Issue 32 September 2005 Inside this issue: Trip to the Presbyterian Trip to the Presbyterian 2 Meetinghouse Cultra Meetinghouse, Cultra Robert Clements 3

Children’s Page 4

Amanda & Adele Donald 5

Ulster Project to Salt 6 Lake City

Ulster Project to Salt 7 Lake City

Lisa Smyth 8

30 Years of Tearcraft 9

Gillygooley YCDA Notice 10 Board

Helping Hands, Duguid- 11 Layout of Church for Communion Service Scott marriage & Notices Members of June, 2005 to take The building, Trinity senior members 12 Trinity and First part in a service and which was originally outing to Donegal congregations share in the built in 1721, was Trinity senior members 13 travelled by coach to Sacrament of the used by Presbyterians outing to Donegal the Ulster Folk and Lord’s Supper in the in Omagh previous to Transport Museum at Presbyterian the two existing Gillygooley supports the 14 th Argentina orphans Cultra on Sunday, 5 Meetinghouse. churches in Omagh. It was occupied by Ulster Project to Tucson 15 S. D. Montgomery & Co as a printing Helping Hands 16 works in later years and has been very Gillygooley 2nd Youth 17 carefully rebuilt and refurbished at Cultra. It now stands proudly From to 18 Nippon among many other exhibits from From Northern Ireland to 19 yesteryear on the Nippon site. From Northern Ireland to 20 The service Nippon & Diary Dates L-R: John Moore, Mr Hamill and Rev John Murdoch was conducted by

Page 2 TRINITY & GILLYGOOLEY NEWS Issue 32

L-R: Sadie Clements, Mrs McConnell, Audrey McConnell, Claire McElhinney and Sheena Herron inside the church

Rev Herron and Rev Murdoch and was based on L-R: John & Carol McCandless with Mrs Rowan how it would have been in those days. Rev Murdoch led the singing of Psalm 100 ‘All people that on earth do dwell’ Psalm 116 ‘I’ll of salvation take the cup’ and Psalm 23 ‘The Lord’s my Shepherd I’ll not want’. There were no organs in those days!

Mr & Mrs Hamill, Jim Alderdice & Mrs Hammond from 1st Omagh enjoying the picnic

Ronnie Orr and Sam Gallagher outside the Church

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was observed as in the past with members of the congregation moving into the aisles to sit at tables to receive the Bread and then moving to the front of the Church to receive the Wine from the Cup. Rev Murdoch thanked those who played a part in the service and the staff of the Museum who attended to every detail giving those who attended a glimpse into the past and making the trip such a success. Before and after the service members of the congregation took time to visit the many exhibits on the site and have a picnic in the grounds on a sunny afternoon. Mrs Porter, Mary Pinkerton and Sheena Herron

Issue 32 TRINITY & GILLYGOOLEY NEWS Page 3 Robert Clements Remembered

were married in Trinity in May 1959 by Rev Pinkerton, and were regular and familiar churchgoers at Trinity throughout their married life. Sadie still misses Robert and thinks of him every day, and has long considered how best to make a dedication to the church in his memory. It recently occurred to Sadie that she and Robert had often remarked of a Sunday that tables at the transept doors would be a useful addition to the church’s furnishings as they would serve better to place collection plates, harvest and Christmas decorations (and more recently the weekly orders of service which are left out Robert and Sadie pictured on holiday, summer 2000 for Sunday services). So the family decided to offer to have the At each of the doors at the There was a special dedication new tables made. front of Trinity on either side of the during this year’s Easter Sunday As well as being a pulpit there are two new side communion service for the new handsome and practical addition to tables, recently presented to the tables, which were made last year the church interior, these new church by Sadie Clements and of oak by Robert’s nephew, also tables are a testament to how well family in memory of the late called Robert, who is a farmer and and fondly Robert Clements is Robert Clements, husband and best wood turner and craftsman of some remembered by his family – wife friend to Sadie. More observant talent. Sadie, sons Joseph and Robin, their members of the congregation will Robert Clements died in wives Audrey and Heather and have noted that the tables have September 2000 after 41 years grandchildren Diane, Richard and taken the place of two chairs which marriage to Sadie McGrew. They Mark and Stephen and Matthew. were previously placed by the doors and were donated to the church by Mrs McKenzie in memory of her husband Duncan and son Kenneth. The chairs have taken up new positions in the church at the back of each transept under the windows.

One of the new oak side tables Members of the Clements family after the service of dedication in Trinity

Page 4 TRINITY & GILLYGOOLEY NEWS Issue 32 Children’s Page Find the blessing which is part of the Presbyterian Baptism Service. The typist has made a mistake and typed the words back to front. Can you sort it out? Can you find out the name of this blessing? ______.

“ehT droL sselb eeht dna peek eeht.

______

ehT droL sekam sih ecaf ot enihs

______

nopu eeht dna eb suoicarg otnu eeht

______

ehT droL tfil pu siH ecnanetnuoc

______

nopu eeht dna evig eeht ecaep

______.”

PUZZLE MAZE

Find your way through the maze Well done!

Please Note: We can only accept Primary School Entrants Please forward entries to Andrew Scott, Aughnamoyle House, 41 Gillygooley Road, Omagh BT78 5PP no later than 4 weeks after publication. If more than one correct entry is received from either church a draw will be made.

Last issues winners: Trinity – Katie McCay, Gillygooley – Zara Jayne McCauley

Issue 32 TRINITY & GILLYGOOLEY NEWS Page 5

Record of Baptisms, Marriages and Deaths in the Congregations

Baptisms in Trinity Marriages in Trinity Deaths in Trinity 24 Jul Jamie Alexander Shannon 18 Jun Diane Halkyard & 27 Jul Ellen Foster 11 Sep Kyle Ronnie Johnston Andrew Patrick Crawford 21 Aug Douglas Simpson 10 Sep Andrew McClelland 2 Sep Deidre Harriet Scott & David John Martin

Marriages in Gillygooley 23 Jul Diane Carol Scott & Graeme Ross William Duguid

“Let the children come to me...” “Love one another as I have loved “I am the resurrection and the life...” (Mark 10:14) you...” (John 11:25) (John 15:12)

Amanda and Adele Donald

fingers and spray-can damage to eyes. Amanda is doing a course in Business Studies; Adele works for the Housing Executive in Omagh. Both twins quote swimming and reading as main interests. Amanda is also a keen cinema goer, and Adele an enthusiastic walker. Future dreams? For Adele: to go to South Africa (a dream she’s had since childhood) possibly to work for a period with children. Her aunt has taught in the Gaza Strip, in Vietnam, in Dubhai, and in Egypt and is now teaching in China. Amanda and Adele went to their free time to work as First Amanda would like to write a Sunday School in Trinity and Aiders. They enjoy it and feel novel. Watch this space!! remember particularly Sunday that it is good to use their Talking of activities for young School teachers Jackie Gibson talents too. Their mum and dad people in Trinity and and Heather Carson. Now they both are involved to a great Gillygooley, Adele and Amanda themselves have full degree with First Aiding (their mentioned, as an example, the responsibility for the running of skills were put to good use on ‘Stayover’ in the Hall, which the Sunday School and take the night of the bomb). The two was organised for the Sunday classes themselves. They sisters commitment takes them School Project. They are teach the youngest children to provide cover at all sorts of looking to the planning of and enjoy these groups. Both events, for example equestrian further activities for the younger sisters were involved in Girls events and the town carnival in members of the congregation. Brigade for 13 years. June. They deal with, amongst A Social Committee is being Adele and Amanda give a lot of other things, broken glass in formed. Take note!

Page 6 TRINITY & GILLYGOOLEY NEWS Issue 32 Ulster Project 2005 to

By Sara-Jayne McClung race to Domino’s Pizza, to get After some light a big pizza! We then boarded refreshments I left with my It was 3.45am on the final plane to Salt Lake family, and I got to see Salt Thursday 30th June and I was City. Excitement was running Lake City in all its glory! It was awake. Groggy yet excited I high again, and after our sleep the most beautiful city I had got ready for the journey… to on the first plane our energy ever been to, and was Salt Lake City for the Ulster levels were high again too, so absolutely huge! I slept well Project! the shorter plane ride of four that night and woke up The Ulster Project is a hours flew in! refreshed in the morning. Project that was set up in 1988. We left for Les’ house It is a project that is cross- for orientation and a pool party! community, to try and help the Very quickly we all started to relationship between become friends at the party, Protestants and Catholics and over pizza and water volleyball, to try and produce a new which all the boys were very generation, who realise that competitive in! violence isn’t the way to solve We left in the afternoon all in Northern to go home and pack for a Ireland. So we go somewhere weekend at Camp Tuttle, which where there is no religious is an outdoor activity camp up conflict (as basically in Salt We reached Salt Lake in the mountains! When we Lake City there are the City in one piece, which our reached Tuttle, we were Mormons and the rest) and we counsellors were extremely shocked to see that there was come to realise that we can thankful for! The main still snow, which of course actually live in peace together American leader Les Sage, a meant there was a snow fight, and be friends with one lovely woman, met us at the another. baggage claim to help us So 4.25am came and retrieve our luggage. After the my dad and I left the house, first photos were taken, it was with me shedding a few tears out into the heat and we got a as I had left my mum for a school bus to go and meet the month, yet I had never been so American teens. By this stage excited! At 5am the bus pulled we all had nerves. What would out of the bus depot. We had we say to our families? We got started the long journey. to the meeting point and a We arrived at Dublin huge stampede of Americans airport and booked ourselves rushed out to meet us, with much to the counsellors’ in. All we had to do was wait to “candy necklaces” that they dismay! At Tuttle we all board the plane to . The had made themselves! An became close, especially after plane journey was extremely added bonus! an emotional candlelight tedious, as it was eight hours service. We did a low ropes long! The movies weren’t that course, which is to build an good either on the way to understanding and trust Atlanta, so we had to amuse amongst the group. We also ourselves… basically sleep! played volleyball and We arrived at Atlanta on time, basketball in our spare time, and as soon as we walked off and on Saturday night we had the plane the extreme heat hit a campfire where I discovered us! We definitely were not in S’mores, (Mmmm tasty!) which Omagh any more! I am now addicted to! We left We all had hunger at noon on Sunday to go home pains when we got to Atlanta Me with Annie Johns (left) the and get ready for the Opening airport, so as soon as we had American teen that I stayed with for Ceremonies and a group checked ourselves in, it was a the month in Salt Lake City photo!

Issue 32 TRINITY & GILLYGOOLEY NEWS Page 7

The opening ceremony melted ice cream and is Madeleine, for a catholic was at a Protestant service, absolutely delicious! service. The cathedral was and was unlike any service I The next day we were enormous, and was painted have ever been to, where a taking a trip out to the desert… from the floor to the ceiling and youth band played and sang up to go snorkelling! This was at was stunning, although I didn’t -beat hymns, which everyone the Bonneville Seabase, out in really like the service, as really got into, with dancing and the desert. We snorkelled with everything was sung, including ended up with a Congo line! fish in the natural hot springs in the Lord’s Prayer. That We all left in high spirits! the western desert of Utah, and afternoon we had the Hibernian The next day was the it was extremely hot, with Picnic, which was a picnic that 4th July, and we had the temperatures reaching 106˚F! was organised by a society of morning free, so I went and We even got to feed the fish Irish Americans. We played visited family friends with my iceberg lettuce! baseball and we even did some host family. That night we went On the Friday we had Irish dancing! to a rodeo, which I didn’t enjoy another service project at St. On Monday we had that much, as the poor calves Joseph’s Villa, which was a another service project… were treated very roughly, but centre for senior citizens. We quilting for the homeless, and helped the residents with we presented our blankets to activities, talked to them and the homeless after we were then helped transport them to finished, which was very their rooms. fulfilling. After lunch we went ice- That afternoon we were

the fireworks display at the end was amazing, and a great way to end the night! The next day we went to U.N.I. for a low ropes activity, which was a shared skating, which was a lot of fun, treated to two games of ten-pin time of evaluation and and a lot of showing off was bowling, and a hamburger and understanding. This was a lot going on, which resulted in a fries after that! of fun; with a lot of games number of falls! The next day was the played that really tested our Saturday was the talent show rehearsal, followed minds. Young Eagles Flying Program, by lunch at a very fancy That afternoon we went which is where pilots took us restaurant, The Lion House, to a “nickelcade” which was a up in licensed planes, and with the Mormons, who make games arcade! A lot of fun was some people were actually up a VERY large part of the had at this, and many prizes allowed to fly the plane for a Salt Lake City population. That were won, including a very few minutes! While we were night we performed our talent furry red top hat! waiting for our turns, we all show, which was a huge The following day was made tie-dye t-shirts! success! A few laughs and our first service project; That afternoon was our tears were shared by all. Cascade Springs, which was car wash fundraiser, and we all The next day we went where we had to clean out the got VERY wet, as there was a very dirty, very smelly spring! water fight basically all However it was very fulfilling to afternoon, even though we look at what we had really should have been accomplished after we were working! This was so much fun, finished! Since we had finished and we all went home tired yet this project quickly and so wet! impressively Les treated us all The next day we went to a “shake”, which is like to the Cathedral of the

Page 8 TRINITY & GILLYGOOLEY NEWS Issue 32 to a ski park, Park City, where and the other cut his arm very we slid down a half-mile of badly and took an allergic twists, turns and drops in a reaction to the fibreglass. fibreglass sledge equipped with That afternoon was a brake. All the teens were spent shopping at a huge retail successful in not hurting park! Finally, I got to do some themselves, but unfortunately shopping! two of the American Next day we went to counsellors were not so lucky. Jordan Valley School, which is One of them broke his ankle a school for young people between the ages of three and the kids seemed so normal, twenty-two, who are severely and it has definitely changed mentally and physically my opinion and view of handicapped. I helped out in a handicapped people. When we class of two and three year were finished we went back to olds, and I fell in love with them our hosts house, to get ready all and they really opened up to for our family weekend which Annie and I. When we were was the weekend we spent leaving, they all gave us hugs, with our host family and no and the teacher said she had activities had been organised never seen the children open for us. But that and the up as much to anyone in such remainder of my trip will be a short space of time! That covered in part two! was such an emotional day, as Lisa Smyth heads for Argentina Lisa Smyth is orphanage through class organised a coffee wishes to thank all of spending her summer in Lauren, but this year morning. This event those who contributed Buenos Aires in Lisa wanted to do raised £425, which Lisa so generously. Argentina. She is something which was was able to take with Lisa will be currently staying in an more hands-on. her to the orphanage on spending two weeks in orphanage, The Refuge The Refuge of her arrival. Donations Argentina and will of God, which looks God receives no like these are essential report on her time at the after more than 20 government funding if the orphanage is to orphanage in the next children aged between and is completely remain open and Lisa issue. two and nineteen. I reliant on volunteers. spoke to her before her Lisa is hoping to help departure, and she out in any way that she explained why she was can. She will be devoting her time to helping with these underprivileged maintenance work, young people. such as painting, Lisa became cleaning and repairing. aware of the plight of Other duties will these young people include escorting the through her friend children to school, Lauren Buchanan. playing with them, and Lauren has spent the teaching them some past three years there. Basic English.

Over the past few years On Sunday 19 Lisa Smyth (centre) receiving the cheque for the orphanage from Lisa’s family have sent June 2005 Beverley Beverley Fleming Sunday School Superintendent. Also in the clothes and toys to the Fleming and the Bible photograph are L-R Nicola Smyth, Rev Herron and Jonathan Smyth

Issue 32 TRINITY & GILLYGOOLEY NEWS Page 9 30 Years of Tearcraft Tearcraft began in 1975, when £1,300 of stock per person and staff tell them about the director of Tearfund, each year. There are also Jesus and the miraculous George Hoffman, agreed to nearly 300 shops supplying catch at the Sea of Galilee. spend £10,000 filling a plane Tearcraft items. with fairly-traded handicrafts Lives are dramatically changed on its flight home, after Thousands of producers in for the better, when we buy taking relief supplies to hundreds of producer groups, fairly-traded items. Bangladesh. belonging to 19 craft organisations benefit from In Thailand, Oritai can care Tearcraft’s supply of work, for her mother, who is ill, and fair wages, which are paid because she works for in advance. Tearcraft.

After Asia’s Tsunami, two Tearcraft partners helped to restore fishermen’s livelihoods. One of them, Gospel House, helped rebuild a fleet of canoes, and called one ‘TEARCRAFT’. Volunteers started selling Tearcraft in homes and churches in 1977. By this time, Tearcraft was supplying Harrods with jute pot plant holders.

In 1984 Tearcraft started to If you would like to see a copy sell Christmas cards. Last of the Tearcraft Christmas year 1.25 million were sold. To Another encourages villagers catalogue, please contact -day 950 ‘reps’ throughout to face the sea and return to Rosemary McCay the UK supply an average of fishing. Their catch is huge Tel :- 8283 1587

Trinity Girls Brigade

Trinity Girls Brigade are back in action after the summer break. All girls aged between 4 and 18 are welcome; as is anyone interested in helping out or becoming a leader or assistant. The Girls Brigade meet in Trinity Church Hall every Wednesday evening from 6.30 to 8.30 pm. Everyone is welcome. For further information, contact Girls Brigade Captain Mavis Jardine on 8224 4630

Page 10 TRINITY & GILLYGOOLEY NEWS Issue 32 Gillygooley Youth and Community Development Association Notice Board

Gillygooley Youth Club

Primary Group Monday 7.00pm-8.15pm

Junior Group Friday 7.00pm-8.15pm

Senior Group Friday 8.15pm-10.15pm

Details available from Jennifer Tel: 8224 1831

Gillygooley 2nd Youth

Gillygooley 2nd Youth (50+ Club) re-commences Monday 26th September, 8.15pm

Details available from Gertie Tel: 8224 4529 Dorothy Tel: 8283 1309

Old Time Dance Classes re-commence, Thursday 29th September, 8.00pm

Details available from Andrew Tel: 8224 2895

Chatterbox Playgroup

Details available from Tina Tel: 8224 3768

Fairywater Farmers

Details available from Mervyn Tel: 8283 1355

Gillygooley Pipe Band

Piping and drumming classes available.

Details available from William Tel: 8224 8494

GILLYGOOLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ALTERATIONS – UPDATE by Raymond Smyth, secretary. the congregational meeting have the Presbytery and the been modified to incorporate the Architectural Committee at Work has been taking suggestions made with costings Church House will also be sought place to progress the scheme, for these having been calculated. in the near future. which will deal with the current Consultations have taken place With the intention that Health and Safety and Disability with Planning Service and Building work will commence before the requirements and enhance the Control and formal applications summer of 2006, the Committee facilities in the Church. are to be lodged in the coming will now have to address the issue The plans presented at weeks. Necessary approvals of of fund raising.

Issue 32 TRINITY & GILLYGOOLEY NEWS Page 11 Church House Gillygooley Support for Indonesia ‘U’ Turn Presenting a tin Many Presbyterians from containing almost throughout Ireland will be relieved that the general board £200 to Rev of the Presbyterian Church has Herron are Andrew decided to defer the sale of Aiken and Emma Church House, as decided at the general assembly meeting Hunter. The money earlier this year. was raised by the The century old listed building, which is situated in a Sunday School for prestigious location in , the ‘Helping Hands’ houses the administrative staff Childrens Project from the Church’s various boards. in Indonesia. It The sale of the property has will help in the attracted some opposition from various congregations and development of a clergy. The reversal of the youth centre and announcement has come as a provision of Sunday shock to some senior members of the Presbyterian Church, but school material in will be welcomed by many Indonesia. others. The issue will be revisited again at the 2006 General Assembly.

Marriage of The Sessions, Committees and Congregations of Trinity & Graeme Gillygooley would like to Duguid and express their sincere sympathy to the Rev Robert, Sheena and Diane Scott family on the sad loss of their dear mother, mother-in-law ‘What God has joined and grandmother. together man must not separate’ Mark 10 V9 The prayers and thoughts of

Graeme and Diane our Congregations are with Duguid following their you all at this sad and difficult marriage in Gillygooley time. Presbyterian Church. Diane is the second ‘Blessed are they that mourn daughter of Andrew for they shall be comforted’ and the late Anne Scott, 41 Gillygooley A video has been produced Road, Omagh. The recording the 30 year history couple will be residing of Gillygooley Youth Club at Greysouthern, showing photographs from Cumbria. Diane is a 1974 to 2004 and video Business Studies footage of the years 1985, teacher at Keswick 1987, 1992 and 2004. Comprehensive school To order your copy contact: and Graeme works in Jennifer O'Donnell on finance in Carlisle. 028 82241831

Page 12 TRINITY & GILLYGOOLEY NEWS Issue 32 TRINITY SENIOR MEMBERS OUTING TO DONEGAL

Trinity Senior Members Outing to Donegal took place this year on the 1st Saturday in July and was very well attended, in fact we picked up two brothers who had missed their bus to Portrush and were so happy with the day's fun that they are both coming back next year! Our first stop was at the Presbyterian Church in Rossnowlagh (the only tin roofed Presbyterian Church in Ireland) where we had a cup of tea and buns thanks to Heather Carson. Claire McElhinney played a few hymns on the old pedal organ and the whole gathering joined in the singing. Joe McGrew also entertained with some well known ballads. We then moved on to Rossnowlagh Presbyterian Church Rossnowlagh Claire Entertains beach to work up

Inside Rossnowlagh Presbyterian Church

Issue 32 TRINITY & GILLYGOOLEY NEWS Page 13 an appetite for dinner at the Abbey Hotel in Donegal Town where we were well attended to in body and spirit. Claire and Joe again did the honours and with the help of Jimmy Elliott many good songs were rendered.

Joe McGrew and Jimmy Elliott Waiting for dinner in the Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town entertaining

Time then for a little bit of shopping in Donegal Town and then on the bus for our next stop at the Belleek Pottery, where we were shown a film about the history of Belleek China and the skill that is required to make such fine pieces of china. Next stop was a picnic on the bus overlooking the splendid scenery of Lough Erne and then home to Omagh. A big thank-you goes to Heather Carson and Noel Donald who organised the trip.

Trinity Outing 2005 outside Belleek Pottery

Page 14 TRINITY & GILLYGOOLEY NEWS Issue 32 Gillygooley Congregation’s support for Argentinean Orphans Thanks to the inspiration of the Sunday School Superintendent, Beverley Fleming, and the members of Gillygooley Bible Class, a coffee morning held after Sunday worship on 19th June raised £425.00 in support of the Relaxing at the coffee morning are L-R Beatrice & Myra Argentinean Some of the Bible class members who assisted Alexander and Dorothy King. Orphans. with the coffee morning.

Enjoying their coffee are L-R Stephen, Katie and Katrine Gault Pausing for the camera are L-R Raymond King, Malcolm and Kyra Semple McKinley and Noel Hemphill.

No doubt a farming topic being discussed, L-R Robbie Enjoying the hospitality are Gerald McCauley (left) and Andy Alexander, Robbie Fyffe and Desmond Scott. McKernan (right)

Issue 32 TRINITY & GILLYGOOLEY NEWS Page 15 ULSTER PROJECT 2005 - TUCSON By Joanne Fleming were looking at a picture postcard, it was so beautiful and has to be one of the many I was delighted to be chosen as one of highlights of my trip. the twelve teenagers to represent Omagh in the The church I attended while I was there Tucson Ulster project. The two leaders of my was called Immanuel Presbyterian. I also group were Ross Moore and Helena Quinn and attended Catholic mass with the whole of my the twelve teenagers were Rachael Kennedy, Ulster project group. Kim McCusker, Chantelle McAleer, Catherine We did a lot of really cool stuff while we Colton, Laura Taggart, Dannielle Barton, Daryl were away. We visited Mount Lemmon for an Graham, Adam Young, Craig Watson, overnight retreat and had ‘time of discovery’ Christopher Ruddock, Padraic McQuaid and sessions where we got to know more about myself. each other including the similarities and We left Omagh bus depot on Monday differences in our religions. We did a ropes 27th June to return on Friday 29th July. Our course, went to a court house and watched a plane went from Dublin to London and then trial. A 3 day trip to California was a hit with us finally Phoenix, Arizona. The plane journey all especially our visit to Knotts Berry Farm lasted something like 23 hours so we were all Theme park. Then there was the ice-blocking pretty tired by the time we arrived in Tucson where each of us slid downhill on large blocks which was another 2 hours drive from the of ice which was great fun. airport. I remember the heat as we stepped out My favourite activity of all was the of the airport. Everyday it’s above 40°C and at ‘Tucson metropolitan ministries’ (a children’s night it would only get as low as 30°C. Luckily home) where we helped out and played with all the cars, houses and pretty much anywhere children up to the age of 13 who lived in the you went was air conditioned. home. There were children from all over the We were all really nervous about world living there. meeting our host families for the first time but we needn’t have worried. My host family was the Brittain family and my host teen was called Jessica. They all made me feel very welcome in their home and I am sure they were just as nervous about meeting me as I was about meeting them. I got on really well with Jessica even though she was a little quiet when we first met. On our free weekend my host family took me to the Grand Canyon which has to be one of the most amazing sights I have ever seen. When looking at it you would think you

Joanne and Gillian (an American teen) with two of the kids they worked with This project gave me much more of an understanding of how similar we all are despite our differences. In the last week everyone was really emotional about leaving and we cried so many times in the last few days we spent together. At the closing ceremony, the day before we left, everyone was really upset. We were sitting in Church when the tears started again and that night we had a teen social when we all signed Joanne and Jessica at the Grand Canyon each others Ulster project t-shirts which we will

Page 16 TRINITY & GILLYGOOLEY NEWS Issue 32 always have to remind us of our trip. I have stayed in contact with everyone in my group and I hope this continues through emails and talking over the Internet on MSN, much cheaper than long distance phone calls! I will never forget this summer, I had the time of my life and I will never forget the people I shared it with. I hope I will never lose contact with them and maybe one day I will get the chance to go back and perhaps participate as a leader. I would encourage anyone who has the chance to go on the Ulster Project to take it as it is a chance of a lifetime. Tucson group in California 2005 Helping Hands On Saturday 19th treated to pizza, which was consumed through-out the Reverend Herron when he March 2005, the Bible lovely! Then we had a night. popped in to help eat the Class arranged a “stay- table quiz in which four I would like to pizza! Thank you all so awake” for this year’s teams took part. The team thank, on behalf of all the much for giving us the youth project, “Helping that won was “The teens, the adults that opportunity to have a stay Hands”. This is a fund Cindys”, which consisted helped to supervise the awake, for staying awake that helps poor people in of Aimee Ruddy, Gemma stay awake who were: all night and for putting up places such as Indonesia, Law and Nikki Gary Milligan, Mandy with us! It was very well who greatly need supplies McConnell. The other Milligan, Amanda Donald, organised by all of you, so such as medical equipment teams were the “We Love Adele Donald, Noel thank you! like a new X-Ray machine. Ponies” which consisted of Donald, John McCay and Sara-Jayne McClung This year the Sunday Cat Maclaine, Bob School and Bible Class Milligan and Andy together raised an Armstrong, the “We Hate impressive total of Ponies”, which consisted £409.52. This was from of Adam Leitch, David the children’s collection Crawford and James and the money raised from McCay, and finally “the the sponsored stay awake. Malteasers” which At the stay awake consisted of Jonny there was a good turn out, McClung, Kirsty Hannigan with twelve teens coming. and Sara-Jayne McClung. They were Aimee Ruddy, After the quiz we Nikki McConnell, Gemma watched DVDs and played Law, Adam Leitch, David some games on the Crawford, James McCay, PlayStation and sang Jonny McClung, Kirsty karaoke! Hannigan, Cat Maclaine, Everybody Bob Milligan, Andy managed to stay awake the Armstrong and Sara-Jayne whole night, with the help McClung. of crisps and hot At the beginning chocolate, (not forgetting Sara-Jayne McClung presents the cheque to Rev Herron along with of the evening we all were the pizza!) which we Aaron Carson (middle) and Andrew (left) & James (right) Kerr

Issue 32 TRINITY & GILLYGOOLEY NEWS Page 17 Gillygooley 2nd Youth

Relaxing at Dunree are L-R Ben Thompson, Carol Brunt, Stanley Wendy Sterritt (right) who coached the swimmers received a Short and Betty Thompson bouquet from Iris Moffitt-Scott

Gillygooley 2nd Youth recently been the famine as they Monday 26th closed their season’s refurbished, was also toured round the model September at 8.15pm in activities with a day trip open for a time of homes of that period. Gillygooley Orange Hall to Donegal, networking prayer and quiet The excellent guided and its membership with the members of reflection. The party tour portrayed the embraces people from Fahan Presbyterian then travelled along the hardship of life during our two congregations Church and touring and scenic coast of Lough that time. The day and beyond. The club viewing the scenery of Swilly to the military concluded with an is very informal and that beautiful county. museum at Dunree and evening meal at the provides an outlet for On arrival at Fahan the later to the famine Waterfoot Hotel, sharing life’s anxieties, group were entertained village at Doagh Island. Londonderry. renewing and creating to a delightful buffet After being treated to friendships by being lunch by the ladies of traditional fayre, the Gillygooley 2nd Youth supportive to each other the congregation. The group were taken back (50+ Club) resumes its in the manner of true church, which has in time to the days of winter programme on Christianity.

Some members of 2nd Youth swimming class Back L-R Jean Ellis, Ruth Patrick, Alexandra Clyde, Gertie Short & Ethel King. Margaret Ferguson of Fahan Presbyterian Church welcomes Front L-R Lila Crawford, Jean Creery, Wendy Sterritt, Margaret Jean Ellis Chairperson of 2nd Youth. L-R Iris Moffitt-Scott, Gertie Hemphill and Iris Moffitt-Scott & Stanley Short and Dorothy King

Page 18 TRINITY & GILLYGOOLEY NEWS Issue 32 From Northern Ireland to Nippon Part II

By Louise Scott Even though troops are evident I spent my time in China town, throughout the country, they are where I was able to sample Once again we return to my merely there as a precautionary authentic Chinese food, without travels. Up to this point I have measure, and the nations have the trouble of travelling to China. been telling you about adjusting not been hostile towards each to life in Japan, and about the other for some time. Well my travels are nearing an trips I made when I was in Asia. I end, but first I want to give you a want to continue my story, my Korea offers much more than I quick look at Malaysia. This was next port of call being South have described here. As in other one of my last trips before leaving Korea. Asian countries, there are many Japan, and once again I wasn’t beautiful temples and shrines. left disappointed at what Asia had Korea was divided in 1954 when The markets are also a place of to offer. the communist North invaded the interest, with amazing Korean South. Although there was a cuisine. Depending on your I flew into Kuala Lumpur, and truce, the conflict is still ongoing. bartering skills, you may also be although I was keen to travel out North Korea has become one of able to get a bargain, with many of the city, I spent some time the most closed off countries in clothes and bric-a-brac stalls in checking out the local sights. I the World, a worrying fact the back streets. went to the twin towers, which I considering their recent claims to have to say looked like something have nuclear weapons. Snowboarding and skiing are out of a Star Wars film. Here I American troops are still posted popular, and for me as a beginner was in the middle of Asia, looking in the South and act as protection there were many instructors and at this amazing futuristic-like against the threat of communism friendly Koreans willing to give building. Words really cannot in the North. me a helping hand every time I describe it, and unfortunately fell over, which, may I add, was photographs just don’t do it When I was there I was able to quite a few times. justice. go to the Demilitarised Zone, or the DMZ, as it is known. This is From Korea if you travel south, the strip of land between the you will hit Singapore, and I north and South where talks were stopped briefly in this modern held between the two nations. Asian city. Singapore has much This area is heavily fortified and to offer, and it caters for everyone is a permanent base for US from the lowly back packer, to the troops. The army offers a tour, international businessman. It’s a but only certain nationalities are huge city, with many different allowed to take part. areas to visit. I spent the first two days cruising around the city In this tour you are taken right up taking in the local sights. I went to the dividing line. At this point on a boat cruise where you can you are faced with both North and see the huge lion-fish-like figure, South Korean soldiers. You are which is the national emblem of warned beforehand not to make Singapore. The beauty of any contact with the North Singapore is that it is a very Korean soldiers. Communication green city. After living in Osaka’s with them is strictly forbidden, urban jungle for two years, it was and even eye contact isn’t nice to walk around a city where allowed. This is so that they have there is open space and parks. no reason to assume that you are Trekking in Bako National Park being hostile towards them. This You will find many different experience can only be described nationalities living together in From KL I flew across to Borneo, as surreal, and as I was standing Singapore - Indian, Chinese, and this is where I spent the rest there looking at the border, and Malays to name but a few and of my trip. Borneo is home to looking at the defence forces, it this results in quite a diverse and some of the oldest rainforests made me realise how lucky we interesting culture. One of the and jungles in the world, and I are to live in a democratic aspects of this is the multitude of spent time hiking through these. I country. different foods you can get here. set out with Jeremiah, who would

Issue 32 TRINITY & GILLYGOOLEY NEWS Page 19 be my guide whilst I was in Bako Although we only had about 400 of Islands where we went cruising National Park. These hikes were metres to go, it was possibly the with an old fisherman named Joe. probably the hardest I have ever worst 400 metres I have ever He was a real character, with a done, not only because of the walked in my entire life. fish hook as a nose ring. He kept height of the climb, but also us amused all day showing us the because of the climate. Being The soil under us was covered in local sights whilst retelling old from Northern Ireland I am well a thick moss, with a layer of water fisherman’s tales. Although we equipped for wind and rain, but on top of it. The water was milky, were fishing for a full day, I have dealing with 35 degrees and it smelled sour. As soon as to say I wasn’t lucky enough to temperature with 110% humidity we tried to walk through it our feet catch anything. We also went was arduous to say the least. sank. I tried to walk forward but whale and dolphin watching, and Once again this is an experience lost a shoe. The only answer were lucky enough to be followed that is hard to put into words. I was to roll up my trousers and by a family of dolphins throughout was trekking through a jungle, take off both socks and shoes. most of the day. where I was surrounded by Walking through this murky monkeys, snakes, spiders, cats, water, I was terrified I was going When I was in New Zealand I and I have to say I was just to be attacked by leeches. I saw was travelling with an American constantly amazed by what I was things creeping under my feet, girl from New York, and she seeing. but just had to grin and bear it. It couldn’t believe how beautiful the was quite scary, as we weren’t scenery was. I too was amazed, Every day we woke up with the sure exactly what we were however parts of the landscape sound of monkeys on our roof, stepping on, or how deep the reminded me of parts of Ireland and we were warned by our guide swamp could get at any time. As that I have visited. to ensure that all our windows I’m sure you can imagine, I was and doors were locked at all very relieved when we reached In the North Island, I visited times. One couple we talked to dry land. mountain ranges, visited active had an unfortunate incident with volcanic areas and heritage the monkeys. They had left their Up until this point I have been centres, went luging, fishing, hut for the day, but had forgotten concentrating on Asian countries, kayaking, wine tasting, and to secure it. When they returned but now I am going to move zorbing. that evening, they found the further south and tell you about monkeys rummaging through my trip to New Zealand. This Now some of you may be their belongings…one of the was my biggest trip, and I spent 5 thinking, what exactly is zorbing? monkeys had managed to get the weeks touring around both the Well, let me explain. You get lid off the lady’s tooth paste, and North and South Islands. inside a huge rubber ball, which was sampling her Colgate! My trip to New Zealand can only they then fill with water and finally be described as they roll you down a very steep unforgettable, hill. The act in itself is quite amazing, pointless you may think, but extraordinary, indeed I have to say its great fun. outstanding, magnificent. No to Travelling throughout the North be honest, there Island I saw some of the most aren’t even words beautiful scenery. One particular to describe how journey, which stands out, was fantastic this trip the drive from Taupo to Napier. was. This drive takes you over huge mountains, through gorges and However, I will try valleys, and you cannot help but Taking a rest in Malaysia in brief to give you be awed by the sites that One memory I will not forget was a summary of my highlights in surround you. that of my last day. As I was New Zealand. trekking, my friend and I I spent Christmas Day in managed to stray from the trail. The best way to get around is by Wellington. Although I love We had been following the call of car, and so from Auckland, my travelling and although I was the monkeys and had managed mate and I set off with our new having an amazing time in New to get lost. We were able to see best friend (our very own Nissan Zealand, I found Christmas very where we wanted to go, but it Passat) and headed for the difficult without my family. To me meant crossing swampland. North. We started off in the Bay Christmas is a time for family,

Page 20 TRINITY & GILLYGOOLEY NEWS Issue 32 and I have to say speaking to Joseph Glacier. home to sunny Northern Ireland. Dad, Iris and the rest of the Although I came home three family that day, made me quite This is something that I will times during my two years away, homesick. It didn’t last long probably never be able to do it has been strange trying to though! And off to the South again, and it was a great settle back into life here. Many Island I went. experience. It is one of the of my friends have moved to largest glaciers in the world, and England, and many people have Just south of Christchurch I was is distinct in that it is advancing moved on or settled somewhere able to stay with one of my every year. I spent a full day else. friends on her family farm. hiking up this, which was Living in Gillygooley I have been fantastic, although very, very Also with living abroad, I have brought up in a farming cold, and very, very tiring. had to say goodbye to people community, but I have never who have been my best friends seen farming like this. Her dad One of the highlights of my trip and my family for the last two owns a vast amount of land, part was my visit to the ‘Greymouth years. Flying out of Kansai of which is ‘The Remarkables’, Races’. Although, not a airport, I couldn’t stop the flow of probably one of the most spectacular day out, it was one tears as I waved goodbye to my beautiful mountain ranges in the that I will never forget. We spent closest friends. Leaving was world. Now for those of you who the day with locals, and in true one of the hardest things I have are Lord of the Rings fans, can I New Zealand style they were ever had to do. add that her father also owns the perfect hosts. land where the city of Edoras, In saying this I have already had the capital of the Kingdom of One of the things that I was quite a few visitors to Gillygooley Rohan was filmed. constantly aware of when from around the globe, and more Unfortunately when I visited that travelling through NZ, was the plan to come and visit our area, neither Legolas nor willingness of the locals to help. beautiful country. Aragon were anywhere to be They were always courteous, seen. It was amazing to spend friendly and obliging. It has been great though to see time here, but it also made me my family, and being away realise how much I missed It was with a heavy heart that I makes you realise how much home, and how I was ready to left New Zealand. It is probably you take your family for granted. move home from Japan and the the most beautiful country I have urban jungle I was staying in. been to, and one that I would So back to normal, and back to like to revisit some day. reality until once again I get itchy In the South Island I did more feet… I hope you have enjoyed sightseeing, went jet boating, So that brings me to the end of my travel tales. horse racing, swimming, my travels, and my next long boating, tubing and one of the haul flight was back to London Now, where was that Easyjet highlights was visiting Franz for a short stay before I returned telephone number?!! DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Sunday, 2 October: Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper in Gillygooley and Trinity Bible Class begins a new session in Gillygooley and Trinity

Sunday, 9 October: Harvest Thanksgiving in Gillygooley 10.00 am. - Rev Robert Herron 7.30 p.m. - Rev Stanley Stewart (Chaplain at the Royal and Prior Comprehensive School Raphoe)

Sunday, 16 October: Harvest Thanksgiving in Trinity 11.30 a.m. - Rev Robert Herron 7.00 p.m. - Rev Charles Clements (Minister of Irvinestown, Pettigo and Tempo)

Sunday, 6 November: Praise Service in Trinity at 11.30 am with Queen’s Island Victoria Male Choir

Sunday, 13 November: Remembrance Sunday