The Active Retirement Group in Ballinasloe is very aptly named. It was set up in 2002 by a small group of people, and now has a membership of 150 people from all walks of life.At that time there was nothing in the town catering for the needs of the older person. There were a lot of lonely and isolated people in the town and surrounding areas and this Association opened up a whole new way of life for them. Being part of a group meant they they now had the opportunity to meet new friends ,go away for a week-end break, go on holidays abroad, take computer classes . Now they had the time and chance to take up that hobby they never had time for when they were rearing their families.
The group meets in Hayden's Hotel every wednesday for a friendly cup of tea and the ever important chat and a laugh. On the first Wednesday of every month there is a large meeting of all the members. This is usually preceded by an informative talk on various subjects from banking to finance to security. Health issues are also very important. Blood pressure etc. is checked at regular intervals.
We take part also in Community affairs i.e.October week parade (at which we won first prize last year) St.Patrick's day parade .Our greatest achievement of all was the making of our very own film documentary. Long may the Ballinasloe Active Retirement Association continue. It has improved the quality of life for a lot of people. Only for it I would not be able to use this Computer.
Travel, Theatre and social outings proved to be extremely popular amongst our members. A Social Committee was set up in 2004. They have excelled themselves by organising many wonderful holidays and short breaks at home and abroad. 56 members embarked on a memorable Med Cruise in 2006. It was a dream come true fot many.
Entering into the world of technology was a huge challenge. The humble pen and paper which we were brought up with were now becoming a thing of the past. Brendan Smith from Galway
came to the rescue. Every week, he patiently introduces us to the world of computers We heard about E-Mailing and downloading and blogging and the wonderful world of the world wide web.
The group meets in Hayden's Hotel every wednesday for a friendly cup of tea and the ever important chat and a laugh. On the first Wednesday of every month there is a large meeting of all the members. This is usually preceded by an informative talk on various subjects from banking to finance to security. Health issues are also very important. Blood pressure etc. is checked at regular intervals.
We take part also in Community affairs i.e.October week parade (at which we won first prize last year) St.Patrick's day parade .Our greatest achievement of all was the making of our very own film documentary. Long may the Ballinasloe Active Retirement Association continue. It has improved the quality of life for a lot of people. Only for it I would not be able to use this Computer.
Travel, Theatre and social outings proved to be extremely popular amongst our members. A Social Committee was set up in 2004. They have excelled themselves by organising many wonderful holidays and short breaks at home and abroad. 56 members embarked on a memorable Med Cruise in 2006. It was a dream come true fot many.
Entering into the world of technology was a huge challenge. The humble pen and paper which we were brought up with were now becoming a thing of the past. Brendan Smith from Galway
came to the rescue. Every week, he patiently introduces us to the world of computers We heard about E-Mailing and downloading and blogging and the wonderful world of the world wide web.
posted by christina o'flynn at 7:33 AM
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