GLASDRUMMAN’S new ‘Active Elderly’ community group for over 50s is growing in popularity and they are keen to see even more people coming along to their fortnightly meetings.
The group was started in late June and meets at Glasdrumman GAA club, from 11am to 12 noon, where they take part in fun social activities.
Margo Trimble is the secretary of the group and was one of the people who was keen to start something in the Glasdrumman area to give something back.
She explained the purpose of the group.
“The group was started to provide a safe place for over 50s to meet in a warm, sociable environment,” Margo said.
“We provide entertainment such as games, bingo, gentle exercise and advisory talks.
“We want to provide a cup of tea and a few treats, and to provide space for ‘me time’ in which to chill out and forget about everything else for an hour.
“The group is there for people to have a chat and a bit of craic, especially for those who live alone, and for those who are carers.
“We want to provide an opportunity to learn some new skills.”
Margo said she and others in the group felt the Glasdrumman area is under-represented in term of social groups.
There are similar groups in Annalong, Kilkeel and Longstone but according to Margo nothing in the Glasdrumman area.
It was for this reason that Margo felt compelled to start something for older people.
She spoke to Clare Shiels, who works at the County Down Rural Community Network. Margo told Clare that she wanted to start a group for older people.
Clare put her in touch with the Southern Trust, and they have provided the Glasdrumman over 50s group with access to a facilitator who has helped the group with classes such as strength and balance exercises, boccia, and curling.
At each meeting the group has an activity, and then a cup of tea and chat.
They have ambitions to have lots of different activities at their fortnightly meetings, and if they get enough funding then they would like to organise a day out for the group.
The group meets in Glasdrumman GAA club because it is a community space and has good facilities for people to meet up, including a large car park and warm room to meet up in.
The group is currently in the process of becoming constituted.
Their constitution will allow them to apply for funding.
As part of the process of being constituted they have set up a committee. Pat Archer is the chairperson, Colette Burden is the secretary, Margo is the treasurer and the committee is Marian McDowell, Mary McDowell and Agnes Joyce.
The group is open and welcomes everyone. They are keen to have new members, in particular more men benefitting from being part of the group.
For more information you can get in touch by email – glasdrummanover50s@gmail.com
