Ballinasloe Active Retirement Association Online

Founded in March 2002, the Association now has 200 members. Our aim is to enhance the physical, social & psychological well-being of retired people in the Ballinasloe area. Through our range of programmes, we encourage our members to enjoy life, maintain their independence, cultivate social contacts, make new friends, acquire new skills, share experiences & continue to contribute to the community CONTACT : ballinasloeactive@gmail.com

Knitters 2014

28th July 2014

Once again our Knitting Circle, under the guidance of Margaret McDonnell, has produced a wonderful array of blankets, jumpers, hats, scarves and teddy bears for the children's orphanage in Belarus. Some of the children from the orphanage are here on holiday at the moment, staying with families in Ballinasloe and the surrounding area.

The visit to Ballinasloe was organised by Pat Dillon, who is well-known to us all and much appreciated for all that he has done for these children. Deputising for Pat, when visiting our Knitting Circle with some of the children, was John Harris from Loughrea. Pat, John and others also work for a number of weeks in Belarus each year. They build houses and try to improve the standard of accomodation for the people there.

We are now in our seventh year doing this and it is great to have the opportunity to help out a little and bring, hopefully, a little joy and warmth to these deserving orphans.

Bridie Loughman