Matt Dowling – RAMS
This is the fifth day of bringing you our amazing stories of volunteers who helped keep our country connected during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Matthew Dowling has always been an active member of his community and was not going to let Covid-19 stop him. Here is his story.
On the 12th March, the RAMS (Retired Active Men’s Social) suspended their weekly activities due to the Covid 19 pandemic. At first, the RAMS thought it would be only for a few weeks of isolation. When the government recommended the over 70’s were to Cocoon to protect their health. This was a major blow to all the RAMS, particularly our neighbours who were widowed, live alone, are unwell and their only social interaction of the week was visiting the RAMS on a Thursday morning.
As both groups, the RAMS and the Newcastle Ladies Social group, had weekly activity meetings where they both enjoyed their freshly baked scones and goodies, there was ingredients to use up.
With the restrictions of cocooning and staying at home, my wife Deirdre and I decided to do some home baking, soups, brown breads and treats for the members of the RAMS and the Newcastle Ladies Social group, that lived within walking distance of our own home. We took this upon ourselves as we made the treats up for the groups meetings already and had the ingredients in our house.
We were able to provide this service with the help of the assistance from the SDCC Covid 19 emergency grant, and donations of vegetables from Cllr Francis Timmons. The Newcastle Community Centre gave us the facilities of their kitchen to cook and bake the scones and brown bread.
As the Newcastle Ladies group meet on a Monday and the RAMS meet up on a Thursday morning we decided to do drop offs on these days. Monday was scone-making morning; we delivered these to our recipients, still hot, accompanied with jams and butters. All the while insuring we were Covid, and HACCP compliant. On Thursday morning, we delivered fresh soups, brown breads, croutons and a treat, varying week to week from apple tarts, fruit salad, spotted dick, banana bread, and rich fruit cake.
Our neighbours loved their weekly treats and loved having the quick visit to break their days. Sometimes it was the only visit they received.
We continued this for 10 weeks, and reluctantly finished when funding depleted, and some restrictions were relaxed.
Our final letter was hard to write, after our neighbours were enjoying the eats and treats.
“Both Deirdre & I will not be continuing the Covid 19 emergency support, as and from this week.
We would like to acknowledge the great support we received, and financial grant for this small project.
1. South Dublin County Council
2. RAMS
3. Newcastle Lyons Development Trust (Hall Committee)
4. Cllr. Francis Timmons, Clondalkin
We hope the “goodies” were of some benefit to you, and we look forward to our return to our various clubs in the near future. ”
Matt & Deirdre Dowling
