Show Notes
Ivanna’s Story: From War to Welcome In this moving extended interview, Ivanna shares her journey of fleeing war-torn Ukraine and the emotional toll of leaving home behind. She reflects on her first impressions of Bray - from the peaceful streets to the wonder of seeing a robin for the first time. With heartfelt gratitude, she speaks about the warm welcome and compassion she received from the people of Bray. Ivanna also opens up about the hidden pain many Ukrainians carry, describing how they continue to smile for the world, even as their hearts remain broken inside.
More from Braytalkingheads
Episode 25 Sea Swimmers, Spine-Chilling Sounds and Tango in Bray! What’s the craic with Bray’s sea swimmers? What’s the story behind Paddy and Willie’s kiosk? And can you identify a spine-chilling sound from Bray’s past?
A statue for Katie? A plan for the Main Street, and how does local democracy work?
We find out all about the once magnificent International Hotel, Bray and hear two cherished voices from our archive of the past - Colbert Martin on the International and Joe Loughman on Little Bray and on being a founder member of Bray Wheelers; we check the summer vibes on the prom and get an update from Ivanna, who fled Ukraine due to the Russian invasion.
What do we choose to remember? As another piece of Bray's past disappears with the demolition of the old Presentation School and Hall, we reflect on the memories that shape our town. A twenty-something from Kilmacanogue recalls her teenage adventures in Bray, we take a fascinating look back at life through the 1926 Census, soak up more summer moments on the Prom, and 80-year-old Jimmy Byrne shares a moving childhood memory that has stayed with him for seven decades.
We remember Bray's vanished local shops and hear about a new pop-up shop seeking your opinions and ideas about what you'd like for the town. Locals and visitors share their plans for the summer season. We discuss the fires on Bray Head, and we bid farewell to a beloved Bray Golf Club barman as he calls last orders.