MINUTE OF INAUGURAL MEETING OF LEIXLIP HISTORY CLUB

Minute of  Inaugural Meeting of Leixlip History Club* at Leixlip Library,
7pm, 12/10/2010.

The meeting was convened by the County Kildare Library Services and notified to the public through the local news media.

Approximately 38 persons attended and provided their names and contact particulars for future communications.

Mario Corrigan, of the Library’s Resource and Archives Centre, at Newbridge, acted as facilitator. Gillian Allen, Executive Librarian at Leixlip, offered the support of Leixlip Library and the use of the seminar room and computer and projector facilities on either of two evenings a week when the Library is open until 9pm for meetings etc.

Mario explained that, at present, Leixlip and Newbridge were without associations, and it was acknowledged that Leixlip had one many years ago. He spoke of the federation within the county of history clubs/groups/ or associations and a website to facilitate them. He also referred to his unit’s e-history website, (www.Kildare.ie/ehistory), and outlined in general terms the way local associations functioned – talks, papers, walks, tours etc, to which the general public would normally be invited, and sometimes on payment of a fee. Public liability insurance would be advisable for outings, but not needed for in-house meetings.

A tour de table followed. Almost all said they were long-time resident in Leixlip, though few were born here. They are interested in local history, and also in large measure in genealogy. Another, albeit smaller number, expressed an interest in non-local history. Some are established local historians and some more are current or former teachers of history.

Expressions of interest in being members of a committee to organise events and functions was solicited; the following persons being present have volunteered: Mary Brennan, Michael Kenny, Sheila Clifford, Christy Fagan, Brian Howlett, Joan Kenny, Kim Mullahey and John Colgan. The attendees agree that this group should meet during the first fortnight in November next and elect from their ranks officers, including, at a minimum, chairperson, secretary and treasurer.

It was decided to have the first meeting on the last Thursday of November, 2010, ie the 25th, at 7pm; it will conclude at 9pm.

At this meeting Suzanne Pegley will talk on Sources for Genealogy (family-tree making); John Colgan will talk on Sources for Local History; Mario Corrigan and Gillian Allen will outline the resources available at Newbridge and Leixlip respectively. Time is assured for questions and answers.

Nuala Walker of Celbridge History Group attended and offered encouragement.

*  Name to be decided.