This article is from page 105 of the 2008-10-07 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 105 JPG
A NEW group, aimed at improving the lives of elderly or mature resi- dents in Sixmilebridge, has been set WOR The Golden Years club has just been formed and held its first meet- ing last week, at which up to a dozen senior citizens attended. It will meet fortnightly at the old courthouse in the village, where a variety of enter- tainment will be provided for those who attend.
While the primary target group of the initiative 1s senior citizens, the club is also open to anyone who would like to spend an afternoon with others. It 1s open to people from Sixmilebridge and surround- ing areas, such as Bunratty, Cratloe,
Newmarket-on-Fergus, Quin and Kilkishen.
The idea has been on the cards for several years, particularly as senior citizens from the area have had to travel to the daycare centre in Clare- or TS Aer
A €10 million development recent- ly commenced in the village, which, when completed, will incorporate a centre where groups such as senior citizens can meet. Until this is fin- ished, the group will meet at the old courthouse.
Organiser the of new club, Vicky Ward, said the new initiative will serve many purposes and the feed- back has been positive.
‘A lot of the more mature residents want to get out of the house. We were going to hold it once a month, but
they wanted it every two weeks. Peo- ple were really enthusiastic and that speaks for itself,’ said Ms Ward.
Variety will form a central part, with various guests entertaining the group every fortnight. Local mag1- cian The Great Padini will present a show next week, while Sixmileb- ridge native David Egan, of the Red Branch, will speak about the value of exercise at the next meeting on Oc- tober 28.
Local florist Lisa Kelliher will present a flower demonstration on November 11, while the special guests will be given a break on No- vember 25 and the group’s members will play bingo and card games.
“We are trying to do something different every time,’ said Ms Ward.
“It is needed. There are a lot of ma-
ture residents in Sixmilebridge and surrounding areas. There is no age bracket. It 1s not an over-60s club. There may be some people who have an illness and may only be in their 50s and they are welcome to come along. It is specifically geared to- wards those who are not able to get out and socialise; not necessarily for elderly people,’ she added.
“This is something we have been talking about setting up for as long as I can remember,’ added Ms Ward.
The initiative, organised by the Bridge Complex, is free of charge and further information is available from the old courthouse in Sixmileb- ridge. The committee 1s also seeking volunteers to help run the club and lend a hand with its activities on a weekly basis.