Beauty & The Beast

Congratulations to the Choral Society on their excellent production of Beauty & the Beast.

Doug.

Bookworms At The Abbey


REVIEW OF BOOKWORMS

B.A.R.A latest theatrical event was the Bernard Farrell play Bookworms at the Abbey Theatre.
The play is set in post Celtic Tiger Dublin. Ann is hosting a book club meeting at her ‘show house’
home. She is anxious to make a good impression. This meeting is different to previous ones because
husbands are invited to attend. Her own husband is a reluctant participant and has neither interest
nor knowledge in the chosen authors or books. His summaries of stories have been hastily obtained
on Google. We also know of a brother Vincent who is upstairs and will remain there for duration
of meeting. We get the feeling that he would not fit in with the illustrious gathering. There is also a
daughter in Australia who in contact by computer.

When guests arrive Ann has a range of drinks and nibbles. Dorothy a rich widow is first to arrive
and tells Ann that she will not tell her secrets which were told in confidence after previous meeting.
Ann realises that she had too much to drink and has no recollection of the event. Next to arrive are
the obnoxious domineering alpha male Robert and his pushy know all wife Jennifer. Each one has
secrets and Larry most of all is under pressure from Robert because of debts to bank.

In second half Vincent appears and another message from Australia contains allegations of wrong
doing and mayhem ensues. There are accusations of killing daughter’s budgie by Vincent and other
escapades by him resulting in a term in jail. Ann has mislaid a diary in which she writes of an affair
with the banker. She is scared Larry will find it.

The play is very funny and the chaos and mayhem is very well portrayed by the cast. I think we all
enjoyed the show. At the end things were rectified and the ladies decided that the trouble was
caused by allowing men to participate.

The B.A.R.A book club members who were present decided that our meetings are dull and boring
compared to the one portrayed on stage. We need to be spiced up!

All suggestions welcome!

Nancy Ward

New Chairwoman for B.A.R.A.



Deirdre Hogan who was recently elected chairperson of the Ballinasloe Active Retirement Association

Social Committee NEWSLETTER

Ballinasloe Active Retirement Association – Social Committee

Newsletter – January 2012

Dear member,

As we begin a very special year during which we celebrate our 10th anniversary, the Social Committee are pleased to announce some more exciting trips for 2012. The one bright spot resulting from the downturn of the economy is we are in a position to enjoy and avail of the exceptional value offered by hotels.

We now enclose dates and details for your diary:

1. Wed., 1st February – A.G.M. Gullane’s Hotel, 3 o.c. Membership fee €25 now due.

2. Fri.23rd March –Don’t miss our fastastic 10th anniversary celebration dinner/dance, Gullane’s Hotel! Champagne reception 8.p.m.

3. 15th – 19th April 2012 – Spring break. This year we visit the beautiful Ballygarry House Hotel and Spa ,nr. Tralee, Co Kerry. This is a 4* family-owned Hotel set in six acres of mature gardens at the foot of the Kerry mountains. – a mixture of mountain ,lake, woodland and sea. Facilities include Sauna, Steam room, outdoor hot tub and seaweed baths. Total cost only €285 p.p.sharing and €320 single. This includes Hotel, transport, snack on journey down and tips. To avoid disappointment, we need deposit of €100 now and final payment by Wed. 14th March.

4. 2nd – 14th July 2012 --52 people are now booked for this exciting Baltic Cruise. All enquiries and final payment to Keller travel by 9th April,2012

5. Wed, 6th June – Day trip to the beautiful village of Garrykennedy, nr. Nenagh, Co .Tipperary on the shores of Lough Derg. Cost and details at a later date .

6. Wed 4th July - Your opportunity to visit the Holy Shrine at Knock. Details later.

7. Wed. 1st August – An enjoyable day trip is planned for a visit to Arigna mines.

8. 17th – 26th September -Sun Holiday. By popular demand, we plan to make a return trip to the Victoria Hotel ,Roses in Northern Spain. We received a very good offer from Keller Travel for nine nights half board at a cost of €660 p.p.sharing and €830 single. This includes Ryanair return flight to Girona, one 15kg bag, and coach to and from Dublin Airport . To avail of this exceptional offer, and as the cost of flights are increasing on a daily basis, we need to have your deposit of €140 immediately, together with your name exactly as stated on your passport .
On behalf of the Social Committee, I wish you all safe travelling and a very happy, healthy and active New year.

Chris O’Flynn (Secretary, Social Committee) Phone 090 9642870. Mobile 087 6492466
Committee Members: Ml. Walshe, (Chairman) Chris O’Flynn (Secretary) Bridie Whelan (Treasurer)Phone 090 9643574. Jimmy Lyons, Margaret Dolan, Bridie Loughman, Ann Killeen