Party planners wanted for Tuam's 400th bash

By JACQUELINE HOGGE A PARTY like no other is being planned to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Tuam being granted a royal charter that led to the setting up of what is now known as Tuam Town Council. The year-long celebrations will begin in January 2013 and are being co-ordinated by a special committee involving representatives from the council along with the Chamber of Commerce, who are hoping a whole-community approach will deliver a year to remember for the town. [private] The charter, which was granted by King James I of England in 1613, enabled the town to send two representatives to the Houses of Parliament in London. It also allowed Tuam to establish a formal local authority, to which a sovereign and 12 burgesses were elected. The Old Tuam Society is organising a series of lectures and events throughout the year to mark the anniversary, with preparations underway following a special meeting in the Town Hall last week to discuss the charter and the formation of local government in Tuam. President of the society, Ann Tierney told members there were 72 societies in the parish of Tuam that she hoped would get involved in the celebrations. The society is believed to be organising an official event to coincide with the actual anniversary in March 2013, and it has suggested that arts groups Earwig! perform a pageant to mark the granting of the charter. The business and voluntary sectors are also hoping to maximise the potential benefits the celebrations will bring to generate economic and tourist activity in the town. 'This is a positive step forward for the town of Tuam and it is hoped that it will be supported by all groups and societies,' said Mike Stewart, co-ordinator of the 400 Charter committee. 'Famous sons and daughters of Tuam who no longer reside in the town, but are still very supportive of their home place, will be approached to lend their support to this worthwhile project.' It is understood some private funding has been secured for the project, while Galway County Council has also been approached for financial assistance. 'A calendar of events will be launched in the autumn with a view to keeping everyone updated and informed as to how plans are progressing,' said Mike. 'But we're hoping people will come up with and develop their own plans to celebrate this anniversary. We're hoping there will be sporting events, music events and all sorts of parties to involve everyone in the town, as well as attracting as many expats and other visitors to the area throughout the year.' Committee members Cllr Eamonn Kitt, who will be Mayor for the official celebration in March 2013, Cllr Sally Ann Flanagan, Chamber President Ronan Glynn, Cllr Shaun Cunniffe and Kevin O'Dwyer are appealing to people to contact them with any ideas or suggestions for specific celebrations to mark the occasion. Mike Stewart will be based in the Chamber of Commerce Office at Lár na Cathrach, Abbey Trinity over the coming months and can be contaced on 086 - 1628795. [/private]