Our
Knitting Circle
The Active Retirement
Knitting Circle was founded by Margaret McDonnell. Margaret’s
vision, enthusiasm and caring disposition has inspired the rest of
the group to take up the challenge and knit for people in need. So
knitting for an orphanage in Belarus seemed like the perfect choice.
We have knitted many
blankets, hats, scarves and soft toys over the years for this very
worthy and needy orphanage. Pat Dillon from outside Ballinasloe is
the wonderful person who organises the holidays for the orphans and
arranges for them to stay with host families. It’s always a great
privilege to have the orphans visit us, together with their carer and
translator.
We celebrated our 10th
Anniversary on July 10th with a visit this year once again
from our Belarus friends. The children enjoyed the party and
Margaret presented their translator with our knitted items.
The knitting circle
meets every Monday morning from 10.30 to 12 noon in Gullane's Hotel.
Tomás Gullane has been a tremendous help during the last 10 years.
We chat and knit and drink coffee. We continue knitting at home
during the long winter nights and get our friends involved too. We
realise the personal value of this pastime also. It is a very
relaxing time. We make good friends and become good listeners.
All are welcome in the
Knitting Circle.
Bridie Loughman
Photos from Jackie of J & J Photography Society Street.
**********************************************************************
Report from Chris O'Flynn P.R.O.
Our
B.A.R.A. Knitting Group
If you strolled
into the Library in Gullane’s Hotel any Monday morning at 10.30,
you would be surprised to see 20 or so ladies busily knitting away
surrounded by bags of fabulous multi-coloured balls of wool. Above
the clicking of knitting needles there is a great sense of
camaraderie while the group chat ,laugh, compare knitting patterns,
and enjoy a tea break.
This group of
dedicated women get together for a deserving cause. The fruits of
their endeavours can be seen in the beautiful display of blankets,
hats, scarves and soft toys which are presented annually to an
orphanage in Belarus. Pat Dillon from Aughrim, who organises
holidays in Ireland for the orphans and arranges for them to stay
with their hosts, recently visited the knitters in Gullane’s Hotel
. The children were thrilled to receive bags of the most beautiful
knitted garments and happily posed for photos.
Retirement for
many, especially for those who live alone, can create a huge void in
one’s life. This knitting group is an example of one way this void
can be filled. You can renew old skills, acquire new skills,
cultivate social contacts, make new friends and enjoy life.
Thanks to
Margaret McDonnell who founded the group with the aim of “getting
people out of the house” Well done Margaret.!
The group meets
every Monday morning 10.30 – 12 noon in Gullane’s Hotel. Take
down those knitting needles and join the group. If
interested,contact Bridie Loughman Ph.085 8887038
By
Chris O’Flynn P.R.O. July 2017
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