First Health Seminar

Recognising & Coping with Depression

It was one of the founding principles of the Association that we would cover all aspects of member's lives including social, physical, health, educational and leisure issues.
So as part of this remit, we host a series of health lectures on interesting topics. The first seminar was on the subject on How to Recognise and Cope with Depression. Click here to read about the content of this talk given by Dr Margaret O’Grady, the newly appointed Consultant Psychiatrist for the Western Health Board.

The Book Worms

Members of the Ballinasloe Active Retirement Association have many activities from which to choose. One of these is a Book Club which caters for the”Book Worms” in the group.
The Book Club meets in the Library on the second Tuesday of the month at 4 p.m.
The Librarian takes a list of books which members request and tries to get them for the following month. We each take a book or two which we read and discuss at the next meeting.
The club members have varying tastes . Authors and book titles are suggested which many of us would not normally read. All members have an input, and all our tastes are catered for.
It is an enjoyable and light-hearted meeting. No one is under pressure to read a book if it does not interest them.
The Library staff are helpful and pleasant. As well as books, they provide us with tea and biscuits at our meetings. We enjoy our chats and love the social aspect of the club.
We welcome new members and invite anyone who is interested in joining us to come to our next meeting on Sept. 8th at 4 p.m.
Nancy Ward.

Aran July 2009

A PERFECT DAY
24th June ’09 dawned bright and sunny with clear blue skies. It looked like the perfect day for our day trip to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Isalands.
An impressive 63 members of the Ballinasloe Active Retirement Association had booked for this trip which was, for a large number of them, their first visit to Aran.
Armed with sun hats, sun lotion and bottled water, all boarded the 9 o’c train to Galway. With an air of relaxation and in cheerful mood we were whisked off on a double-decker bus through the lovely Connemara countryside to Ros-A-Mhil. Here we joined the large crowd waiting for the Island ferries to take us to our destination
All aboard, we set sail over the calm, blue waters of Galway Bay. A most enjoyable hour later,we sat down with healthy appetites to a lovely meal in the “Bayview Restuarant”
We then had a few hours to explore this beautiful island which is famous for it’s unique way of life. Age old traditions co-exist comfortably with modern living. Some of our members availed of the waiting tour buses to take them on a tour of the island and more went for long walks. The more energetic people hired bicycles and visited Dun Aonghas, one of most dramatic stone forts in Western Europe. The trips on the horse and trap brought back many happy memories of bye gone days. There were a few who were happy to sit , chat, relax and soak up the wonderful peace and beauty of Aran.
It was with reluctance we joined the homeward – bound travellers in the evening. Suntanned, happy and relaxed we enjoyed another lovely sea journey back to Ros-A- Mhil.
We arrived home safely in Ballinasloe feeling grateful for what one can only describe as “A Perfect Day”.
Chris O’Flynn

Weekly Activities

A FULL DETAILED TIMETABLE IS AVAILABLE LOWER DOWN

ON THIS SITE

Aquarobics Class in action

Keeping in Shape
It is widely accepted that Aqua aerobics is an excellent way to improve your cardiovascular and respiratory systems without placing stress on the joints. It’s a fun and easy to exercise, strengthen and tone muscles. Aqua aerobics are for people of all ages with all sorts of health conditions.
So if one wonders why so many members of the Ballinasloe Active Retirement get in shape and stay that way, the answer lies in the Monday and Thursday afternoon sessions in the local Leisure Centre.
Under the watchful eye of Barry, our patient instructor, up to 50 people jog, bend and weave to the strains of “the Fields of Athenry” etc. The Aqua aerobics exercise routines are fun to do and the motivational music keeps you going.
It has also become a great social occasion as you follow up with a session in the steam room or sauna Then there is always time for the welcome cup of tea and chat.
To keep in shape and healthy come along and join the gang in the Leisure Centre on Monday and Thursday afternoons 2 – 3 p.m.
Chris O’Flynn

Our Summer Party 2009

On June 3rd. 2009 our members met for our last meeting of the summer. A short meeting was held. The winners of the photo comp. were Chris O’Flynn - (Photo entitled A lady on an old fashioned bicycle) & Kaye Killeen - (Photo entitled Two horses feeding from one bucket). Congrats to both. All photos were excellent. Anne Keary wrote a super report on our trip to Prague.
All members brought plates of food, the tables were laid with plates, napkins etc. everything looked good.
The “Midnight Melody” band were setting up and members were all eager to start the dancing so we wound the meeting down, the music started & the toes started tapping, everyone enjoyed themselves & danced the afternoon away.
Whilst eating their party food, the team of volunteers came to collect our blankets & teddies etc. knitted by our members for the orphans in Chernobyl. They gave an account of their work refurbishing play rooms, fitting out kitchens & bathrooms for the orphans. Wonderful work – God Bless them.
We wish all members a very happy summer holidays - & we meet again
On Wed. 2nd. Sept.
Margaret McDonnell (secretary)

B.A.R.A. Singers

BARA Singers
In Sept.2005, a small group of singers came together to establish a creative arts activity as part of Ballinasloe Active Retirement Association.
With the emphasis on enjoyment and challenge, a two and three part choral programme was undertaken with the 1st performance in Dec. 2005
BARA singers continue to contribute to their community by singing in local nursing homes and hospitals. They performed in a Western Region Showcase of Active Retirement Activities in Mayo in 2007 to a very appreciative audience.
In 2009,they participated in a local charity concert entitled “A tribute to Ballinasloe Musicals” They performed , dressed in appropriate Mexican regalia, and much to the delight of the huge audience, their very own version of “Viva Mexico”!
BARA welcomes all singers at all times. They meet in the Family Centre, Ballinasloe on Thursday mornings 10.30 – 12.30. Under the direction of the very talented Marie Power, they continue to develop new repertoire, popular and classical. Each session includes fun vocal warm ups, learning new songs and performing known repertoire. It’s a wonderful enjoyable experience.
Chris O’Flynn