Page 57 - Guerin Media Ltd | Active Retirement Ireland Members Annual 2016
P. 57
PORTLAOISE ARA FOCUS ON LOCAL ARAs
Portlaoise ARA take to the Stage
-Trudy Nealon.
Portlaoise ARA celebrated ten years of Action this year when they took to the stage with blue jeans,
Stetsons and pistols flying in a fast moving Country & Western Variety Show. This was followed by a
black-tie event in which the club’s many activities and outings over the past ten years was recalled
on the big screen. The highlight of the evening was to present a special award to their past Honorary
Presidents.
Since the first AGM in 2005 it has been a tradition to The club are already planning to take to the boards
elect the committee to run the club and as a mark of again in 1916. Rehearsals are underway to stage in the
honour to members over 80 years an honorary president local theatre in conjunction with children from the
is elected from this group. They become the face of the primary and secondary school and local artists a
club for the year performing important functions such Celebration and Commeration of 1916 Easter Rising.
as prize giving etc.
Since small beginnings in 2005 the group has grown to
over 100 members and flourished enjoying a wide
variety of activities. Keeping active plays an important
role in the club’s ethos. Nordic Pole Walking was
introduced this year and is proving very popular. A great
exercise in confidence building is their Spring and
Autumn fashion show organised with the local traders
and members of both sexes taking to the walkway
modelling the outfits.
The club meet weekly and a hard working committee
organise a full diary for members to enjoy. Special
calendar days are marked in a special way. Valentines
Day this year featured their own version of Blind Date
and Batchelor of the Year.
The Bealtaine festival took on a Spanish Flavour in
anticipation of their upcoming Spanish Holiday and they
performed a series of Spanish Dances and Songs in
authentic costume.
www.activeirl.ie Active Retirement Ireland 57
Portlaoise ARA take to the Stage
-Trudy Nealon.
Portlaoise ARA celebrated ten years of Action this year when they took to the stage with blue jeans,
Stetsons and pistols flying in a fast moving Country & Western Variety Show. This was followed by a
black-tie event in which the club’s many activities and outings over the past ten years was recalled
on the big screen. The highlight of the evening was to present a special award to their past Honorary
Presidents.
Since the first AGM in 2005 it has been a tradition to The club are already planning to take to the boards
elect the committee to run the club and as a mark of again in 1916. Rehearsals are underway to stage in the
honour to members over 80 years an honorary president local theatre in conjunction with children from the
is elected from this group. They become the face of the primary and secondary school and local artists a
club for the year performing important functions such Celebration and Commeration of 1916 Easter Rising.
as prize giving etc.
Since small beginnings in 2005 the group has grown to
over 100 members and flourished enjoying a wide
variety of activities. Keeping active plays an important
role in the club’s ethos. Nordic Pole Walking was
introduced this year and is proving very popular. A great
exercise in confidence building is their Spring and
Autumn fashion show organised with the local traders
and members of both sexes taking to the walkway
modelling the outfits.
The club meet weekly and a hard working committee
organise a full diary for members to enjoy. Special
calendar days are marked in a special way. Valentines
Day this year featured their own version of Blind Date
and Batchelor of the Year.
The Bealtaine festival took on a Spanish Flavour in
anticipation of their upcoming Spanish Holiday and they
performed a series of Spanish Dances and Songs in
authentic costume.
www.activeirl.ie Active Retirement Ireland 57
