Latest news with #Brenda
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Blind date: ‘Pick a number higher than 10. The company, restaurant and atmosphere were simply the best'
What were you hoping for? A story to tell. First impressions? Tall, charming and the first to arrive. I had hoped to so I could be composed and in control, but my phone is rubbish so I couldn't follow the directions. What did you talk about? Brexshit and the fallout with which we are living. We had a cheers to my friend's mum, Brenda, who had the most wonderful funeral earlier in the day, and a cheers to Jayesh's mum, whose birthday it would've been. Most awkward moment? We decided the food mess on my side of the table was not worth mentioning. So, no awkward moments. Good table manners? Impeccable. Best thing about Jayesh? I got an incredibly warm welcome. We cut straight to the chase about the wine (really fab choice by Jayesh). Our political opinions and suchlike were on a par, and he is generous to a fault. Blind date is Saturday's dating column: every week, two strangers are paired up for dinner and drinks, and then spill the beans to us, answering a set of questions. This runs, with a photograph we take of each dater before the date, in Saturday magazine (in the UK) and online at every Saturday. It's been running since 2009 – you can read all about how we put it together questions will I be asked?We ask about age, location, occupation, hobbies, interests and the type of person you are looking to meet. If you do not think these questions cover everything you would like to know, tell us what's on your mind. Can I choose who I match with?No, it's a blind date! But we do ask you a bit about your interests, preferences, etc – the more you tell us, the better the match is likely to be. Can I pick the photograph?No, but don't worry: we'll choose the nicest ones. What personal details will appear?Your first name, job and age. How should I answer?Honestly but respectfully. Be mindful of how it will read to your date, and that Blind date reaches a large audience, in print and online. Will I see the other person's answers?No. We may edit yours and theirs for a range of reasons, including length, and we may ask you for more details. Will you find me The One?We'll try! Marriage! Babies! Can I do it in my home town?Only if it's in the UK. Many of our applicants live in London, but we would love to hear from people living elsewhere. How to applyEmail Would you introduce Jayesh to your friends? Of course – my friends are inquisitive (nosy), so it would be nice. Describe Jayesh in three words. Very engaging person. What do you think Jayesh made of you? Not at all a messy eater – pretty sure of that. Did you go on somewhere? Couldn't really – it was a school night. And … did you kiss? Guardian, please! If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be? My phone, to guide me in the right direction. Marks out of 10? Pick a number higher than 10. The company, restaurant and atmosphere were simply the best. Would you meet again? We promised the restaurant a revisit. What were you hoping for? A fun night out and not to make a fool of myself. First impressions? Imelda is a charming, happy lady and put me at ease immediately. What did you talk about? Life experiences, politics, Brexshit … We talked so much I can't remember what we talked about. Most awkward moment? Me being early. Good table manners? Absolutely perfect. Best thing about Imelda? Putting me at ease, and her Irish accent. Would you introduce Imelda to your friends? No, I think they'd like Imelda more than me! Yes, of course, no reason not to. Describe Imelda in three words. Sensitive, caring lady. What do you think Imelda made of you? No idea – I probably talked too much. Did you go on somewhere? We were the last in the restaurant, so Imelda walked me to my station. And … did you kiss? We had three hugs. The connection felt more friendly – but ours will be a great friendship, that's for sure. If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be? We could have carried on talking for longer, but it was getting late. Marks out of 10? 10. Would you meet again? Yes. We are going back to Cord for a taster menu, as friends. Imelda and Jayesh ate at Cord, London EC4. Fancy a blind date? Email
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Blind date: ‘Pick a number higher than 10. The company, restaurant and atmosphere were simply the best'
What were you hoping for? A story to tell. First impressions? Tall, charming and the first to arrive. I had hoped to so I could be composed and in control, but my phone is rubbish so I couldn't follow the directions. What did you talk about? Brexshit and the fallout with which we are living. We had a cheers to my friend's mum, Brenda, who had the most wonderful funeral earlier in the day, and a cheers to Jayesh's mum, whose birthday it would've been. Most awkward moment? We decided the food mess on my side of the table was not worth mentioning. So, no awkward moments. Good table manners? Impeccable. Best thing about Jayesh? I got an incredibly warm welcome. We cut straight to the chase about the wine (really fab choice by Jayesh). Our political opinions and suchlike were on a par, and he is generous to a fault. Blind date is Saturday's dating column: every week, two strangers are paired up for dinner and drinks, and then spill the beans to us, answering a set of questions. This runs, with a photograph we take of each dater before the date, in Saturday magazine (in the UK) and online at every Saturday. It's been running since 2009 – you can read all about how we put it together questions will I be asked?We ask about age, location, occupation, hobbies, interests and the type of person you are looking to meet. If you do not think these questions cover everything you would like to know, tell us what's on your mind. Can I choose who I match with?No, it's a blind date! But we do ask you a bit about your interests, preferences, etc – the more you tell us, the better the match is likely to be. Can I pick the photograph?No, but don't worry: we'll choose the nicest ones. What personal details will appear?Your first name, job and age. How should I answer?Honestly but respectfully. Be mindful of how it will read to your date, and that Blind date reaches a large audience, in print and online. Will I see the other person's answers?No. We may edit yours and theirs for a range of reasons, including length, and we may ask you for more details. Will you find me The One?We'll try! Marriage! Babies! Can I do it in my home town?Only if it's in the UK. Many of our applicants live in London, but we would love to hear from people living elsewhere. How to applyEmail Would you introduce Jayesh to your friends? Of course – my friends are inquisitive (nosy), so it would be nice. Describe Jayesh in three words. Very engaging person. What do you think Jayesh made of you? Not at all a messy eater – pretty sure of that. Did you go on somewhere? Couldn't really – it was a school night. And … did you kiss? Guardian, please! If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be? My phone, to guide me in the right direction. Marks out of 10? Pick a number higher than 10. The company, restaurant and atmosphere were simply the best. Would you meet again? We promised the restaurant a revisit. What were you hoping for? A fun night out and not to make a fool of myself. First impressions? Imelda is a charming, happy lady and put me at ease immediately. What did you talk about? Life experiences, politics, Brexshit … We talked so much I can't remember what we talked about. Most awkward moment? Me being early. Good table manners? Absolutely perfect. Best thing about Imelda? Putting me at ease, and her Irish accent. Would you introduce Imelda to your friends? No, I think they'd like Imelda more than me! Yes, of course, no reason not to. Describe Imelda in three words. Sensitive, caring lady. What do you think Imelda made of you? No idea – I probably talked too much. Did you go on somewhere? We were the last in the restaurant, so Imelda walked me to my station. And … did you kiss? We had three hugs. The connection felt more friendly – but ours will be a great friendship, that's for sure. If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be? We could have carried on talking for longer, but it was getting late. Marks out of 10? 10. Would you meet again? Yes. We are going back to Cord for a taster menu, as friends. Imelda and Jayesh ate at Cord, London EC4. Fancy a blind date? Email
Sunday World
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Showband star says he only had eyes for one woman despite ‘sea of screaming girls'
'She would then remind me in her well-spoken accent that 'if I ever catch you misbehaving, I will kill you.'' HE was one of the pin-up idols of the Miami Showband in the 1960s, leaving screaming female fans in his wake at ballrooms around the country. Today, musician Des Lee looks back on those heady days in his autobiography, My Saxophone Saved My Life, and tells how he only had eyes for one woman. Des, who survived the 'Miami Showband Massacre' when three of his band mates were murdered returning from a gig in the North in July 1975, also reveals that while the showband era in Ireland was a fun time for fans, it was often a cut-throat industry for those working in it. He tells how the ballroom owners and band management raked in the cash as thousands flocked to the dance halls, while many of the stars and musicians were on an average wage. In his book, Des reveals that one member of The Miami was sacked after seeking a pay rise – as a warning to the other musicians. But back to the girl fans, Belfast-born Des insists that his head was never turned as he was besotted with his then Cork girlfriend, Brenda O'Driscoll, who later became his wife. Des and Brenda on their wedding day He says Brenda totally accepted his life on the road, despite the fact that it prevented them for seeing each other on a regular basis. 'Her understanding of the life I had chosen and all the inconvenience that went with it left me in no doubt that I had someone special in my life,' Des writes. 'The screaming girls at the gigs never bothered her and she regularly joked, 'What the eye don't see, the heart don't feel.' 'She would then remind me in her well-spoken accent that 'if I ever catch you misbehaving, I will kill you.'' Lee, aka McAlea, had started out his working life as a salesman for a plumbing company before turning professional as a musician. He recalls how he met Brenda on a blind date after moving to Cork to join a group called the Regal Showband. 'One night, Mick Ahearne, the lead guitarist in the band, sensed that all was not well with me. The enthusiasm I showed when I first arrived in Cork had lessened somewhat and Mick noticed that something in me had changed. Des Lee 'Mick asked if I was alright. He said, 'You don't look very happy.' I told him I was homesick. Realising that perhaps what I needed was company to pass my precious free time away in Cork City, he suggested I might like to go on a blind date. I thought, 'why not?' 'Mick knew a lady called Brenda O'Driscoll, from Anglesea Street in the city. She was 21 and was a dedicated fan of the Regal Showband. 'Brenda would regularly attend the band's gigs, although she had not gone to any shows I had played in at that stage. 'Mick had a chat with Brenda and clearly made a successful sales pitch on my behalf. He arranged for me to meet her outside the GPO in Cork, just off St Patrick's Street, on a Monday evening in the summer of 1965. Mick told me she would be driving a blue Ford Anglia, reg: TIF 151.' The pair hit it off and their relationship began. 'Brenda and I met again and again and again. The more we met, the more I could feel the relationship getting stronger. On my nights off, we would go to see other bands performing, such as the Dixies from Cork, Butch Moore and the Capitol Showband, Joe Dolan and the Drifters, and more.' Performing in the Arcadia Ballroom in 1968 He played a gig the night before his wedding and afterwards the band gave him a pre-wedding night 'present.' He writes: 'Unknown to me, the band had planned something I would never forget. They forced me onto the floor, pulled down my pants, and, with a black marker pen, scribbled 'it's here Brenda,' with an arrow pointing towards my private parts. I couldn't believe it. The lads in the band were bursting their sides laughing. It was all good fun and we all took it in the spirit it was meant. The Miami Showband massacre. 'However, when I stood up, put my pants back on and recovered dignity, I had a slight problem to deal with it. The ink on my body wouldn't wash off.' Their marriage stood the test of the trials and tribulations of life until Brenda's passing 36 years later from cancer. Des told the Sunday World in recent years: 'In 36 years of marriage we never had one serious argument, and not many people can say that. I still talk to Brenda every day. I still believe she's part of my life. 'When I lost Brenda I hit the bottle. I was drinking far too much alcohol. I do believe that if I continued I would have killed myself. If the truth be known, I would say that I was an alcoholic and that is a tough thing to admit. 'When you are drinking a bottle of gin or a bottle of vodka every day you've got a big problem. Giving it up is one of the best decisions I ever made in life.' DES Lee's autobiography, My Saxophone Saved My Life, will be published on July 27.
Buzz Feed
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
21 Things Kids These Days Will Never Understand
Recently, u/Hidden_lust__ asked r/AskReddit, "What's something kids today will never understand?" And we thought we'd share some of the top responses. "Going into a phone booth, especially when you're a kid, just to jiggle the coin return in hopes of scoring a nickel or dime so you can buy some candy. My cousin Brenda beat me to a phone booth at the beach & got $1.15. She was the first rich person I ever knew." "Spending hours curating the perfect mix CD — carefully choosing the songs, getting the order just right, and writing the track list in Sharpie like it was a love letter. If someone made you a burned CD… That was real love." "Limewire. God, I gave one of my laptops a wild amount of viruses with it but I got to listen to Simple Plan on my mp3 player, so it was all worth it." "Renting a VHS from Blockbuster." "Performing surgery on a cassette tape to get it working again." "Dial-up internet: The screechy connection tones, and being kicked off the internet because someone picked up the landline phone." "That weird, magical era where you made plans, kept them, and just showed up — no texts, no tracking, no group chats. Just: 'See you at four' and somehow… everyone did." "Needing to have a quarter (or a dime if you're THAT old) on you just in case you needed to call home with a payphone." "The desperation to get snacks from the kitchen quickly or going to the bathroom fast during a commercial break while watching an episode you waited all week for. Bonus points if your sibling screamed, 'it's back!' when you were still out of the room and you had to run back, lol. "Getting a new phone number every time you moved." "The peace of not having a cell phone." "Actually knowing phone numbers. Like your parents number, the numbers of several friends... Shit, I still know some of those numbers even today." "That sacred moment when your favourite song came on the radio, and you had to run to hit 'record' on the cassette player, hoping no one spoke over the intro." "How before Google you had to look through an encyclopedia in the library or in a large home collection and possibly spend hours looking, only to still not find what you're searching for. Yes, back then, if your parents and/or teachers didn't know the answer to something, and you couldn't find it in the library, then you really had no idea how to figure it out then." "The Dewey decimal system and the physical card catalogue at the library." "How exciting it was when Pong was invented. We could interact with the square ball on the TV! It was incredible! Being able to control the paddle (in that ever exciting up and down thing it did, lol) just seemed to be so futuristic." "We were really poor growing up and couldn't afford to buy VHS tapes so my parents would tape Wonderful World of Disney every Saturday night." "Playing outside all day and inventing your own games, using your imagination and without needing money." "People smoking literally everywhere. Airplanes, restaurants, hotels, even hospitals. So much that old technology like typewriters or radios are still often covered in nicotine residue when you find them. It's so rare now that when I come across a smoker, I can't get past the stench." "Blowing into a game cartridge like your life depended on it, praying it would finally load so you could play Mario before your sibling claimed the TV." "When I was a kid, if one of my parents was expecting an important phone call, it meant I wasn't allowed to use the internet." H/T to u/Hidden_lust__ and r/AskReddit for having the discussion! Any more to add? Let us know in the comments below!
Irish Independent
23-07-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Around the Districts: Raheen to Rathnure
Community Employment ANCCR Area Development CLG Community Employment Scheme covers the areas of Adamstown, Newbawn, Carrigbyrne, Clonroche, Camross, Carroreigh, Cushinstown, Terrerath and Raheen. 19.5 Hours per week. Community Employment eligibility and rates apply. Current Vacancies: Childcare Assistant in Adamstown/Raheen and General Operatives CE Schemes are a great opportunity to get back into the workforce and learn new skills. Contact your local Intreo office to check eligibility or call 087 4144313 to check for any current vacancies. Ramsgrange Notes contact details We are always delighted to include items of local interest in the notes. Please email reception@ before 4 p.m. on the Friday evening prior to publication. Sugradh Childcare summer Camp We are now taking bookings for our last week of summer Camp – from Monday, July 21, till Friday, July 25. Camp runs for five days a week, from 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m., and is suitable for children aged three to nine years. Children must be fully toilet trained. Please contact Brenda/Jacqueline at 087 1719320 or email childcare@ Camps cost €16 per day or €70 per week. NCS accepted for all days. Fusion Youth Café On Thursday, July 24, we have a 'Mission Uncover' workshop, which is an orienteering event around the woodlands of beautiful Tintern Abbey. Spaces are limited, so to book your place or for more information call Anne/Sinéad at 051 389418, or email fusion@ Local Training Initiative at SWWFRC The students on our Local Training Initiative Programme have just completed their final exam in their IT module and the Interpersonal Skills and Information Technology will soon come to an end. Two new modules will commence August 18, if you are interested, please contact us. Our learner enjoyed a great day out at the Bannow, Rathangan show. They also, enjoyed their pottery classes facilitated by Laura from Florence and Millie Pottery. If you would like to find out more about our up and coming modules, please contact Christina christina@ or Sheila, sheila@ or phone 087 4552980/051 389418. Ramsgrange Active Retirement Group The next monthly meeting will be held on Monday, September 1, in South Wexford Family Resource Centre at 2.30 p.m. Regular activities for members: Swimming – every Monday and Thursday at the Brandon House Hotel, New Ross, from 10 a.m. to midday – €5 for Active Retirement Members. Social evenings will start back in September. On August 28 we go to the Kennedy summer School, speaker Seán O'Rourke and music by Siobhán Clancy. The annual Holiday next year is to Co Clare, staying at the Falls Hotel, Ennistymon. The cost €640 per person sharing, €810 for a single room. Mary B is finalising the details. A non-refundable deposit of €50 is required when booking. Final payment is due on or before April 13 Contact Mary B. at 087 2073966 for further details. Holiday is open to non-members at an additional cost of €20 to cover cost of insurance. St James GAA Club lotto There was no jackpot winner in the club lotto of July 15. The winning numbers were 3, 11, 17 and 27. There were six match-three winner who each got €30 – Graham Carthy, The Old School, Ballymitty, Tullycanna; Fergus Moloney c/o David Foley Taghmon Sam Foley Ballyhack; Jason Barron, Battlestown; Shane Murphy, Haggard; George O'Connor, Coolraheen; and Catherine McCoy, Park Duncormick. The next jackpot will be €14,000 and the Reserve jackpot €14,000. Match-three numbers win or share €200. The next draw will take place on Tuesday, July 29, in Bannow-Ballymitty Clubhouse, at 8.30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in local businesses and online using the following link. klubfunder. Ramsgrange Tidy Towns We have started to develop the New Cemetery wall by planting colourful hardy perennials. If anyone has any large stones to put on top of the ditch, we would be very happy to take them. We will be laying paths soon in our developing sensory garden, situated by the nun's graveyard. So far the land has been cleared, disabled parking put in, and a hedge and veranda are now in place. Watch this space and join in if you can. If you would like to help in any way, please phone Rose at 089 4553478. Ramsgrange Tidy Town's split-the-pot The winner of last week's split-the-pot was Joe Murphy, who won €98. Congratulations Joe, and thanks to everyone who continues to support our weekly split-the-pot, enabling us to do lovely things for the village. Ramsgrange parish office We are based at the back of the Parish Church and our opening hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday to Friday. You are very welcome to visit or phone during opening hours to book Masses, baptisms, Marriages, and the ordering of Certificates. The office stocks a selection of cards for your convenience, as well as Mass Bouquet cards for a variety of different occasions. We also have a shop supplying a variety of religious items, including statues, rosaries, Holy medals and more – all at very reasonable prices. Dunbrody Visitors Centre On Sunday, July 27, the Wexford Sports and Classic Cars Meetup meets at the Abbey Visitors Centre during the morning. And in the afternoon, the incredibly talented Danescastle Music Group will fill the courtyard with traditional tunes as part of the Fringe Fleadh 25. This event is made possible thanks to the support of New Ross Municipal District, Wexford County Council and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Wexford 2025. While there, grab a coffee, a slice of cake, and take the opportunity to soak in the sound. Wexford Mobile Library Service Did you know that the Mobile Library visits this area on a fortnightly rota. The mobile library offers lending and quick reference services. You can also request any item that is in stock to be made available from the mobile library. The next visit will be on Friday, August 1, when it will visit Duncannon from 2 p.m. to 2.45 p.m., Arthurstown from 3 p.m. to 3.45 p.m., and Campile from 4 p.m. to 4.40 p.m. For more information contact 087 4176014. Duncannon summer Festival Excitement is building as we look forward to the revival of what was once an annual festival in the lovely seaside village of Duncannon. The local Village Renewal Committee have been working hard to put together an extensive range of events to Saturday, July 26, The festival promises to be a day of music, food, and marine-themed fun for all ages, as the village celebrates community spirit and cultural heritage with a renewed sense of pride and purpose. Rathnure Rathnure St Anne's GAA Club lotto Jackpot Numbers drawn were 7, 14, 19 and 28. There was no jackpot winner. There were three match-three winners at €67Davy Corcoran c/o B Ryan, Luke Lawler c/o b Blackburn, Conola Redmond Rathnure. Next draw will take place Tuesday, July 22. jackpot is €7,200. Rathnure GAA Shop: Open every Monday and Wednesday 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Bus escorts Rathnure NS are currently recruiting for Bus Escorts. The role will involve accompanying children with additional needs to and from school on transport provided by Bus Eireann. Enquiries and Letters of Application can be sent to rathnureschoolapplications@ by Friday, August 1. Please outline any relevant experience working with or caring for children. The successful candidates will require Garda Vetting prior to taking up the position. Patron Killanne Patron will take place on Saturday, July 26, at 7 p.m. On the evening we will mark the 30th anniversary of the opening and blessing of Killanne Grotto also. This will be followed by refreshments in Killanne Hall and a Field-Evening, including produce stall, bottle stall, guess the weight of the goat and lots of other fun and games. If anyone would like to donate home produce, baked goods or bottles, please contact Ger (087 6325807), Anna (087 8642287) any committee member. Thank you Shot and Caught Food – Back To the Rare Auld Times would like to share our heartfelt appreciation with everyone who helped make our charity barbecue fundraiser in aid of Aoibheann's Pink Tie such a memorable and meaningful event. €67,000 has now been raised and donations are still coming. A massive thanks to all who donated and helped, to our volunteers, helpers, and every single person who turned up to support – none of this would've happened without you. We're excited to announce the upcoming Cheque Presentation and Community Appreciation Night. There'll be a free community barbecue as our way of giving back on Friday, August 1, and celebrating what we achieved together. Food will be served from 6 p.m. in Conran's. Split-the-pot Congratulations to Donna Lambert the winner of €365 at the last draw. Next draw will take place at the bingo on Tuesday, July 29. Envelopes are available locally. Please support. Rathnure Social Club Every Thursday at 2 p.m., bowls or Bingo and a very good tea at 3 p.m. Rathnure Bingo Rathnure Bingo in the JKM Hall at 8 p.m. every Tuesday night. Jackpot will be €750 this week. Rathnure Memorials to the Dead 2025 Rathnure Memorials to the Dead 2025, launched by Bishop Denis Brennan has lots of new information's and pictures. The book will be on sale at the church this weekend. Rosslare Harbour Family Fun Day Well done to all the organisers of the recent Family Fun Day in Rosslare Harbour. A glorious day and fun for all the family. A lot of hard work went into organising this great community event. Well done Bernie and all the team. Sixth Wexford Tuskar Scout Group In preparation for re-opening our local Scout Group in early September, we are looking for volunteer leaders who will receive full training in Scout Leadership. We are also looking for people to help out with fundraising by joining our 'Parents and Friend Committee. Please contact tuskarscoutgroup@ for further information. Rosslare Hbr Kilrane Environment Group The Rosslare Hbr Village Trail together with the Rosslare Hbr Cliff Walk are seeing exceptional numbers of walkers out enjoying the lovely weather and all that our locality has to offer. Our trails are busy, our parks are busy and the beach with its board walk and matting is being used and enjoyed by everybody. Again thanks to our volunteers who are regularly out ensuring that all facilities are properly maintained and looking their best. The Bank Community and Enterprise Centre The bank is open five days a week 9 a.m. 5 p.m. (lunch 1 to 1.30 p.m.). Please call in and have a look around. We have meeting rooms, a function room, offices to rent and a wide range of office and administrative services are available at very affordable prices. There are weekly activities already running in the bank, including weekly bingo. Check out the BANK Community and Enterprise Hub on Facebook for further details.
