Active Retirement Ireland News Winter 2010/2011

Transcription

1 Active Retirement Ireland News Winter 2010/2011 What s inside? Regional Council Meetings Promoting Your ARA ARA Activity Around the Country Have your Say This newsletter is an opportunity to have your say. Send us your items of news, views or photographs and we will try to include them in the next edition. us at info@activeirl.ie PROMOTING YOUR ARA Active Retirement Ireland has recently finished the first round of a new set of training workshops called Promoting Your ARA. The workshops were based around promoting Active Retirement Associations activities to local press and media sources. Participants in Limerick, Ennis, Waterford, Nenagh, Dublin and Mallow practised their skills at making posters, writing press releases and even took part in a mock radio interview. Everyone involved also shared their own experiences and ideas of working with the media and each venue had completely different ideas to bring to the workshops. The second round of Promoting Your ARA will take place in early For more information info@activeirl.ie with Promoting Your ARA in the subject line or call Welcome to ARI News In these uncertain times regarding our economy and the threat of a damaging budget it was very heartening to witness the positive attitude that exists in the members of our organisation whom I had the privilege of meeting at the Council meetings we held for the first time in our eight regions. The first two years of our strategic plan have flown by and I am pleased to report that we are on schedule; in fact we are slightly ahead on some aspects of it. The sustainability of our organisation is under threat by the uncertainty of the continuation of grant aid from government which has always been uncertain. This year alone our funding from government has been cut by 20%. Our grant aid agreement with government is on a three year cycle. The current agreement ends in December 2010; to date we can get no confirmation from government that they will enter into a new agreement with us from January From that you can see that we are very vulnerably exposed to the whim of government and I feel that this situation must be addressed by our general membership. Serious consideration must be given to finding more secure ways of funding our organisation. We hope to continue our good relationship with Atlantic Philanthropy and to that end we will be submitting our strategic plan for grant aid for a further 30 months in September All is not doom and gloom within the organisation. A very high level of activity is happening and has been happening throughout the year, new ARAs have been set up, in fact we now have 509 ARAs and there are enquiries in from a number of potential ARAs. We held a successful National Bowls competition for the first time this year and plans are being made to hold another one in Regional activity has been at a high level and ARAs have been availing of the various training programmes which have been run through the year. Don't forget to mark the date and venue of the 2011 AGM in your diaries. The Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney, April. As this is the last newsletter of 2010 may I wish each and every member of Active Retirement Ireland every blessing that the holy season of Christmas can bestow on you. Keep active, keep well, stay positive. Tom O Mahony President

2 2 Active Retirement Ireland News «Winter 2010»» Hard at work at a press release - Promoting Your ARA in Waterford» Posters Promoting Your ARA ACTIVE RETIREMENT IRELAND HOLDS REGIONAL GENERAL COUNCIL MEETINGS In 2010 at the Active Retirement Ireland AGM it was proposed that instead of having one General Council meeting in October that 8 regional General Council meeting would be held. This change would facilitate greater membership attendance and participation resulting in improved communications within the organisation. With support from the Atlantic Philanthropies grant for building the capacity of ARI, 8 regional General Council meetings were planned in conjunction with each regional committee. The format for each meeting was the same with each regional Chair chairing the meetings. These meetings were planned and delivered in October and November Each Active Retirement Association (ARA) was invited to send three representatives as a means of ensuring effective feedback of information to each ARA. Each meeting was opened by the regional chair, and followed with an address by the President Tom O Mahony. Information was then provided on Structure of ARI Strategic Plan and Outcomes Financial income to ARI Progress of work to-date Following the presentation the participants were asked to consider if all the actions named were actually achieving the stated outcomes of the strategic plan. To ensure a lively and interactive response participants were seated at round tables of between 8-10 people, (in the case of one region participants were split into small groups). The purpose of this format was to enable all participants to have a say and obtain direction on future actions from the members. Each group was asked to discuss the following questions: 1. How are these actions benefiting you at ARA level, at regional level, at national level? 2. What do you think needs to happen at each level to complete the work on the Strategic Aims? 3. Could any of the work happen without a national network? 90 minutes were set aside for discussion and each group was asked to appoint a note taker. The written feedback was collected on each question and this was then followed by open forum. Over 750 participants from ARAs all over the country participated. The feedback is to form the body of a report on the meetings which will be issued to each ARA as well as informing work-plans for the organisation for 2011.

3 REGIONAL GENERAL COUNCIL MEETINGS «Winter 2010» Active Retirement Ireland News 3» Tullamore RGC» Dublin RGC» Limerick RGC» Claremorris RGC» Killarrney RGC

4 4 Active Retirement Ireland News «Winter 2010» ARA activity around the country BALLYBANE ARE SNAP HAPPY Ballybane Active Retirement Association in Co. Galway have had a very active Highlights include their memorable entry to the Bealtaine Festival. They invited seven Active Retirement Associations from their surrounds to take part in a scrapbook competition, which was judged by Michael Crowe, Mayor of Galway. The standard was exceptionally high, as befits such a vibrant festival. The group also visited Cork during the summer, taking in Youghal, Kinsale, Cóbh, Fota, Blarney and the Southern Capital itself. Everyone in the ARA had a great and exciting break, especially as the initially misty weather improved as the trip wore on.» Members of Ballybane ARA at their photography class They received a grant from the HSE this year and have put it to very practical use they have been taking digital photography lessons from tutor Lorraine McManus. Everyone has benefitted immensely and now all are proficient in zooming, deleting and loading photos onto computers. A photographic exhibition of the best efforts of Ballybane ARA was then displayed in the local library. Everyone in Ballybane ARA is keeping active and having fun, and they hope you are too. For more information on this ARA, visit their superb website HADDINGTON ROAD KEEP FIT CLUB RECEIVE THE WARMEST OF WELCOMES All the way back in January, Haddington Road Keep Fit Club received an invitation to visit Abbeyleix and experience the hospitality of Patricia Ward and her establishment Café Odhrán. Patricia and the staff of Café Odhrán intend to put Abbeyleix on the map as a day trip destination for tourists and she told the group their feedback as seasoned travellers would be appreciated. In all, 33 members of the club took off on a sunny day to Co. Laois for a full day of activities. On arrival, the travelling party received a wonderful céad mile fáilte at Café Odhrán and Patricia and her staff served tea, coffee, hot buttered scones and delicious fruit pancakes. They had been in contact with Café Odhrán in advance and Patricia had organised an itinerary for them. Owner and tour guide Walter Phelan took the Keep Fit Club through the Fly Fishing Museum and regaled them with tales of fishing, shooting and more from the last 200 years.» Members of Haddington Road Keep Fit Club enjoy Abbeyleix They then visited the Heritage House to learn of the history of Abbeyleix, including the carpet factory that outfitted the ill-fated Titanic. Local genealogist Jane Lyons gave a talk on family trees and Genealogy, something which seems to be very popular among visitors to the town. Town Planner Stanley Fyffe gave a short talk on the history of Fyffe s of Market Square, a local establishment, and then it was time for a sumptuous meal of cottage pies in the café. After dessert and tea and coffee, it was time to return to Haddington Road, but the group were in agreement there is so much to explore in Abbeyleix that they will have to experience Patricia Ward s hospitality again. MALAHIDE Malahide Active Retirement have had an exciting year since reaffiliating to ARI. Their activities have been educational, social, cultural and much more. They have visited the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin, Banbridge in County Down and at the time of printing are busy organising their Christmas Lunch in the Ciao Restaurant in Malahide. Their final outing before Christmas will be a trip to the Grand Canal Theatre to see Scrooge. They are looking forward to an even busier 2011!

5 «Winter 2010» Active Retirement Ireland News 5» Ann Bourke Receives Her Mayo s Golden Years Award» Members of Charlestown ARA with representatives of Living Scenes at the Golden Years Awards Ceremony ARI Members Honoured in Mayo Awards Mayo s over 65 s were honoured in Ballyhaunis last October at the inaugural Mayo Golden Years Awards. Prizes were presented in eight categories in the awards scheme which was organised by Homecare Medical Supplies and Mid West Radio and one Active Retirement Association and one individual member were among the winners. The group award was won by Charlestown Active Retirement Association. The group beat off strong competition from Living Scenes, an intergenerational project between transition year students and the older generation. Kathleen Ryan of Charlestown ARA said the group were delighted and ecstatic to beat off such stiff competition. A Judges Special Award was presented to Ann Bourke from Ballyheane, Castlebar for her contribution to community life through Ballyheane 55 Club and Castlebar Active Retirement. John Grant, Chairman of the Judging Panel congratulated all those who were nominated for the Mayo Golden Years awards. On behalf of my fellow judges Catherine Wiley and Dr. Bernadette O Leary, I would like to pay tribute to everyone who was nominated for an award. These awards celebrate your contribution to all aspects of life in Mayo and your dedication and zest for life is an inspiration to all of us, said Mr. Grant. Over 150 people attended the awards ceremony and lunch in Homecare Medical Supplies in Ballyhaunis. Master of Ceremonies for the occasion was Tommy Marren from Mid West Radio with entertainment provided from Patrick Feeney, Brendan McGuinness and local musicians. All nominees and finalists received a personalised certificate as a memento of the occasion and the winners received a specially commissioned individual framed citation honouring their achievement. MOUNTBELLEW GO TO THE GARDEN OF IRELAND By Br. Clement Brady This summer, 37 members of Mountbellew & District ARA headed to Wicklow to enjoy a midweek break. The first stop was Tyrrellspass Castle, where everybody enjoyed tea, coffee and homemade scones. The journey continued and the group arrived at Glendalough for lunch at 2pm. A guided tour of the Glendalough Monastic Site was arranged and witty and well-informed guide ensured that it was enjoyed by all. Check in at the Glenview Hotel in the Glen of the Downs was followed by a most appetising dinner. Afterwards some members relaxed in the comfortable hotel surroundings, while others opted to walk the promenade at Bray. Following breakfast on day two, the group headed for Avondale House, birthplace of Charles Stewart Parnell, the Uncrowned King of Ireland. There we enjoyed a most informative tour of the house, led by an excellent guide. Powerscourt House and Estate was the next port of call and there members were free to relax and enjoy the many shops and to take in the sunshine.» Mai Booth, Siobhan Keane, Mary Hyland, Mary Potter and Bert Booth of Mountbellew ARA in Wicklow After enjoying a morning in the Glenview s beautiful gardens, day three began in earnest with a tour of Russborough House. After lunch there, the members enjoyed a tour of the house and then for home with one last stop. The Newbridge Silverware Shop and the Whitewater Shopping Centre provided further retail therapy before departure at 7.30pm and a safe arrival back to Mountbellew at Ten o clock that night. The break was most enjoyable and relaxing and we were blessed with excellent weather. Our driver was careful, courteous and kind, and he contributed in no small way to making our trip enjoyable and memorable.

6 6 Active Retirement Ireland News «Winter 2010» Men s Sheds at Moynalty ARA and the Third Age Foundation Meath Partnership in collaboration with the Third Age Foundation has established the Men s Sheds in Moynalty and Summerhill. The project is also supported by Age and Opportunity and Pobal. The Men s Shed provides a space for older men to come together and participate in activities of their liking. The launch of this initiative took place in Summerhill on Monday 11 th November with Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh acting as keynote speaker. Pat Cussen, Development Officer with Active Retirement Ireland s North Eastern Region, and member of Moynalty ARA presented Mícheál with a portrait of himself to mark both the occasion and his much feted retirement. GOOD WEATHER FAVOURS NEWCASTLE HOLIDAYS By Ita O Meara Newcastle, Galway City Active Retirement had a lovely holiday in West Cork during the first week in June Based in the Quality Hotel in Clonakilty we visited Kinsale, Cobh, Gougane Barra and several other scenic and interesting places. Good weather added very much to our enjoyment of the trip. Earlier in the year in April we had a boat trip on Lough Corrib commencing in Cong and visiting Inchagoill Island, it was a splendid day and we were blessed with beautiful weather.» Newcastle, Galway City ARA in West Cork RATHCOOLE ARA ENJOY BUSY 2010 By Bróna Uí Loing The Active Retirement Association serving Rathcoole, Saggart, Brittas and Newcastle has been in existence for 4 years and the association has gone from strength to strength since its inception. For those of you who don t know about us, I will endeavour to give you a short explanation of what we are about. We have about 100 members» Members of Rathcoole ARA enjoy dinner in the Lake District and we meet every second Wednesday in the Community Hall, Rathcoole. We owe a great debt of gratitude to the Community Council for allowing us to meet there. Our meetings are held from September to June. At our meetings we have a variety of activities including art classes, bowling and line dancing. We also have lots of different board games available. Some people just come along to meet their friends and chat. We try and have a talk every month and these can vary from safety first to gardening. Sometimes we also have members Phyllis and Geraldine doing exercises with us to warm us up. We have an excellent social secretary, who organises all our outings and theatre visits. This year we had our wonderful trip to Scotland and also a great day in Punchestown at the races. We also went to the Concert Hall to hear a tribute to Mario Lanza. Our social secretary tries to arrange an outing every month for us. She is a wonderful social organizer Some of our members were involved in a clothes show on TV3 and they had a real fun day trying on the different clothes. The members also got involved in the very successful St.Patrick s Day Parade. I would like to say a big go raibh maith agaibh to the Community Council, to our wonderful committee and to all our members, for being the great group they are. Míle buíochas.

7 «Winter 2010» Active Retirement Ireland News 7 Rays of Sunshine in the South East! The Golden Years festival held in the Tower hotel on the 15 th to 17 th November brought sunshine and laughter to Waterford. Organised by the Sacred Heart ARA from Waterford City the festival was once again a huge success. Over 300 ARA members enjoyed a range of activities such as horse racing, indoor bowls, talent show, art exhibition and an accompanied sing along. The talent show was won by Bill McErney from Bray ARA with 2 nd and 3 rd prizes going to Eileen Nugent, Kilkenny ARA, and Dan McSweeney, St Josephs ARA Cork. The Bowls competition was won by Tullow ARA Carlow with Probus Waterford and Gorey ARA coming 2 nd and 3 rd. The 1 st prize in the art competition went to Nancy Mahony Bray ARA with Elizabeth Barry taking home both 2 nd and 3 rd prizes to Kilkenny ARA. Photos of the Golden Years festival can be viewed on Peg Tebay and Babs Murphy, Golden Years Festival organisers, welcome President Tom O Mahony to Waterford Southern Region Activity Break By Margaret McCarthy Mallow Active Retirement had a wonderful break at the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney for the annual activity break from 17th - 22nd October. Eleven of us travelled from Mallow to join our fellow Active Retirement members from all across the region and beyond. The break was brilliantly organised with activities going on at all times. We had bowls, exercises classes, dance classes (where we learned to dance the Slush and other steps), cards, swimming and relaxing in the spa as» Phyllis, Tina, Margaret and Nora from Mallow ARA with well as optional tours around Kerry. We went on the ring of Kerry, their new friends Kevin and Buster at Muckross House Dingle and Slea head and visited Muckross house. We also had trips to town on the hotel bus. We had a hairdresser and beautician on hand which some people availed of prior to the Gala Ball on the last night. Fabulous meals were served every evening and the staff could not have been more attentive. There was music in the ballroom every night so we could dance or watch the brilliant dancers as we were joined by a group of dancing people of similar age. Some of us went to see Fame in the INEC and it was a wonderful show and a great opportunity to see it. We made new friends and feel renewed. We cannot wait until next year s activity break! For those who travelled by train the hotel bus kindly collected and returned us to station at no extra cost. Hats off to the Gleneagle and to the Committee of the Southern Region! TUBBERCURRY TELL IT LIKE IT WAS Tubbercurry and District s ARA rejoiced at the launching of The Way That It Was, a book of memories and photographs from the s. It was compiled by members and gives written authentic accounts of their own lived experience. The book has gone on sale and they are now in the process of having a second edition printed. Tubbercurry join a long list of ARAs who have published books, including Ballindine/Irishtown and Castlebar in Mayo and Sligo Town in Tubbercurry s own county of Sligo. The group s November Outing was to The Museum of Country Life, Turlough, Castlebar, for a special illustrated talk on the Cross of Cong, which is Connaught s greatest treasure, crafted in Roscommon in the 12 th century and is» Catherine Jordan, Tubbercurry, presents a copy of The Way it Was to ARI CEO Maureen Kavanagh and North Western Region Chair Austin Mulhern now on loan to the Museum. They also enjoyed an Evening of Readings, which was organised by The Leyney Writers. Usual exercise programmes continue twice weekly and the Book Club proceeds with Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom.

8 THE WEST S AWAKE! The Western Region s ARA GO ON festival took place in the Salthill Hotel, Galway between October 11 th and 13 th. Over 350 ARA members attended for the 3 day event which included day trips and dancing each evening. This festival reflects the ethos of Active Retirement Ireland which is to enable older people live a full and active life and it is one festival worth going to. Following the success of the festival the region ran another successful event - a fashion show on the 17 th November. The show was supported by Anthony Ryan Fashions, Galway, and featured ARA members as models. Keep an eye out for more details on this fabulous fashion show in a future issue of ARI News.» Comeragh Active Retirement Walking for the Irish Heart Foundation» Kinsale ARA at the forefront during the Dawn Chorus 2010 Active Retirement Ireland News us at info@activeirl.ie Call The views and opinons expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of ARI.