A Covid Reflection – 26/4/2020
1881
Dignitaries only at the opening night,
The fire that followed, was it such a fright?
Local labour used to rebuild and reopen in 1892,
Traded continuously since that day, the longest in Ireland and Europe, too!
March 2020, we lock up and shut the gates. We are closed.
An eery silence, all forty two businesses and traders have gone home,
How strange not to be meeting, I wonder do they feel anxious or alone.
Over centuries business oscillates up and down,
Now not just Dubliners but many nationalities grace our town.
But the buildings and the peoples story, can thrive and endure,
Making people the priority, happiness we can ensure.
We are passing through, and what story will our walls tell,
Lets go for, joyful, resilience! And all will be well!
We are passing through this arcade and in 100 years to another it will belong,
And what of our time … we will return and will open up, and meanwhile enjoy the bird song …
Gwen Layden
UPDATE (16/4/20) To All Forty two Shop and Stall holders at the Georges Street Arcade,
Now closed since 16th of March,
WE WANT YOU ALL TO KNOW AND FEEL ASSURED , YOU HAVE BUSINESSES , YOU HAVE WORK ,
YOU SHOULD NOT FEEL ANXIOUS.
THE LAYDEN FAMILY ARE MAINTAINING,
AND INSURING THE GEORGES STREET ARCADE, KEEPING ALL STAFF , AND WILL CARRY THE RENTS AND THE SERVICES CHARGES IN FULL.
WE WILL HAVE THE ARCADE READY FOR YOU TO OPEN UP AGAIN, ON THE DAY THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND HSE ADVISE US TO REOPEN.
THIS IS TEMPORARY.
FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE, ENDURE,
AND SO DOES THE GEORGES STREET ARCADE !
TRADING CONTINUOUSLY SINCE 1892 !
WE WILL START AFRESH AND ALL WILL BE WELL. DV. !
Keep well, Joe and Gwen Layden.
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UPDATE re RENTS – 19/3/20:
The Layden Family wish to advise
that the George’s Street Arcade
will remain closed,
with all rents suspended,
until further notice.
Your safety and peace of mind is paramount.
We hope God, Nature and Good Nature will sustain you
until we all return well, Dv .
Keep well and thank you!
Gwen Layden