China, Home And Moving With The Times – The Changing Challenges Of Perks

In the second of a two-part series Christy Parker follows the Perks into the modern era Photo: Reproduced by Michael Hussey with kind permission by the Perks family

Within three years of their wedding in 1969, Sal and Philip Tivy-Perks bought Perks funfair from Sal’s parents Bill (Jumbo) and Violet (V). It was destiny fulfilled for the youngest Perks sibling, whose two brothers had no interest in pursuing the family business. While Perks travelled extensively throughout Ireland Sal had acquired her education through boarding school, but family duty called outside of school term. “It was work, work, work. That was the how we were brought up,” she says matter-of-factly. She later trained as a beautician at London’s Elizabeth Arden academy and briefly opened her own beauty salon in Cork before leaving the trade to commit more to the family funfair.

Philip, an engineer from a banking background, ran a motorbike shop in Cork. He and Sal met through an interest in vintage cars, their paths crossing on vintage runs in which Sal drove a beloved 1924 Humber. For ‘the Prince and the Showgirl” as friends liked to call them, the roads led to enduring love.

V died in 1982 and Jumbo four years later, as Sal and Philip managed the business in traditional manner from its Front Strand base. “We travelled Ireland from March to May, did Youghal for June, July and August and travelled again September and October. The winters were relatively idle,” says Sal.

The couple would rear two children, Gavin and Warren, but another arrival, a decade ago, would leave a profound imprint on the business. Sal explains, “Jumbo knew Walt Disney through the International Association of Amusements Parks and Attractions (IAPPA) and Disney Vice President Ted Crowell became a good friend. He loved Ireland and we often exchanged visits. Ted’s wife died but he remarried and came here on honeymoon in 1988. During his stay he devised the idea of Perkie Bear. It’s been a huge success and helped us win several industry awards too.” Read more

Blackwater Academy would like to wish a special congratulations to all those who performed recently in our annual musical, and also our end of year display.

‘The Wizard of Oz’ took place on the 14th – 17th May, at Blackwater Academy, Seafield. There were 3 different casts over 4 shows. Each member of the cast successfully managed to bring one of the best loved musicals to life. From the munchkins to the cowardly lion, each performer portrayed the magic of this wonderful story so effortlessly. Well done everyone! Read more

Well done to you all on the coverage of the elections.   I would like to congratulate all the candidates for putting their names forward for election. To all my family, friends, neighbours and relatives and all people who voted for me, thanks a million, very much appreciated.

This was a very tough canvass and election.  Sorry to the candidates who did not make it.
Congratulations to my fellow councillors who retained their seats. Read more

Since 1967 the Diabetes Federation of Ireland has been dedicated to helping people with diabetes. Through its network of support branches throughout the country, people who have an interest in diabetes are dedicated to sourcing and sharing information on diabetes and related matters.

Diabetes affects people from all walks of life, from the very young to the very old and is now considered an epidemic by the World Health Organisation. In Ireland, it is estimated that there are 200,000 people with diabetes with many unaware. The majority of these people will only be diagnosed through an acute medical event of the complications of long term untreated hyperglycaemia. A further 200,000 people have impaired glucose tolerance or “pre-diabetes” of which 40% will develop diabetes in the next 5 years if lifestyle changes are not made.

Diabetes Mellitus, or just diabetes as it is more commonly known, occurs when the sugar (glucose) level in the blood is too high.  This happens when the body is not burning up carbohydrates properly due to a defect in the pancreas, the gland that produces insulin.  Insulin is the hormone which keeps blood sugar levels within the normal healthy range.  Diabetes may be present either when no insulin is made or when insulin is made but not working properly. Read more

Renowned Southern America theologian Dr. Michael Haykin will present a lecture on ‘St. Patrick, the Gospel and the Trinity,’ at Youghal library on Wednesday June 10th. Dr. Haykin is Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. The lecture is organised by Youghal Baptist Church and starts at 1pm. Adm: €10/€5 and refreshments provided. Read more

On Friday next, June 12th, Dancing Thru The Ages, the Youghal-based Irish music, song and dance show will be featured on RTE 1′s The Reel Deal.  Recorded at the Firkin Crane Theatre in Cork City in 2008, the programme will feature footage from the show and also interviews with Richie Foley and Paula Goulding, the show’s producers.

The Reel Deal is an upbeat traditional music series with a contemporary twist. This lively, dynamic series for young people features ‘up and coming’ performers and is presented by Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain, Brian O’Connell and Blathnaid Ni Dhonnchadha, who all share and interest and passion for traditional music. Read more

All seven outgoing Councillors retain their seats as Sinn Féin’s Sandra McLellen tops the poll and Fianna Fáil remains the most popular party in Youghal  by Éanna Dowling  Photo: Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)
Saturday June 6 2009, 20:30

All seven outgoing Town Councillors retained their seats on Youghal Town Council as Sinn Féin’s Sandra McLellen topped the poll and Fianna Fáil took the largest share of the vote. Two new Councillors, Eoin Coyne of Fianna Fáil and Labour’s Donie Daly were elected, both on the first count. The turnout of 60% in Youghal was in keeping with the national average.

 There will be three Fianna Fáil, two Sinn Féin, two Fine Gael, one Labour and one Green Party representatives on Youghal Town Council. After the first count, the only issue in doubt was whether Michelle Hennessey of Sinn Féin would retain a narrow 14 vote lead over the Robert Sweetnam of Fine Gael. However, on the second count, Henessey got a transfer of over 60% of McLellen’s surplus, leaving her over 100 votes clear of Sweetnam. From that point on, the returning officer was merely going through motions as the outcome of the ballot became clear. Read more

Sinn Féin’s Sandra McLellen tops the poll
Fianna Fáil remain the most popular party in Youghal by Éanna Dowling – Saturday June 6 2009, 15:35 Photo Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

First count results from the election to Youghal Town Council leave Fianna Fáil as the most popular party locally. First time candidate Eoin Coyne was one of 4 candidates elected on the first count, retaining the Fianna Fáil seat left open by the retirement of David Savage. Seasoned Councillors Sammy Revins and Mary Linehan Foley will also be elected on later counts, leaving FF with 3 seats. The turnout of 60% is in keeping with reported national averages at this early stage of the counting.

The Labour Party gain a seat on Youghal Town Council as Donie Daly came fourth in the poll, elected on the first count. The Green Party’s Liam Burke also looks set to retain his seat but there is mixed news for Sinn Féin and Fine Gael. Read more

Broadcaster and botanist Éanna ni Lamhna launched the Youghal Wildlife Trust at an entertaining slideshow in the Walter Raleigh Hotel on June 2. Growing from the Ballyvergan Marsh Committee, the Youghal Wildlife Trust aims to promote awareness of the many forms of wildlife in the area. by Éanna Dowling

Ned Brennan, Chairman of Youghal Wildlife Trust hosted the event. Mayor of Youghal Ollie Casey welcomed Ms ni Lamhna to Youghal, revealing how he walks the beach every day and marvels at the wonders of nature. The slideshow, entitled Birds, Bees, Bats and Bugs, was peppered with good humour and anecdotes picked up over the years as a contributor to the radio show “Mooney Goes Wild.” Éanna ni Lamhna now appears every Friday on Derek Mooney’s RTE Radio 1 afternoon show, sharing her extensive knowledge of Ireland’s flora and fauna.

You can’t listen to her speak without learning about nature, such is her knowledge base, enthusiasm and her way with a story. I learned that the honey bee is not a native Irish species – they were introduced by Read more

CHRISTY PARKER believes the hen is mightier then the sword as he plots to poach an election seat.

I recall the precise moment when the Eureka! moment hit home. I was watching St. Christopher of Cooney lead a triumphant cavalcade in celebration of his ascendancy to the highest sporting office on earth (or anywhere, according to local disciples). As the GAA President waved pontifically to the adoring kerbside people gingerly sidestepping dog litter on that early Sunday evening, I thought, “I can do that!”

Not that I want to be head of the GAA (not presently anyway) or even spearhead a convoy through town (that can wait too). No, I want to emulate my namesake in spirit. I to can aspire to greatness. I can be a leader. I can fuse, like scaffold poles, my talents, my dreams, my endeavours, my wisdom, my convictions, my evolving philosophies and even my love for my town, into towering triumph. I can scale the summits of great ambition. I can win. “Yes,” I resolved as I watched the man from the Mall negotiate Cork Hill corner towards Club Aras, “I will run for the Council!”
 As sure as eggs
Symbolism is everything in politics and I am acutely aware of the merits of a potent logo-cum-slogan to serve my campaign. To my great relief it came easily at noon last Wednesday as I was having breakfast. I believe it was Divine intervention that Read more