Sheerwater expo. Oct.2011

Members publicising the A.R.A. email address : ballinasloeactive@gmail.com and their web site : ballinasloeactiveretirement.com in the Carlton Sheerwater Hotel.

This event was organised by the Meadow Cross Cultural Association (MCCA) as part of Galway Social Inclusion Week and coincides with the launch of a new Community website dedicated to the people of Ballinasloe and created to enhance Community cohesion at www.ballinasloecommunity.com.

Activities 2011

Activities Timetable 2011

Social Inclusion Through Companionship

Monthly meetings for all members : 1st Wednesday of every month @ 3pm in Gullane’s Hotel, Main St.


Informal meetings (tea/coffee/chat) every other Wednesday @ 3pm in the Gullane's Hotel


Various courses, Creative and learning programmes and informative talks are arranged throughout the year.


As “Be Active, Be Healthy” remains out motto, members are encouraged to participate in the activity of their choice


Enquiries to :Kaye Killeen, Hon. Secretary. Phone: 090- 9642597 or Chris O’Flynn ( Social Secretary). Phone: 090-9642870




Aquarobics
2-3 pm Leisure centre/
Kingfisher club
Monday and Thursday

Bowls
7.30 - 10pm John Shea Hall Creagh
Monday

Bridge
8pm Bridge rooms Sarsfield Rd.
Monday-beginners Thursday.

Book Club
4pm Library
2nd Tuesday of every month

Singing group
10.30 - 12.30 Family Centre
Thursday

Knitting /crafts group
(blankets for Belarus)
10.30 - 12.30 Gullanes Hotel
Monday

Pitch and Putt (Weather permitting)
Creagh training centre, Creagh Rd.
Anyday

Walking club
10.30 - 12.30 Pearse’s G.A.A Club,(winter ) and various places of interest (summer)
Tuesday

Knitters celebrate 5th Anniversary.

Members of the very successful knitters group, who over the years contributed many
items of bedding, clothes and toys to the children of Belarus.

the Athlone experience

The last of our Summer day trips on August 3rd, took us to local places of interest. 47 of our
members had a very interesting and enjoyable day in Athlone. Our first port of call was to Derryglad
Folk Museum in Curraghboy. Here there are no less than 5000 items on display dealing with history,
heritage and folk culture. For us , older folk, it was a nostalgic peep into the past as we strolled down
memory lane. Everyone thought it was well worth a return visit.

We then continued on our way to visit the Army Barracks . where we were given a conducted tour
followed by a display of their weapons. Here we were joined by 20 male members of the Kiltoom
retired G.A.A club . It is hoped, in the future, that some of these men may be encouraged to join
forces with Active Retirement groups on a national level.

It was then on to the Leisure centre in Athlone where we spent a few hours Bowling – a “first “for
many of us. We had just mastered the hang of it when it was time for dinner in the Shamrock Lodge
Hotel . After all these activities, we were glad to sit down and enjoy a lovely meal.

Another lovely day!

Chris O’Flynn

Article in BALLINASLOE LIFE magazine

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Ballinasloe Active Retirement Association is featured in this issue number #03 August/Sept 2011.
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Knitwear for Belarus from B.A.R.A. Knitters

Pat Dillon with some of the children on holiday from Belarus, also in the picture are Maureen Cregg fundraiser and Margaret McDonnell founder of the Knitting Group

Lough Key July 2011

Our BARA July trip on 6th .was to Lough Key Forest Park, situated 3 miles from Boyle on the Dublin / Sligo road. The weather was very kind to us -sunshine all day. The 800 acre park was formerly the home of the Stafford-King-Harman family. We had a boat trip on the Lough with a running commentary on the history of the area. The scenery was stunning, there were wildlife, canooists, Kiddies play areas, BBQ area, wooded walks, A ruined castle on the island in the middle of the Lough. Something for everyone. The cafe provided the tea & scones which were very nice, the shop had gifts & mementoes.

Our next stop was Carrick -on Shannon. A lovely town with a huge Marina with numerous boats docked. The Landmark Hotel provided us with a lovely meal & the bar did a good business!! 53 members travelled on this trip & I'm sure they all enjoyed it as much as I did. Many thanks to the social committee - once again..


Marg. Mac.