The Sound of Music ---- April 2011

The Sound of Music – at the Grand Canal Theatre
Once again the Active Retirement was on the move. This time a group of 40 travelled to Dublin on April 28th to see the hit musical The Sound of Music starring Jason Donovan, direct from the London Palladium.
The show tells the story of the Austrian von Trapp family during the 1930s. The music and songs are immediately recognisable to us all. I think everyone knows the songs My Favourite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Climb Every Mountain and many more. We really enjoyed hearing them all again. The story line revolves around Maria, the confused potential nun who becomes governess to Captain von Trapp’s children. Over time she falls in love with the sometimes stern Captain von Trapp. It’s a lovely romantic story but there is also the central role of children who Maria teaches to sing and she encourages them to have fun also. Although viewing a live musical is quite a different experience to watching it on the screen, i.e. the famous Julie Andrews film, we nevertheless enjoyed thoroughly this stage production.
There is real excitement at the end when the family escape the Nazis at a concert and in the final moments flee over the Alps to safety.

Bridie Loughman




Dundrum House Spring Break 2011

Dundrum Spring Break

49 members availed of a four day mini break to Dundrum House in the heartland of County Tipperary ,which some say is the heartland of Ireland.
The sightseeing, dances, quizzes, singsongs and general comradeship kept everybody happy.
The most noticeable and enjoyable aspect of the mini break was the attention of the owner Austin Crowe. He accompanied us on our day trips, he made our holiday with his stories and songs, his wit and knowledge of local history contributed greatly to what was a truly a relaxing and enjoyable break.


Ealy morning walk


Now for the papers




Michael gives directions to a stray 'mountie'


Bridie and Noelle discuss the finer points of the Ban Garda uniform