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THE CELJJC CONNECTION • NOVEMBER 1991
Vancouver's Answer to the Tramp's Ball
By MAURA McCAY
For many years, the Tramp's Ball was one of Dublin's hottest annual social events. Held in The Mansion House, with guests dressed to the hilt, the costume ball had a charm and atmosphere of its own. When Dubliner -turned - Vancouverite Steve Judge saw the restored Heritage Hall on Main Street, he knew immediately that if there was to be an event similar to the Tramp's Ball held in Vancouver, it had to be held there.
And held there it was, last November. The First Annual Ragman's Ball was a smashing success. The event was sponsored by Donegal Developments in Vancouver and in benefit of Stage Eireann, Vancouver's Irish theatre. Hospitality as only the Irish cangive,entertainmentbytheTara Showband, a sumptuous buffet and in particular, the costumes all made the evening worth repeating.
When I spoke with Steve Judge, who emigrated to Toronto at 19, he reminisced about his memories of the Tramp's Ball and what inspired him to carry on the tradition in Vancouver. He said he remembered as a youngster watching his sisters preparing their rags and the excitement.
He said there were always hundreds lined up outside The Mansion House who couldn't get in
Steve Judge, Kate Judge, Amy Lynch & Mick Lynch
the door, but that was only incidental. People would walk up and downGraftonand O'Conneil Streets dressed up in their rags just be seen and to say they were on their way to the Tramp's Ball. In particular, he remembers all the laughter, something he finds sadly missing from more modern-day events.
I recall the laughter last year at The Ragman's Ball. It felt like one big house party where everyone who was anybody was there. It really was the hi t of the Irish social season. The costumes were great and the night was really magic for everyone, both young and old, who attended. It was an evening
with grace and charm such as we rarely see these days.
Once again this year, everyone is invited once again this year to the Heritage Hall onNovember 23 for the Second Annual Ragman's Ball. Preparations are well underway, so put it on your agenda to dig out your ragsand dance thenightaway once again.
For more information call
(604) 434-0847. Tickets can be picked up at The CelticCon-nection, suite 1129 - 510 W. Hastings Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6B 1L9 (phone (604) 681-5562)
Photo: James Kinnear
STRIFE ON THE DOLE
Take a ticket and wait in line; I've been taking tickets since
the dawn of time; Not this hatch, the next one
please; Oh, not again....I'm on my
knees;
It's not the yellow form, it's the green one you need;
Please, not again....I plead and plead and plead.
Can you see me behind those screens?
Do you know what it means to be out of work, unemployed, unwaged?
To pace your room like a lion caged?
To try and find work and be constantly rejected?
Just lose your job, and to this
be subjected? Think of you and think of me Which of these would you
rather be? In a job,satisfying head,
heart and soul? Or living like me, strife on
the dole.
Written in Dublin July 1, 1991 Christy Nolan
Personals
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised,adored and glorified throughout the whole world forever. Amen. Say 6 times daily for 9 days. Your prayer will be answered, no matter how difficult it may seem (C.B.E.).
Holy Spirit thou make me see everything and show me the way to reach my ideal. You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me and who are
in all instances in my life with me. I in this short dialogue want to thank you for everything and confirm once more that I never want to be separated from you no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in your perpetual glory. Amen. Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days without stating you wish. After the 3rd day, you wish will be granted no matterhowdifficultitmaybe. Promise to publish this as soon as your favour has been granted (M.C.C., C.R., C.B.E.).
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