| Searching for a new Irish society
in Ipswich  By
Niamh Hennessy
THE Irish in Ipswich seem to be hiding. This is according to Rupert Davis
who is attempting to take over from where his father left off 18 years
ago and rebuild an Irish group in the area.
But he is facing major problems with many Irish people in Ipswich who
are not aware of his task.
Rupert wants to bring the city’s Irish community together through
sport, entertainment and dancing and language classes.
The immediate plan for the new society is to raise awareness of Irish
issues in the area and Rupert wants to reach out to local businesses for
support.
After this he hopes to recruit members, appealing to all ages to offer
entertainment, leisure and sporting activities as well as forming a full
committee to ensure everything is in order.
Although Ipswich already has a small Irish society in operation, Rupert
said he wants to create something different.
He said the current society has just 30 members and in the early 90s they
would have had over 300 members.
He wants to now create something similar to what was in operation years
ago for the Irish community which he believes could number nearly a thousand.
Rupert said: “Our long-term plans will be to establish sports teams
for all ages and to encourage dancing and language classes.
“I also want to bring popular Irish groups and musicians to Ipswich
and promote Irishness and Ireland. All this will hopefully ultimately
lead to a permanent home for the new society in our own premises.”
They are looking for people of all ages to join and are also hoping to
form a junior society which will run events and cater for the younger
generations.
Rupert added that the first committee will be non-elected and the positions
will be filled by people who have drive and ambition.
This committee will be in place for the first year after which Rupert
plans to have an elected committee by way of nominations from members.
Financing the society will be done through events, membership fees and
sponsorship.
He said: “The hire of bands and venues to hold events can be expensive
and we are hoping that local businesses will get involved in this aspect
of things.
“We are looking for anyone who is Irish or anyone who loves the
Irish way to join. We welcome all ages and that will be important if this
is to work.”
n For more information contact Rupert Davis on 01473 423042 or by e-mail
on: rupert.d@ntlworld.com |
