTEI is one of several programmes delivered across the county by Clare Adult and Community Education Service run by the county vocational education committee.Mike Ryan, county BTEI co-ordinator, explained how it was possible to run the new course after FETAC approved the tutorial team recruited for it, along with the proposed course content developed by his staff.Also presented on the occasion were certificates for courses conducted at the centre by Clare Adult Basic Education Service (CABES), another wing of the overall county service. The head of the county service, Aobhán Haverty, pointed to the …

THE Second World War international war crimes tribunal was held in Nuremburg for two main reasons. The Court of Justice building was big enough and was one of the few such buildings to survive the massive Allied bombing during the war. Nuremburg had a special place in the history of pre-war Germany because in many ways, it was the ceremonial birthplace of the Nazi Party. From 1929 onwards, all their annual rallies were held there, with attendances reaching half a million. The three major allied powers, United States, USSR and Britain had begun planning for the trials of Nazi war criminals as early as 1942. England had actually wanted the Nazi leaders shot immediately after they were captured and identified but the other countries wanted a trial. France was also given a place on the tribunal and they then agreed on the format of punishment. They were very specific in their charges because it could have been argued there had …

Clare coeliacs are invited to attend a festive Christmas Lunch and Food Fair on Sunday, December 9, from 12.30pm-4.30pm in the Woodlands House Hotel, Adare, Limerick.Organised by the Limerick Coeliac Support Group, the fair is an opportunity for coeliacs, family and friends to come together to sample, taste and enjoy a range of festive food.  Tasty mince pies, chocolate, biscuit brownie samples and a goodie bag will be provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of sponsors. A large number of gluten-free food manufacturers will provide coeliac members with information on gluten-free foods with the option to sample and/or buy products on the day.Any one who wishes to attend the Christmas Lunch and fair, should contact Mariea on 086 7351527 or Noelle on 086 4046177 before November 23. Places are limited so early booking is advisable. Alternatively, coeliacs, family and friends are welcome to attend the Food Fair separately. Register to attend the fair separately by ringing 086 7351527/086 …

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THE people of Ennis certainly proved their love for the town with the ongoing success of the county capital in the national Tidy Towns competition.

AS the first and fourth Clare Scouts Ennis prepare to celebrate their 80th birthday this weekend, they have also been looking back on their long history in the town.

THE past belongs to our children, with an obligation to share the lessons that have been learned through the sacrifices of our war dead. That was the message of former Irish Defence Forces officer Barney Callaghan at a special commemoration service in Ennis.