Nostalgia

Another sparkling day - I nipped into Durrus to post some books and considered Steveng's challenge for Wide Wed on the theme of historical or story. This fits the bill, The little white building nestling in the trees above the small river was the first place I worked on arrival in Ireland - St James National School.-  and  it has quite an important history. It was built in 1937 replacing an earlier school further up in the village which had closed due to a severe diphtheria outbreak. It was considered a model school in its day and had the luxury of indoor toilets, modern lighting (gas) and a yard with shelters and a water tap! Its two rooms were large and spacious with tall windows and each had an open fire.There were two entrances- one for the boys and one for the girls and the yard was also segregated.  It cost £1600.to build.  By the time I arrived in 2003, the building was pretty dilapidated and very damp but it was a very happy and creative school, although the luxury of the original 1930s conveniences had paled a bit. In June 2007, we moved into a spanking new school built next door - warm, dry, spacious with extensive grounds. I always had a soft spot for this one though, and although it remained empty for many years, it has recently be done up and is now an AirBnB - the fireplaces remain.

Talking of challenges - what a great set of entries for yesterday's TT Challenge - some traditionally earthy, some global and some esoteric! Thank you so much to everyone who took part and I apologise but I am going to be very tardy in my distribution of hearts for this first week as I am off to Tralee shortly as it is the opening of the arty holy well exhibition tomorrow and I'm a bit pre-occupied.  Result will be fort-coming at the weekend, Meanwhile you have Fire to consider! Catch you soon.